The Google Pixel Fold marks an ambitious venture into the foldable phone market, a space where innovations and expectations are constantly evolving. This device is Google’s response to the growing demand for versatile, high-performance foldable smartphones.
The journey of the Pixel Fold has been a fascinating one, with Google delving into uncharted waters to bring a product that aims to redefine the foldable phone experience.
A Look At The Google Pixel Fold
Google entered the foldable smartphone market later than Samsung, but each Pixel Fold generation has steadily improved in durability, performance, and AI integration. If you’re considering a Pixel Fold or just want to see how the lineup has evolved, this guide covers everything from the first Pixel Fold in 2023 to the latest Pixel 10 Pro Fold in 2025.
Pixel Fold Generations Overview
Pixel Fold (1st Gen) – 2023
- Google’s first foldable phone.
- Featured a 7.6-inch inner OLED display and a 5.8-inch outer display.
- Powered by Tensor G2 chip.
- Praised for camera quality and software, but criticized for thickness and durability compared to Samsung’s Z Fold 4.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold – 2024
- Launched alongside the Pixel 9 series.
- Slimmer bezels, improved hinge, and brighter displays.
- Powered by Tensor G4 chip.
- Still lacked dust resistance (IPX8 water only).
Pixel 10 Pro Fold – 2025
- Announced on August 20, 2025, released October 9, 2025.
- Introduced a gearless hinge and IP68 water + dust resistance.
- Larger 6.4-inch outer display, brighter 8.0-inch inner display.
- Powered by Tensor G5 with advanced AI features.
- Considered Google’s most durable and polished foldable yet.
📅 Google Pixel Fold Release Dates
| Model | Announcement Date | Release Date | Key Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel Fold (1st Gen) | May 10, 2023 (Google I/O) | June 27, 2023 | Tensor G2 |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | August 13, 2024 (Made by Google 2024) | September 10, 2024 | Tensor G4 |
| Pixel 10 Pro Fold | August 20, 2025 (Made by Google 2025) | October 9, 2025 | Tensor G5 |
Should You Buy a Pixel Fold?
- Best For:
- Pixel enthusiasts who want Google’s AI-first approach.
- Users who prioritize photography and software experience.
- Those who want a foldable with clean Android and long-term updates.
- Reasons to Wait:
- Foldables remain expensive ($1,799+).
- If you own the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the 10 Pro Fold is a worthwhile upgrade mainly for durability and AI performance, but not essential if your 9 Pro Fold is still in good shape.
✅ Bottom Line:
The Pixel Fold series has gone from a first-gen experiment in 2023 to a true Samsung competitor by 2025 with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. If you’ve been hesitant to try a Pixel Fold, the 2025 model is the most refined and reliable option yet.
Your Guide to the Google Pixel Fold
Google entered the foldable phone market with the innovative Pixel Fold. This device delivers a unique and exciting blend of smartphone and tablet capabilities. Let’s explore what it offers.
Design and Display
The Pixel Fold takes a book-style folding approach. Closed, it functions like a standard smartphone with a 5.8-inch outer display. Unfold it to reveal a stunning 7.6-inch inner display for a tablet-like experience.
Camera System
Google’s camera expertise is evident in the Pixel Fold. It boasts a triple rear-camera system:
- Main Sensor: A large main sensor for bright and detailed photos, even in low light.
- Ultrawide Lens: Capture expansive scenes and landscapes.
- Telephoto Lens: Zoom in for close-up shots with impressive clarity.
Google Tensor G2 Chip
The Google Tensor G2 chip powers the Pixel Fold. This custom-designed processor delivers:
- Fast Performance: Snappy responsiveness for everyday tasks and demanding apps.
- AI Enhancements: Improved image processing, language translation, and smart features.
- Security: Advanced security features to protect your data.
Other Features
Here are some other notable features of the Google Pixel Fold:
- Durable Hinge: Google claims the hinge is designed for extensive folding and unfolding.
- Water Resistance: Protection from splashes and accidental spills.
