Over the past six months, I've had the opportunity to explore a variety of foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Z Fold 7, and currently, the Oppo Find N5. This journey through the world of foldable technology has been exhilarating, yet I've recently found myself missing the features and capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As I anticipate the release of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, several factors influence my decision on which device my SIM card will reside in.
During my time with the Z Fold 7, I realized just how much I appreciated the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Z Fold 7 certainly met my expectations, offering improvements over its predecessor, the Z Fold 6, except for the absence of the S Pen. To put it simply, I view the Z Fold 7 as my work phone, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels more like a personal device. Although the Fold 7 and Find N5 excel in tasks like Switch emulation and running Windows games through Winlator, I can't shake the feeling of nostalgia for the Pixel.
According to recent leaks, the design of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is likely to be conservative, which might be a wise approach for Google. While I expect some vibrant color options, the focus seems to be on functionality rather than flashy aesthetics. Historically, Google has released standout colors for its regular Pixel series, and I'm excited to see how they balance this with the Pro models.
However, my real excitement lies in the anticipated introduction of the Tensor G5 chip with the Pixel 10 series. This new processor marks a significant shift for Google, as they transition manufacturing from Samsung to TSMC. This change is crucial because the Tensor chip has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors like Qualcomm and MediaTek. The Tensor G4 was a commendable iteration, yet it’s time for Google to elevate its game.
Leaked benchmarks suggest that the Tensor G5, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, could be over 30% faster than its predecessor. These improvements were anticipated last year, but now they seem more promising. While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may not compete directly with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, this new processor represents Google's first fully in-house made chip, putting it on par with the likes of Apple and Samsung.
So, why is this shift significant? For users upgrading from the Pixel 9, the differences may seem subtle. However, with the introduction of features like the Linux terminal in the March 2025 Feature Drop, Google appears poised for something substantial. By controlling both design and manufacturing, Google is positioned to seamlessly integrate hardware and software, paving the way for innovations within the Gemini project.
Speculation is rife that we might also see a new Gemini model, possibly incorporating features like nano-banana technology and references to GEM_PIX. Given the advancements with the Tensor G4, the potential for improved performance and functionality is immense. The combination of better control over the manufacturing process and general performance upgrades suggests a bright future for Google.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Tensor G5, I have reservations, particularly regarding gaming performance and emulation capabilities. My primary concern is that even with the promised enhancements, emulating more demanding systems on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's expansive screen may fall short of expectations. I'm hopeful that, even if the Tensor G5 doesn’t match the Snapdragon 8 Elite on paper, it will significantly close the performance gap.
As I await next week's announcement, I remain optimistic that Google will leverage the lessons learned from this generation to position itself as a serious contender against Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple with the future Tensor G6. Until then, the anticipation continues to build.
