Google Pixel Fold Review 2025: Has Google’s First Foldable Stood the Test of Time?
When Google entered the foldable smartphone market with the Pixel Fold, it wasn’t just another product launch — it was a milestone in mobile technology. Released in 2023, the Pixel Fold marked Google’s first step into the foldable arena, combining bold hardware design with software intelligence. For tech enthusiasts, this was more than a phone; it was a glimpse into the future of Android.
Now, in 2025, this Google Pixel Fold Review looks back at the original device to see how it has aged in a market now crowded with advanced foldables. Has it stood the test of time, or does it feel outdated compared to newer rivals? Let’s dive into its design, hinge, display, performance, and software experience to find out.
Google Pixel Fold Review: A Game-Changer in the Foldable Phone Arena
When the Google Pixel Fold was released, it wasn’t just another smartphone; it was a testament to Google’s vision for the future of mobile technology. The device’s features were not designed in isolation, but as an integrated ecosystem of hardware and software working in concert to create a unique and powerful user experience. Here is a detailed breakdown of the features that defined the original Pixel Fold and solidified its place in the foldable market.
1. Design and Ergonomics: A Wider Approach to Foldables
One of the standout aspects of the Google Pixel Fold design was its unconventional shape. Unlike Samsung’s taller and narrower Galaxy Z Fold, the Pixel Fold offered a wider and shorter profile. This gave users a 5.8-inch outer OLED screen that was genuinely useful for one-handed tasks, making it far more practical than competitors at launch.
The device was built with a polished stainless steel frame and a ceramic-coated back, giving it a premium yet durable feel. Fingerprint resistance and an IPX8 water resistance rating added to its practicality, making it a reliable daily driver.
Even today, this form factor is appreciated by users who prefer comfort and usability over exaggerated screen dimensions. For many, this wider cover screen remains one of the reasons why the Pixel Fold still feels unique compared to other foldable phones in 2025..
2. Hinge and Screen: Google’s Engineering Breakthrough
One of the biggest challenges for foldable smartphones has always been the hinge — and in this area, Google made a bold statement with the Pixel Fold hinge design. Unlike early foldables that left a visible gap when closed, the Pixel Fold introduced a fluid friction hinge that allowed the device to shut completely flat. This not only enhanced durability by reducing dust accumulation but also made the device feel sleeker and more refined in hand.
Even in 2025, two years after its launch, the hinge remains a highlight of this Google Pixel Fold Review. It operates smoothly and silently, providing just the right resistance to hold the device at multiple angles. This flexibility is perfect for features like split-screen multitasking, video calls, or using the Fold in “mini laptop” mode.
On the display side, the Google Pixel Fold’s screen quality holds strong. The cover screen is a 5.8-inch OLED panel with vibrant colors and crisp details, making it ideal for single-handed use. Once unfolded, the 7.6-inch inner display delivers an immersive tablet-like experience, perfect for streaming, reading, or gaming.
Both panels support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling, responsive touch controls, and fluid animations. At launch, some critics noted the thicker bezels around the inner display, but these have proven to be practical — providing a comfortable grip and housing the selfie camera without intrusive punch-hole cutouts.
In short, the hinge and display elements stand out as some of the strongest aspects highlighted in this Google Pixel Fold Review, proving why Google’s first foldable still feels refined and durable even years later.
3. Display Quality and Technology: Immersive and Durable
When it comes to foldables, the display is everything — and in this Google Pixel Fold Review, the screens deserve special attention. Google equipped the device with a 5.8-inch outer OLED panel and a 7.6-inch inner foldable display, both delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. This dual-screen setup gave users the flexibility of a standard smartphone for quick tasks and a tablet-like experience for productivity, reading, or gaming.
Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and responsive touch feedback. HDR support makes streaming content more immersive, with enhanced contrast and color accuracy that rival other flagship devices. Brightness levels were also a highlight at launch, making the phone usable even in direct sunlight.
Durability was another area where the Pixel Fold impressed. The inner foldable screen included reinforced ultra-thin glass and scratch resistance that held up well over time. Many early foldables struggled with fragility, but Google’s approach gave users confidence in everyday use. In fact, comparisons with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 showed that the Pixel Fold’s display durability was on par — if not slightly better in certain conditions.
For a first-generation foldable, this attention to display quality and screen protection cemented the Pixel Fold’s place as one of the most reliable devices in its category. Even in 2025, it continues to deliver a premium visual experience that sets it apart in the foldable phone market.
