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Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Review: A Durable Foldable Smartphone with Enhanced Dust Resistance

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Google has introduced its third-generation foldable phone, now the first completely waterproof and dustproof model on the market. It’s touted as being more robust than any existing phone, featuring cutting-edge AI and a collection of adaptive cameras.


The Pixel 10 Pro Fold enhances last year’s highly praised 9 Pro Fold by eliminating the hinge mechanism along the spine. This improvement addresses the dust issue that has plagued previous foldable devices, thereby elevating its usability beyond that of typical flat phones.

However, similar to other foldable smartphones, the Pixel comes with a hefty price tag of £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/AU$2,699), significantly higher than the £1,199 Pixel 10 Pro XL and comparable to the similarly priced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.




According to Google, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s innovative gearless hinge can endure over ten years of folding. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Beyond the enhanced durability, there are minimal design modifications compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The outer display is marginally larger due to slimmer bezels, and both screens are a bit brighter. When closed, the Fold is perfectly shaped for mobile tasks, while its spacious internal screen elegantly accommodates two full-sized apps side-by-side.

Nonetheless, the Pixel feels quite hefty and somewhat bulky in contrast to Samsung’s unexpectedly slim and lightweight Z Fold 7. Weighing in at 258g, it’s comfortable to handle and fits in your pocket, yet remains notably thicker than standard phones and its modern competitors.




The inclusion of Qi2 charging compatibility enhances its versatility with various magnetic accessories, including the Superior Magnetic Accessories. Twelve South Curve Nano stand (left) and QDOS SnapStand Qi2 Charger (right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold operates on the same Google Tensor G5 chip utilized across the Pixel 10 lineup, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a minimum of 256GB of storage. Its performance aligns with that of the Pixel 10 Pro, providing snappy responsiveness and managing tasks effortlessly. Nonetheless, for the top frame rates in high-end gaming, a device with Qualcomm’s premier Snapdragon chip has an advantage.

As with all foldable models, the Fold’s battery life shifts significantly based on which display you predominantly use. With approximately 5 hours of active screen time on a bright day, evenly split between the inner and outer displays while mostly on Wi-Fi, the Pixel achieved around 38-40 hours between charges. On heavily 5G days with extensive screen usage, it lasted about 28 hours, concluding the day with 25% battery remaining. While this isn’t unacceptable, it certainly lags behind its top competitors and larger screens such as the Pixel 10 Pro XL.




To achieve a full charge, it takes 90 minutes and reaches 50% in just 30 minutes with a 30W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately). It also supports 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Off-screen: 6.4 inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED (408ppi)

  • In the screen: 8 inch 120Hz OLED (373ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G5

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: Android 16

  • Camera: 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto, 2 x 10MP selfie cameras

  • Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, UWB, Thread, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP68 (30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters)

  • Dimensions when folded: 155.2×76.3×10.8mm

  • Unfolded Dimensions: 155.2×150.4×5.2mm

  • Weight: 258g

Android 16, Magic Cue, Gemini




If you’re running two apps simultaneously on your screen, you can slide one out of the way for additional space. Tap it to restore the app to full screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold operates on the same Android 16 software found across the Pixel 10 Pro lineup, featuring a vibrant and colorful exterior while integrating advanced AI tools throughout the device.

Key features include the Gemini chatbot, which can observe and interpret user interactions, engage with different apps, and overall provide greater utility. Additionally, there’s an innovative real-time translation system for calls, replicating the caller’s voice directly.

A notable addition is Magic Cue, a discreet assistant that functions in the background, synthesizing information from various Google services and presenting it when pertinent. For example, if a friend texts asking for flight details, it can suggest corresponding information from your calendar for easy sharing. Likewise, when contacting a business, relevant order details from Gmail are displayed in your phone app.

Moreover, the Fold has been optimized to fully utilize the expansive internal display. A taskbar at the bottom facilitates quick app placement into split screen mode. Similar to the Honor Magic V5 and OnePlus Open, it allows for resizing apps across the screen’s borders, offering increased adaptability when multitasking with two apps.

The Fold also includes subscriptions for Google AI Pro at £19 a month for the first year, granting access to more robust Gemini AI models along with 2TB of cloud storage for photos, documents, and emails. The device is also eligible for software updates until October 2032.

Sustainability




The recycled aluminum framework offers a premium and sturdy feel. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is rated to endure over 1,000 full charging cycles, maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone can be repaired by Google, at third-party services, or through self-repair options with available manuals.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comprises 29% recycled materials by weight, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. The company provides insights on the lifecycle impacts of its products in its report and offers to recycle old devices for free.

