This Flagship Ushers In a New Era of Foldable Smartphones

Yes, foldable smartphones have been in the mainstream for years. But this one sets itself apart in some significant ways.

Gray Google smartphone with dual rear cameras and flash on a textured gray surface.Google

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Admittedly, foldable smartphones aren’t as novel as they once were. Samsung brought them into the mainstream in 2019 with the first Galaxy Fold and has been releasing new models each year since. And numerous other Android manufacturers have followed suit … including Google.

GP100: Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the most important releases collects key watches, cars, outdoor gear and more. Browse the full list or catch up on last year’s winners.

But the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still manages to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. Not because of its looks — it’s a book-style foldable that is almost identical to its predecessor, the 2023-released Pixel Fold — but because of its durability.

Person in blue sweater and striped blue skirt sitting on a chair, holding a gray foldable smartphone.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable with an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating.
Google

It’s the first foldable smartphone to have an IP68 rating, meaning it’s just as dust- and waterproof as basically every other flagship smartphone out there. And that’s a big deal, especially considering how many durability issues early foldables had. (Samsung, cough cough.)

Its secret is a completely reengineered hinge that is both smaller and gearless. This ensures there aren’t gaps for debris to sneak in. Plus, it just feels smoother when you open and close the smartphone.

Person holding a gray Google Pixel phone with dual rear cameras, wearing a blue jacket and gray knit sweater.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes in two finishes: Moonstone (picture) and Jade.
Google

Of course, Google improves the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in myriad other ways — most notably, giving it brighter displays and Pixel Snap, a built-in magnet that makes it compatible with any MagSafe accessory — but those are, well, more expected.

Light blue Google smartphone with dual rear cameras and a "G" logo on the back.Amazon

GP100 Winner

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Specs

Camera (Rear) 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto
Dispalys 6.4-inch Actua (external), 8-inch Super Actua Flex (internal)
Processor Google Tensor G5, Titan M2 security coprocessor
, ,