In the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, few brands have carved out a niche as distinct as Google's Pixel. Renowned for delivering the truest Android experience, a camera that consistently sets industry benchmarks, and a design philosophy that is both minimalist and bold, Pixel phones stand in a class of their own. Now, the tech world is abuzz with anticipation as we await the arrival of the tenth generation of the Pixel lineup. Soon, we’ll witness the unveiling of the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and the next iteration of its groundbreaking foldable series. Following a long-standing tradition in the industry, we expect these cutting-edge devices to make their grand debut this autumn, bringing with them a wave of innovation.
For this deep dive, we're focusing on the much-hyped Pixel 10 Pro Fold. We'll explore the latest leaks and rumors, drawing a detailed comparison to its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which made a significant splash in the market just last September.
Google first entered the competitive foldable phone arena in 2023 with the original Pixel Fold. It was a bold move that quickly captured the attention of both critics and consumers, earning a dedicated following for its unique approach to the foldable form factor. The first-generation device, which unfolded into a spacious 7.6-inch, 120Hz display, was powered by the Tensor G2 processor, supported by 12GB of RAM, and featured a robust 4800mAh dual battery. Its successor, the Pixel 9 Fold, was eventually rebranded as the 9 Pro Fold, signaling its premium position in the lineup.
Now, as we look ahead to the new model, let's break down the rumored specifications of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and see how they stack up against the 9 Pro Fold. While an official announcement is still on the horizon, we can anticipate a blend of familiar features and exciting new enhancements.
Design, Build, and Display: A Familiar Yet Refined Form
From a visual standpoint, the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to maintain the sleek, elegant aesthetic of the 9 Pro Fold. The build quality and the level of protection are rumored to remain top-tier, with a familiar weight of approximately 260 grams. The device will reportedly feature the tough Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability and maintain an IP68 water resistance rating, ensuring it can withstand the elements. The fingerprint sensor will likely be integrated into the side, a user-friendly placement that proved successful in the 9 Pro Fold. In line with modern connectivity standards, the phone will support both a physical nano-SIM card and an eSIM.
The display, the centerpiece of any foldable device, is where the Pixel 10 Pro Fold truly shines. When unfolded, the main screen is expected to be a brilliant 8.0-inch, 120Hz HDR10+ panel. With a dazzling peak brightness of 1800 nits, it will offer incredible clarity and color vibrancy, while maintaining a pixel density similar to its predecessor at around 374 ppi. The outer display, a crucial element for one-handed use, is rumored to be a vibrant 6.4-inch, 120Hz OLED screen with an even higher peak brightness of 2000 nits. It’s worth noting that, like the 9 Pro Fold, only the outer screen is expected to be protected by Gorilla Glass, a design choice that prioritizes the most frequently used surface.
Under the Hood: The Power of Pure Android
As a flagship Google device, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be the first in line to receive the latest Android updates. It’s anticipated to launch with Android 16 and will be supported with an impressive seven years of major Android OS updates, guaranteeing a long and secure lifespan. Powering this next-gen experience will be Google’s new Tensor G5 chipset, rumored to be a 4nm processor, maintaining the same manufacturing process as the Tensor G4.
When it comes to memory, the 10 Pro Fold is expected to carry on the tradition of offering a robust 16GB of RAM. However, the internal storage options will see a significant expansion. While the 9 Pro Fold came in 256GB and 512GB variants, the new 10 Pro Fold will reportedly introduce a massive 1TB version. This expanded storage, combined with the lightning-fast UFS 4.0 memory type, will provide a noticeable boost to the device’s overall performance and responsiveness.
The Camera: Capturing Life in Stunning Detail
The camera has always been a key selling point for the Pixel line, and while the new Fold’s camera hardware may seem familiar, the magic lies in Google’s computational photography. Insider sources suggest a camera setup identical to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: a 48MP main sensor with a wide f/1.7 aperture, a 10.8MP telephoto lens with an f/3.1 aperture, and a 10.5MP ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture. Both the primary and front-facing cameras will support professional-grade 4K video recording at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second, along with high-speed 1080p video at up to 240 fps. The selfie camera will be a 10MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, complemented by a 10MP panoramic camera.
In line with current trends, the new model will not feature a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users will connect their audio devices via Bluetooth or a Type-C adapter. The 10 Pro Fold will also feature stereo speakers, promising a rich and immersive audio experience, and will come equipped with updated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi versions for more stable and faster connectivity.
Battery and Charging: A Much-Needed Power Boost
Perhaps one of the most significant upgrades comes in the form of battery life and charging speed. The new 10 Pro Fold is rumored to house a larger 5015mAh battery that supports a much-improved 30W wired charging. This is a major leap from the 9 Pro Fold's 4650mAh battery, which only supported a relatively slow 21W wired charging. Even more notable is the upgrade to wireless charging, which will jump from a meager 7.5W to 15W, a welcome change that will dramatically reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device wirelessly.
While the official price remains a mystery, the base model is expected to be positioned competitively, likely starting around $1000, similar to the 9 Pro Fold’s launch price of $980 in the US.