Can the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold really replace your laptop? My experience after making the switch

For the past decade, the ongoing debate in mobile computing has centered around whether the phone in your pocket can effectively replace the laptop in your bag.

It is undeniable that modern smartphones are equipped with enough power to run word processing apps, facilitate web browsing, and even generate content using tools like Google Gemini.

The real question now is whether these latest devices can support actual work. Recently, Google introduced the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, a phone featuring an 8-inch fold-open inner screen.

Unlike its predecessor with a similar inner screen size, the new model boasts faster performance thanks to the Google Tensor G5 processor and an extended battery life of about three hours. Additionally, it incorporates the latest Google Gemini chatbot and a brighter display.

To determine if we have reached a point where a phone can truly replace a laptop, I decided to test the Pixel 10 Pro Fold during a typical workday.

Stationed at a coffee shop with the new device, using a keyboard, mouse, and smartphone stand, I utilized Google Docs, Gmail, Gemini, and the Chrome browser for my daily tasks. Here are the main highlights from the hands-on evaluation, along with some tips and insights.

Prepare for Trade-Offs

My initial realization while using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold was the need for a shift in mindset. Operating on Android 16, the device requires adjustments when using a keyboard and mouse for work tasks.

It became apparent that Android differs from Windows 11 or macOS. For instance, selecting text in Google Docs does not allow for triple-clicking to highlight all text.

The mouse’s performance is somewhat erratic as it is not optimized for Android. While trying to import photos from an older Canon camera, I found no immediate solution until I returned home.

Although minor, these issues were recurrent. Attempting to right-click on emails for deletion was futile.

Many of us are accustomed to using keyboard shortcuts like Command-Tab to switch between apps on a laptop. Fortunately, this functionality works on the Pixel Fold with Android and a keyboard, albeit slower. I eventually adapted to swiping on the Pixel Fold screen instead, but it took time to become second nature.

Even seemingly trivial aspects, such as the absence of a constant row of apps on the Pixel Fold screen, can be bothersome. Accessing those apps while using Google Docs, for instance, requires swiping up on the screen.

While these adjustments may seem daunting at first, with time, I acclimated to the new workflow and found myself operating smoothly with Android and the Pixel Fold for my daily tasks.

I heavily relied on Gemini as an assistant for research tasks. The bot was easily accessible on the Pixel Fold, with a dedicated button labeled “Ask Gemini” at the center of the screen. I utilized the bot for research, source finding, and even locating dining options.

External Hardware is Key

The primary trade-off between opting for the 8-inch screen on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold over a traditional laptop lies in the external devices utilized.

I tested the Pixel Fold with a Targus Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Antimicrobial Keyboard and accompanying mouse, both of which connected seamlessly over Bluetooth. These peripherals were lightweight for daily use, and the combined weight of the keyboard, mouse, and Pixel Fold was notably lighter than most business laptops.

Subsequently, I tried the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 keyboard and MX Anywhere 3S mouse, which were more portable but slightly less spacious for typing compared to the Targus models.

John Brandon / Foundry

I also utilized the Plugable USB-C Stand, compatible with phones and tablets, weighing 10.6 oz (300g).

While lighter than a laptop, carrying four products in my bag, including the keyboard and mouse with batteries lasting weeks or months, was still necessary. These additional peripherals were ideal for more demanding work tasks.

One useful tip is to adjust the screen zoom as needed. For instance, in Google Docs, pressing CTRL and scrolling the mouse wheel allows for easy zooming in and out. On the 8-inch display of the Pixel Fold, zooming in enhances text visibility, while zooming out provides a broader view of the page.

Efficient Workhorse

Boasting a battery life of around 14 hours, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can support prolonged work sessions spanning multiple days, reducing the need for frequent recharging.

For extended work periods on the Pixel Fold, carrying a backup battery like the Anker Prime Power Bank is advisable. Weighing 1.32 pounds (approximately 599g), the power bank can recharge the Pixel Fold multiple times.

Enhancing the work experience, connecting the Pixel Fold to a computer monitor significantly improves productivity, especially in a remote office setting with shared monitors. I linked the Pixel Fold to an HDMI monitor using the Anker 310 USB-C Adapter, enabling 4K resolution display on a larger screen.

Luke Baker

Several benefits accompany this setup. Desktop Experience mode offers a more computer-like interface, complete with a taskbar akin to Mac or Windows. Enabling this feature involves navigating to Settings, then About, and tapping seven times on the Build option to activate developer mode, followed by enabling Desktop Experience after a reboot.

An added advantage is the ability to utilize the Pixel Fold as a secondary display. This feature proved invaluable, allowing me to run Google Docs on the larger screen and keep Gmail open on the Pixel Fold screen simultaneously. The Pixel Fold transformed into a multitasking marvel at this point. While Chrome Remote Desktop offers a similar function to connect to a remote computer, I preferred the simplicity of using Desktop Experience.

Easier Breaks

Efficient workdays also entail taking breaks to rejuvenate. Throughout my testing with the Pixel Fold for actual work, I found it convenient to catch up on a quick show like The Terminal List or indulge in a brief gaming session with Diablo Immortal on the 8-inch screen during breaks.

John Brandon / Foundry

My personal life also benefitted from this workflow adjustment. Texting friends and family during the day using the Targus or Logitech keyboards was effortless, similar to messaging on a Mac or Windows 11 laptop.

Additionally, I utilized the Pixel Fold as a phone when necessary, a functionality not readily available on a laptop. Answering calls by closing the screen and transitioning to mobile conversations was seamless. Immersed in productivity on the Pixel Fold, its phone aspect became almost inconspicuous.

Verdict on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold as a Laptop Replacement

Modern smartphones have evolved into versatile computing devices. When situated at a desk or in a cafe with the Pixel Fold on a stand, enhancing the experience with earbuds for audio tasks is recommended.

Ultimately, utilizing the entire setup made working on the Pixel Fold smooth, despite the mentioned caveats. However, am I prepared to abandon the laptop entirely? Not yet.

While the Pixel Fold shows promise as a viable replacement, certain requirements like Adobe Photoshop, specific video editing tools, enhanced processing power, and high-end gaming capabilities are still essential to me. Nevertheless, we are inching closer to that reality.