New Pixel 7 Pro durability test reveals two worrying problems

When deciding to invest in a new smartphone, most people want to make sure that the device they’re buying can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Unfortunately, it looks like the Google Pixel 7 Pro may not fare too well in the long run.

A recent durability test video posted by YouTuber JerryRigEverything showed that there are two major problems that Pixel 7 Pro owners might want to keep in mind over the device’s lifespan: the poor durability of the camera bar, and how easily the phone’s frame can bend.

By scratching it in multiple areas with a boxcutter, the durability test pushes the Pixel 7 Pro much further than most phones would encounter in everyday use. But when it comes time to test the camera bar, it isn’t able to withstand much. When scratched with everyday items that a phone may come in contact with — like keys or coins — the camera bar took some visible damage after only a few seconds of contact.

Seeing these results, it seems like the Pixel 7 Pro might look pretty distressed and beat up after only a few months. Obviously, the mileage that different device owners will have will vary, but it seems like the camera bar may end up looking a little worse for wear pretty quickly unless protected by a case or other protector.

The other potentially worrying discovery that the test brought to light is how easy it is to bend the Pixel 7 Pro’s frame at the antenna line. When putting pressure on the phone’s back, it seems to flex pretty dramatically just below the camera bar. It’s able to be bent back in the general shape that it was before, but following the first bend, the Pixel 7 Pro seems to look a lot looser and willing to rebend underneath the camera bar again.

Overall, the Pixel 7 Pro may have a lot going for it when it comes to its software, but in terms of its hardware durability, the phone leaves a lot to be desired. This isn’t to say that the Pixel 7 Pro is flimsy, as it stands up to plenty of other scratch testing on the display, but rather that buyers should consider keeping it safe in a case. Luckily, there are already plenty of Pixel 7 Pro cases to choose from, allowing you to keep your phone safe without spending an arm and a leg.

Editors' Recommendations

• 5 smartwatches you should buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 2
• The first Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on photos are here
• 5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8
• Check your Google Pixel Watch right now for two new features
• Google is going to change Pixel phones forever, and I can’t wait