The Pixel 6 Pro has a more premium feel than earlier Google phones but can it survive the obligatory torture test that every new flagship is put through? The Pixel 6 Pro is not much different on the outside than the lower-cost Pixel 6, featuring a third rear camera and being a bit larger. That means this test is particularly revealing as the results are most likely representative of how well both new Pixel models will handle abuse.
Google launched the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro on October 19, 2021, following an astonishing number of leaks and rumors, even a reasonably detailed preview by Google itself touting the new Tensor processor and improved cameras. All of the discussion was about the hardware and software updates, but now that this exciting new phone is finally here, it's time for it to go under the knife and be subjected to other tests to check how well it holds up.
In what has become a familiar ritual, JerryRigEverything ran the new Pixel 6 Pro through a series of aggressive durability tests that involved dragging a utility knife across almost every part of the phone. There is a good reason for this since it reveals which parts are made of metal, which are glass and which are plastic. Glass is unfazed by a box cutter, while running the blade along metal scrapes off any paint or coatings and, of course, plastic is easy to carve with a metal knife. This revealed that the Pixel 6 Pro has metal on every edge, except for the top, which is made of plastic. In addition, the rounded corners beside the camera bar are also made of plastic. This isn't necessarily a bad thing since plastic can absorb shock, whereas glass cracks and metal bends. However, it can be scratched much easier.
Pixel 6 Pro: Glass Scratch & Bend Tests
JerryRigEverything also performed a glass scratch test and a bend test on the new Pixel 6 Pro, finding that its Gorilla Glass Victus screen can be scratched by anything harder than glass, including sand. That means a screen protector is still needed unless care is taken with where the phone is placed and drops are avoided. The bend test showed that the mobile flexed slightly but didn't bend, meaning Google built the frame sufficiently strong to last for quite some time.
Since the Pixel 6 Pro uses an under the screen fingerprint sensor for unlocking, JerryRigEverything paid particular attention to this area. Extra scratches were made with more force to mark the screen. Despite the abuse, the Pixel 6 Pro unlocked quickly with a touch of the finger. One final and admittedly pointless test involved holding a lighter to the screen for several seconds. Unfortunately, Google's Pixel 6 Pro can't survive a fire. However, it stood up to the more practical tests well and proved to be a durable phone that can take a fair amount of abuse and keep working.
Source: JerryRigEverything/YouTube