Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Review: Better, Not Best

Pixel 11 Pro Fold Review: Better, Not Best">

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a predictably iterative improvement over last year’s foldable, with slight upgrades to performance and the camera, but it comes with an unwelcome $100 price bump. The IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and the Qi2 25W support for faster magnetic charging are standouts in a category where Google is lagging, but it has never been known for its hardware. Software is where the company excels, and some folks will appreciate the unrivaled AI-infused software features.

Google is good at elevating its devices beyond the spec sheet, but the 11 Pro Fold is perilously close to the Pixel 11 on paper, a phone that’s less than half its price. Beyond the big unfolding screen and customizable rear LEDs, little else justifies the “Pro” tag . With Samsung’s fresh Fold8 form factor and a folding iPhone on the horizon , I’m not convinced Google has done enough to make this the foldable you drop $1,900 on.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn’t look different from the 10 Pro Fold , but Google has shaved off a fraction of a millimeter and 19 grams. Sadly, the 11 Pro Fold is still heavier and thicker (239 grams and 10.1 mm) than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 (201 grams and 9.7 mm), the Fold8 Ultra (215 grams and 8.9 mm), and the Honor Magic V6 (219 grams and 8.75 mm, not sold in the US). That makes it a little trickier to handle, though the horizontal camera bar means less rocking than Samsung’s phones when they lie flat.

The double-camera module has had a makeover, so it looks less chunky, and the back is matte-textured glass that feels lovely. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold scores an impressive IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. That compares favorably to Samsung’s IP48 ratings, which means both can survive shallow submersion, but Google’s phone is dust-tight, whereas Samsung’s phones are at risk from fine dust and sand.