The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a modest refresh of Google's foldable line, with the company keeping a design similar to last year's model while competitors move toward wider foldables and Apple's passport-sized iPhone Duo draws attention. Google's changes include a lighter body, a brighter display, improved wireless charging, an updated camera sensor and a new olive color. Even so, the device may struggle to attract first-time foldable buyers unless they are committed Pixel fans, given the range of alternatives.
The phone measures 5mm unfolded and 10.1mm folded, compared with 5.2mm and 10.8mm for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and it is 19 grams lighter. Google claims the new version is three times more durable, aided by a glass-ceramic cover and a glass-fiber composite back cover. The strong hinge means the device cannot be opened with one hand, which the review described as intentional. The outer screen is slightly larger and reaches 3,600 nits, up from 3,000 nits, improving use in bright conditions. A visible crease remains and is more noticeable in bright light, while rivals such as Oppo and Honor have reduced crease visibility. The back has a HiLight indicator that lights up for calls from favorite contacts and when talking with Gemini hands-free.
On software, the foldable is comfortable for reading and watching video, though a wide foldable might have an edge for video. Multitasking works well but is limited to two apps side by side. Gmail offers a useful split view with the inbox on one side and an email on the other, but Slack lacks a similar split view, highlighting ongoing app-optimization gaps on Android foldables. Bubbles provide floating app windows that can be minimized to a taskbar, useful for quick information checks. Gemini updates were limited, though Magic Cue offers timely suggestions across apps and Rambler was a favored feature for replying to emails and texts and taking notes without using a wide keyboard.
The camera setup is competent but below the Pixel 11 Pro XL, making the Pro name feel like a stretch for a foldable. The main sensor remains 48 megapixels but lets in more light for better detail, and Google added 30x Super Res Zoom, up from 20x. The telephoto and ultrawide sensors are similar to last year's, so improvements from them are minimal. Software features include Looks for changing image tone with presets and Magic Capture for picking the best frames from a video, which can help with pets or children.
At $1,899, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold sits barely $100 below the new iPhone Duo and at the same price as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, both wide-format phones. In the U.S., the taller Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099. In Europe, Xiaomi and Honor are set to release foldables, adding further competition for Google's device.
Sources: TechCrunch.