When I returned from Australia, the first thing I did was catch up on all the tech I had missed. Naturally, I reached for the Pixel Fold—the second generation of Google’s foldable phones. I was impressed. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so surprised, given how good Pixel devices already are. But folding phones are notoriously difficult to perfect, and yet, Google made huge strides with this one.
Google Pixel Fold-2024
A Step Up in Design
Let’s start with the design. There was a lot of chatter about the camera bump on the back—it’s unusual, sure, but it doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it might. The bump isn't the biggest issue for me; I actually wished it had more of the same consistent look as the other Pixel devices. However, I assume its odd shape is due to the complexity of folding phone internals.
Despite this, the rest of the design is a leap forward. This phone is thinner than the first Pixel Fold, with flattened sides that give it a modern, squared-off shape. Last year’s model had rounded edges, which made it easier to open, but I’m willing to trade that for the sleeker look of the new model. The hinge is smaller, the sides have a matte finish instead of glossy, and the phone has an overall softer, more refined touch.
A Big, Beautiful Display
One of the most noticeable changes is the display. The first Pixel Fold had a passport-sized screen, but this new one feels like a full-sized flagship with a 7.6-inch AMOLED display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s big, and while not everyone will find it one-hand friendly, it strikes a great balance between size and usability. The bezels around the screen are still present but much improved—they’re thinner and more uniform, with a hole-punch camera replacing the chunky bezel of the previous model.
The interior screen is vibrant and sharp, reaching up to 1,200 nits of brightness. Watching content on this display is a joy, and the crease in the middle is hardly noticeable once you’re immersed.
Hardware: The Best Yet
Google has done an excellent job with the hardware. This phone feels like it truly deserves the "Pro" label. The hinge is smooth, the phone opens and closes with satisfying ease, and it unfolds completely flat—something last year’s model struggled with. Despite packing in a 4,821mAh battery (slightly less than last year), it’s still above average for foldables.
Other hardware highlights include great speakers, IPX8 water resistance, a fast fingerprint sensor, and overall build quality that feels premium. However, not everything is perfect—the phone doesn’t charge particularly fast, and its wireless charging coil can be finicky, sometimes not working with certain chargers.
Software Experience: A Google Specialty
One area where the Pixel Fold shines is the software. You get the same features as the rest of the Pixel lineup: call screening, the Pixel weather app, and Google's clean, user-friendly interface. Add to that the foldable-specific optimizations, like two-column layouts and seamless multitasking, and it becomes clear that the software experience is where Google’s foldable stands out from the competition. Even with other flashy foldables on the market, the smooth and intuitive experience on the Pixel Fold is a major selling point.
Running multiple apps simultaneously or using picture-in-picture mode with a YouTube video feels effortless on this device. With Android 14 beta coming soon and Google promising seven years of software updates, this foldable is poised to age well.
Cameras: A Small Compromise
Now, let’s talk about the cameras. One of the downsides is that the Pixel Fold’s cameras aren’t as good as those on Google’s non-folding flagship phones. The sensors are smaller, which means less sharpness and detail, especially in low light. However, the camera system is still solid—photos maintain the signature Pixel style, with high dynamic range and great contrast. For most people, this camera will be more than enough, but if you’re really into photography, this might be a drawback.
The Tensor Chip: Still Holding Back
The other downside is Google’s Tensor G2 chip. While it's not bad, it’s not as powerful or efficient as Qualcomm’s top-tier processors. For everyday use, it’s more than sufficient, especially with 12GB of RAM, but power users might find the performance lacking, especially when gaming or pushing the phone hard. There are rumors that Google’s next chip might be a huge leap forward, but for now, the Tensor G2 is just good enough—not groundbreaking.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Pixel Fold?
So, where does that leave us? This is, without a doubt, one of the best foldable phones I’ve ever used. The design, display, and software make it a joy to use, and it truly feels like having two devices in one—a regular flagship phone when closed and a mini tablet when open.
But here’s the catch: if you’re the kind of person who values having the latest and greatest, it might be worth waiting to see what next year brings, especially with the possibility of a more powerful custom chip from Google. At $1,799, it’s a pricey investment, and you don’t want to regret it a year from now.
That said, if you’re ready to dive into the foldable world now, the Pixel Fold is a fantastic choice. It’s my favorite foldable to date, and it sets a high bar for what’s to come in the world of folding smartphones.