The Pixel 10 Pro Fold feels polished the moment you open it. The new gearless hinge moves smoothly and feels solid. There is no wobble or creak, and it closes with a firm snap that makes the phone feel more premium than previous folds. The hinge also helps the phone lie flatter when closed.
The aluminum frame and matte glass back strike a good balance between grip and style. The device now carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is a first for Google’s foldables. That gives it some much-needed durability and peace of mind in everyday use.
When folded, it is bulkier than a regular phone. I noticed the extra weight in my pocket, and one-handed use can feel awkward for long periods. But unfolded, the 8-inch display is comfortable for reading and multitasking. The outer display now stretches to 6.4 inches thanks to thinner bezels, and both screens reach impressive brightness levels outdoors.
The crease is still visible in direct sunlight but less noticeable during regular use. My only design complaint is the tight rounding on the corners of the outer display, which sometimes clips interface elements near the edges. Overall, this version finally feels more refined and built to last.
Performance & Features
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs on Google’s Tensor G5 chip with 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage. It handled everything I threw at it without major hiccups. App switching was instant, multitasking between split screens was smooth, and the transition between folded and unfolded modes was fast and consistent.
AI-powered features play a big role in the experience. Google’s Magic Cue feature offers contextual suggestions while messaging or calling. The new Instant View mode lets you preview photos immediately in split screen after capturing them. These enhancements are subtle but genuinely useful once you get used to them.
Gaming performance was solid for casual titles but not at the level of top Snapdragon-powered devices. Heat management was fair, though the phone warmed up during extended gaming or camera use. Multitasking is limited to two apps side by side, which feels restrictive for a foldable of this size. I would have liked an option to open three apps at once for productivity.
Camera & Imaging
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold keeps a similar triple-camera setup as its predecessor: a 48 MP main, 10.5 MP ultra-wide, and 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Photos in daylight look excellent, with sharp contrast and accurate colors typical of Google’s tuning. The 5x zoom delivers clean shots that outperform most foldables in its class.
Low-light performance is where it falls short. Detail and sharpness drop faster than expected, and exposure occasionally struggles with bright light sources. The foldable design still limits the size of the camera sensor compared to standard flagships.
The rear-camera selfie mode continues to be a highlight. Using the main camera for selfies gives crisp results with better color and depth. Google’s Camera Coach suggestions sometimes helped with framing, though the alerts could feel repetitive.
Battery & Longevity
Battery life was better than I expected. Google claims more than 30 hours of runtime, and my testing came close. I averaged about a day and a half of normal use with a mix of calls, camera, video, and browsing. With lighter use, I pushed it close to two full days.
The 5,000 mAh battery supports 23 W wired and 15 W wireless charging. I reached around 50 percent charge in just over 30 minutes. Wireless charging is now magnetic, which makes alignment easier. The phone still trails faster-charging rivals, but the efficiency and endurance are much improved.
Durability also takes a big step forward. The new hinge design is rated for years of daily folding, and the display’s internal layers are reinforced. Combined with its IP68 protection, this feels like a foldable built to last instead of one that needs extra care.
Pros
Premium design with improved hinge and IP68 rating
Brighter, more durable inner and outer displays
Strong battery life with faster charging
AI tools like Magic Cue and Instant View add convenience
Reliable 5x optical zoom and sharp daylight photos
Smooth multitasking and fold-to-tablet transition
Cons
Still slower charging than some competitors
Heavy and thick when folded
Camera hardware mostly unchanged from past models
AI suggestions occasionally off-target
Multitasking limited to two panes
Verdict
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold shows how far Google’s foldable line has matured. It finally feels sturdy, powerful, and intelligent enough for everyday life. The hinge, brightness, and battery life are all major steps forward, while the camera and software limitations keep it from being perfect. If you want a foldable that blends practicality with Google’s smart features, this one comes very close to getting everything right.
Overall Score: 8.3 out of 10
