Google is delivering some seriously durable phones, or so it claims, with the entire Pixel 11 Pro series delivering huge upgrades in regards to scratch and drop protection.

Built on top of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL both have an “anti-scratch display coating” that Google claims gives its new phones “more than twice” the scratch-resistance of previous Pixel devices.

This stunning aesthetic is built to handle the real world, as Pixel 11 Pro phones are the most durable Pixels yet. They feature our most durable screen ever, with a drop-resistant display that is more than twice as scratch-resistant than previous models. Extensive testing guarantees IP68 water and dust protection. Beneath that tough glass lies the Super Actua display, which gets even brighter, shining at a brilliant 3,600 nits to deliver stunning clarity even in direct sunlight.

A bold claim for sure.

Further explaining the coating, a Google spokesperson explained to 9to5Google that the anti-scratch coating is 800nm thick – somewhere around 1% the thickness of a human hair – and lives between the actual glass and the oleophobic coating. The company apparently tested both the anti-scratch performance and the durability of this coating through tests meant to simulate the phone alongside purse contents such as keys, nail files, etc.

Google stopped short of explaining exactly how it pulled this of, calling the coating proprietary, but separate from the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 underneath which, itself, is already fairly scratch-resistant. With other brands such as Apple and Honor heavily leaning into ceramic to improve their cover glass durability, one would imagine Google is somewhere on the same track, but the fact that ceramic isn’t in the discussion officially is certainly intriguing.

But that’s just the beginning here.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn’t have traditional cover glass at all, instead using a brand new ceramic glass material. Google didn’t name the supplier here, but it’s not the same as the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL bring to the table, while featuring both enhanced drop and scratch protection. And that’s combined with a new rear “glass fiber composite” that Google says is “nearly impossible to crack.” Pixel 11 Pro Fold is apparently “three times more durable” compared to the 10 Pro Fold, Google says:

The new glass fiber composite back cover is designed to be nearly impossible to crack.

Paired with a new gearless hinge that protects the inner display and a new Super Actua outer display made of ultra-strong ceramic cover glass, this phone is three times more durable than last year’s device, and it’s our most durable Pixel Fold yet.

That’s only for the outer display, though. The inner display isn’t nearly as upgraded.

Truly, wild stuff here, assuming it proves accurate. I’ll certainly be looking to put this claim to the test – stay tuned!

Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold are all available for pre-order now:

  • Pixel 11 Pro:Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy
  • Pixel 11 Pro XL:Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy
  • Pixel 11 Pro Fold:Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy

More from Made by Google 2026

  • Everything announced at Made by Google 2026: Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Tag, & more
  • Pixel 11 Pro launches with the best of Google’s Gemini Intelligence starting at $1,099 [Hands-on]
  • The Pixel Watch 5 isn’t much at a glance, until you get to ‘At a Glance’ [Hands-on]
  • Pixel 11 hands-on: Better, but no longer a bargain at $899 [Video]
  • Pixel 11 Pro Fold is $1,899 and Google says the back is ‘nearly impossible to crack’ [Hands-on]

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