Camera




The camera application offers multiple functionality modes, but shooting images is most efficient when the Pixel is closed, much like a traditional smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 10 Pro Fold features a camera system comparable to last year’s 9 Pro Fold and the new Pixel 10. It includes a 48MP primary camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide camera, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera that can outperform rivals in its class, along with two 10MP selfie cameras.

The primary camera captures excellent images across various conditions, though some blurriness and graininess may occur in low-light scenarios. Google’s Night Mode remains the industry’s best for darker environments. The ultra-wide-angle camera performs well, and the 5x optical zoom telephoto lens effectively closes distances to subjects, although detail may falter in less-than-ideal lighting. While the camera consistently delivers high-quality photos and videos, it doesn’t entirely meet the high standards expected from the Pixel 10 Pro line at this price point.

The Fold comes with unique features such as the ability to utilize the main camera for selfies, alongside various shooting modes that engage both displays while at a partially folded position. A captivating “Made You Look” option plays a lively animation on the outer screen that captures your child’s attention, allowing you to seize the perfect moment. Regrettably, this feature employs one of the selfie cameras instead of the primary one, prioritizing fun over quality.

Price

Pricing for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/2,699 AUD).

For reference, the Pixel 10 is priced at £799, the Pixel 10 Pro at £999, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL at £1,199. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 retails for £1,799, while the Honor Magic V5 is available for £1,699.99.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold represents a subtle improvement over last year’s exceptional 9 Pro Fold, but its true influence may unfold in the future. As the first genuinely dustproof foldable device, it establishes a new durability standard, gradually aligning itself with conventional flat phones.

That said, the inner screen is inherently softer than regular tempered glass to accommodate folding, necessitating careful handling to avoid marks.

The addition of Qi2 magnetic accessories and charging support is a valuable enhancement for the Fold, as it is across other Pixel models. This phone offers impressive speed, reasonable battery life, efficient software, and leading-edge AI capabilities. The camera is competent for foldable devices, though it doesn’t quite match up to regular smartphones.

The Pixel does a commendable job of functioning as a standard phone when closed and a versatile tablet when expanded, though it is bulkier and heavier than the noticeably sleeker Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Pros: Combines the functionality of a phone and tablet, waterproof and dust resistant, supports Qi2 magnetic accessories and charging, fantastic tablet display, powerful performance, excellent camera with 5x zoom, rich AI features including Magic Cue, accompanied by a year of Google AI Pro service, and 7 years of software updates.

Cons: High price point, more fragile than standard devices, costly repairs, thicker and heavier, the camera doesn’t rival the regular Pixel 10 Pro, battery performance could improve, and lacks advanced features for power users in comparison to competitors.




In its closed form, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold approximates the size of an ordinary smartphone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

SpaceX Rockets Cleared for Launch After Successful Set Fold | US News

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The third story focused on the appeal of SpaceX’s Starship Megarocket launch on Tuesday, which was postponed twice in recent days. This successful 10th flight demonstrated that the spacecraft has triumphed over previous challenges associated with Mars Rocket’s reusable design.

The stainless steel giant, standing 403 feet tall (123 meters), was lifted from the company’s star base in southern Texas at 6:30 PM local time (2330 GMT), with the engineering team celebrating loudly on the webcast. The mission aimed to test the ship’s new heat shield tiles and satellite deployment capabilities, featuring numerous upgrades from earlier versions.

As planned, the top half of the rocket separated from the Super Heavy booster. This first stage, measuring 232 feet, usually lands on a giant catch arm at the launch tower but targeted Gulf of Mexico waters this time to test an alternative landing engine.

Shortly after reaching space, satellite deployment systems, including Starship’s “Pez,” distributed mock Starlink satellites for the first time.

The spaceship achieved a successful splashdown in the Indian Ocean, marking a crucial milestone in testing rockets that had been destroyed in previous flights after experiencing intense heat during atmospheric re-entry.

The 10th test flight follows a series of explosive failures, raising doubts about whether the world’s most powerful launch vehicle will aid in colonizing Mars or if NASA can realize founder Elon Musk’s vision of assisting astronauts in returning to the moon.

SpaceX opted not to attempt to recover boosters from Tuesday’s flight, focusing instead on in-flight experiments to “collect real-world performance data on future flight profiles and scenarios.”

Monday’s launch was canceled due to thick clouds lingering overhead for much of the day, leading to a delay just 40 seconds before the countdown ended. Sunday’s attempt was scrubbed due to liquid oxygen leaks on the Starship launch pad, as billionaire Musk mentioned on X overnight.

Following the last three flights, many were concerned after the rocket suffered explosions—twice in the Caribbean and once after reaching space. In June, the upper stage exploded during ground testing.

