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Pixel 9 Pro XL unboxing and durability test: a solid build with new packaging design
Top 3 Key Points:
- New Packaging: The Pixel 9 Pro XL features redesigned packaging, including a unique sleeve and wrap.
- Durability: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is even more durable than its predecessor, surviving harsh scratch and bend tests.
- Design Updates: Notable design changes include a thicker camera bar and improved earpiece and antenna placement.
In anticipation of its upcoming launch, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has already gone through an unboxing and durability test by JerryRigEverything, revealing some key insights about Google’s latest flagship phone.
The unboxing experience of the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts with a fresh new packaging design. Instead of the traditional four-color “G” logo, the box now simply features “Google.” To access the phone, you first peel off two pill-shaped stickers on the back of the packaging, allowing you to slide off the outer sleeve. The box inside has the product name on the side and opens to reveal the phone, which is now covered by a sleeve that wraps around both the front and back. This is a step up from the Pixel 8, where the wrap only protected the display. The USB-C cable comes in slightly flatter packaging, adding to the sleek presentation.
When comparing the size of the new Pixel’s camera bar, it measures about 3.5 mm tall, thicker than a typical house key or about the height of two quarters stacked together. The front of the phone is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which showed “scratches at a level six with deeper grooves at a level seven” during testing. Above the 42MP front-facing camera, there’s an extremely thin earpiece slit, with a centered plastic antenna line placed just above it.
The durability test put the Pixel 9 Pro XL through its paces, including a razor blade being used to pop off the power button and volume rocker. While they could be reinserted, the aluminum rails did show scratches, demonstrating an extreme example of potential damage. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor was also tested and managed to function even after enduring “copious amounts of level seven deeper grooves.”
A common mistake made by users is inserting the SIM ejection tool into the microphone hole next to the USB-C port, rather than the correct slot further away from the connector. This is something to watch out for when handling the device.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the test was the bend test. The Pixel 9 Pro XL proved to be even more robust than its predecessor, showing no creaky sounds or noticeable flexing, either from the front or back. This is a significant improvement over the Pixel 7 Pro, which developed a gap in the frame after bending. Google has claimed that the Pixel 9 series is “twice as durable as the Pixel 8,” and the test results seem to support this claim.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL not only introduces a fresh packaging design but also demonstrates significant durability improvements, making it one of the most solidly built devices Google has released to date.