Pixel 10 Pro Fold review: Google’s bet to make foldables sturdy

At first glance, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn’t look all that different from last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Aside from Google’s signature AI features, there’s no radical design overhaul — but what stands out is that this is the first foldable phone with an IP68 rating. And that’s a meaningful milestone.

Durability has long been a significant concern for foldable phones. Buyers worry about the hinge life, inner screen protection, and how well these devices withstand dust, sand, and water. Google’s latest foldable aims to ease those fears with a few critical upgrades designed for sturdiness and longevity.

Design and Durability

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold retains a familiar look, but introduces a new gearless hinge, adding subtle resistance to opening and closing while nearly eliminating the gap when folded. That tighter fit helps keep debris and dust particles from slipping inside and damaging the screen.

During testing, the phone held up well — even after being tossed into a bag or pocket multiple times, it showed no issues with lint or debris. While it wasn’t submerged, the IP68 certification offers reassurance that it’s more resistant to dust and water than any previous Pixel Fold.

Performance and Hardware Upgrades

Under the hood, Google’s new Tensor G5 chip powers the device. It performs well for everyday use but doesn’t quite top benchmark charts compared to other flagship processors. Still, the new, larger battery is a welcome improvement, and the brighter display makes outdoor use far easier.

One noticeable design quirk: the bezels are thicker than what’s seen on rival foldables and even Google’s own slab phones — an odd contrast in a market racing toward edge-to-edge displays.

AI Features and Software

Being a Pixel device, the 10 Pro Fold comes with Google’s latest AI-powered tools. Features like Magic Cue surface contextual snippets and suggestions from apps like Maps, Gmail, Messages, and Keep. You also get Gemini Live with video view, call translation, and a camera coach to assist with better framing and composition.

Most of these AI tools mirror what’s already available on the Pixel 10 Pro, so the software experience feels familiar — but still distinctly “Google.”

Camera Performance

Camera quality has long been a defining strength of Pixel phones, but here, the results are more mixed. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold carries over similar specs from last year:

• 48MP main sensor
• 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
• 10.5MP ultrawide lens
• Dual 10MP selfie cameras (cover and inner display)

This setup trails behind the Pixel 10 Pro, which boasts a superior 50MP primary sensor and dual 48MP telephoto and ultrawide lenses — plus a 42MP selfie camera.

In daylight, the Fold’s primary sensor captures detailed photos, but the telephoto and ultrawide lenses lag, particularly in low light. The Pixel 10 Pro easily outperforms it in night shots and zoom clarity.

Macro mode can also be finicky, frequently triggering even when the subject isn’t close enough. For fans of AI Zoom, the absence of the 100x zoom feature may be disappointing.

The “Pro” Name Debate

Google’s decision to call this phone the Pixel 10 Pro Fold raises eyebrows. Traditionally, “Pro” models represent the top-tier variant of a lineup — but this foldable falls short in several key areas, including camera performance, cooling, and charging capabilities.

Unlike the Pixel 10 Pro slab phone, the Fold lacks vapour chamber cooling and 25W Qi2 wireless charging, which are reserved for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Some omissions are understandable due to form factor constraints, but the “Pro” branding feels a bit misplaced.

Google also needs to push third-party app optimisation for foldable screens and make multitasking smoother. Features like Samsung’s multi-window mode would go a long way toward improving usability.

Verdict: A Sturdy Foldable with Classic Pixel Charm

While competitors like Samsung, Oppo, and Honour focus on ultra-thin designs, Google has prioritised durability and reliability. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold feels solid, with a well-engineered hinge and dust resistance that add peace of mind.

Its camera bump is more modest than that of some rivals, and while its imaging falls short of the Pixel 10 Pro, it remains dependable for everyday photography.

At $1,799, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 by about $200. With occasional discounts available online, it’s an attractive option for those who want a premium foldable experience — and the purest Google software environment — without venturing into Samsung’s ecosystem.

If you value build quality, Pixel’s AI perks, and a smoother foldable experience, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might be the most confident step yet in Google’s journey toward making foldables truly durable.