Pixel 10 Pro Fold Review: Google's Foldable Future

Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A Focus on Durability

Visually, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't represent a radical departure from the design of last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Beyond advancements in Google’s AI capabilities, initial impressions reveal a largely familiar aesthetic.

However, a significant improvement has been made: this is the first foldable device from Google to achieve an IP68 rating, a noteworthy accomplishment.

Addressing Foldable Concerns

Since the introduction of foldable phones, a primary concern for consumers has been their durability. The longevity of the hinge mechanism, the protection of the inner display, and resistance to environmental factors like liquids and particulate matter are crucial considerations when choosing a foldable over a traditional smartphone.

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a direct response to these concerns. While maintaining a similar overall appearance to its predecessor, several key modifications have been implemented to enhance the phone’s robustness.

Enhanced Design and Construction

A newly designed gearless hinge is central to these improvements, providing increased resistance during both folding and unfolding actions. This new hinge design also minimizes the gap between the folded sides of the device.

This reduced gap effectively limits the ingress of dust and debris, potentially preventing damage to the delicate inner screen. Testing involved carrying the phone in pockets and bags to assess lint accumulation, with no discernible impact on functionality.

Although a full submersion test wasn’t conducted, the IP68 protection rating indicates improved resistance to both dust and water compared to previous models.

Performance and Display Updates

Beyond the durability enhancements, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold incorporates the new Tensor G5 processor. While suitable for everyday tasks, as practical use demonstrates, some debate exists regarding its performance relative to competing processors in standardized benchmark evaluations.

A larger battery capacity is another welcome upgrade in the 10 Pro Fold. Furthermore, the display boasts increased brightness, improving visibility in outdoor conditions.

It’s worth noting that the bezel surrounding the screen is comparatively thicker than those found on many recent smartphones, including other foldable and conventional designs.

AI-Powered Software Features

Consistent with the Pixel brand, Google has integrated a suite of AI-powered features into the software experience.

These include Magic Cue, which intelligently presents relevant information and suggestions based on screenshots and data from applications like Maps, Gmail, Messages, and Keep.

Additional features encompass live call translation, Gemini Live with video support, and a camera coach designed to provide guidance for improved photography. (These features are also available on the Pixel 10 Pro and a more detailed explanation of their functionality can be found elsewhere.)

Cameras

The camera system has consistently been a defining feature of Pixel phones over the years. The Pixel 10 Fold Pro incorporates camera specifications that closely resemble those of the previous year’s model.

Specifically, it features a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, and a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide sensor.

For selfies, the device utilizes a dual 10-megapixel sensor configuration, present on both the cover display and the internal display.

Camera Comparison

This camera arrangement doesn't quite match the capabilities of the Pixel 10 Pro, which boasts a 50-megapixel main sensor alongside a pair of 48-megapixel sensors dedicated to ultrawide and telephoto photography.

Furthermore, the Pixel 10 Pro is equipped with a higher-resolution 42-megapixel front-facing camera.

Image Quality

Images captured with the Fold’s primary camera exhibit a satisfactory level of detail. However, the telephoto and ultrawide lenses do not perform as strongly.

In challenging low-light conditions, only the main camera manages to deliver acceptable results, falling short of the performance demonstrated by the Pixel 10 Pro’s camera system.

Software Quirks

A notable issue encountered during testing was the camera’s tendency to automatically activate macro mode when photographing small objects, such as an AirPods case, even at a moderate distance.

The extent to which artificial intelligence should be integrated into photographic processes remains a subject of debate.

Users who appreciate the Pixel AI Zoom feature, enabling up to 100x zoom, should be aware that this functionality is not available on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

A Puzzling Use of “Pro”

Modern smartphones often feature lengthy and complex names. However, Google’s decision to include “Pro” in the title of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is somewhat perplexing.

The company initially launched the Pixel Fold in 2023, subsequently altering its naming convention in the following year.

Typically, the “Pro” designation is utilized for a manufacturer’s highest-end smartphone model. The foldable device, however, doesn't excel in areas like camera capabilities, thermal management, or charging speed, despite its larger display and increased battery capacity.

Performance Considerations

As previously detailed, the camera specifications represent a reduction in performance compared to the Pixel 10 Pro. Furthermore, vapor chamber cooling technology has only been implemented in Google’s standard, non-foldable “Pro” devices.

The 25W Qi2 wireless charging standard is also exclusive to the Pixel 10 Pro XL. While some of these limitations may be inherent to the foldable design, the continued use of the “Pro” moniker seems questionable.

Software and Ecosystem Development

Beyond hardware, Google must prioritize encouraging developers to optimize their applications for the unique foldable experience. Improvements to multitasking functionality and reducing software glitches are also crucial.

Implementing a feature similar to Samsung’s multi-window capability on Pixel foldables would significantly enhance usability. This would provide a more seamless and productive user experience.

Key Areas for Improvement

• Camera Performance: Matching or exceeding the Pixel 10 Pro.
• Thermal Management: Incorporating vapor chamber cooling.
• Charging Speed: Offering comparable charging capabilities.
• App Optimization: Encouraging third-party developer support.
• Multitasking: Refining the multitasking experience for smoother operation.

The Position of the Pixel Foldable in the Market

While companies such as Samsung, Oppo, and Honor are focused on creating slim foldable phones, Google has intentionally designed a more substantial and robust foldable device.

The company’s primary focus has been on enhancing durability and longevity through a newly engineered hinge and the inclusion of an IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Design and Build Quality

The camera protrusion on the Pixel Fold isn't as pronounced as those found on some phones from Chinese manufacturers.

This results in improved stability when the device is placed on a flat surface.

Although the cameras don't quite reach the performance level of the Pixel 10 Pro series, they still offer a commendable experience for users who don't prioritize top-tier camera capabilities.

Camera Performance

Despite not matching the Pixel 10 Pro line in camera quality, the Pixel Fold’s cameras are still a viable option.

Users who aren’t heavily invested in professional-grade photography will likely find the camera performance satisfactory.

Pricing and Value

The Pixel 10 Pro is offered at a retail price of $1,799, representing a $200 reduction compared to the Samsung Z Fold 7.

Furthermore, discounts are frequently available from various retailers.

For individuals seeking a comprehensive Google or Pixel experience within a foldable design, this device presents a compelling choice.