Google calls the Pixel 11 Pro XL its most durable Pixel yet, and on paper the credentials look strong. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back, an aluminium frame and an IP68 rating are paired with a new scratch-resistant display coating that Google claims is twice as resistant as the previous generation. A fresh teardown and durability test, however, suggests that claim deserves a healthy dose of scepticism.
What the scratch test actually showed
In the now-familiar JerryRigEverything durability suite, the Pixel 11 Pro XL began showing scratches at level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale — the same point where most modern flagships start to mark. The coating does seem to soften the visibility of very fine scratches, but it does not stop harder objects from leaving their mark. The highly polished aluminium frame also picked up scratches more readily than you might hope for a phone pitched at this level.
The bend test and the good news
Not everything went against Google. The Pixel 11 Pro XL passed the bend test without major issues, indicating the frame and overall build can absorb a fair amount of pressure. That matters for real-world confidence, even if the scratch story is underwhelming.
Repairability is the quiet win
Where the phone genuinely impresses is serviceability. The teardown reveals a design that opens from both the front and rear, so the display or back panel can be swapped without dismantling the whole device. Physical buttons are removable from the frame, the charging coil sits on the rear assembly for easy replacement, and the cameras and HiLight LED come out without much fuss. The battery uses strong adhesive but remains replaceable.
The Pixel 11 Pro XL’s scratch-resistant coating is a nice idea that does not fully deliver, at least not to the degree the marketing implies. But between solid bend resistance and a genuinely repair-friendly design, Google’s flagship may prove more practical over its lifespan than its scratch test suggests. For buyers who value longevity over a flawless first week, that is a trade worth considering.
Source: TrustedReviews https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/google-pixel-11-pro-xls-scratch-resistant-coating-isnt-what-it-seems