Pixel 11 buyers beware: EU tests reveal one model is least durable

Google's latest Pixel 11 series, recently available for pre-order in Taiwan, boasts enhanced scratch resistance and a robust design, as highlighted by the company. However, data from the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) reveals a concerning weakness in the Pixel 11 Pro: its durability in drops.

While all four models in the Pixel 11 lineup, Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, received a B grade for energy efficiency, their drop resistance varied significantly. Only the Pixel 11 Pro was rated B, while the other three models achieved an A grade. The EPREL's drop resistance test measures how many repeated free falls a phone can endure before failure, with A being the best and E the worst.

The Pixel 11 Pro could withstand only 180 drops, a stark contrast to the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro XL, which both endured 270 drops. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold managed 210 drops. This performance is a step back from the previous Pixel 10 series, where all models received an A grade for drop resistance. The reasons behind the Pixel 11 Pro's lower rating remain unclear, and potential testing variations cannot be ruled out.

Beyond durability, the Pixel 11 Pro also shows weaker battery performance compared to its siblings. With a battery capacity of 4,850mAh, its standardized test result of 47 hours and 36 minutes is the lowest among the non-foldable Pixel 11 models. While standardized tests offer a reference, actual daily usage may yield different battery life outcomes.