Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Review

After a steady comeback in India, Google has built a rhythm with its Pixel lineup. The company’s latest flagship, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, priced at ₹1,72,999, is its most ambitious foldable yet. It takes direct aim at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (₹1,74,999) and Vivo X Fold 5 (₹1,49,999) — two of the strongest contenders in the category.

The new foldable refines what last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold started, improving in every major area — from design and display to AI and durability. This is also the first foldable Pixel with IP68 dust and water resistance, a first for any foldable device from Google. But the question is: does it do enough to take on Samsung and Vivo in a segment where innovation is evolving rapidly?

Design: Subtle, Solid, and Thoughtful

Google’s design language this year feels understated yet premium. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks sleek, built with a spacecraft-grade aluminium frame and a silky matte finish that resists smudges. At 258 grams, it is heavier than both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Vivo X Fold 5, yet the weight feels evenly balanced.

The redesigned hinge deserves special mention. It folds smoothly with minimal wobble and adds a reassuring sturdiness to the frame. The multi-alloy hinge with aerospace-grade components makes the phone feel durable and well-built. The crease is still visible, though slightly reduced compared to last year’s model.

What truly sets the Pixel apart is its IP68 rating — a rare feature among foldables. This makes it more resistant to dust and splashes than Samsung or Vivo’s devices. Google also deserves credit for using recycled aluminium, copper, and cobalt, giving it an eco-conscious edge. However, it’s still not the slimmest phone in the category, which may bother some users.

Display: Bright, Crisp, and Balanced

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a 6.4-inch Actua OLED cover display with 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness — brighter than both Samsung’s and Vivo’s outer screens. Indoors or outdoors, the screen feels vivid and sharp.

Unfold it, and the 8-inch Super Actua Flex display delivers a striking experience. With a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate and ultra-thin glass, scrolling feels effortless. The colour accuracy is top-notch, with natural tones that don’t oversaturate.

Samsung still has a slight edge in display efficiency, but Google’s panel feels more balanced overall. Watching HDR content or editing photos on this screen feels genuinely immersive.

Software and AI: Smarter Than Ever

Running on Android 16, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold fully embraces Google’s AI-first philosophy. Features like Gemini Nano and Gemini Live make daily interactions feel seamless. You can summarise text, translate on the go, or even search anything on-screen with Circle to Search.

The multitasking layout feels simpler than Samsung’s One UI and cleaner than Vivo’s Funtouch OS. It doesn’t overwhelm you with menus. Instead, it blends AI features naturally into your routine — whether you’re editing photos or switching between apps.

Samsung still wins on multitasking flexibility, but Google’s AI integration makes the Pixel experience smarter and more intuitive. It feels less like software and more like a companion that adapts to your habits.

Performance: Focused on Real Use, Not Numbers

Powered by Google’s new Tensor G5 processor and 16GB RAM, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is tuned more for intelligence than raw power. Benchmarks may place it behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in Samsung and Vivo, but everyday usage tells a different story.

The phone handles multitasking and gaming with ease. Titles like Call of Duty: Warzone run smoothly without heating issues. The Tensor G5 feels cooler and more efficient than last year’s G4, with faster AI-driven tasks and better optimisation.

However, Google still limits some benchmarking apps like Geekbench, which might frustrate power users. Still, performance in real life feels dependable and responsive — especially for users already in the Pixel ecosystem.

Camera: Foldable Photography, Refined

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s triple rear camera system continues Google’s legacy of computational photography. The 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultra-wide, and 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom produce consistent, realistic shots.

Photos look true to life with balanced colours, avoiding the overprocessing often seen in other brands. The Night Sight mode is particularly impressive, matching Samsung’s low-light output. Portrait shots show great detail and depth separation, and AI tools like Magic Eraser and Reimagine help enhance photos naturally.

Both selfie cameras perform well, supported by Real Tone and Face Unblur. Video recording at 4K 60fps looks smooth, with AI-backed features like Video Boost and Audio Magic Eraser improving overall clarity.

Samsung still leads slightly in zoom quality, but Google’s results feel the most natural and consistent. For foldable photography, this is currently the most complete experience.

Battery: Reliable, But Not Fast

The 5015 mAh battery is a clear upgrade, lasting easily through a full day with mixed use. Battery efficiency has improved, and Extreme Battery Saver mode can stretch usage close to three days.

Charging, however, is where Google lags. 30W wired and 15W wireless speeds feel slow next to Vivo’s 80W or even Samsung’s 25W. A full charge takes around 90 minutes, which isn’t ideal for quick top-ups. On the bright side, the new Qi2 wireless support feels faster and more reliable.

Verdict

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is Google’s most complete foldable yet. At ₹1,72,999, it’s priced smartly between Samsung and Vivo’s offerings. It excels in AI features, camera quality, and durability, giving users a distinct experience.

However, it’s not perfect. The weight and charging speed could be improved, and the crease still exists. But the refined build, seven years of software support, and meaningful AI features make it one of the most balanced foldables available in India right now.

If you value camera quality, long-term updates, and AI-driven experiences, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a confident choice — one that feels like the foldable future Google has been aiming for.