Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The New Hardware
The wait for Google's next-generation foldable is nearly over, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold set for an announcement in just eight days on August 20. However, rumors are circulating about a potential delay for this highly-anticipated device. While the other Pixel 10 phones are expected to ship on August 28, it is rumored the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might not be available until October 9, according to this report from Winfuture.
With that in mind, let's take a look at all the rumors about what's new with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold hardware. On the surface, leaked images suggest the design looks mostly the same as last year's model, maintaining the same camera layout and general design. However, a deeper dive into the leaked specifications reveals some interesting change that could make a world of difference. Rumors suggest Google has focused on refining the hardware with a new chipset, a larger battery and other key improvements that could set the Pixel 10 Pro Fold apart from its predecessors.
Cameras
Looking at the camera hardware, it's clear that much of the setup is staying the same, with the ultrawide, telephoto, and selfie cameras all using the exact same sensors as the previous model. The most significant change is in the primary camera. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold used a Sony IMX787 sensor with a size of 1/1.73”, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will reportedly use a Samsung GN8 sensor. Both sensors are 48 megapixels, but the new sensor is physically smaller at 1/1.95”. This is the same primary sensor that is found in the Pixel 9a. Keep in mind that in the 9a that sensor is listed as 1/2” as the GN8 is technically a 50MP sensor being cropped to 48MP. I would bet the same thing happens here, making it even smaller.
The choice to use a physically smaller primary sensor, particularly one from a more budget-focused phone like the Pixel 9a, could be a sign of Google's strategy. A smaller sensor typically gathers less light, which can affect low-light performance, but it may also be a way for Google to save on costs and further lean into its signature strength: computational photography. This suggests that any gains in camera quality for the 10 Pro Fold will likely be driven by software and advanced AI processing rather than a major hardware upgrade.
It’s also notable that Google did a similar downgrade from Fold to 9 Pro Fold and image quality actually improved across the board. This shouldn’t be anything to panic over, but it’s also nothing to be excited about. When it comes to cameras on phones, processing is often the most important thing and we know Google knows how to do that.
Weight and Measurements
Just a couple of months ago, when I got my hands on a Pixel 10 Pro Fold case, the early indications were that while the dimensions might not be drastically different, there was still hope for a significant reduction in weight. However, more specific leaks have revealed that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be both slightly heavier and thicker than last year's model.
The new device is reported to weigh in at 258g, a figure that comes as quite a surprise, especially when considering competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which weighs in at 215g. It will also have folded dimensions of 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8mm and unfold to 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2mm. While the 10 Pro Fold isn’t ballooning in a significant way - only adding 1g of weight and less than a mm of thickness, many were hoping for at least a weight reduction that we don’t appear to be getting.
Battery
So, what could be the reasoning behind this decision? A potential excuse and one that many users might welcome is the possibility of a larger battery. Google is reportedly set to include a 5,015mAh battery in the Fold, which is much larger than the 4,650mAh battery in the 9 Pro Fold. Combined with the new Tensor G5, battery life could be significantly improved. Keep in mind that Google is not moving to Silicon-Carbon to achieve this size either. They are simply pushing traditional lithium-ion to it’s limit. Charging speed is expected to remain on the low end with 23w wired and 15w wireless.
It’s also worth nothing that Pixel 10 models are rumored to be adding an internal magnet for full Qi2 wireless charging and a new set of accessories called Pixel Snap. This appears to be Google’s answer to MagSafe. If Google is including this magnet in the Pro Fold, this would also help to explain the weight gain… Even if I’m skeptical that the Fold is getting this new feature.
Screens
Google has reportedly thinned out the hinge to the left of the cover display, a change that has allowed the outer screen to widen and become a more accommodating 6.4-inch screen. This is a welcome change for those who felt the previous model's outer display was too narrow. While the outer screen gets a noticeable size bump, the inner screen remains the same as its predecessor, coming in at a familiar 8 inches.
The cover display on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to see a significant upgrade in brightness, with leaks suggesting it will offer 3,000 nits of peak brightness. This is a notable increase from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cover screen, which peaked at 2,700 nits. I’ve not seen numbers shared on the inner screen just yet.
Internals
Under the hood, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to see some of its most significant upgrades. The new device is rumored to be powered by the Tensor G5 chipset, which should provide a substantial boost in performance and efficiency. This new chipset, combined with a 16GB of RAM marks a notable shift in strategy for Google. The Tensor G5 is expected to be manufactured by TSMC using a 3nm process, which typically results in better thermal management and a more powerful yet more efficient chip compared to previous generations. As mentioned before, with the larger battery this could lead to the 10 Pro Fold having excellent battery life.
IP Rating
One of the most significant upgrades rumored for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is its IP rating. The device is expected to be one of the first foldables with a full IP68 rating. The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and the two digits indicate its level of resistance to solids and liquids. The "6" signifies total protection against dust, while the "8" means it can withstand being submerged in water beyond one meter for up to 30 minutes.
This rumored IP68 rating would be a major step up in durability, especially when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7which retains its predecessor's IP48 rating. While an IP48 rating provides excellent water resistance, it offers less protection against solid particles, meaning it is not considered dustproof. This would give the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a clear advantage in overall durability and make it a more reliable choice for users in a wider variety of environments.
Re-Engineering
While many of the device's external features appear to be a refinement of its predecessor, renders and leaks suggest that the SIM tray has moved. This seemingly small change could be a key indicator that Google has re-engineered the phone's internal layout. Many OEMs dedicate significant resources to redesigning the internal structure of their foldables, often to improve the hinge mechanism and reduce the visibility of the screen crease. It is also highly likely that improvements to the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) are being explored to enhance durability. This all remains speculation, but it points to a device that is not just a spec bump but a more thoughtfully re-engineered product.
Color Options
The latest renders for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold reveal two new colors: Jade and Moonstone. The Moonstone option is described as a very desaturated slate blue with a lighter frame, while Jade presents as a soft pistachio green with a soft gold frame. These new colors replace the previous black and white options, a shift that may seem strange to those who prefer more standard device colors.
Is It Enough?
While some of the rumored hardware changes are interesting, there is not a ton of hardware change to get excited about with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. For this device to be a success, Google's new software features will need to be impressive. Leaks point to a new AI-powered feature called "Magic Cues," which would proactively provide context-aware suggestions from your on-device data without sending it to the cloud. Google is also reportedly enhancing notifications with AI to automatically sort them and provide summaries of conversations. Another exciting possibility is Google's new desktop mode, which has been seen in beta. This feature would allow users to connect their Pixel to an external display and run applications in floating windows for a more traditional desktop interface, potentially giving the large inner display even more utility.
Will this be enough to get you to buy? Let me know in the comments!