Three times more durable Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold breaks during durability test
Four Google foldables, four disastrous durability tests. Last year was particularly dramatic when one of the batteries in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold exploded during a bend test. At least there was some progress this year: Zack Nelson's fire extinguisher didn’t have to be activated. Otherwise, however, the sequel to the drama series took the expected turn as Zack warned on X right after the Google launch event:
Structural weakness at the most critical point
Even the 2026 redesign—which, according to Google, is thinner, lighter, and three times more durable than its predecessor—has its antenna lines, the weakest points of the case, located right where the Pixel 11 Pro Fold needs the most structural support: next to the hinge. The tester’s conclusion is scathing: “Google can’t be bothered with hardware.” In other words: Google has no clue about proper hardware design. Samsung has been proving for years that there’s a better way to build strong foldables. With the exception of the first Galaxy Z TriFold, which was more of a concept device sold in very limited quantities, all of Samsung’s recent foldable phones have survived Zack's bend test, even the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 which is just 4.1 mm thick.
Other findings during durability test and teardown
It’s also unusual that the front display glass didn't crack during the bend test and instead fell off as a single piece. The teardown reveals that Google uses a different, non-modular hinge design compared to Samsung. One positive advantage to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (available here at Amazon US) is the vapor chamber, which is designed to keep the Tensor G6 cool during operation. Aside from the bend test, the durability test reveals the usual weaknesses of all current foldables. Despite its IP68 rating, dust and dirt can get into the hinge, where it can audibly cause long-term problems. The flexible display can be scratched by fingernails. The back of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is made of plastic rather than glass - at least it won't break, when you drop the new Google foldable.
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