Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Review: A Step Forward, But Is It Enough?

Ars Technica has published its comprehensive review of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, dubbing it "The ultimate Google phone" while posing the critical question: is merely being "slightly better than its predecessor" sufficient in today's competitive foldable market? Released on October 8, 2025, the review, penned by Ryan Whitwam, highlights the device's impressive display and robust on-device AI capabilities, yet points to its cameras as a notable drawback compared to other Pro Pixel models. This latest iteration from Google aims to solidify its position in the premium foldable segment, offering a blend of Google's signature software experience with enhanced hardware, though its overall value proposition remains a key point of discussion among tech enthusiasts.

techradar.com reported, The review from Ars Technica, alongside insights from TechRadar and other tech outlets, positions the Pixel 10 Pro Fold as a device with significant strengths, particularly in its design and software integration. It boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—a first for foldable phones—and a refined, durable hinge, addressing common concerns about foldable longevity.

However, the consensus suggests that while the phone excels in areas like its vibrant displays and advanced AI features such as Camera Coach and call screening, it struggles to fully justify its premium price tag of $1,799, especially when its camera performance is considered a step down from its non-foldable counterparts and rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

techmeme.com noted, Despite its advancements, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold faces scrutiny for not fully leveraging its unique foldable form factor with innovative software features. Reviewers note that while the Android software is "fantastic" and "smooth and refined," there aren't enough applications or functionalities that truly take advantage of the dual-screen design.

This sentiment echoes the broader challenge for foldable manufacturers: moving beyond the novelty of a folding screen to deliver genuinely transformative user experiences. The device's substantial battery life and Qi2 wireless charging capabilities are lauded, yet its thickness and weight compared to competitors are also points of contention.

youtube.com reported, Ultimately, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold emerges as a solid, if not revolutionary, entry in the foldable phone arena. It delivers on Google's promise of a premium experience with its robust build, powerful AI, and excellent displays.

However, the critical assessment from Ars Technica and others suggests that Google still has ground to cover to make its foldable offering unequivocally superior, particularly in camera performance and in maximizing the potential of its unique design. The question of whether "slightly better" is enough will likely depend on individual user priorities and their willingness to invest in a high-end foldable that, while improved, still leaves room for further innovation.

• Enhanced Durability and Design: The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold introduces an industry-first IP68 rating, providing robust dust and water resistance, a significant upgrade over previous foldable models and a key differentiator from competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Its gearless, high-strength hinge is designed for long-term durability, with Google claiming it's good for 10 years of folding.
• Despite these advancements, the device is noted to be thicker and heavier than the Z Fold 7, measuring 10.8 mm when folded and weighing 9.1 ounces, which might impact its ergonomic appeal for some users.
• Vibrant and Responsive Displays: Both the outer and inner displays of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold have received praise for their quality and brightness. The outer display is now slightly larger at 6.4 inches, offering a natural and comfortable smartphone experience, unlike the narrower cover screens on some rival foldables.
• The massive 8-inch inner display, while not the largest on the market, provides an immersive viewing experience, with both screens boasting a peak brightness of 3000 nits, surpassing the Z Fold 7's 2600 nits.
• Advanced AI and Performance: Powered by the Tensor G5 chip, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold leverages Google's expertise in artificial intelligence, with most AI features running directly on the device. Notable AI enhancements include "Camera Coach," an AI instructor that guides users to take better photos, and improved call screening capabilities.
• The inclusion of "Magic Cue" further enhances the AI suite, aiming to anticipate user needs and streamline daily tasks, contributing to a "fantastic Android software" experience.
• Camera Performance Under Scrutiny: While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold features an improved 48-megapixel main camera, along with ultrawide and 5x optical zoom telephoto lenses, and a new Google image signal processor, its camera system is considered a "step down from other Pro Pixels".
• Reviewers from Ars Technica and TechRadar suggest that the cameras are a "letdown compared to Samsung's Fold," which now offers a 200-megapixel main shooter. Despite dual-screen camera features and AI processing, the overall camera experience doesn't match the high standards set by Google's non-foldable flagship phones.
• Battery Life and Charging Innovations: The device is equipped with a substantial 5,000 mAh battery, offering a larger capacity than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's 4,400 mAh, which is expected to translate into longer battery life. For the first time, Google has integrated Qi2 wireless charging, complete with built-in magnets for compatibility with new Pixel Snap accessories, addressing a common complaint about previous foldable models lacking robust wireless charging options.
• Software Experience and Form Factor Utilization: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs on Google's "fantastic Android software," which is described as smooth and refined. However, a recurring critique is the perceived lack of software features that truly capitalize on the unique dual-display design of a foldable phone.
• While basic multitasking like split-screen apps is available, reviewers express a desire for more innovative functionalities that go beyond simply offering a larger screen, suggesting that Google has not added much excitement to the Fold's software over the past few years.
• Market Positioning and Value Proposition: Priced at $1,799, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold positions itself as a premium foldable device. While it offers key advantages over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, such as superior durability, advanced AI features, and a larger battery, it falls short in camera performance and remains thicker and heavier.
• The overall sentiment is that while it's a "phenomenal smartphone" and "one of the best foldable phones you can buy," its high price and the lack of truly transformative foldable-specific features leave reviewers "wanting more".