Foldable smartphones have evolved rapidly in recent years, but many still struggle to balance performance, durability and everyday practicality. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is its most ambitious attempt yet to overcome those challenges. Positioned as the company’s most advanced and durable foldable, it combines premium hardware, powerful AI capabilities and thoughtful design refinements in a single device aimed at productivity, creativity and long-term reliability.
This latest model represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, introducing a redesigned hinge, brighter displays and enhanced durability with IP68 water and dust resistance. It also benefits from Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, which powers a range of advanced AI features, improves efficiency and boosts camera capabilities. With up to seven years of OS and security updates, the phone is also designed for longevity, a crucial factor in a category where devices are expected to justify their premium price tags.
Foldables are often seen as compromises, trading strength and simplicity for versatility. Google’s approach with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is to minimise those trade-offs while enhancing the experience of using a foldable device. The result is a smartphone that seeks to deliver the power and reliability of a flagship with the flexibility and immersion of a tablet, all while remaining compact enough for daily use.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also showcases Google’s deeper integration of AI into the smartphone experience. Tools such as Gemini, Magic Cue and Circle to Search work across apps and features, offering more intuitive ways to create, discover and manage information. Combined with improved cameras and multitasking tools, this positions the device as not just a foldable phone but a versatile hub for work and creativity.
Refined design and premium build with practical durability
Google has refined nearly every aspect of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s design, creating a device that feels more mature and practical than earlier foldables. It is built from spacecraft-grade aluminium with a satin finish that gives it a smooth, premium texture. The hinge has been redesigned with a gearless mechanism that improves strength and allows for a smoother, more stable folding motion. It feels solid in the hand, with no looseness or resistance issues, and Google claims it can withstand over a decade of regular use.
At 155.2 mm tall, 76.3 mm wide and 10.8 mm thick when folded, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is thinner and more compact than many competitors. It measures just 5.2 mm when unfolded, and while its 258 g weight is still heavier than a standard smartphone, it remains manageable in daily use. The device is also the first foldable from Google to achieve an IP68 rating, offering protection against dust and water and putting it on par with conventional flagship devices. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the exterior and a fingerprint-resistant coating add further durability and polish.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features two displays, both of which have seen meaningful upgrades. The outer 6.4-inch Actua display uses OLED technology with a 1080 x 2364 resolution and up to 120 Hz refresh rate. It reaches peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, ensuring clarity even under bright outdoor conditions. The inner 8-inch Super Actua Flex display, constructed with ultra-thin glass and dual anti-impact layers, is designed to endure regular folding while delivering vibrant colours and sharp detail. It supports adaptive refresh rates between 1 and 120 Hz and HDR for a smooth and responsive viewing experience.
Port selection and physical controls remain straightforward. The phone includes a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer, along with physical power and volume buttons on the side. It supports dual SIM use with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, offering flexibility for work and travel. Connectivity is comprehensive, with 5G mmWave and Sub-6 GHz support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC and ultra-wideband technology for precise spatial tracking. Stereo speakers and three microphones with noise suppression ensure clear audio in calls and media playback.
Tensor G5 power, long battery life and seamless everyday performance
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s new Tensor G5 processor, which delivers significant performance improvements over previous generations. With a TPU up to 60% more powerful and a CPU that is 25% faster, the device handles demanding workloads with ease. Apps open quickly, navigation feels smooth, and tasks such as image rendering, video editing and real-time translation are completed efficiently. The chip also enables more advanced AI processing on-device, which improves privacy and reduces reliance on cloud computing.
The device comes with 16 GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB using Zoned UFS technology, which enhances read and write speeds for faster performance. This configuration provides ample capacity for power users, creators and professionals managing large files. Combined with the processing power of Tensor G5, it ensures a responsive experience even when multitasking or handling resource-intensive applications.
Battery life is another area where the Pixel 10 Pro Fold performs strongly. Its 5015 mAh battery delivers more than 24 hours of typical use, and Extreme Battery Saver mode extends this to as much as 84 hours by limiting background activity. Charging is fast, with the phone reaching 50% in about 30 minutes using a 30W USB-C charger. It is also the first foldable device to support Qi2 wireless charging with Pixelsnap magnetic technology, which enables accessories like charging stands and ring holders to attach securely and align automatically for optimal charging.
Real-world performance reflects these specifications well. The phone handles heavy multitasking, such as editing photos while streaming music and browsing the web, without slowdown. Gaming performance is smooth, with consistent frame rates and minimal heat build-up during extended sessions. Web browsing, app switching and AI-powered tasks feel fast and fluid, and the enhanced thermal efficiency of the Tensor G5 ensures that performance remains stable under load.
Security and longevity are built into the hardware and software experience. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold includes Google’s Titan M2 security chip, VPN access at no extra cost and advanced protection against malware and phishing. It also benefits from seven years of OS, security and feature updates, ensuring it remains secure and relevant long after launch. Combined with the performance gains and battery reliability, this makes it a capable device for users who expect a foldable phone to handle both current and future demands.
