Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Eric Zeman
One of the quirkier design decisions Google made on the Pixel 5 was to give it a metal shell and then cover the metal with resin. Google took what could have been a premium experience and negated the whole thing by wrapping everything in plastic.
Most of the reasons for this decision were related to the technology. Google wanted to keep flagship features like wireless charging but also keep their bill of materials down. A device with a glass back would probably have cost more. The resin covers the holes in the metal case required for wireless charging, mmWave 5G, and other two-way radios. It acts as both a filler and a coating at the same time.
A pleasant side effect of the resin-coated aluminum is that the outer shell of the Google Pixel 5 is quite robust. In fact, it’s so inherently durable that it convinced me to use the phone without a case. I’ve happily used the Pixel 5 with no protection for almost six months now.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
How has that worked for me? Good enough for the most part. I dropped the phone on a variety of surfaces many times including asphalt, wood, tile, and dirt. None of these drops had any external impact on the phone’s outer shell – that is, until I dropped it on gravel. Upon closer inspection, I noticed several small dents in the plastic on the side edge that the phone landed on. They are the first sign of damage and are so faint that even my macro lens cannot capture them.
Connected: Best cases for the Google Pixel 5
I wouldn’t go as far as to call the Google Pixel 5 a rugged phone, but its plastic-metal case certainly gives it a better chance of surviving a fall or fall than any other glass-backed phone. This is good news for most people, especially those who prefer to use their phone without a case.
Now that mine is chipped – albeit light – That led me to wonder what success others have had with the Google Pixel 5 and its resin skin over time.
Is yours still in good shape? Is it chipped like mine? Or do you use a case? Let us know in the poll above.
