The foldable phone world is about to get more exciting. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is arriving this August 2025, and it’s bringing some impressive upgrades that might finally make foldables feel ready for everyday people like you and me.
If you’ve been curious about foldable phones but worried about durability, battery life, or whether they’re worth the premium price tag, Google’s latest might address many of those concerns. Let’s dive into what makes this device special and whether it deserves a spot in your pocket.
What’s New with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?
Bigger Battery That Actually Lasts
The most significant upgrade is the 5,015mAh battery – that’s a 7% increase from last year’s 4,650mAh capacity. In real-world terms, this means you’re looking at potentially 17+ hours of web browsing instead of the 16 hours and 25 minutes we saw with the previous model.
For a foldable phone that’s essentially replacing both your phone and tablet, battery life is crucial. Google seems to understand this, and the larger battery should finally give you confidence to use that gorgeous inner display throughout the day without constantly hunting for chargers.
Improved Charging Speeds
While still not the fastest on the market, charging gets better with 23W wired charging (up from 21W) and significantly improved 15W wireless charging (nearly double the previous 8W). The addition of Qi2 support means you’ll have access to better magnetic wireless charging accessories that snap perfectly into place.
Slightly Larger Cover Display
The outer screen grows from 6.3 inches to 6.4 inches, which might not sound like much, but it’s achieved by reducing bezels rather than making the phone bigger. Google is also boosting the brightness to 3,000 nits – a 10% improvement that should make outdoor use much more comfortable.
Performance and Processing Power
Tensor G5: Google’s First Fully Custom Chip
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs on Google’s new Tensor G5 processor, manufactured by TSMC using a 3nm process. This is Google’s first completely in-house chip design, moving away from Samsung’s semi-custom approach.
You’ll get 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM across all models, which should handle multitasking smoothly – important when you’re running apps on both the cover and inner displays simultaneously.
Storage Options That Make Sense
Google is offering 256GB, 512GB, and for the first time, 1TB storage options. The 1TB model is particularly interesting for people who want to store lots of photos, videos, and apps without worrying about cloud storage limitations.
Camera System: Familiar but Capable
The camera setup remains largely unchanged from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
- 48MP main camera
- 10.5MP ultrawide camera
- 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x zoom
While these specs might seem modest compared to some flagship phones pushing 200MP sensors, Google’s computational photography typically produces excellent results. The Pixel line has always been about software processing rather than raw hardware specs.
Design and Build Quality
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Google isn’t making dramatic design changes this year. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks nearly identical to its predecessor, which isn’t necessarily bad news. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold already had a refined, premium feel with its satin metal edges and Gorilla Glass back.
The hinge mechanism takes up slightly less space, contributing to the larger cover display without increasing overall device size. Dimensions remain around 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.3mm, making it manageable for one-handed use when closed.
Color Options
You’ll have two color choices: Jade (with gold accents) and Moonstone (a sophisticated gray). While limited compared to the regular Pixel 10 lineup, both options look premium and distinctive.
Durability: Breaking New Ground
Here’s where things get really interesting. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to be the first foldable phone with IP68 dust and water resistance. This would put it on par with regular smartphones in terms of protection from sand, dust, and water submersion.
If true, this addresses one of the biggest concerns people have about foldable phones – their perceived fragility. Being able to use your $1,799 investment at the beach or in the rain without worry is a game-changer.
Pricing and Value Proposition
| Storage | Price |
|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,799 |
| 512GB | $1,919 |
| 1TB | $2,049 (estimated) |
The $1,799 starting price matches last year’s model, which is refreshing in a market where prices typically increase annually. However, you’re still paying flagship phone money for what some consider a premium niche product.
Launch Timeline
August 20, 2025: Google’s announcement event August 28, 2025: Expected retail availability
This timeline gives Google a head start before Apple’s typical September iPhone announcements and positions the device well for holiday shopping season.
Who Should Consider This Phone?
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold makes sense if you:
- Want to replace both your phone and small tablet with one device
- Value Google’s clean Android experience and 7 years of guaranteed updates
- Need excellent camera performance in a foldable form factor
- Want the security of IP68 water resistance
- Don’t mind paying premium prices for cutting-edge technology
It might not be ideal if you:
- Prefer the thinnest possible phone design
- Need the absolute fastest charging speeds
- Want the most powerful processor available
- Are looking for your first smartphone upgrade under $800
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t revolutionary, but it’s evolutionary in all the right ways. The improvements focus on real-world usability: better battery life, improved charging, enhanced durability, and refined software.
At $1,799, it’s expensive but competitive within the foldable market. The addition of IP68 rating could be the confidence boost many people need to finally try a foldable phone.
If you’ve been waiting for foldables to mature before jumping in, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might be your moment. It combines Google’s software expertise with meaningful hardware improvements that address previous concerns about daily usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I buy the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?
A: Pre-orders likely start August 20, 2025 with general availability around August 28, 2025.
Q: Is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold really waterproof?
A: It’s expected to have IP68 rating, making it the first foldable with this level of water and dust resistance.
Q: How does the battery life compare to regular phones?
A: The 5,015mAh battery should provide 16-17 hours of typical use, similar to flagship non-folding phones.
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