Where Android foldable devices are making huge strides in form factor, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold appears to be stagnant. This is where small changes make a huge difference, even if that means it’s no longer cutting edge.
Hardware and display
It’s all in the zipper
Google is relatively new to the foldable space. Where Samsung kicked down the door and started offering foldable Android options early, the Pixel maker took the time to flesh out a design that could be trusted. The original Pixel Fold wasn’t exactly pretty to look at, but it was a great example of what a foldable Pixel would look like.
In total, there have only been two public Pixel Fold projects. The first, which looked more like a passport: the the most missable little book – than anything else. The second generation arrived at a time when Google found it necessary to redesign everything. The Pixel 9 series changed the course of the phone and brought a very new look to Google’s Android phones: sleek, narrow corners and a camera island that adds a wonderful touch of depth to the backs of the phones, even on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
This is the model that I have been using regularly for a year now. The combination of Google’s Android expertise and a favorable form factor have kept me hooked far beyond many other Android releases throughout the year.
So what did Google do differently with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Almost nothing.
Identity is reduced by a simple dimensional alteration. THE Pixel 10 Pro foldable it’s slightly narrower due to a change in the type of hinge Google uses for the new foldable. The hinge allows for an IP68 rating, which in itself is a huge improvement, but it also allows the phone to shrink outside of the screen size.
It may not seem like it, but the alteration in width made such a significant difference in the feel of the Fold compared to the previous version. The hinge change combined with thinner display bezels means the Fold finally feels like a traditional phone when folded, with the dead space on the left side just eliminated, replaced with usable space. It also leaves the zipper itself less distracting, both in a visual and physical sense. The lack of that “backbone” no longer compromises the balance of the phone and also improves the one-handed experience.
After getting so used to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the perceived difference between it and the new version is as palpable as the weight of the phone itself.
The change in color options also feels like a breath of fresh air. The Moonstone variant shimmers in daylight and the sandblasted gray structure feels and looks wonderful. The greyish color continues onto the back of the phone, with a frosted look/texture. Even though I haven’t used it in a long time, the Jade color looks pretty much the same with a little more vibrancy.
As for the hinge’s performance, it feels a little tighter than the Pixel Fold 9 Pro ea amount smoother, while also having a more vigorous “snap” for the last part of the journey. There’s no indication that it will fade over time, but it’s worth noting that my Pixel Fold 9 Pro is noticeably less vibrant when opening and closing. It’s not entirely known whether this feature finds its way into the new version. A new zipper has the potential to solve the problem.
Like every other foldable device maker, Google hasn’t cracked the code for a crease-free internal display. The screen has a familiar dip where the screen folds in half, but it’s no less irritating than any other iteration, nor significantly worse than any other major foldable on the market today.
Brighter²
There are no quality changes in the new leaflet and we weren’t expecting any leaps in quality. A jump in quality would have been nice to see, but the external and internal displays maintain a resolution of 1080 x 2364 and 2076 x 2152 respectively. Even with that seemingly mediocre pixel count (408ppi), the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s Super Actua displays are incredibly bright and detailed. I never actively thought I needed more detail on my display screen.
In fact, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s displays are even brighter than its predecessor. The LPTO OLED screens offer peak brightness of 3,000 and 2,000 nits for the internal and external displays respectively. That’s slightly better than what Google’s foldables were capable of last year, and it’s a welcome change that’s much more noticeable in direct daylight.
I think part of what makes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold so enjoyable to use is the competent display cover. The 6.4-inch form factor has aspect ratios that don’t require much effort when using the entire phone with one hand. It is comfortable even if a little heavy.
Just once, though, I’d like to see an optical fingerprint sensor on the display instead of the power button. I understand why it’s incredibly difficult: you’d either have to have two or just not have an internal display fingerprint sensor, but that doesn’t mean I want it any less.
Qi2
In many ways, Google may have deviated from creating a device that rivals cutting-edge foldables in favor of developing a device that uses Qi2 magnets. No other foldable features Qi2 magnets besides the Pixel 10 series. If that means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can’t be smaller than 10mm, that leaves users with a choice: access to magnetic accessories and better wireless charging or thinner foldables.
I tend to sing the praises of Qi2, especially in the Pixel 10 lineup. That comes down to my passion for magnetic accessories and the unified standard they’re built to. MagSafe accessories and Qi2 accessories work under the same basic requirements: a magnetic array with a specific diameter. Therefore, most, if not all, MagSafe accessories work with Qi2 magnets. By placing a group of aligned magnets on the back of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and co., Google is ensuring that existing and new certified wallets, chargers, grips, and more are usable with its phones.
From this point of view, I would gladly prefer the Qi2 instead of a thinner foldable. As scary as it may be, the ability to use a foldable without a case with my magnetic car mounts is something I’ve been waiting for for years. The same goes for my wallet and chargers that I don’t need to find a case for.
Adopting the standard also forces many case manufacturers to decide whether they want to adopt that standard as well. If they don’t, the user is giving up a standard feature of the phone, and no one really wants to do that. It would be like a screen protector causing a fingerprint sensor to stop working.