“We’ve conducted numerous tests but haven’t achieved reliability,” noted Dallas Kasaboski, a space analyst at the consulting firm Anacys Mason, in an interview with AFP. “Success doesn’t outweigh failure.”

The objective is to send upper stage ships carrying crews and cargo around the globe before departing from northwest Australia.

Equipped with prototype heat shield materials, it deployed a dummy Starlink satellite while flying on a trajectory designed to stress-test the rear flap.

Known as Super Heavy, the booster is expected to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX had previously surprised observers by catching boosters using the “chopstick arm” at the launch tower; however, this flight will prioritize data collection under less-than-ideal flight conditions.

This year, two spacecraft tests failed early in the flight, alongside another failure in space during the ninth flight, and a “devastating explosion” during ground testing in June, forcing the spacecraft to fly into nearby Mexican territory, testing SpaceX’s capital-intensive approach to operational development.

This approach contrasts sharply with SpaceX’s competitors, like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. The New Glenn Rocket made its operational debut in January after years spent on ground development and testing. The United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Rocket, co-owned by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, underwent a similar upbringing before its 2024 debut.

Despite recent setbacks, the spacecraft isn’t viewed as being at a crucial juncture. SpaceX’s “Fail Fast, Learn Fast” philosophy positions it ahead of Falcon rocket launches, while Dragon Capsules ferry astronauts to the International Space Station, and Starlink becomes a geopolitical asset.

Nevertheless, Starship introduces new challenges. Musk identifies the development of a fully reusable orbital heat shield as the most daunting task, noted that restoring heat shielding for the Space Shuttle took nine months between flights.

“Our goal with the spaceship is to create a heat shield that can be used immediately,” he stated during a webcast on Monday.

SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite Internet enterprise is also intertwined with Starship’s success, a major source of corporate revenue. Musk aims to use Starship to launch larger batches of Starlink satellites, which have been deployed using SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 rocket.

Musk remains optimistic, asserting, “In about six to seven years, there will be days when Starships will be launched more than 24 times in 24 hours,” he replied to X users on Sunday.

Another hurdle is to demonstrate that the spacecraft can refuel in orbit using supercooled propellants. This step is critical yet untested for a vehicle aiming to undertake deep space missions.

Preparing a modified version of NASA’s Lunar Lander for 2027 will take time, as Musk aims to send a non-white-knuckle spacecraft to Mars next year.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: Sleeker, Lighter, and Enhanced Foldable Android Device

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Samsung’s newest flagship folding phone appears to have shed some weight. The outcome is one of the sleekest and lightest devices on the market, significantly enhancing its portability.


The Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 8.9mm in thickness when closed. Excluding the camera bump at the back, its profile is comparable to that of a typical smartphone, making it easy to fit into your pocket, but it unfolds to a folding tablet at just 4.2mm thick.

However, priced at £1,799 (€2,099/$2,000/$2,899), this device comes at a steep cost. It represents an expensive, cutting-edge solution that potentially replaces your phone, tablet, or PC within one compact device.


The ultra-slim design results in a notable camera bump that extends approximately 5.5mm from the rear. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The seventh iteration of Samsung’s folding technology addresses many of the issues found in its predecessors. Weighing only 215g—24g lighter than last year’s edition—it resembles a typical large smartphone when closed.

It fits comfortably in your pocket. Sending messages, making calls, navigating, and taking photos feels just like using a conventional phone. Even the front 6.5-inch screen is vibrant, colorful, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. The enhancements to the fingerprint scanner on the power button are quick and precise.

When opened like a book, the Fold 7 is impressively thin, only slightly thicker than the USB-C port itself. Its lightweight feel is deceptive; it’s solidly built. One wonders how the device can achieve such thinness without forgoing the charging port. The flexible 8-inch OLED screen is smooth, bright, and almost square, capable of running two apps side by side.

The exterior screen and back are shielded by the latest tempered glass technology, while the inner screen features a layer that is softer than standard glass, making it prone to fingerprints and a bit shiny. The crease along the fold is nearly invisible, visible mainly under glare.


With Flex Mode, you can enjoy viewing content on the Fold 7 in a half-folded position, resembling a mini laptop setup. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Main screen: 8-inch QXGA+ 120Hz (368PPI) AMOLED Flexible Display

  • Cover screen: 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz (4222PPI) AMOLED

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Galaxy Elite

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

  • Operating System: One UI 8 based on Android 16

  • Camera: 200MP + 12MP + 10MP rear, 3x telephoto. 10MP + 10MP selfie cameras

  • Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM, E-SIM, USB-C, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS

  • Water Resistance: IP48 (1.5 meters for 30 minutes)

  • Folded Dimensions: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm

  • Expanded Dimensions: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm

  • Weight: 215g

Power for Multitasking


The Fold 7 achieves a full charge in 82 minutes and reaches 60% in under 30 minutes utilizing a USB-C power adapter of 25W or higher (not included). Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold 7 is equipped with the same flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM as the S25 Ultra and S25 Edge. This setup ensures excellent performance for daily tasks and high-end gaming, outpacing competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro fold.

