Zack Nelson from the tech-centric YouTube channel JerryRigEverything has put Google’s latest Pixel 9 Pro Fold smartphone to the test in his well-known durability challenge.
Priced at $1,800, Google describes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as “super durable.” However, it’s likely that they didn’t anticipate the extreme methods Nelson uses to evaluate device toughness.
The results of this trial are rather grim. With a series of scratches, intense pressure, flames, and a bit of enthusiastic bending, it’s no surprise that the outcome is less than flattering.
Initially, Nelson uses a box cutter to create nasty scratches on the phone, even managing to slice his own finger in the process. Following that, he pours an outrageous amount of dirt and sand over the device to test its dust resistance, leading to a quick conclusion: “No, it doesn’t have any protection against dust.”
The next step involves applying a naked flame, which, after several seconds of exposure, damages both the internal and external displays.
Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for—the bend test. Historically, foldable phones don’t respond well when subjected to significant force. Interestingly, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold didn’t snap at the hinge, it did break just off-center, near its antenna lines, which surprised Nelson.
By the video’s conclusion, the smartphone is utterly destroyed. “There’s quite the mess inside,” remarks Nelson.
Even the most careless smartphone users would likely never see their devices end up in such a state. Nevertheless, Nelson’s intense durability assessment offers insight into how much punishment a device can endure before it finally surrenders.