4. Display and Audio: Entertainment at Its Best
In this Google Pixel Fold Review, it’s impossible to ignore how well the device balances visuals and sound for an immersive entertainment experience. The dual-screen setup already provides a unique advantage, but Google’s focus on refinement makes the Pixel Fold stand out even more.
Both the outer 5.8-inch OLED panel and the 7.6-inch inner foldable screen deliver bright, sharp, and color-rich visuals. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances everything from web browsing to streaming, while HDR support ensures movies and TV shows look cinematic, with deep contrast and vibrant tones. For users switching between compact and expanded modes, the transition feels seamless, making multitasking natural and fluid.
Not everyone loved the thicker bezels at launch, especially around the inner screen, but in real-world use they offered practical benefits — providing grip space and housing the selfie camera without intrusive notches or cutouts. While competitors prioritized edge-to-edge aesthetics, Google leaned into functionality, giving the Pixel Fold a balanced design for both productivity and media consumption.
Audio performance was another pleasant surprise. The device comes with dual stereo speakers that deliver clear, punchy sound. Whether you’re watching YouTube, gaming, or streaming Netflix, the separated left and right channels create a spatial effect that feels richer than many slab-style smartphones. While audiophiles may still prefer wired or wireless headphones, for an all-in-one foldable device, the Pixel Fold’s audio quality is solid and enjoyable.
By combining high-quality displays with dependable sound, the Pixel Fold proved it wasn’t just about innovation — it was about delivering a complete multimedia experience. Even two years later, it remains a strong choice for users who prioritize visuals and audio in a foldable phone.
5. Hardware Specifications: Power with a Few Trade-Offs
When evaluating performance in this Google Pixel Fold Review, it becomes clear that Google focused on delivering balance rather than chasing raw benchmark numbers. At launch, the device was powered by the Tensor G2 chip, Google’s own in-house silicon, paired with a dedicated Titan M2 security processor for enhanced privacy and data protection. While the Tensor G2 doesn’t outperform Snapdragon’s flagship chips in sheer power, it shines in areas like AI-driven tasks, on-device machine learning, and advanced photography processing.
The Pixel Fold also included 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, making it a capable device for multitasking, productivity apps, and media-heavy usage. For most users, this hardware configuration still feels responsive and efficient today, even if hardcore gamers or power users may occasionally notice limits compared to the latest foldables.
Cameras are where expectations needed adjusting. Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro, the Fold did not ship with Google’s most advanced camera hardware. Instead, it carried a slightly pared-down setup, with its rear triple camera array delivering reliable but not cutting-edge performance. The 9.5MP outer front camera and 8MP inner selfie camera offered good results for video calls and quick shots, but they weren’t on par with the best front-facing shooters on the market.
Despite these compromises, the integration of hardware and software gives the Pixel Fold a strong edge. Google optimized the Tensor G2 for AI-powered features like Real Tone photography, Magic Eraser, and smart transcription apps, which compensate for hardware limitations. Security also stood out, with Titan M2 protecting against sophisticated threats and ensuring safe transactions, making the Fold appealing to privacy-conscious buyers.
The hardware story of the Pixel Fold isn’t about specs on paper but about how Google combined custom processors, solid memory configurations, and advanced security into a cohesive user experience. This approach continues to differentiate the device in the competitive foldable market.
6. Software Experience: Google’s Secret Weapon
A major theme in this Google Pixel Fold Review is that hardware alone didn’t make the Fold special — it was Google’s software optimization that truly elevated the device. The Pixel Fold launched with Android 13 customized for foldables, and later received updates that kept it fresh, responsive, and competitive even two years on.
The Material You interface immediately stood out. With its fluid animations, dynamic color theming, and adaptive widgets, it gave the Fold a lively, modern personality. For users, the real magic was in the seamless integration with other devices. The Pixel Fold worked perfectly with a range of accessories, including the Pixel Buds and the companion Pixel Watch. To learn more about how Google’s smartwatches complement the Pixel experience, be sure to read our review of the Google Pixel Watch 2: A Smartwatch Marvel with New Watch
Unlike some rivals that struggled to adapt apps to large foldable screens, Google ensured most core apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Docs scaled seamlessly between the 5.8-inch cover display and the expansive 7.6-inch inner display. This consistency made multitasking a joy rather than a compromise.
Performance-wise, Google’s software design compensated for the Tensor G2 chip’s limitations. Everyday tasks — from app switching to media playback — felt faster and smoother than raw benchmarks suggested. Features like quick phrases for Google Assistant, Live Translate, and Clear Calling gave the Pixel Fold unique advantages in productivity and communication.