Its battery reliably lasts about two days, with each screen being used for around four hours and several hours spent on 5G. This performance level mirrors its predecessor and functions similarly to a standard smartphone. Depending on usage, many find they need to recharge every other day.

One UI 8 for Android 16


The Fold 7 can run two apps in full size, and allows for a total of up to 8 apps using split-screen and floating windows. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fold 7 stands out as one of the first devices to ship with One UI 8 (Android 16). While it hasn’t seen drastic changes since last year’s software, it still offers an impressive suite of features. This includes the handy Now Valle Bar at the bottom of the lock screen, showcasing live sports scores, music, timers, and other commonly used tools.

Samsung effectively leverages the multitasking capabilities afforded by the folding format better than its competitors. Up to 8 apps can be accessed concurrently on the internal screen, with each having its own unique home screen layout. Users can adjust app sizes and shapes, use apps in a partially folded state, and move them seamlessly between screens.

Moreover, the Fold 7 integrates all the AI features from the S25 series, including Google Gemini, Circle to Search, Writing and Drawing tools, Transcription, and Audio Editing capabilities. While some of these are useful, others tend to be superfluous, much like many trendy AI offerings. Notably, Samsung commits to providing Android and security updates until July 31, 2032.

Camera


Capturing photos is simple with the Fold 7, whether closed or opened slightly for hands-free shots. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The prominent camera system on the back includes a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. There’s also a pair of 10MP selfie cameras on either screen.

The main 200MP camera excels in a range of lighting conditions, delivering high-quality photos and representing a significant improvement over its predecessor’s capabilities.

The 12MP Ultra Wide Camera offers commendable performance and can achieve good macro shots, while the 3x telephoto camera produces pleasing portraits, albeit with some softness in low-light scenarios, lacking the 5x zoom found on some higher-end models. Similar limitations apply to the selfie camera, as it can be grainy in dim lighting. However, users can utilize the outer screen as a viewfinder when taking selfies with the main camera, leading to better results.

The camera app is user-friendly, boasting numerous shooting modes and solid video recording capabilities. Overall, the Fold 7 presents a robust camera system that competes well against flagship slab phones, delivering impressive results.

Sustainability


The Fold 7 closely resembles a standard smartphone from both the front and back. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is expected to retain at least 80% of its original capacity over 2,000 full charge cycles.

The phone is generally reparable, with internal screen repairs estimated at around £500. Samsung also offers a self-repair program similar to CARE+ that can bring repair costs down to £139.

The Fold 7 incorporates recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and steel, which make up 13.7% of its total weight. Additionally, Samsung has trade-in and recycling programs for older devices, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of smartphones as outlined in their sustainability reports.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 begins at £1,799 (€2,099/$1,999.99/$2,899).

For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip is priced at £1,049, the Galaxy S25 Edge at £1,099, the S25 Ultra at £1,249, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold at £1,399.

Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a remarkably high-tech device that represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, addressing many of the typical issues associated with folding smartphones.

When closed, it feels significantly thinner and lighter, akin to a traditional phone. Upon opening, the internal screen is still flexible, with creases that are almost imperceptible, paired with vibrant visuals that enhance multitasking capabilities.

The camera, while effective, doesn’t overshadow the device’s overall utility, but it can cause the phone to wobble when placed flat on a surface. In addition, the Fold 7 features the same advanced processors as Samsung’s top-tier regular smartphones, alongside good battery life and solid software support.

However, the fragile nature of the folding mechanism, lack of proper dust resistance, the delicate inner screen, and hefty price tag remain notable drawbacks. If your primary aim is to have a compact device that serves as both phone and tablet, this model may not sway you.

Nevertheless, the Fold 7 stands out as the finest folding phone on the market, presenting the major upgrades that Samsung has been striving for in recent years.

Pros: Combines phone and tablet functionality, feels like a standard phone when closed, boasts exceptional software with robust multitasking features, impressive tablet display, top-notch performance, reliable battery life, water resistance, and extended software support.

Cons: Expensive, lacks dust resistance, potentially more fragile than standard devices, costly repairs, and limited zoom capabilities compared to traditional smartphones.


You might easily forget that the Fold 7 can be unfolded, as it functions and feels like a standard smartphone when using the external display. Photograph by Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com