Let’s face it foldable phones still feel a bit futuristic. When Google decided to dip its toes into this space with the Pixel Fold, expectations were high. After all, Google is known for stellar camera software, clean Android experiences, and clever hardware software integration. But how does all that translate to a foldable device?
Let’s unfold (pun intended) what works, what stumbles, and what you should know before investing in Google’s boldest phone yet.
A Sleek Exterior with a Book Like Twist
The Pixel Fold has a striking look from the outside sleek, modern, and surprisingly thin for a foldable. When closed, it resembles a regular phone with a 5.8 inch OLED cover display. Flip it open, and you’re greeted by a 7.6 inch foldable OLED screen, ideal for streaming, reading, or multitasking.What makes this phone stand out is its thin hinge among the slimmest in its class. It's water resistant (IPX8), meaning it can handle splashes and even a quick dip, but there’s no dust resistance. That’s a small but important thing to consider, especially if you’re the adventurous type.
Performance: Smooth Sailing with a Side of Heat
Under the hood, the Pixel Fold runs on Google’s Tensor G2 chip and 12GB of RAM. That combo delivers reliable performance for everyday apps, multitasking, and even gaming. Android has been tailored here, with foldable specific features like:- A dynamic taskbar for split screen use
- Seamless drag and drop between apps
- Real time translation tools on dual screens
That said, Tensor chips have been known to run warm, and some users did report the Pixel Fold heating up during heavier use especially while using Android Auto.
Cameras: Pixel Power, Now in Foldable Form
Pixel phones are known for their camera quality, and thankfully, the Fold doesn’t drop the ball here. You get a 48MP main sensor, 10MP telephoto with 5x zoom, and 10MP ultrawide. There’s also a selfie cam on both the outer and inner displays.The results? Just as you'd expect from Google natural skin tones, incredible night shots, and HDR that actually works. It borrows heavily from the Pixel 7 Pro, and that’s a good thing.
This isn’t just a foldable novelty with a camera slapped on. It’s a real contender for mobile photography.
Battery Life: Better Than You’d Think
Foldables usually suffer in the battery department, but the Pixel Fold holds up surprisingly well. With a 4821 mAh battery, it comfortably lasts a full day and more if you’re conservative. Google’s software smarts help manage power in the background, and standby time is solid.You won’t get ultra fast charging, though, and there’s no included charger in the box. Typical 2023 move.
Durability: The Foldable Elephant in the Room
Here’s where things get a little murky. Reviews and user reports are split. Many users praise its build quality saying it’s survived drops and rough handling. Others not so lucky.Some owners report inner screen issues, including dead pixels or spontaneous cracks, even without any major impacts. It’s worth noting that the inner screen has a soft layer, which is more prone to scratches than traditional glass. Plus, there’s no user replaceable screen protector, which is a bit of a letdown.
If you’re buying this phone, consider grabbing a case and a solid warranty or insurance plan. Better safe than sorry.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
What We Love:- Gorgeous dual displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates
- One of the thinnest foldables around
- Pixel level camera quality in a new form factor
- Smart multitasking features baked into Android
What Gives Us Pause:
If you're tech curious and love the idea of owning a foldable that doubles as a mini tablet, and you’re okay taking a few risks, the Pixel Fold is a joy to use. But if you prefer your phones rugged and worry-free, you might want to hold out for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, expected in late 2025 with a stronger build, IP68 protection, and faster performance.
For now, the Pixel Fold is a bold, stylish, and mostly satisfying leap into the world of foldables. Just don’t forget the case.
- Price starts at around $1,800 not exactly budget friendly
- Reports of inner screen fragility
- No dust resistance
- No fast charging and no charger in the box
Final Thoughts: A First Gen Marvel with Some Wrinkles
The Google Pixel Fold is undeniably impressive. It’s the kind of phone that turns heads, sparks curiosity, and actually lives up to some of the hype. But like many first gen products, it’s not perfect. The hardware is ambitious, the software is polished, but the durability is... a mixed bag.If you're tech curious and love the idea of owning a foldable that doubles as a mini tablet, and you’re okay taking a few risks, the Pixel Fold is a joy to use. But if you prefer your phones rugged and worry-free, you might want to hold out for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, expected in late 2025 with a stronger build, IP68 protection, and faster performance.
For now, the Pixel Fold is a bold, stylish, and mostly satisfying leap into the world of foldables. Just don’t forget the case.