Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold fails durability test despite being three times more durable, video shows
Follow UsThe Pixel 11 Pro Fold suffered structural damage around the hinge when pressure was applied during the durability test.
The antenna lines positioned near the hinge were identified as a potential structural weak point.
The test also revealed dust entering the IP68-rated hinge, a scratch-prone inner display and a plastic rear panel.
Google’s fourth-generation foldable smartphone has once again come under scrutiny for its durability. The new Pixel 11 Pro Fold failed a durability test by YouTube’s Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything, even after Google claimed that the redesigned device is three times more durable than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The device failed the test due to structural weakness around the hinge area.
SurveyPixel 11 Pro Fold breaks during bend test
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold reportedly made it through several stages of the durability test before failing when pressure was applied from the back. The device was not able to maintain its original shape and it deformed and structurally failed at the hinge.
This is why the video became a viral hit, with Google touting the 2026 model as thinner, lighter and more durable than previous versions. In the video, Nelson pointed to the antenna lines near the hinge as a potential weak point. According to the teardown, these areas appear to reduce structural support around one of the phone’s most vulnerable sections.
Display and hinge reveal unusual design choices
A few reports also revealed that Google’s approach to the hinge differs from Samsung’s. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also has a less modular hinge design, making repairs and structural reinforcement trickier. Like any other foldable smartphone, the flexible inner display of the phone is prone to scratches, including those from fingernails.
Dust still a problem despite IP68 rating
Durability and dust were also concerns, even with the IP68 rating. The video showed that small particles can still get into the hinge mechanism. Dust and debris caught in the hinge can also cause noise or mechanical problems with long-term use.
The rear panel is also made of plastic instead of glass. While this reduces the phone’s susceptibility to cracking from accidental drops, it does make the surface more prone to scratches.
