The Pixel 10 Pro Fold was a disappointment in Google's 2025 lineup, failing to impress with its incremental updates and lackluster features. According to reports from reputable sources, including 9to5Google, the device's shortcomings were largely due to its uninspired design and unimpressive camera system. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold featured a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but its camera system, which included a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP front camera, and 48MP telephoto lens, failed to deliver significant improvements over its predecessor. With a price tag of $1,799, the device was expected to offer more substantial upgrades, particularly in the camera department. As reported by leaker Ice Universe, the device's camera system was one of the major areas where Google fell short of expectations.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's design was largely unchanged from its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with a similar hinge mechanism and durable glass construction. However, the device's build quality was not without its issues, with some users reporting creaks and scratches on the display. The device's dimensions, measuring 158.3 x 79.3 x 13.1mm when folded and 158.3 x 139.8 x 6.8mm when unfolded, made it a bulky device to carry around. The phone's weight, which tipped the scales at 263g, was also a concern for some users. According to a report by CNET, the device's design and build quality were not up to par with other flagship devices in the market.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's design was also criticized for its lack of IP68 water and dust resistance, a feature that is commonly found in other high-end smartphones. The device's colors, which included a single option of "Obsidian," were also limited, giving users little choice in terms of customization. As noted by The Verge, the device's design and build quality were not the only areas where Google fell short, with the camera system and performance also being major concerns. The device's frame, made of durable glass and metal, was designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, but its overall design and build quality were not enough to impress critics and users alike.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's display was one of its few redeeming features, with a 6.8-inch AMOLED panel that offered vibrant colors and a high contrast ratio. The display's resolution, which measured 2244 x 1080 pixels, was also impressive, with a pixel density of 380 pixels per inch. The device's refresh rate, which was capped at 120Hz, was also a notable feature, providing smooth scrolling and animation. However, the display's brightness, which maxed out at 1000 nits, was not enough to make it truly standout in the market. According to a review by TechRadar, the device's display was one of its strongest features, but it was not enough to make up for its other shortcomings.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's display was also equipped with a number of features, including HDR10+ support, a wide color gamut, and a blue light filter. The device's screen protector, which was applied at the factory, was also designed to provide extra protection against scratches and drops. However, the device's display was not without its issues, with some users reporting problems with the screen's calibration and color accuracy. As reported by Android Authority, the device's display was not perfect, but it was still one of the best features of the phone. The display's overall quality and specifications made it a strong point of the device, but it was not enough to save the phone from its overall lackluster performance.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's camera system was one of its major disappointments, with a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP front camera, and 48MP telephoto lens that failed to deliver significant improvements over its predecessor. The device's camera app, which was redesigned to take advantage of the phone's unique form factor, was also slow and clunky, making it difficult to use. The camera's features, which included a night mode, portrait mode, and video recording, were also not as robust as those found on other flagship devices. According to a review by Wired, the device's camera system was not up to par with other high-end smartphones, and its lack of innovation and improvement was a major concern.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's camera system was also criticized for its lack of a periscope lens, which is a feature that is commonly found on other high-end smartphones. The device's camera system was also not equipped with a time-of-flight sensor, which is a feature that is used to improve the camera's depth sensing and portrait mode capabilities. As reported by CNET, the device's camera system was not the only area where Google fell short, with the device's performance and battery life also being major concerns. The camera system's overall quality and specifications were not enough to impress critics and users, and it was clear that Google needed to do more to improve the device's camera capabilities.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's performance was also a major concern, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor that was not as powerful as those found on other flagship devices. The device's RAM, which was available in 12GB and 16GB configurations, was also not enough to provide smooth performance and multitasking. The device's storage, which was available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations, was also not enough to provide ample space for users' files and apps. According to a review by The Verge, the device's performance was not as smooth as other flagship devices, and its lack of power and speed was a major concern.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's performance was also criticized for its lack of a high-refresh-rate display, which is a feature that is commonly found on other high-end smartphones. The device's performance was also not as efficient as other devices, with a power consumption that was higher than expected. As reported by Android Authority, the device's performance was not the only area where Google fell short, with the device's battery life and charging speed also being major concerns. The device's overall performance and specifications were not enough to impress critics and users, and it was clear that Google needed to do more to improve the device's performance and capabilities.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's battery life was also a major concern, with a 5000mAh battery that was not enough to provide a full day of use. The device's charging speed, which was capped at 30W, was also not as fast as other flagship devices. The device's battery life was also affected by its power-hungry display and processor, which drained the battery quickly. According to a review by TechRadar, the device's battery life was not as long as other flagship devices, and its lack of endurance was a major concern.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's battery life was also criticized for its lack of wireless charging, which is a feature that is commonly found on other high-end smartphones. The device's battery life was also not as efficient as other devices, with a power consumption that was higher than expected. As reported by CNET, the device's battery life was not the only area where Google fell short, with the device's performance and camera system also being major concerns. The device's overall battery life and charging speed were not enough to impress critics and users, and it was clear that Google needed to do more to improve the device's battery life and charging capabilities.
In conclusion, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold was a disappointment in Google's 2025 lineup, with a lackluster design, unimpressive camera system, and underwhelming performance. The device's display was one of its few redeeming features, but it was not enough to make up for its other shortcomings. With a price tag of $1,799, the device was expected to offer more substantial upgrades, particularly in the camera department. As reported by 9to5Google, Google is expected to release a new flagship device in 2026, which will likely address the issues found in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The new device is expected to feature a more powerful processor, improved camera system, and longer battery life, and it will likely be a major competitor in the smartphone market.