If we’re going to go on looks alone, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks like the previous model in new clothes. So what has Google actually changed? We’ll dig into that, considering more has changed on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold than you might expect.
It’s thicker, but just a little bit
Let’s get this one out of the way.
At 10.8mm thick when folded, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is slightly larger than the folded 10.5mm size of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. There’s a big reason for the change, and it ends up not making a perceivable difference in the hand. That’s especially true considering the other changes Google made to the design.
New hinge construction and thinner bezels
Even with the slight increase in depth, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold now measures just 3 inches across. The change is a product of Google’s new gearless steel hinge design that’s stronger without some of the bulk that comes with more moving parts.
The removed material allows the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to shave width near the external display, which solves one of the biggest flaws of foldables in past years. Without that thicker bezel to one side, the 10 Pro Fold feels a lot more balanced, and it’s more easily mistaken for a normal slab-style device.
More nits, if you’re nitpicky
Almost everything about the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s display is the same as last year, expect for the change in brightness.
This year’s model will receive a 200-nit increase across the board, bringing the internal display up to 1,800 nits. The cover display will be rated at 2,000 nits on average. Peak brightness has also been increased.
The cover display size will also be slightly larger, coming in at 6.4 inches rather than 6.3. Other than that, both displays are essentially identical.
Finally! Magnets!
Google has officially embraced the Qi2 standard in full and has equipped the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with internal magnets for both wireless charging and accessories. The company’s new Pixelsnap series of accessories is launching alongside the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and it includes Qi2 cases, a ring stand, and a new charging stand that doubles as a puck.
This might be the most exciting change, and one that might tip the balance in favor of upgrading. With magnets in the rear panel, existing MagSafe-branded accessories can be used as they would on an iPhone or with a magnetic case. The placement of Google’s magnetic array seems to be perfect, with our existing wallets sticking just in the right spot.
This opens the door for thousands of accessories that are already on the market, and more are sure to come.
More powa, baby
With that change to Qi2, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be capable of 15W wireless charging. While it isn’t the max 25W that Qi2 can bring, it’s better than the 7.5W of last year.
Wired charging brings an increase, too, to 30W. Google says the Pixel 10 Pro Fold can charge to 50% in 30 minutes, with speeds slowing down a bit after that.
The total capacity has massively changed, as well. The new battery array is rated for 5,015mAh. That’s almost 500mAh more than the previous model, which will likely make for some serious gains in daily battery life. Google rated the device at upwards of 30 hours on a charge. It’s uncertain, though, especially with a new SoC.
Speaking of…
New SoC
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold packs Google’s new Tensor G5 chipset. With that, the company is leveraging more AI power for image processing and OS efficiency. TSMC, rather than Samsung, produces the new processor, but the modem inside will switch from a MediaTek model to a Samsung unit.
IP68 water and dust rating
The jump has been made in water and dust resistance to IP68 for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This means it’s water-resistant, but not entirely waterproof. Still, users won’t need to worry if it falls in a puddle or on a dusty trail. It’s as water and dust-tight as most slab phones, but that can still change over time with use and repair.
The ‘G’ logo is bigger
The “G” logo is bigger.
New camera UI and Pixel apps
As far as software goes, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will run Android 16. With that, Google is loading it with a few UI tweaks and apps.
The camera UI is a little bit cleaner and offers a more appealing layout. Buttons are squared off and seem to be a little easier to read. With that, a new Instant View allows users to see images that were just taken, as opposed to hitting the gallery button and sifting through photos. It’s something like a comparison view.
Google is also bringing new apps into the fray, like Journal for writing with a little bit of AI sprinkled in. It doesn’t seem to be something full-fledged like NotebookLM, but it’s a nice inclusion. “Daily Hub” and “Magic Cue” are also making their way to the Pixel 10 lineup, which will be new AI tools that emulate what Samsung sort of offers in its AI brief feature.
Look at all those colors
Just kidding, there are only two colors available. At least they both look good!
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes in “Moonstone” and “Jade.” The former is a nice greyscale variant that matches everything, and the Jade colorway looks like a desaturated Limencello.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is available to pre-order starting today for $1,799, though shipping will begin sometime in October.
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