Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Minor Upgrades, No Threat to Samsung Z Fold 7
In an unconventional move ahead of its highly anticipated “Made by Google” event on August 20, Google has offered an early glimpse of its forthcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The 30-second teaser video, released a week before the expected unveiling of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2A, effectively revealed the design of Google’s third-generation book-style foldable smartphone.
While the teaser offered little in the way of specific details, leaked information has already shed light on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s potential pricing structure. According to reports, Google plans to increase the cost of its new foldable, with the 256GB model reportedly starting at $1,800. Storage upgrades are also set to be pricey, with the 512GB variant priced at $1,919 and a new 1TB option reaching $2,149.
A close examination of the device in the teaser suggests that significant design overhauls will be minimal, prompting questions about what truly sets this generation apart. Minor enhancements, such as a rumored IP68 rating for improved water and dust resistance, are anticipated. Further leaks point to the device being powered by Google’s custom Tensor G5 processor, featuring a slightly larger and brighter 6.4-inch cover screen, an increase from the previous 6.3-inch display. The camera array is expected to include a triple-lens setup on the rear, comprising a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Both the cover screen and the folding display will reportedly house 10-megapixel selfie cameras, complemented by a robust 5,015mAh battery.
Rather than emphasizing hardware innovations, industry observers predict Google will heavily promote the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s deep integration with its Gemini AI. The company is expected to highlight how artificial intelligence can enhance user productivity and efficiency, leveraging Gemini’s growing capabilities in mobile computing. While Gemini is still in its early stages, its utility for streamlining mobile workflows is becoming increasingly apparent.
However, for enthusiasts and existing owners of devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the incremental hardware upgrades may prove disappointing. This stands in stark contrast to the substantial advancements seen in competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung’s latest foldable has widely been lauded as a benchmark in the foldable space, particularly for its advancements in design, achieving remarkable thinness and lightness. Many consider the Z Fold 7 to be the leading global book-style foldable, setting a high bar against which future devices—including the rumored iPhone foldable slated for 2026—will inevitably be measured.
In essence, while Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold appears to be a refinement of its existing foldable strategy, it seems poised to lean heavily on software and AI differentiation rather than sweeping hardware overhauls. This approach positions it distinctively against rivals like Samsung, whose recent innovations have set a new standard for the physical design and user experience of foldable smartphones.