Many improvements
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to address the longstanding issues with Google’s foldable devices. It will bring a new 2nm Tensor G6 platform, which will be thinner, lighter and faster. Oh, and it will take better photos.
Winning where it matters
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t the fastest foldable, isn’t as durable as its Chinese rivals, and doesn’t take the best photos. But it has the best software and unique extras that you won’t get anywhere else. If you look at the specs, this is a great foldable.
Last year Pixel 10 Pro Fold didn’t really have many new features; it was the same as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, except for better water resistance, the Tensor G5 and a bigger battery. While other brands have introduced noticeable improvements — including Samsung with the slimmer Galaxy Z Fold 7 — the Pixel 10 Pro Fold felt like a simple release.
So I’m excited to see what Google has in store Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The latest leaks suggest that the upcoming foldable device will get a new Tensor G6 platform built on a 2nm node, brighter OLED panels inside and out, and new cameras – a long-overdue upgrade – along with design changes. This could finally be the year Google takes on Samsung and Vivo, and I can’t wait.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Pixel 10 Pro Fold: price and availability
Google has confirmed that it will do so Unveil the Pixel 11 on August 12. Just like last year, we should get four models: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. I don’t see any change in Google’s release strategy this year, so these models should be available for pre-order as soon as the launch event ends, with general sales starting before the end of August.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold retailed for $1,799 for the 256GB model, but with increased memory and storage costs, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is expected to cost at least $100 more, bringing it to $1,899. We’ll have to wait for the launch event to know what the foldable device actually costs, but given the trends in the industry, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have to pay more to get your hands on Google’s upcoming phones.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Design
The leaks suggest that Google has tweaked the design of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold a bit to make the rear camera island a bit more distinct, but other than that, the device looks similar to its predecessor. This is a good thing; Google has a distinct design aesthetic, and that won’t change in 2026.
One thing I would like to see is a lighter collapsible. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold weighs 258g, a full 43g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the weight difference is immediately noticeable. The extra bulk and weight makes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a bit cumbersome at times, and that’s something Google needs to address this year.
Another thing Google has to consider is size; Most foldables are now less than 4.5mm and 9mm when folded, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold should measure up in that category. A thinner and lighter fold will go a long way to distinguish the Pixel 11 Pro Fold from its predecessors, and that’s a key requirement in 2026.
A new feature coming to this year’s Pixels is the Pixel Glow, an LED notification light located on the rear camera island. It’s something that nothing has used to great effect on their phones, and I can’t wait to see how Google uses it.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has one of the most foldable OLED panels of all time, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold may be brighter, though it’s not set to resize the panels. This is a positive step, and I like that Google doesn’t resize; the internal 8.0-inch panel is the ideal size for multitasking, while the external 6.4-inch panel has adequate real estate.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Specifications
Headlining with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the Tensor G6 platform. Google’s phones haven’t really been able to hold their own against Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals in the past, but that may finally be changing. I’m not going to say that the Tensor G6 will be as fast as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but it shouldn’t be as confusing as the G5 and G4 when it comes to gaming.
A large part of this is due to the switch to 2nm, which inherently provides better efficiency. Google is also said to be using new cores, which should bring the Tensor G6 up to scratch, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it holds up better in gaming – an area where Google hasn’t done enough in the past.
|
Category |
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (based on leaks) |
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold |
|
Operating system |
Android 17, seven years of software updates (likely) |
Android 17, seven years of software updates |
|
Screen |
External: 6.4-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits Internal: 8.0-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits |
External: 6.4-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits Internal: 8.0-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits |
|
Chipset |
Tensor G6, 2nm TSMC |
Tensor G5, 3nm TSMC |
|
RAM |
16 GB |
16 GB |
|
Storage |
256GB/512GB/1TB |
256GB/512GB/1TB |
|
Rear cameras |
Main: 50MP Tele: 10.8MP f/3.1, OIS, 5x zoom Wide: 10.5MP f/2.2 |
Primary: 48MP f/1.7, OIS Tele: 10.8MP f/3.1, OIS, 5x zoom Wide: 10.5MP f/2.2 |
|
Front camera |
10MP f/2.2 |
10MP f/2.2 |
|
Battery |
4,800 mAh |
5,015 mAh |
|
Filling up |
45W wired, PPS 15W Qi 2 wireless |
30W wired, PPS 15W Qi 2 wireless |
|
Access protection |
IP68 dust and water resistance |
IP68 dust and water resistance |
Another big change is around the cameras; The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is said to get a new primary camera, which will allow the foldable to take better photos. This is something that Google should have addressed in last year’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but I’m glad the brand fixed it in 2026; With the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Vivo X Fold 6 set to launch globally, the Google Pixel 11 Pro should work better with the cameras on the Fold. I’d also like to see a better 3x lens, but leaks only point to the main camera getting a new sensor, so the rest of the modules will be similar to last year.
Then there’s the battery; leaks have hinted at a smaller 4,800mAh battery this year, but we’ll have to wait until the launch event to see if that’s legit. A smaller battery is the easiest way to shave weight and thickness, but the obvious downside is that the phone won’t last as long.
It’s possible that Google is counting on the efficiency of the Tensor G6 to compensate for the smaller battery. I would have preferred to see a bigger battery, and if every other brand can offer at least 5000mAh in a foldable battery under 10mm and 220g, I don’t see why Google can’t.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Which one should you buy?
With the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google should introduce a thinner and lighter foldable with better cameras. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold should bring some decent improvements this year, and the move to the Tensor G6 could solve some lingering issues. Again, this is all speculation – we’ll have to wait until August 12 to find out what the Pixel 11 Pro Fold actually brings to the table.
Despite the average cameras and weight, I enjoyed using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The software is a real joy and Android 17 made the foldable even better. If you don’t need the best cameras and can handle a heavier fold, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a great option — and you don’t have to pay anywhere near as much.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn’t have the best internals and is heavier than other foldables. That said, you get the best software, and if that’s something you care more about than hardware, I think you’ll like what Google has to offer.
