Google Pixel 4 XL fails bend test, rather unceremoniously

On Moh's scale of hardness, materials like plastic scratch at level 3 while sapphire shows damage at level 8-9.

However, the Pixel 4 XL, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, got visible scratches at level 6 and deeper grooves at level 7.

The rear glass panel also showed similar resistance but the aluminum frame got scuffed with a razor blade.

While the Google flagship did fine in the scratch and burn tests, it failed miserably in the bend test.

Bending the phone from the back was fine, with the screen keeping the phone structurally solid.

However, when pressure was applied from the front, the aluminum frame cracked at two places on the top side and later, it snapped on the bottom side as well.

According to Zack, the problem with the Pixel 4 XL is the placement of antennae lines.

Of course, all modern-day phones have antennae lines built into the frames, but in the case of Google's phone, the points where these plastic bands pass have not been fortified.

Verdict: Don't buy this phone. In any case, if you are in India, you can't.

The reason behind Pixel 4's non-availability is the hardware it packs.

The phone comes with a Soli radar chip that powers its face unlock and air gestures, enabling users to change tracks, silence calls with hand waves.

Now, Soli operates in the 57 to 64GHz (V band) frequency range, which has been approved by US' FCC but not by India.