Highlights
- Pixel 8 Pro withstands fire and bend tests, showing strong structural integrity.
- Fingerprint scanner on Pixel 8 Pro remains functional even after fire test.
- Pixel 8 Pro promises 7 years of software updates, surpassing Apple’s offerings.
- Despite no Titanium build, Pixel 8 Pro’s durability exceeds that of iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro series launched earlier this month are the latest in the line for flagships from the Mountain View-based tech giant’s stable of products.
The devices are known for their flashy photography capabilities and nuanced AI-based optimisations to enhance said images captured.
But what about the durability? Historically Pixel devices have not been, what you call, highly durable.
YouTuber JerryRigEverything does a full test of the physical prowess of each smartphone unfortunate enough to be placed on his desk.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max interestingly, built from Grade 5 Titanium, shattered very easily under his fingers, or at least the back glass did.
So how does the Pixel 8 Pro, a premium flagship that does not have Titanium used in its building process, fare?
Well, Google has said that it will be offering nearly 7 years of software updates on the Pixel 8 devices which is quite unprecedented in terms of smartphones.
Apple, with its robust software and hardware integration, has historically been at the forefront of software offerings but it seems that Google is looking to outdo the company.
As such if you are to buy the Pixel 8 today, Google has said that the phone will get updates till 2030.
But the question is whether the device is durable enough to last for that long.
Zack Nelson, on his channel JerryRigEverything, went through his usual tests of screen and durability tests.
The highlight of which is this, during the fire test, the Pixel 8 Pro sustained a permanent burn mark after 17 seconds of exposure to flame.
Nevertheless, its fingerprint scanner remained fully functional despite the screen damage.
In contrast to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which failed the bend test, the Pixel 8 Pro demonstrated strong structural integrity and showed no signs of cracks or fractures.
So it can be said that among the high-end flagships that were announced this year, the Pixel 8 Pro durability at least one-ups the iPhone 15 Pro Max, even though the latter splashed a lot of marketing material regarding its Titanium build.
The long-term durability of both phones is anyone’s guess, but it is good to see Google maintaining its position this year as a smartphone that will last your regular wear and tear.
FAQs
How did Pixel 8 Pro perform in the fire test?
The Pixel 8 Pro sustained a permanent burn mark after 17 seconds but its fingerprint scanner remained functional.
What about the bend test results?
Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pixel 8 Pro passed the bend test with no cracks or fractures.
How long will the Pixel 8 Pro receive updates?
Google has promised nearly 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, until 2030.
Is the Pixel 8 Pro made of Titanium like the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
No, the Pixel 8 Pro does not feature a Titanium build, yet it performed better in durability tests.