Skip to main content

Pixel 2 XL proves less bendable than Pixel 2 in durability, torture test [Video]

The Pixel 2 XL has encountered a spate of issue — especially centered around the display — since its release last month. Fortunately, durability doesn’t appear to be a significant one according to a torture test by JerryRigEverything on the larger Made by Google phone.

Like on the Pixel 2 last month, the “hybrid coating” that provides a plastic-like feel over the aluminum unibody scratches off easily. In fact, something as simple as keeping your phone and keys in the same pocket could permanently expose the metal underneath.

The coating extends all around the sides of the phone, including the volume and power buttons. However, the latter button on the Pixel 2 XL is metal instead of plastic as on the smaller Kinda Blue Pixel 2.

Meanwhile, the inlaid ‘G’ logo on the bottom rear of the phone is quite sturdy and required significant scraping to remove. It also retains metal grills covering the front-firing speaker versus the cloth over the original devices.

This larger phone does excel in a bend test with only minor flexing. In contrast, the Pixel 2’s frame split along the plastic antenna line just below the SIM card slot. As such, the Pixel 2 XL will not suffer from losing IP67 dust and water resistance.


Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com