The Recorder app deserves special mention. Already a fan-favorite on Pixel devices, it became even more powerful on the Fold’s larger display. Real-time transcription during meetings, lectures, or brainstorming sessions worked flawlessly, and the wider screen made reviewing transcripts and audio side by side highly efficient.
Fold-specific optimizations added further value. The flex mode-style split-screen capability allowed users to position the Fold at various angles for hands-free video calls, dual-app multitasking, or even propped-up media playback. This flexibility showcased how software and hardware worked hand-in-hand.
While some critics questioned the Fold’s camera hardware and processing power, this Google Pixel Fold Review confirms that the software experience transformed potential weaknesses into standout strengths. Google leaned into its strengths — AI, machine learning, and app optimization — creating one of the smoothest and most intelligent foldable software ecosystems at the time.
7. Software and Security Updates: Longevity in Focus
An essential part of this Google Pixel Fold Review is evaluating how Google supported its first foldable after launch. Hardware may grab attention on day one, but software updates and security patches determine how well a device ages — and in this area, Google delivered.
From its 2023 release onward, the Pixel Fold benefitted from Google’s industry-leading update policy, offering several years of Android OS upgrades and monthly security patches. This commitment ensured the Fold stayed not just functional but relevant, even as newer models arrived. For users, this meant access to evolving features like enhanced multitasking layouts, improved app scaling for foldables, and refined gesture navigation.
Security was another stronghold. The Pixel Fold came with Titan M2, Google’s dedicated security processor, working alongside features like end-to-end encryption, biometric authentication (fingerprint + face unlock), and advanced privacy dashboards. Over time, Google expanded its privacy-focused tools, such as granular permission controls and automatic blocking of malicious apps, giving Fold users a sense of confidence in their data protection.
Importantly, Google’s foldable was not left behind when new Android builds arrived. The Pixel Fold quickly adopted Android 14 and beyond, keeping pace with design refinements, system optimizations, and AI-powered features like Circle to Search, improved Live Translate, and adaptive battery management.
In this Google Pixel Fold Review, it’s clear that Google’s software support played a key role in extending the device’s life cycle. While the hardware was premium at launch, the long-term usability came from regular updates, reliable security, and new features that made the Fold feel modern even two years later.
8. Connectivity and Network Compatibility: Built for a Connected Future
No Google Pixel Fold Review would be complete without assessing connectivity — the lifeline of any modern smartphone. When the Pixel Fold launched, Google ensured its first foldable was equipped with the latest standards, keeping users seamlessly connected whether at home, at work, or on the go.
The Pixel Fold shipped with 5G support across both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands (in select regions), allowing users to take advantage of ultra-fast data speeds and low-latency connections. This meant smooth video calls, faster downloads, and reliable streaming — a must for a device designed for multitasking and media.
Wi-Fi connectivity was equally strong, with Wi-Fi 6E compatibility ensuring stable, high-bandwidth performance for homes and offices with the newest routers. Combined with Bluetooth 5.3, the Fold handled everything from wireless earbuds to smartwatches with low energy consumption and improved range.
Another highlight worth noting in this Google Pixel Fold Review is support for NFC and Google Pay, enabling secure contactless payments and quick pairing with accessories. In addition, eSIM functionality brought flexibility for international travelers and professionals managing multiple numbers, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps.
Even two years after launch, these connectivity features remain relevant. With robust 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, NFC, and eSIM support, the Pixel Fold stood out as a future-ready device, capable of adapting to evolving digital lifestyles.
9. Camera Capabilities: Software Power Over Hardware
A standout theme in this Google Pixel Fold Review is how Google leaned on its computational photography expertise to deliver strong results, despite using camera hardware that wasn’t as advanced as its flagship Pixel siblings.
The Pixel Fold’s rear setup included a 12.2MP primary sensor and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. While it lacked a dedicated telephoto lens, Google’s image-processing algorithms — powered by the Tensor G2 chip — made up for the hardware limitations. Photos were sharp, colors looked natural, and details remained impressive in well-lit conditions.
Low-light performance remained a highlight thanks to Night Sight mode, which continued the Pixel tradition of producing bright, detailed shots even in challenging environments. The Fold also excelled at portrait photography, with machine-learning algorithms delivering accurate subject separation and creamy background blur that rivaled more expensive devices.