Versatile triple-lens system with AI-driven photography tools
Google has consistently focused on camera performance across its Pixel devices, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold continues that tradition with a capable and versatile setup. It features a triple rear camera system consisting of a 48 MP main wide sensor, a 10.5 MP ultra-wide camera with Macro Focus, and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom. This combination covers a broad range of shooting scenarios, capturing detailed landscapes, close-up shots and distant subjects with clarity and precision.
Real-world performance reinforces Google’s reputation for computational photography. Close-up shots of flowers show excellent colour accuracy and detail retention, with vibrant reds and yellows rendered naturally without oversaturation.
The Macro Focus mode performs well too, capturing intricate textures and fine details in food photography, as seen in the crisp, glossy coating and sesame garnish of a plated dish. The ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes like landscaped gardens with minimal distortion, preserving depth and sharpness across the frame.
Long-distance shots, such as zooming in on the Merlion from across the bay, maintain strong detail and contrast even at higher zoom levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of Google’s Super Res Zoom technology.
The foldable design adds useful flexibility to shooting. The larger inner display supports Instant View, which shows captured images on one side while framing the next shot on the other. Dual Screen Preview lets subjects check their pose during group shots, while Tabletop Mode enables hands-free shooting at creative angles. Rear Camera Selfie also makes use of the main sensors for sharper self-portraits, adding versatility beyond standard smartphone photography.
AI further enhances the experience. Camera Coach analyses scenes in real time and offers tips on composition, lighting and modes to improve results. Editing tools like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Zoom Enhance simplify complex adjustments, while features such as Pro controls, Real Tone and Best Take give users more creative control without requiring advanced skills.
Video performance is equally capable, supporting 4K recording at up to 60 frames per second on both rear and front cameras. Features such as Video Boost, 10-bit HDR and Audio Magic Eraser enhance clarity and sound quality, while stabilisation modes cater to different shooting conditions. Night Sight Video, cinematic panning and astrophotography timelapse broaden creative possibilities. The result is a camera system that is not only versatile and easy to use but also powerful enough to rival dedicated compact cameras for both stills and video.
Large inner display unlocks multitasking, creativity and new ways to work
The foldable nature of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is central to its appeal, and Google has worked to make this form factor more practical and reliable. The new gearless hinge is both stronger and smoother than before, contributing to a seamless folding action and improved durability. The device is rated to handle over 10 years of regular folding, and its IP68 protection provides reassurance against accidental exposure to dust and water. Combined with its lightweight construction and slim profile, the design makes the device easier to carry and use than many other foldables.
The 8-inch inner display transforms how the phone can be used for productivity and entertainment. It provides ample space for tasks like document editing, spreadsheet work, design projects and immersive video playback. Multitasking is more effective, with Split Screen support allowing two apps to run side by side with adjustable window sizes. Drag and Drop functionality simplifies moving content between apps, and most major apps scale well to take advantage of the larger screen. Gaming also benefits from controller support and optimised layouts for popular titles, turning the phone into a capable portable console.
AI integration further enhances productivity. Gemini assists with generating and editing content, summarising information and managing workflows, while Magic Cue and Circle to Search streamline how users access and interact with information. Gemini Live adds another layer of utility by enabling free-flowing conversations with Gemini that can incorporate what the camera sees or what is displayed on screen, making it easier to get help with tasks such as troubleshooting, learning or organising information in real time. Pixel Screenshots intelligently captures and organises data from across apps and conversations, making it easier to retrieve later. Live Translate provides real-time language support, and Clear Calling improves voice clarity in noisy environments. These tools make daily tasks more efficient and accessible, reducing the friction often associated with multitasking on mobile devices.
One limitation that remains is the visible crease on the inner display. Although Google has improved the hinge design and display materials, the crease is still noticeable when the screen is off or viewed at certain angles. It becomes less apparent during everyday use, especially with bright content, but users who are sensitive to display uniformity may notice it. This is still a common characteristic across flagship foldables, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is no exception, but it is worth noting for those expecting a completely seamless screen.
The verdict: Pixel 10 Pro Fold
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents one of the most refined and capable foldable smartphones currently available. Google has addressed many of the category’s key challenges, delivering a premium design, robust durability, impressive performance and deep AI integration. The redesigned hinge, IP68 water and dust resistance and premium materials make it more practical and resilient, while the bright, expansive displays enhance both productivity and entertainment.
Performance is consistently strong thanks to the Tensor G5 chip, which powers demanding tasks and advanced AI features with ease. Battery life is dependable, charging is fast, and the inclusion of Pixelsnap magnetic charging adds convenience. The camera system remains a highlight, offering versatile shooting options, excellent image quality and AI-assisted tools that make capturing and editing content easier than ever.
Productivity is a clear strength, with multitasking tools, AI-powered workflows and a large inner display that makes complex tasks manageable on the go. Features like Split Screen and Drag and Drop improve usability, while Gemini and other AI tools bring new levels of functionality and efficiency. The visible crease is still present, but it is a minor drawback and a shared trait among most foldable devices today.
Overall, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers on its promise of blending power, flexibility and durability in a single device. It is not just an incremental upgrade but a clear step forward in making foldable phones more practical and appealing for everyday use. For users seeking a high-performance flagship that combines advanced AI capabilities with the versatility of a foldable form factor, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the strongest options available.
