Google’s journey into foldable smartphones has been fascinating to watch. When the company first entered this space, they took a bold approach that was different from everyone else. Now, with the upcoming third generation on the horizon, it’s time to see how far Google has come with their foldable technology.
If you’re torn between the original Pixel Fold and waiting for the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold, this comparison will help you make an informed decision based on what matters most to you.
How the Design Has Changed Over Time
Remember when Google decided to be different? The original Pixel Fold broke the mold with its unique proportions. Instead of following Samsung’s tall and narrow approach, Google went wider and shorter, creating something that felt more like a small tablet when opened.
The phone measured 79.5 x 139.7 mm and was quite hefty at 283 grams. While this design had its charm, many users found the weight tiring during extended use. The chunky 12.1mm thickness when folded also made it feel bulky in pockets.
Fast forward to the expected Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Google has shifted their philosophy. The new model is expected to be significantly lighter at around 257 grams and much thinner at just 10.5mm when folded. This represents a major improvement in everyday usability.
The design language has also evolved to be more in line with what people expect from modern foldables. The proportions are now closer to Samsung’s Galaxy Fold series, which many users have found more practical for daily use.
Screen Improvements That Actually Matter
Here’s where things get really interesting. The original Pixel Fold featured a 5.8-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch main display. These screens were perfectly functional, with the main display hitting 1,450 nits of peak brightness.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to push boundaries further. The cover screen grows to 6.3 inches, making it much more usable for quick tasks without opening the phone. The main display expands to a generous 8 inches, giving you more real estate for productivity and entertainment.
But here’s the kicker – brightness is expected to nearly double to 2,700 nits. This means better outdoor visibility and more vibrant HDR content. If you’ve ever struggled to see your phone screen in bright sunlight, this improvement alone might be worth considering.
Both displays maintain the smooth 120Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and animations feel equally responsive on both devices.
Performance: The Processor Evolution
This is probably the most significant difference between these two devices. The original Pixel Fold launched with Google’s Tensor G2 processor, which was already feeling a bit dated when the phone arrived. Built on 5nm technology, it delivered decent performance but wasn’t exactly a powerhouse.
The Tensor G2 managed respectable benchmark scores of 1,483 single-core and 3,568 multi-core in Geekbench tests. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, it was perfectly adequate.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will feature the new Tensor G5 processor, built on cutting-edge 3nm technology. While early reports suggest the performance gains might not be revolutionary, the improved efficiency should translate to better battery life and less heat generation.
More importantly, the new model is expected to come with 16GB of RAM compared to the original’s 12GB. This extra memory will be particularly beneficial when running multiple apps simultaneously – something you’ll likely do more often on a foldable device.
Camera System: Evolution in Photography
Google has always been known for excellent smartphone cameras, and both these devices maintain that reputation. The original Pixel Fold came with a solid triple-camera setup: a 48MP main camera, 10.8MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to refine this formula with a 50MP main camera, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto. On paper, these changes seem minimal, but Google’s computational photography has likely improved significantly between generations.
The selfie cameras have also received upgrades. The original had a 9.5MP cover camera and 8MP internal camera, while the new model is expected to feature 10MP cameras on both sides.
What’s really exciting is how Google’s AI and machine learning improvements will enhance photo quality. Even with similar hardware, the newer software should deliver noticeably better results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Battery Life and Charging Reality Check
Here’s where things get a bit disappointing. The original Pixel Fold packed a hefty 4,821mAh battery, which sounds impressive but delivered just over 5 hours of screen time in testing. The Tensor G2’s inefficiency was partly to blame for this mediocre performance.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to have a slightly smaller 4,650mAh battery. Before you panic, remember that the new 3nm Tensor G5 processor should be significantly more efficient, potentially delivering better battery life despite the smaller capacity.
Unfortunately, charging speeds remain unchanged. Both devices support 21W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging, which feels slow compared to some competitors offering 100W+ charging speeds. You’ll still need about an hour and 40 minutes to fully charge either device.
Build Quality and Durability Improvements
The original Pixel Fold launched with IPX8 water resistance, meaning it could handle water but not dust. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to upgrade to proper IP68 protection, adding dust resistance to the mix.
Both phones use premium materials including aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass protection. The newer model is expected to feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which should offer better drop and scratch resistance.
Software Support That Makes a Difference
Here’s a crucial factor many people overlook. The original Pixel Fold will receive Android updates, but Google’s current flagship phones get seven years of major OS updates and security patches.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will likely launch with this extended support promise, meaning you’ll get software updates well into the 2030s. This makes it a much better long-term investment.
Storage Options Stay Practical
Both devices offer the same storage configurations: 256GB and 512GB variants. Neither offers expandable storage, so choose wisely based on your usage patterns. If you take lots of photos and videos or download content for offline viewing, the 512GB option is worth considering.
Color Choices Expand Your Options
The original Pixel Fold came in just two colors: Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white). The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to add Sterling Grey and Green options, giving you more ways to express your style.
Making Your Decision
So, which one should you choose? The answer depends on your priorities and timeline.
Choose the original Pixel Fold if you can find it at a significant discount and don’t mind the older processor and shorter software support. It’s still a capable device for most users.
Wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold if you want the latest technology, longer software support, better displays, and improved build quality. The lighter weight and thinner profile alone make it more practical for daily use.
The upcoming model represents a meaningful evolution in Google’s foldable journey. While it might not revolutionize the category, it addresses many of the original’s shortcomings and positions Google better in the competitive foldable market.
Remember, foldable phones are still premium devices with premium prices. Consider your budget, usage patterns, and how long you plan to keep the device before making your final decision.