The foldable smartphone industry has reached a new milestone with the launch of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the world’s first folding phone to achieve a full IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This breakthrough cements Google’s place at the forefront of foldable innovation, outpacing long-established players such as Samsung and Honor, who have long dominated the category.

Reinventing Foldable Design

With the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Google has redefined what it means for a foldable phone to be truly durable. The new hinge architecture is a technical highlight—it enables the device to withstand both dust ingress and submersion in water, a first for foldable phones. The engineering advancements in the hinge mechanism not only improve resilience but also reduce bulk, resulting in a design that is both slimmer and sturdier.

The device’s build quality reflects Google’s growing focus on material refinement. The frame, now made from reinforced aluminum, offers a stronger yet lighter structure. The bezels have been slimmed down significantly, giving the phone a modern edge-to-edge look. The left edge now aligns nearly flush with the frame, delivering a more balanced and seamless aesthetic compared to its predecessor. On the rear, the glass panel’s surrounding bezel has also been minimized, further enhancing the phone’s sleekness.

Color plays a larger role in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s design identity this year. The new anodized aluminum finish adds a subtle yet premium sheen to the device. The phone comes in Jade and Moonstone color options, both exhibiting Google’s signature minimalist tone. The Moonstone variant features a distinctive blue camera module that stands out as a visual centerpiece, giving the phone a refined, high-end character.

Displays That Shine Brighter and Last Longer

Both the inner and outer displays have received significant upgrades in durability and performance. Google has equipped the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with enhanced protective glass layers, offering improved resistance against scratches and impacts. The brightness peaks at 3000 nits, a considerable leap from the previous generation, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility and vibrant color accuracy.

• Outer Display: Uses an LTPS (Low-Temperature PolySilicon) panel supporting variable refresh rates between 60Hz and 120Hz, balancing smooth visuals with energy efficiency.

• Inner Display: Employs an LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) panel that dynamically adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz, allowing seamless transitions between high-performance tasks and battery-saving idle states.

Google has also introduced a new PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) sensitivity mode on the inner display, aimed at users who experience eye strain from screen flicker. This accessibility-focused feature reflects Google’s broader emphasis on inclusivity in its hardware design.

Performance Driven by Tensor G5

Under the hood, the Tensor G5 chip powers the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, offering notable improvements in AI performance, thermal efficiency, and overall speed. Built on a next-generation process node, the Tensor G5 enhances real-time translation, photo processing, and contextual intelligence—core pillars of Google’s Pixel experience.

Paired with upgraded memory and storage options, the Tensor G5 ensures smoother multitasking and faster app performance, maintaining responsiveness even in demanding foldable-optimized workflows. Despite its compact design, the device includes an expanded battery, around 400mAh larger than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, translating into several extra hours of usage per charge cycle.

Connectivity and Design Efficiency

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold retains a physical SIM tray across all global models—a move that underscores Google’s commitment to flexibility for users who rely on physical SIMs alongside eSIM technology. The tray’s relocation to the top of the device frees up internal space, allowing for improved antenna design and better signal consistency. Interestingly, Google achieved this while removing the mmWave module found in earlier models, simplifying the build without sacrificing connectivity.

Camera Innovation and Imaging Excellence

The camera system continues to be one of the defining aspects of the Pixel series. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold debuts a 48MP main sensor with enhanced light sensitivity and advanced image processing powered by Google’s Pro Level Zoom technology, supporting up to 100x hybrid zoom. This allows for clearer long-range shots and improved detail retention, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Thanks to the Tensor G5’s AI capabilities, features like Real Tone, Magic Eraser, and Night Sight have become faster and more accurate, maintaining Google’s edge in computational photography. The combination of high optical precision and AI-powered enhancement gives the Pixel 10 Pro Fold one of the most advanced imaging systems in the foldable segment.

Battery, Charging, and Pixelsnap Integration

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold introduces 15W Qi2 wireless charging through Google’s new Pixelsnap magnetic system, which enables magnetic alignment for faster and more stable charging without needing a case. This same system allows the device to act as a docked smart display when unfolded, displaying dynamic screensavers and contextual information—similar to the Pixel Tablet experience.

The slightly larger battery, combined with improved thermal management and adaptive refresh rates, ensures consistent power efficiency across extended use. With Google’s continued support of seven years of software and security updates, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold promises lasting reliability in both hardware and software.