Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Unveiled: A Gadget Ahead of Its Time Yet Trailing Behind

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold has made its debut! Despite what the name might suggest, it is actually only the third foldable smartphone from the American tech giant. We’ve had a chance to check it out and there are a few noteworthy points to discuss.

During a hands-on session under embargo organized by Google, the units available were locked. This made it impossible to fully use the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Nevertheless, the design of this foldable smartphone did spark some reactions.

Design Outpaced by Competitors

The timing could have been better. This summer saw the release of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Honor Magic V5, two ultra-thin foldable smartphones. Their sleekness is a key selling point for this type of device.

Once folded, these devices closely resemble a traditional phone. Enter the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold with its somewhat outdated dimensions:

• Folded: 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8 mm

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• Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2 mm.

While not exactly a dealbreaker or uncomfortable to hold, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold does fall short when compared to its competitors in this regard. It’s thicker and retains a somewhat bulky effect when closed. Additionally, it’s quite heavy, weighing in at 258 grams.

Despite my liking for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, my mind, almost reflexively, compared it to its rivals from Samsung and Honor.

The borders around the screens are also quite thick, which doesn’t help shake off a slightly unrefined feel.

However, the fold in the screen, the quality of the finishes, and the matte coating are all excellently crafted to provide a pleasant experience in hand.

I must emphasize: it’s the comparison with the competition that most disadvantages the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

A Foldable Smartphone with Two Key Features

However, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold stands out from its competitors with two very interesting features in its spec sheet.

The first is the IP68 certification. The ‘6’ in this rating is a significant milestone, indicating that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is completely dustproof. No other foldable smartphone currently offers the same level of resistance (e.g., IP48 for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and IP58 for the Magic V5).

As for durability, Google has emphasized the work done on the hinge, claiming it can withstand 10 years of folding and unfolding.

I won’t lie: I have no way of verifying that claim. However, I would definitely rate the hinge of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold among those that feel reliable in use. It strikes a good balance of resistance without being too stiff to open or close the smartphone.

The second notable feature is the Qi2 compatible wireless charging for Pixel Snap accessories. This finally brings a foldable smartphone into the realm of charging systems similar to Apple’s MagSafe, potentially unlocking new possibilities.

For instance, I can envision a magnetically-attached wireless charging stand in the car to display directions on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s large screen for added convenience. When it comes to accessories, Google certainly has an opportunity to stand out from the competition.

Similarly, the AI functions that we’ve just begun to explore on these Pixel 10 devices are promising. Will the capabilities unlocked by the Tensor G5 chip be a game-changer? We’re eager to find out more with a full review.

Price and Release Date

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be available in France from October 9th, starting at 1899 euros for the 256 GB version.