Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Stronger, Smarter, and Still Playing It Safe
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold brings a sturdier design, familiar displays, the new Tensor G5 chip, and another round of AI-driven features. While competitors are pushing major foldable innovations, Google seems content with steady evolution rather than radical change.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks much like last year’s model — the first foldable Google brought to India — while rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Vivo X Fold 5 have become sleeker, lighter, and more refined. Google’s strategy, however, remains clear: build solid hardware that showcases its growing AI ecosystem. But at ₹1,72,999, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold enters a premium market where the competition has already raised the bar. So, how does it stack up?
Design: Not Sleek, But Built to Last
Google’s latest foldable is its most durable yet, featuring an IP68 rating and an improved hinge mechanism that unfolds more smoothly. The aluminium frame adds a premium feel and better durability — making it more rugged than its predecessor.
However, the phone is noticeably thicker and heavier than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and bulkier than Samsung or Vivo’s latest foldables. The familiar book-style design gives it a wider profile that may not suit users with smaller hands. Protection comes via Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and a frosted glass back, adding both toughness and style.
Display: Brighter and Bolder
Both displays on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold get a brightness boost. The 6.4-inch OLED cover display offers a 120Hz refresh rate (though without LTPO), while the 8-inch LTPO OLED inner screen delivers an impressive 3,000 nits peak brightness.
These enhancements make outdoor visibility excellent, and the crisp panels with punchy colors are great for watching content — even if the square aspect ratio still limits full-screen viewing.
The downsides? The thick bezels feel dated for a premium device, and the display crease remains noticeable. Perhaps 2026’s Pixel 11 Fold will finally iron that out.
Performance: Tensor G5 Has Its Limits
At the heart of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the Tensor G5 chip, which powers all Pixel 10 models. While it’s built for AI efficiency, its raw performance still trails behind top-tier processors like Apple’s A-series or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
Everyday performance is smooth, and with 16GB RAM, multitasking feels fluid. However, Google only offers the 256GB storage variant in India, which feels restrictive for a foldable at this price.
Where Tensor shines is in AI optimization. The device handles on-device processing for the Gemini AI suite, enabling faster and more private smart features. Google’s 7-year OS update promise also ensures long-term reliability — a major plus.
Cameras: Familiar But Reliable
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold sticks with a triple-camera setup that feels a step down from the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL. It includes:
- 48MP main sensor with OIS
- 10.8MP telephoto lens with OIS
- 10.5MP ultrawide lens
While the hardware might not top the charts, Google’s computational photography ensures consistent and balanced results across lighting conditions — though camera enthusiasts may wish for the higher-end Pro setup.
Verdict: Slow and Steady, But Needs a Leap
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold feels like Google’s most refined foldable yet, but not its most exciting. It’s tougher, more polished, and packed with AI smarts, yet still lags behind rivals in design finesse and hardware power.
If you’re a Pixel loyalist or an AI enthusiast, it’s a strong contender. But for those chasing cutting-edge foldable innovation, Samsung and Vivo remain a step ahead — at least for now.