One feature worth spotlighting in this Google Pixel Fold Review is the Fold’s ability to use the main rear camera for selfies when partially folded. This clever design allowed users to capture higher-quality selfies than with the standard front-facing cameras, setting the Pixel Fold apart from many competitors.
Video quality was respectable, with 4K recording at 60fps, solid stabilization, and reliable audio pickup from its dual-mic system. Content creators and casual shooters alike found it versatile enough for everyday use.
Additionally, the Fold’s flex mode-style hinge added unique shooting options. Propping the phone halfway open turned it into a mini tripod for hands-free video calls, group shots, or long-exposure captures — a flexibility few phones offered at the time.
Overall, while the Pixel Fold’s camera hardware was modest compared to the Pixel 7 Pro or Galaxy Z Fold rivals, Google’s computational photography and AI processing turned it into a capable shooter. In this Google Pixel Fold Review, the verdict is clear: the Fold’s cameras may not top spec charts, but they delivered reliable, share-worthy results that stood the test of time.
10. Battery Life and Charging: Powering a Foldable Experience
Battery performance is a critical factor in any foldable, and in this Google Pixel Fold Review, it’s clear that Google worked to balance power demands with everyday usability.
The Pixel Fold came equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, large enough to handle both the compact 5.8-inch outer display and the expansive 7.6-inch inner OLED screen. In moderate use — browsing, messaging, video calls, and occasional gaming — the device comfortably lasted a full day. For power users who pushed multitasking, photography, or heavy 5G streaming, the Fold typically required a late-evening top-up, which was expected given the energy demands of a foldable design.
Charging support was solid but not class-leading. The Pixel Fold offered fast wired charging up to 30W and wireless charging compatibility, along with reverse wireless charging for topping up accessories like earbuds. While it wasn’t the fastest in its class — rivals like Realme and OnePlus offered much quicker charging speeds — it provided a dependable solution that aligned with Google’s focus on stability and safety.
Another highlight in this Google Pixel Fold Review is the adaptive battery feature, powered by Google’s AI. Over time, the Fold learned usage patterns, prioritizing power for frequently used apps and limiting background drain. This optimization extended the phone’s efficiency and made day-to-day performance smoother for most users.
In terms of longevity, the Pixel Fold maintained consistent battery health over two years, with fewer reports of degradation compared to earlier foldables. Combined with its smart charging optimizations, this reinforced Google’s goal of delivering a foldable that could serve as a daily driver rather than just a novelty.
Overall, the Pixel Fold’s battery life was strong enough for all-day use under normal conditions, with respectable charging options and smart AI management. In this Google Pixel Fold Review, the takeaway is clear: while it didn’t set new records for charging speed, it struck a balance between reliability, efficiency, and practicality — exactly what early foldable adopters needed.
11. Price and Availability
As for pricing, the Google Pixel Fold launched with a premium price tag of $1,799 / £1,749. This placed it squarely in the flagship foldable category, comparable to the Galaxy Z Fold series. Today, the price has dropped significantly on the used or refurbished market, making it a more accessible option. However, if you’re looking for an excellent smartphone experience with a smooth 120Hz display without a flagship price tag, you can check out our comprehensive guide to the Best Budget Smartphones Under £400 with 120 Hz Display – 2025 Buyer’s Guide.
- When Pixel Fold is folded, you can do everything that you’d expect on a phone: check your email and calendar, browse pho…
- Thin and sophisticated, Pixel Fold fits easily in your pocket. It’s designed with polished aluminium and matte glass, an…
- Pixel Fold is scratch-resistant with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and IPX8 water-resistant. And it has a durable stainle…
£1,526.81
Google Pixel Fold vs Competitors – Comparison Table
This comparison table provides a quick side-by-side look at the original Pixel Fold’s key features against its main rival at launch, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Google’s own latest foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
| Feature | Google Pixel Fold (2023) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (2025) |
| Design | Wider, book-like fold | Taller, narrower fold | Refined slim hinge, lighter frame |
| Outer Display | 5.8″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.2″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.0″ OLED, 120Hz adaptive |
| Inner Display | 7.6″ OLED, 120Hz | 7.6″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 8.0″ OLED, 120Hz, thinner bezels |
| Hinge | Fluid friction hinge, gapless | Hinge gap visible | Slim hinge, stronger durability |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Google Tensor G5 |
| Cameras | 48MP main + 10.8MP ultrawide + 10.8MP telephoto | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto | 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP telephoto |
| Battery | 4,821mAh, 30W charging | 4,400mAh, 25W charging | 5,015mAh, 45W fast charging |
| Durability | IPX8 water resistance | IPX8 water resistance | IP68 water and dust resistance |
| Software | Android 13 + Material You | Android 12L (optimized for foldables) | Android 16 + AI-driven multitasking |
| Price at Launch | ~$1,799 / ~£1,749 | ~$1,799 / ~£1,649 | ~$1,799 / ~£1,699 |
Google Pixel Fold review – Final Words
After going through design, hardware, software, and real-world performance, this Google Pixel Fold Review highlights one undeniable fact: Google’s first foldable was more than just a debut — it was a statement of intent.
