Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s Gearless Hinge Is a “Big Leap”
▼ Summary
– Google considers the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a significant upgrade despite its similar design, choosing an aggressive engineering path over a safer spec update.
– The device features a new gearless hinge that improves reliability by eliminating gears vulnerable to dust damage and enables an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
– This hinge uses CAMs to convert rotational to linear motion, allowing for symmetrical folding, smoother operation, and a slimmer folded profile that is 0.8mm narrower.
– The hinge redesign enabled a larger 6.4-inch outer display through reduced bezels and a bigger 5,015 mAh battery due to rearranged internal architecture.
– Google maintains a polished hinge and metallic edges to convey a premium aesthetic, believing shiny finishes elevate the device to match other Pro Pixels.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold introduces a groundbreaking gearless hinge that represents a substantial engineering advancement over its predecessors. While the device maintains a familiar outward appearance, Google’s design team opted for an ambitious upgrade path rather than settling for incremental changes. According to the company, this approach reflects a deliberate effort to push technological boundaries and deliver meaningful improvements in durability, functionality, and user experience.
Claude Zellweger, who leads Pixel industrial design, explained that the team faced a critical choice: follow a conservative update strategy or pursue a more transformative direction. They chose the latter, resulting in what he calls “aggressive dimensions,” a more capable camera system, and the innovative gearless hinge. This hinge not only enhances reliability but also supports a thinner, more refined device profile.
A key advantage of the gearless hinge is its improved resilience against dust and debris. Traditional folding mechanisms rely on multiple interlocking gears, which can jam or wear down over time. By eliminating these small, vulnerable parts, Google has significantly boosted long-term reliability. The removal of gear-related gaps also enabled the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to achieve an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a notable achievement in the foldable category.
Instead of gears, the new hinge employs mechanical CAM components to coordinate the symmetrical opening and closing of the device. These CAMs convert rotational movement into linear motion, preserving the intuitive folding action while saving internal space. The outcome is a hinge that operates more smoothly, sits closer to the phone’s body, and contributes to a slimmer folded width, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is now 0.8mm narrower than before.
The space savings didn’t stop there. By redesigning the hinge, Google was able to shrink the bezels around the cover display, expanding it to 6.4 inches from the previous 6.3 inches. Internally, the new layout created room for a larger 5,015 mAh battery, a meaningful jump from the 4,650 mAh capacity in earlier models. These enhancements collectively improve both utility and endurance.
Visually, the hinge stands out with a polished finish, contrasting with the matte textures found elsewhere on the device. Google’s design philosophy holds that a reflective, premium look helps distinguish the Pro lineup, and the hinge is no exception. Similarly, the edges feature diamond-cut chamfers with a metallic sheen, reinforcing a sense of high-end craftsmanship. As Zellweger noted, keeping the hinge polished ensures it doesn’t simply blend into the background, it elevates the entire device, aligning it with the sophisticated identity of the Pixel Pro series.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
