Google, in a recent blog post, shared insights into the rigorous durability tests that its Pixel phones undergo while also recounting two remarkable stories of Pixel devices surviving extreme conditions. These real-life accounts demonstrate how Google’s internal testing aligns with actual device resilience in challenging environments.
In February of the previous year, Andrew Prag lost his Pixel 6a while skiing in Serre Chevalier, France. After accidentally leaving the phone in the snow, Andrew attempted to track it using geolocation, but heavy overnight snowfall made this impossible. He lost hope of finding the device.
Six months later, while revisiting the area, Andrew decided to search again. To everyone’s surprise, he recovered the phone, covered in mud, but still intact. “I just plugged it in and switched it on as though it had been sitting in a drawer all that time,” Andrew recalled. Despite being buried in snow, mud, and rain for months, the Pixel 6a functioned perfectly.
A similar incident occurred earlier in the year with Ajay Kamath, a member of Google’s Product Integrity Engineering team. During a ski trip to Tahoe, his daughter accidentally dropped her Pixel 6a from a ski lift. Five days later, after some of the snow had melted, the phone was found. To their amazement, it was still on, operating in battery-saver mode.
Behind the Scenes: Testing Pixel Durability
Ajay’s team is responsible for ensuring that Pixel devices can withstand daily wear and tear, and even harsher scenarios. He explained that their process begins by analyzing real-world usage scenarios and creating tests to simulate these conditions. Some of the tests include:
- Drop Tests: Repeatedly dropping devices from low heights to assess durability.
- Backpack Simulation: Using robotic arms to simulate daily handling, such as sliding devices in and out of backpacks.
- Vibration Testing: Subjecting devices to vigorous shaking to identify potential weak points.
The team uses a method called Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to identify failure points and refine the product design. “We’re not just trying to break phones; we’re aiming to understand why and how they fail so we can fix those issues,” Ajay explained.
Testing in Extreme Conditions
Google’s testing involves subjecting Pixel devices to temperatures ranging from -30°C (-22°F) to 75°C (167°F). This range simulates diverse conditions, such as transitioning between warm indoor environments and cold outdoor weather.
The team also conducts altitude testing to ensure that devices function in high-altitude scenarios, like unpressurized aircraft transportation. While some extreme tests (like simulating a phone falling out of an airplane) are avoided due to their rarity, practical tests help ensure devices can handle unexpected situations.
Why Some Pixels Survived the Snow
Although the Pixel 6a isn’t specifically designed for prolonged exposure to snow or harsh weather, its IP rating for water and dust resistance likely played a role in its survival. According to Ajay, the phone’s sealed design, snow coverage, and the fact that the charging circuits were disabled helped protect the device.
Ajay cautioned against deliberately testing devices in extreme conditions but acknowledged the satisfaction when phones exceed expectations. “We don’t want people to think they can subject our products to anything, but when a phone survives the unexpected, it’s a delightful surprise,” he added.