Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold is making some interesting choices that might surprise you. While the entire foldable phone industry is racing to create the thinnest, lightest devices possible, Google seems to be taking a different path. The new foldable is actually getting thicker and heavier than its predecessor – but there might be a good reason for this seemingly backward step.
The Reality Check: Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs the Competition
When you look at the numbers, the story becomes clear. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold measures 10.8mm when folded, compared to the 9 Pro Fold’s 10.5mm thickness. That might not sound like much, but in the foldable world, every millimeter matters. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in at just 8.9mm when folded – nearly 2mm thinner than Google’s upcoming device.
This puts Google in an awkward position. Just last year, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was praised for being more pocketable and easier to handle than Samsung’s offering. Now, Samsung has completely flipped the script, creating a device that’s significantly more portable than what Google is preparing to launch.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
If you’ve ever tried using a thick foldable phone with one hand, you know the struggle. These devices need to work as regular smartphones when folded, because most people don’t want to unfold their phone every time they get a text message or need to check something quickly. The thicker a foldable gets, the harder it becomes to use comfortably during those everyday moments.
Think about walking down the street while texting, or trying to take a quick photo. If your phone is too thick or wide, these simple tasks become frustrating. That’s why thinness isn’t just about aesthetics in foldables – it’s about basic usability.
The Trade-Off: More Battery for More Bulk
So why is Google making their foldable thicker? The answer lies in the battery. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to pack a substantial 5,015mAh battery, compared to the 4,650mAh in the previous model. That’s a 7.8% increase in battery capacity, which should translate to longer usage time between charges.
Battery Life vs Portability: The Eternal Struggle
This creates an interesting dilemma for potential buyers. Would you rather have a phone that lasts longer throughout the day, or one that’s more comfortable to carry and use? Google is betting that people will choose battery life, especially given the reputation of recent Pixel phones for having somewhat disappointing battery performance.
The current Pixel phones use Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which hasn’t been particularly efficient when it comes to power consumption. The upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold will feature the new Tensor G5 chip, manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung. This should improve efficiency, and combined with the larger battery, could deliver significantly better battery life.
Why Google Didn’t Go Thinner
Here’s something interesting: Google could have potentially achieved better battery life without the extra thickness. Some manufacturers are now using Silicon-Carbon batteries, which pack more energy into a smaller space. Companies like OPPO, Xiaomi, and vivo are already using this technology in their foldables, achieving both slim designs and impressive battery life.
Google chose to stick with traditional lithium-ion batteries, which means they needed more physical space to increase capacity. It’s a conservative approach that might disappoint users who were hoping for the best of both worlds.
How the Pixel 10 Pro Fold Stacks Up
When you compare the key specifications, the trade-offs become evident:
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold weighs 258 grams – just one gram heavier than its predecessor, but 43 grams heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 215 grams. That’s a significant difference you’ll feel in your pocket and when holding the device for extended periods.
In terms of dimensions, Google has managed to make the outer display slightly wider while keeping the overall width narrower. The outer screen should be more usable for regular phone tasks, which is definitely a plus. However, the thickness increase when folded means it’ll take up more space in your pocket.
The Real-World Impact
What does this mean when you’re actually using the phone? The extra thickness might make the device feel less premium when folded, and it could be more noticeable in tight pockets. On the other hand, if the battery improvements deliver all-day usage without anxiety about finding a charger, many users might find that trade-off worthwhile.
The key question is whether Google’s battery improvements will be significant enough to justify the added bulk. Recent Pixel phones have struggled with battery life, so this could be Google’s attempt to address one of the most common complaints about their devices.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
This situation highlights the different philosophies in foldable design. Samsung has clearly prioritized making their device as thin and light as possible, even if it means accepting a smaller battery. Google is taking the opposite approach, prioritizing battery life over portability.
What This Means for Foldable Innovation
The foldable market is still relatively young, and manufacturers are still figuring out what users actually want. Some people might prefer Google’s approach of maximizing battery life, while others will gravitate toward Samsung’s ultra-thin design.
This diversity in approaches is actually healthy for the market. It gives consumers real choices based on their priorities, rather than having all manufacturers chase the same specifications.
Should You Care About These Changes?
If you’re considering upgrading from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the thickness increase might not be a deal-breaker, especially if you frequently find yourself running low on battery. However, if you were hoping for a more pocketable device, you might be disappointed.
For users coming from regular smartphones or considering their first foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s dimensions might feel substantial compared to what you’re used to. It’s worth handling one in person before making a decision, if possible.
The Waiting Game
Google will officially announce the Pixel 10 Pro Fold on August 20, and that’s when we’ll learn if there are any additional features that justify the increased thickness. Perhaps there are camera improvements, enhanced durability features, or other capabilities that haven’t been leaked yet.
Until then, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents an interesting case study in design priorities. Google is clearly betting that users will choose battery life over portability, while Samsung is making the opposite bet. Time will tell which approach resonates more with consumers.
The foldable phone market continues to evolve, and these different approaches to design challenges help push the entire industry forward, even when individual devices might seem to take a step backward in certain areas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold thicker than the previous model? A: Google increased the thickness to accommodate a larger 5,015mAh battery (up from 4,650mAh in the previous model). This should provide significantly better battery life, addressing one of the main complaints about recent Pixel phones. The trade-off is reduced portability compared to competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Q: How does the Pixel 10 Pro Fold compare to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of size? A: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is considerably thinner at 8.9mm when folded compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s 10.8mm. Samsung’s device is also much lighter at 215 grams versus Google’s 258 grams. However, the Pixel has a larger battery (5,015mAh vs 4,400mAh).
Q: When will the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold be officially announced? A: Google is expected to officially announce the Pixel 10 Pro Fold at their Made by Google event on August 20, 2025. This is when we’ll learn the final specifications, pricing, and availability details for the device.