Qi2 also has the advantage of faster charging. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rated at 15W. It’s undoubtedly a leap in quality over the previous foldable, but it’s still hard to justify wired wireless for a quick finish. It’s not fast and still takes over an hour to get the battery where I need it.
For overnight charging, however, I rest my Fold 10 Pro on the Pixelsnap charger stand without worrying. It’s comfortable and, finally, it works without a case.
Qi2 also solves the wireless charging problem on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Because the charging coil on last year’s foldable was so low, it meant that some chargers simply didn’t work. With Pixel 10 Pro Fold this is no longer a problem.
Software and artificial intelligence
Android 16 feels good on this phone
Google’s latest public-facing Android build isn’t unique to the Pixel 10 lineup, but it starts the foldable version off on the right foot.
Android 16 looks fantastic on the Pixel 10 series of slab-style devices, and we’ve talked about it in depth. Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a different light than the software. The home screen works well in both the closed and open states, but having that additional app slot in the taskbar when the phone is open means more options for getting things done. The experience is no different when the Fold 10 Pro is closed, but using it open means the Quick Settings menu is larger and notifications take up half the screen.
Notifications on the lock screen are a different story, and Android 16 now automatically sets users to a more compact view. This may have changed, but I found myself quickly getting used to it and preferring it to a cluttered lock screen. This applies to both displays, but I don’t often leave my Pixel 10 Pro Fold open when I’m not using it. It would probably be better for the screen if you did.
Android 16 runs smoothly on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. From unlocking to switching between apps, everything seems easy and hassle-free. This is something that can’t quite be said for Samsung’s One UI or even Apple’s latest iOS iterations.
Like every Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold gets the Tensor G5 chipset. This model comes from a different foundry and supposedly solves the overheating issues that many users find to be a pain point.
I’m happy to say that’s apparently true. My Pixel 10 Pro Fold only got hot during the initial setup and onslaught of app updates. With a day to recover, the phone seems normal in every other instance I’ve used it. I’ve never put it on top of a case, so I’m sure I haven’t missed a flare or two while using it.
As far as software performance goes, I haven’t encountered any issues. As smooth as Android 16 is, the internal hardware was willing to keep up. I can’t say I encountered any strange bugs or delays during the review period, which seems strange to say.
Multitask almost everything at once
Multitasking is one of the reasons the new foldable feels fluid. There aren’t many changes to how the Fold series works in Android 16, but one notable addition is the new 90/10 split. A window can only be opened in a fragment of the screen. Unlike a normal split, the app that takes up 10% of the screen is not formatted for small space. Instead, it’s simply there for easy access. Tapping it will slide both apps through, giving the other app the larger 90% space.
I found myself using the 90/10 split more often than any other ratio. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold can still do a 50/50 or 60/40, but not all apps have the ability to properly format for larger displays. Keeping both apps in a large format while making it easy to switch between them helps a lot. I often prefer this rather than scrolling on the gestural navigation bar.
As mentioned, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold also uses a taskbar when the phone is open. Where the folded taskbar only shows 5 apps, when the phone is open 6 apps are displayed. The additional app can be set to a specific shortcut or left as a hint slot. I leave two spaces for suggestions so you can access recently used apps more quickly.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is still missing some key multitasking features for power users. I don’t identify as one, but I can see where they’re coming from. Samsung uses a floating window when necessary, but Google has opted for a simple UI with up to 2 apps for now. A floating window is reportedly being worked on for a later version of Android 16, but the Fold 10 Pro that launches now doesn’t have a third window.
There’s certainly room for improvement on a device that bases its entire foundation on the existence of a second, larger screen. It seems that Google is more interested in developing a simple user interface that users can easily use, rather than something that presents one option after another and prevents people from using their device. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold definitely falls into this category, but there needs to be a middle ground that offers more customization.
AI not just for the sake of it… mostly
Ideally, the larger internal screen is used a lot by those who want to create or just “do”. Google seeks to provide these tools in the form of artificial intelligence with the Gemini app, Pixel Screenshot, and more. These aren’t inherently new for this device, but they get a new Tensor G5 SoC to support them.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold launches at a time when the Gemini app finally has a successful image generation model in Nano Banana. In my case, I use it a lot to redecorate or get ideas for my home. I imagine this will be a large portion of requests, while others will use it to edit photos outside of the Google Photos app, which is also now hopelessly taken over by AI. Pixel Studio also returns for a more dedicated image generation experience.
It has the same power as the other devices in the Pixel 10 series, so do not expect different performance compared to these devices. The built-in Gemini shortcut responds quickly with answers that seem accurate, although they should never be considered foolproof. It’s easy enough to hold down the power button to instantly access Google Home controls and responses, and it’s a much better experience than any Google Assistant holdover.
The same goes for Magic Cue, which I’ve seen pop up a couple of times during my time with the phone, though the common feeling among Pixel 10 users is that Magic Cue hides in the shadows until you need it. The tool uses artificial intelligence to surface contextually relevant information from your apps. In the phone app, details may be displayed from an email or notification you receive to make them available at a glance.
