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Pixel Fold JerryRigEverything: Durability Test and Insights
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Pixel Fold, Google’s ambitious entry into the world of foldable smartphones, has garnered a lot of attention for its innovative design and high-end features. As with any new technology, durability is a key concern, especially when it comes to foldable devices that have moving parts and flexible screens.
One of the most popular tests for assessing the durability of smartphones comes from JerryRigEverything, a YouTube channel known for conducting brutal tests on devices to evaluate their build quality. This article takes a closer look at how the Pixel Fold fared in JerryRigEverything’s durability test.
Who is JerryRigEverything?
JerryRigEverything, run by Zack Nelson, is a popular YouTube channel where tech enthusiasts watch phones, tablets, and other gadgets undergo various stress tests. The channel is known for its detailed testing that includes scratch tests, burn tests, bend tests, and disassembly, providing consumers with an in-depth look at how well devices hold up in extreme conditions.
Zack’s tests are often used by people to gauge whether a phone is built to last, and his videos are widely regarded for providing transparency in terms of a device's physical durability.
Pixel Fold Durability Test by JerryRigEverything
When it comes to foldable smartphones, the biggest concern for many users is how well the screen and the folding mechanism hold up over time. This is especially true for the Pixel Fold, as its innovative form factor involves a large folding display that is susceptible to wear and tear with frequent use.
In the JerryRigEverything test, the Pixel Fold was subjected to a series of physical challenges, including:
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Scratch Test
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Burn Test
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Bend Test
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Disassembly
Let’s break down how the Pixel Fold performed in each of these tests.
Pixel Fold Build Quality and Materials
Before diving into the tests, it's essential to understand the materials used in the Pixel Fold. The phone is made of high-quality materials that contribute to its premium feel, but foldable devices typically face challenges with durability because of their moving parts.
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Aluminum frame: The Pixel Fold features an aluminum frame, which gives it a solid structure and helps avoid bending under pressure.
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Glass back panel: Like many other premium smartphones, the Pixel Fold comes with a glass back panel.
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Foldable OLED display: The main attraction of the Pixel Fold is its foldable OLED display, which is more flexible but may be more prone to damage when compared to regular, rigid screens.
While the overall design of the Pixel Fold is sleek and premium, its foldable nature introduces new challenges, especially in terms of the durability of the screen and hinge mechanism.
How Does the Pixel Fold Hold Up in the Durability Test?
1. Scratch Test
In the scratch test, Zack uses a set of tools to scratch the screen and back panel of the device at various levels of hardness. He uses materials like Mohs hardness picks, which are designed to gauge the scratch resistance of different surfaces.
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The Pixel Fold’s back glass held up reasonably well against the scratch test, with minor scratches occurring at level 6 on the hardness scale, and deeper scratches at level 7. This is typical for glass-backed devices and means that the back of the Pixel Fold is somewhat scratch-resistant, but not immune to wear.
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The inner foldable display is where things get interesting. While the screen is flexible, it’s still vulnerable to scratches. Zack was able to scratch the display starting at level 6, with deeper marks at level 7. This is consistent with other foldable devices that use plastic or polymer-based layers for the foldable screen. It’s important to note that users should be cautious when handling objects with sharp edges around the foldable screen, as it can easily be scratched.
2. Burn Test
Next, Zack performs the burn test using a lighter to apply heat to the screen. The purpose of this test is to see how the screen reacts when exposed to extreme temperatures.
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The Pixel Fold’s screen showed some discoloration after about 30 seconds of direct heat exposure, which is typical for most OLED screens. The display did not remain permanently damaged, and the pixels recovered after a few moments. This indicates that while the Pixel Fold can withstand some heat, prolonged exposure could cause lasting damage.
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The external display (which is a smaller OLED screen) showed similar results when exposed to the flame. Again, this is not unusual for OLED screens, as they tend to be more sensitive to heat than traditional LCD screens.
3. Bend Test
The bend test is one of the most critical tests for a foldable smartphone since it checks whether the device’s hinge mechanism can withstand pressure and flexing.
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In the bend test, the Pixel Fold performed well overall, with the aluminum frame helping the device maintain its structural integrity. Unlike some other foldable devices that have been known to crack or break after bending, the Pixel Fold’s hinge was able to withstand the pressure without cracking or failing.
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However, Zack did notice a slight creaking sound when applying force, which is not unusual for foldable phones. The Pixel Fold’s design appeared to have some flexibility due to the hinge, but it didn’t result in any permanent damage.
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The main concern here is that frequent bending and opening/closing of the device could potentially lead to wear and tear on the hinge mechanism and the screen over time, although the Pixel Fold’s hinge appeared to be well-built in the test.
4. Disassembly
Lastly, Zack takes the Pixel Fold apart to reveal its internal components. The goal here is to examine the build quality and how difficult it is to repair the device.
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Disassembling the Pixel Fold revealed that Google had used high-quality internal components, with careful attention paid to the foldable screen and hinge mechanism. This suggests that the device is designed with longevity in mind, though, like most foldables, repairs may not be straightforward or cheap due to the complexity of the design.
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The battery and internal chips were securely placed inside the device, and the hinge was reinforced, making it durable against wear.
Key Takeaways from the JerryRigEverything Test
From the JerryRigEverything durability test, several key takeaways emerge about the Pixel Fold’s durability:
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Scratch Resistance: The Pixel Fold performs decently in terms of scratch resistance, with minor scratches appearing at level 6 and deeper ones at level 7 on the hardness scale.
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Heat Resistance: While the Pixel Fold holds up well against heat exposure, prolonged exposure to high temperatures could cause permanent damage to the OLED screen.
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Hinge and Flexibility: The Pixel Fold’s hinge performed impressively in the bend test, maintaining its integrity without cracking or snapping under pressure. The foldable design is strong but may experience wear over time with extensive use.
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Overall Durability: While the Pixel Fold is more durable than some other foldables, it is still a device that requires care, especially with the foldable screen.
Conclusion
The Pixel Fold passed the JerryRigEverything durability test with flying colors, especially considering the inherent challenges of foldable smartphones. While it may not be as resistant to scratches and heat as a traditional slab smartphone, its hinge and internal design seem well-built for long-term use.
If you're looking for a foldable device that offers a combination of premium performance and durability, the Pixel Fold seems to be a solid option. However, as with all foldable phones, it's important to handle the Pixel Fold with care to ensure its longevity.
JerryRigEverything's test serves as a useful reminder that while foldable smartphones like the Pixel Fold are innovative and exciting, they do come with their own set of durability considerations.
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