The Pixel Fold combined premium design, a groundbreaking hinge, and Google’s software intelligence to deliver a foldable experience that felt practical, not experimental. Its book-like design, wide outer screen, and fluid inner display made it stand out from narrower rivals, while features like IPX8 water resistance gave it durability that early foldables often lacked.
On the performance side, the Tensor G2 chip was not the most powerful compared to Snapdragon flagships, but Google compensated with software optimizations, ensuring smooth multitasking, responsive animations, and exclusive AI-powered tools like Recorder with live transcription and Evie-like adaptive features. Even the camera system, while modest in raw hardware, delivered excellent results thanks to computational photography, proving that Google’s software-first approach still worked.
Battery life was dependable, if not record-breaking, with all-day endurance supported by 30W fast charging, wireless charging, and AI-driven adaptive battery management. Two years on, the Fold remains reliable, with consistent software updates and privacy-first security features that keep it relevant in 2025.
Of course, it wasn’t perfect. The bezel-heavy design, pared-down cameras, and slower charging speeds meant it couldn’t claim the crown in every category. But as this Google Pixel Fold Review shows, Google’s first foldable succeeded where it mattered most: delivering a functional, durable, and intelligently optimized device that helped redefine the foldable category.
Who Should Buy the Pixel Fold?
- Early adopters of foldable tech who value practicality over gimmicks.
- Google ecosystem users who want seamless integration with Pixel software and services.
- Photography fans who trust Google’s computational photography even on modest hardware.
- Multitaskers who want a wide outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen for productivity and media.
Bottom Line
The Pixel Fold may not have been flawless, but it was ambitious, refined, and ahead of its time. For anyone curious about foldables or committed to the Google ecosystem, this device remains a worthy milestone in smartphone history. And in this Google Pixel Fold Review, the verdict is simple: Google’s first foldable wasn’t just about hardware — it was about vision, and that vision still shines two years later.
FAQs – Google Pixel Fold
Q1: When was the Google Pixel Fold released?
The first-generation Google Pixel Fold was officially released in 2023, marking Google’s debut in the foldable phone market.
Q2: What makes the Pixel Fold different from other foldable phones?
Unlike narrower rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, the Pixel Fold uses a wider, book-like design with a 5.8-inch cover screen that is more practical for one-handed use, plus a 7.6-inch inner OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Q3: Does the Pixel Fold have good battery life?
Yes. The 4,500mAh battery provides all-day usage under normal conditions. While not the fastest in charging speed, it supports 30W wired charging, wireless charging, and adaptive battery optimizations for efficiency.
Q4: How durable is the Pixel Fold?
The Pixel Fold features a polished stainless steel frame, ceramic back, and IPX8 water resistance, making it more durable than many early foldables. Its fluid friction hinge is designed to withstand years of folding without developing gaps.
Q5: What about the Pixel Fold’s cameras?
While the hardware is more modest compared to some flagships, Google’s computational photography software delivers excellent results. Features like Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and using the main camera for selfies set it apart.
Q6: Is the Pixel Fold still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, if you value software updates, AI-driven features, and Google ecosystem integration. Although newer foldables exist, the Pixel Fold remains a reliable, innovative device that still feels premium two years later.
Q7: Does the Pixel Fold support 5G and eSIM?
Absolutely. The Pixel Fold is 5G-ready, supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, NFC payments, and includes eSIM compatibility, allowing users to manage multiple networks without physical SIM cards.
Also read: Huawei P60 Pro Review: Unboxing, Design, Display and Camera Tech
References
- “Google Pixel Fold Review: A Foldable Galaxy Rival With…” – Hothardware
Provides detailed specs, battery performance, and first real impressions.
HotHardware - “Google Pixel Fold Long Term Review! One Year Later — More Durable Than I Expected” – Engadget
Offers insight into durability over time, including hinge, frame, and wear-and-tear.
Engadget
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