Zack from JerryRigEverything went through the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a finetooth comb in his latest series of durability tests for Google’s newest foldable device. These examinations were meant to test just how durable the device proves to be in everyday situations and more harsh environments. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold nailed its reconfigurable design aspects, but ultimately the test exposed some glaring weaknesses that could have long-term durability ramifications.
The folding Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a reimagined hinge with a sleeker design and smoother operation over its predecessors. The phone looks like it has been improved aesthetically, allowing for a better screen to have the same competitive ability as other foldables. All that said, the new hinge—which makes for a much better folding mechanism than on the earlier phone—does improve build quality in some respects under heavy use.
While improved, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still lacks dust protection. There was an issue with dust particles entering the hinge mechanism, which is interfering with smooth operation during testing. This model, like most other watches on the market, is not rated for dust resistance by Google—so without that kind of protection in place, it’s theoretically possible you could do some damage to the device over time in dusty conditions.
Scratch resistance results were so-so for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The outward screen similarly scored solidly, holding up against scratches up through Mohs hardness level 6. The inner folding display, however, was far more vulnerable. Fingernails left easily visible permanent scratches upon it, and there were profound questions about the substance that can scratch a handset this badly with such light pressure.
Across its multiple screens, the device showed inconsistent heat resistance. From here, the internal screen quickly went bust in heat condition but fortunately did not melt, which indicates some element of heat resistance. Records for the external screen were more positive, demonstrating that it was more heat-proof.
Perhaps most impressively, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold withstood some pretty impressive bending pressure when folded. But when it was pried open, the phone could flex more easily—especially near the antenna break, which was likely a structural weak point.
Overall, there were some areas of weakness, but the hinge of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold did not break in the bending tests. Despite other components of the phone being affected, the hinge was one of the most robustly designed aspects of the handset.
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