It actually works quite well. A quick call from Home Depot was made quicker when Magic Cue presented the details of my recent order in the Phone app. Instead of digging into the Home Depot app, which might be the worst app ever created, I could simply glean information from the app I was already in.
In Google Messages, I see it pop up every now and then with relevant information above the keyboard. The feature itself proves incredibly useful when it comes to gaming, but, again, it doesn’t seem to happen often enough. If it were available in more apps or even Gboard on Android, it might be a more noticeable part of the phone. At present it seems like an appetizer. Not undercooked, but not enough.
I’d rather that be the case than an overwhelming reliance on AI for the sake of being an AI. There is some evidence of this with Google though. For example, the new Google Photos app makes the user prioritize conversational AI over editing details. I would much rather mess around with sliders and adjustments and make mistakes than frantically type on the keyboard what I’m looking for in an image.
This is just a small part of the overall AI implementation. For the most part, I think they got it right.
Camera
Good performance with a particular skill set
There’s been a theme with Google cameras for some time now. The sensors we see on Pixel devices don’t exactly get top marks, but they work well thanks to the underlying post-processing done after you tap the shutter.
I’m not sure what happened, but something changed.
The camera setup of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is very good and I have no doubts about it. The photos I took are rich in detail and in most cases look natural. But something about the way each image was handled in the background changed. I’ve noticed this along with others and it seems like the backend has been adjusted in such a way as to leave the photos slightly lacking. Colors are sometimes dull and shadows are exaggerated in a way that erases the depth of the entire image.
Fortunately, this is most likely something that can be changed with a software update aimed at changing some correction parameters. The foundation laid by camera quality after post-processing is there, even if the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a slightly less capable array than the Pixel 10 Pro series; apparently it’s just the color and light correction that looks out of place. Our own Ben Schoon described it as “missing the magic” and there’s no other easy way to put it. That pop of color doesn’t make it past the viewfinder, but I don’t think it’s anything that can’t be addressed.
This foldable features a telephoto lens, though it’s a humble 10.5MP unit compared to the Pixel 10 Pro’s 48MP periscope camera. However, a maximum magnification of 20x with Google’s Super Res Zoom offers good reach. It’s a little rough and pales in comparison to the Pro series in the same range, but it’s a nice inclusion that lands even on the base Pixel 10 model.
What the Pixel 10 Pro Fold does that leaves me wanting when I get another phone is in the camera UI. Due to the dual screen, the foldable presents the possibility of using the external display, the internal display or both. The camera app now asks you which mode you prefer when you first open it, so I chose Dual Screen Preview. I figure if I launch the camera while the phone is open on the internal display, it’s for a reason. This reason is usually to take a portrait with the external display showing the subject exactly what I see.
The other option is to switch the entire UI to the external display while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is open. This is the benchmark for taking selfies that look further ahead at the streets than what the selfie camera offers. I don’t use the Pixel Fold series front cameras because I simply don’t need them.
Instant View is new to the camera UI on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, while dual-screen options are not. Instant View allows users to see images taken while looking through the viewfinder. The captured images will appear on the left side, which will also allow you to see them processed in real time. It’s not something I had to use all the time, but it’s a cool feature for making edits to your photos.
Drums
It’s almost like a real phone
One of the biggest complaints I had with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was its battery life. Towards the end of my first year of use, I noticed a noticeable decline in what I could expect in a day. In many cases I would get to about 30% by 5pm, and that’s not enough.
It turns out that adding a larger battery gives you more power. Who knew?
Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a 5,015 mAh battery. Compare that to the previous model’s 4,650mAh battery and you’ve got a big jump, on paper. During the initial review, I noticed some significant improvements in everyday battery life. Towards the end of a day of light to medium usage, I was still seeing 30% remaining around 8pm. On a heavy day, that remaining 30% was instead reached around 7pm. This means I watched YouTube and browsed social media with about 4 hours of screen time.
There’s always room to complain, and it would be preferable for an expensive phone to last more than a full day with heavy use. However, I didn’t have to worry about where I could find a charger towards the end of the night. Even if I did, the addition of Qi2 means I could carry a small battery with me if I really needed it.
Again, the maximum is 15W. Wired charging can reach 39W with half a full tank in about 30 minutes. That’s good enough for a top-up, but a full charge still took about an hour.
Conclusion
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has some obvious weaknesses, like any foldable. It’s not wafer-thin or incredibly light, and it doesn’t have the same high-end cameras as other “Pro” phones. Most foldables fall into this category, but I haven’t found one that leaves me satisfied with the software experience. I also haven’t found one that offers the convenience of Qi2 magnets and MagSafe accessories.
The disadvantages are outweighed by performance, usability and design. It goes without saying that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still looks phenomenal, even if little has changed year over year.
For those looking to upgrade to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold from the previous model, the issue is battery life and Qi2. For those who are weighing the options between Google’s foldables and really any foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a quality device. Especially considering that the $1,799 price is technically still on the low end among flagship foldables as Samsung is now flirting with the $2,000 barrier.
I used the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a full year simply because it offered me the best software experience with the convenience of a large internal display and a good camera. I don’t see any changes in habits for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and the improvements in battery life and Qi2 functionality certainly don’t hold it back.
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