- Wireless Charging: Conveniently charge your device without cables.
Pixel Fold Pricing & Availability
Here’s a quick look at pricing and where you can buy the Google Pixel Fold:
| Storage Option | Price |
|---|---|
| 256GB | $1799 |
| 512GB | $1919 |
You can purchase the Google Pixel Fold through the following channels:
- Google Store
- Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)
- Select Electronics Retailers
Pixel Fold Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 28, 2023 |
| Price | Starting at $1,799 |
| Design | Book-style foldable design with a tall and narrow aspect ratio |
| Display | 7.6-inch LTPO AMOLED foldable inner display and 5.78-inch OLED outer display |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Camera | 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 8MP camera |
| Battery | 4,727 mAh |
| Software | Android 13 |
| Special Features | Multitasking capabilities, stylus support, integration with Google services |
| Reviews | Positive reviews praising design, camera quality, and performance. Some concerns about software optimization and inner display quality. |
| Availability | Currently available for purchase in select regions |
| Future Updates | Google has promised ongoing software updates and potential for new features |
Note: This information is based on official sources and publicly available information. Google may release further updates and information about the Pixel Fold in the future.
Future Roadmap & Predictions
Google has now released three generations of the Pixel Fold (2023, 2024, 2025). Based on Google’s release cadence and industry trends, here’s what we can expect going forward.
Predicted Release Timeline
| Model | Expected Announcement | Expected Release | Likely Chipset | Predictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 Pro Fold | August 2026 (Made by Google 2026) | September/October 2026 | Tensor G6 | Slimmer design, improved crease reduction, more AI-driven multitasking features. |
| Pixel 12 Pro Fold | August 2027 | September/October 2027 | Tensor G7 | Possible under-display camera, even lighter frame, improved foldable glass durability. |
| Pixel 13 Pro Fold | August 2028 | September/October 2028 | Tensor G8 | Foldable + rollable hybrid design (Google has patents filed for rollable displays). |
| Pixel 14 Pro Fold | August 2029 | September/October 2029 | Tensor G9 | Full ecosystem integration with AR/VR devices, AI-driven adaptive UI. |
Key Trends to Expect
- Durability Improvements
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold introduced IP68 dust + water resistance. Future models will likely focus on reducing the crease, lighter materials, and stronger foldable glass.
- AI-Centric Features
- Each new Tensor chip (G5 → G6 → G7…) will expand on-device AI for multitasking, photography, and real-time productivity (translation, transcription, automated workflows).
- Camera Upgrades
- Expect under-display selfie cameras to remove the punch-hole.
- Improved telephoto zoom to match Samsung’s long-range zoom capabilities.
- Form Factor Evolution
- By 2028–2029, Google may experiment with rollable or tri-fold designs.
- Foldables could merge into a Pixel Tablet/Fold hybrid with larger screen sizes.
- Ecosystem Integration
- Tight integration with Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Tablet.
- Possible synergy with upcoming Google AR glasses (rumored for late 2020s).
✅ Outlook:
- The Pixel 11 Pro Fold (2026) will likely be a refinement year: slimmer, lighter, and powered by Tensor G6.
- By 2027–2028, we may see radical new designs (rollables, crease-free displays).
- Google’s long-term strategy is clear: foldables are here to stay, and the Pixel Fold line will remain the premium showcase for AI + hardware innovation.
The Development Journey of the Pixel Fold
The idea of a foldable phone from Google started taking shape with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2019. Since then, Google has been actively enhancing Android’s support for foldable devices, particularly with the introduction of Android 12L, designed for large screens. This ongoing development laid the groundwork for the Pixel Fold.
Initial reports in 2019 suggested Google was already prototyping foldable phones, and by 2021, details emerged about a 7.6-inch screen device with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the anticipated 2021 launch didn’t materialize, leading to further speculation and development. A second version, codenamed “Pipit,” was expected to feature the Google Tensor chip but retained the camera system from the Pixel 5. Eventually, this model was also shelved.
