Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The Perfectly Thin Foldable

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward for foldable technology, introducing a world-first IP68 rating, magnetic Qi2 charging, brighter screens, and a larger battery. While these upgrades are impressive, the device’s physical dimensions remain largely unchanged from its predecessor, making it slightly heavier and marginally thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Given that last year’s model was already celebrated for its slim and lightweight design, this year’s iteration finds itself competing in a market where rivals are aggressively pursuing ever-thinner profiles.

Over the past twelve months, companies like Oppo, Honor, and Samsung have engaged in a fierce battle to claim the title of the world’s thinnest foldable. Google, however, did not participate in this particular race. Having personally tested several of these ultra-slim models, I can confirm that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is indeed the thickest among the latest releases. Yet, after a full week of use, its dimensions have proven to be perfectly acceptable.

When unfolded, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold measures a slender 5.2mm, which feels undeniably thin, comparable to most modern tablets. The closed thickness is 10.8mm, not including the prominent camera housing. One longstanding critique of foldable phones is that they can feel like two devices awkwardly joined together. While the Pixel doesn’t suffer from that exact sensation, its folded form is noticeably thicker than conventional flagship smartphones. This is where competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gain an advantage; at just 8.9mm thick, it is only slightly bulkier than an iPhone 17 Pro Max and remains thinner than Google’s offering.

The Honor Magic V5 currently holds the record for the thinnest foldable at 8.8mm, with the Oppo Find N5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 close behind. Side-by-side comparisons make the Pixel’s extra girth apparent. However, during everyday use, whether carried in a jeans pocket or held in one hand during a commute, the added thickness of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has never felt intrusive or cumbersome.

Where the device does draw attention is its weight. Tipping the scales at 258 grams, it is nearly 50 grams heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This becomes noticeable during extended one-handed use, such as reading on a train or holding the phone above your head while lying down. Over time, the extra heft can lead to minor fatigue.

The trade-off for this additional bulk becomes clear when considering battery performance. Google equipped the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with a 5,015mAh battery, which comfortably surpasses the 4,400mAh cell in the Z Fold 7. In real-world testing, this larger capacity eliminated battery anxiety, often leaving around 40 percent charge at the end of the day. This reserve provides a comfortable buffer for heavy usage and accounts for long-term battery degradation. It’s worth noting that Oppo and Honor’s thinner models still offer larger batteries, thanks to their use of advanced silicon-carbon technology, a feature slower to arrive in the U.S. market.

Reflecting on my initial impressions, I must admit I judged the Pixel 10 Pro Fold too harshly before using it. Two months ago, while reviewing the Honor Magic V5, I criticized Google’s design as feeling outdated. My opinion has since shifted. While phones like the Honor, Oppo, and Samsung models undoubtedly point toward the future of foldable design, the slightly thicker Pixel feels perfectly adequate for present-day needs. There’s a strong argument to be made that the pursuit of ever-thinner devices is yielding diminishing returns. We may have reached a point where further reductions offer little practical benefit, at least until the industry moves beyond USB-C ports altogether. Google may not be leading the thinness race, but it isn’t lagging far behind either.

(Source: The Verge)