When foldable phones first emerged, they represented a fascinating evolution in the traditional smartphone design. Over five years later, however, the dream of smaller, affordable options seems distant. Google's latest offering, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, retains its predecessor's hefty price tag of $1,800. While it brings several enhancements, justifying such an expense for a smartphone remains a challenge. For tech enthusiasts or those who rely heavily on their phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold presents an enticing proposition. It features the refined Android experience characteristic of the Pixel 10 series, enhanced by its expansive display.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't completely reinvent the foldable phone concept; instead, it offers an iterative yet commendable design. It closely resembles last year's model, with notable upgrades such as a new gearless hinge. This innovation enhances durability by allegedly doubling the hinge's lifespan, allowing it to withstand over ten years of folding and unfolding. The phone's overall aesthetics have also improved, featuring slimmer bezels and increased battery capacity alongside faster charging.
Here’s a quick glance at the key specifications of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold compared to its siblings:
Pixel 10: $799 - Google Tensor G5, 12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB Storage, 6.3-inch Display Pixel 10 Pro: $999 - Google Tensor G5, 16GB RAM, 128GB/256GB/512GB Storage, 6.3-inch Display Pixel 10 Pro XL: $1,199 - Google Tensor G5, 16GB RAM, up to 1TB Storage, 6.8-inch Display Pixel 10 Pro Fold: $1,799 - Google Tensor G5, 16GB RAM, up to 1TB Storage, 6.4-inch External & 8-inch Internal DisplayThe Pixel 10 Pro Fold is slightly thicker but also narrower than its predecessor, which enhances its grip. The gearless hinge is a significant advancement, granting it the first-ever full IP68 certification for dust and water resistance among foldables. Although the hinge feels robust, it is somewhat stiffer than other models, making it a bit challenging to open initially. This phone also retains the off-center camera module from last year, which may prevent it from lying flat on surfaces.
Equipped with a 6.4-inch external screen and a spacious 8-inch internal display, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold excels in screen real estate. The external display boasts a 120 Hz OLED panel with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, ensuring readability even in sunlight. The internal flexible OLED screen, while slightly less pleasant for outdoor use due to its reflective surface, still delivers impressive visuals with a resolution of 2076×2152 pixels.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs on the AI-enhanced Android 16, mirroring the software experience of other Pixel 10 devices. It includes favorite features like Pixel Screenshots, Call Screen, and Magic Compose, along with new additions like Magic Cue. The user interface is clean and consistent, devoid of bloatware, making it a delightful experience for users who appreciate the simplicity of the Pixel OS.
While the camera system of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may not match the performance of other Pro Pixels, it still holds its own. The phone features a 48 MP primary sensor, a 10.5 MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto lens. The front and internal displays house 10 MP selfie cameras, providing versatility for photography enthusiasts. Google's renowned image processing ensures sharp details and impressive dynamic range, although low-light performance may not be as stellar as its flat counterparts.
Powered by the Tensor G5 chip, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers solid day-to-day performance. While it lags behind Qualcomm's latest processors in benchmark tests, real-world usage is smooth, with quick app launches and responsive touch inputs. The battery capacity has also increased to 5,015 mAh, which should comfortably last a full day of use. Additionally, the charging speeds have improved, with wired charging reaching 30W and wireless charging at 15W, thanks to Qi2 certification.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is undoubtedly an improvement over its predecessor, featuring a better hinge, attractive displays, and a solid camera setup. However, at $1,800, the incremental upgrades may not be enough to sway users when compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. While the Pixel offers unique AI features and a refined experience, Samsung's multitasking capabilities and overall hardware performance present a compelling case for potential buyers. Ultimately, the choice hinges on personal preferences and the value placed on features unique to Google's offerings.
