Unveiling the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The Ultimate Tank of Foldable Phones

Every good device builds upon the generation that came before it. In the seven years or so that foldable phones have been around, we’ve seen some incredible breakthroughs. For all its flaws, was a magical creation that proved there was merit to Samsung’s sci-fi aspirations. Then added water resistance to a foldable for the first time plus built-in stylus support. More recently, Google simplified flexible phone design with the , proving manufacturers didn’t need to mess around with funky aspect ratios before Samsung achieved unprecedented levels of thinness with the earlier this summer.

However, there’s one thing that has become a standard feature on standard high-end smartphones that hasn’t been available on foldables until now: top-tier dust resistance. That changes now thanks to the IP68 rating on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Not only does this solve one of the biggest shortcomings of foldables overall, but it gives you additional protection against one of life’s everyday foibles. So while Google’s latest flexible phone isn’t nearly as slim or sleek as the Z Fold 7, it is the best option for folks who prefer a tankier device.

Google / Engadget

It might not be super thin, but the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still has the best cameras of any flexible phone, slick software and now added durability thanks to the first IP68 rating on any foldable.

Pros

• Great cameras
• IP68 rating
• Improved software and multitasking
• Pixelsnap charging

Cons

• Big and heavy
• Expensive
• Lackluster high-end performance
• No Pro Res Zoom

$1,799 at Amazon

Design: A new level of durability

While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (P10PF from here on out) might look like a carbon copy of last year’s phone, there are a handful of subtle changes throughout. Google shrunk its hinge and made it more durable. It also shaved down parts of its aluminum frame — specifically the border to the left of its outside screen. As for the displays themselves, they’re even brighter than before at 3,000 nits (up from 2,700 nits) while the size of P10PF’s exterior panel has increased slightly to 6.4 inches (0.1 inches larger) by reclaiming some space that used to be bezel. And I still love the P10PF’s 8-inch main screen for watching movies and reading comics, even with the cutout for its interior selfie cam in the top right corner. That said, if the presence of a rounded corner encapsulated by a right angle messes with your OCD tendencies, Google still hasn’t found a fix for that.

As for the P10PF’s rating, which denotes the phone’s ability to withstand intrusion from dust and immersion in water, this upgrade might not sound like a huge deal. But as someone whose daily driver was a Pixel 9 Pro Fold last year, I was sure to toss it in a waterproof bag when I went to the beach. That’s because even though I had no intentions of actually swimming with it, I wanted to make sure sand wouldn’t find its way inside. The sound of dust, dirt or other particles grinding in a foldable’s hinge is deeply unpleasant and should be avoided at all costs.

With the addition of a proper IP rating, you can now enjoy a day at the shore without worrying about treating the P10PF delicately every time. Its size and weight remain unchanged from the previous year, coming in at 9.1 ounces (258 grams) and 10.8mm thick when closed. While the durability and tankiness are appreciated, it’s hard to go back to a foldable phone with excess heft after experiencing the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s thin and light design. Hopefully, Google can create a leaner chassis for the next iteration. Despite the rest of the Pixel 10 family going full eSIM, the P10PF still features a physical SIM card tray.

The P10PF comes with a Tensor G5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage, providing more than enough power for everyday tasks. However, when it comes to graphics performance, the Tensor G5 falls short compared to flagship processors like the Snapdragon 8 Elite, making it less ideal for hardcore gaming. The phone’s multitasking features, including a new split-screen UI, enhance the user experience, allowing for better customization and quick app switching. While the P10PF may not be the best choice for gaming, its overall performance and software make it a solid option for everyday use. The new UI for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s camera app makes much better use of the phone’s big flexible screen. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has the same rear cameras as its predecessor: a 48MP main cam, a 10.5MP ultra-wide and a 10.8MP telephoto cam with a 5x optical zoom. While the cameras on the P10PF are the same as the ones in its predecessor, it’s still the best way to capture sharp, colorful and detailed pics with a foldable phone. Google has added some fresh animations to its feature for people who need extra help getting a good reaction from kids while posing for a shot.

In a tricky shot of a money cat taken in very low light, the P10PF’s photo was noticeably brighter and more detailed, and a pic of some spooky skeletons was sharper and featured richer colors. The P10PF’s Night Sight mode remains unmatched for low light photography. The Pro Fold sports a 5x optical lens that gives you more reach for long-distance images compared to the Z Fold 7.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s battery is nearly 10 percent larger than last year’s model, resulting in notable gains on battery life tests. When using its exterior display, it lasted just over 27 hours, almost an hour longer than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The P10PF also features faster wired and wireless charging speeds thanks to Google’s support of the Qi2 standard. Being able to slap magnetic accessories on the back of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is super useful, and it is the first phone to feature full support for the Qi2 standard.

Now, users of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can finally enjoy the accessories that iPhone owners have had access to for years, a feature known as PixelSnap on Google phones. Coupled with its new IP68 rating, this enhancement significantly improves the phone’s overall usability.

Wrap-up

The inclusion of proper dust and water resistance on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold addresses one of the few remaining drawbacks of modern foldable devices, which is quite a remarkable achievement. However, with a price tag of $1,799, it remains a significant barrier for many consumers. Additionally, when compared to its main competitor, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, overlooking Samsung’s offering would be a mistake for those interested in large and premium foldable phones. The sleek design of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is undeniable, offering superior performance, increased flexibility in opening multiple windowed apps, and the option for a permanently pinned taskbar, making it the preferred choice for gamers and power users.

In the realm of foldable devices, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold stands out for offering the most comprehensive photography toolkit. Google’s array of AI-powered features continues to expand, complemented by my preferred Android skin, version 16. With increased battery life, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and the introduction of true Qi2 wireless support for the first time on a foldable device, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold emerges as a versatile and durable choice for users.

Transform the following:

“I am going to the store to buy some groceries.”

into:

“I will be heading to the store to purchase groceries.”