Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold feels like the end of an era
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Google has released the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, but The Verge's review suggests the device now feels out of step with a rapidly evolving foldable market. While Samsung has dramatically thinned its Galaxy Z Fold line and introduced a new "passport-sized" form factor, and Apple is rumoured to be preparing its own foldable iPhone for next month, Google's latest fold offers only modest, iterative hardware tweaks rather than a fresh design direction.
The phone costs $1,899, a $100 rise on last year's model, though storage remains at 256GB by default (with 512GB and 1TB options available at extra cost) and 16GB RAM across all variants. Upgrades include a new Tensor G6 chipset, brighter 3,600-nit OLED displays, a larger main camera sensor, and faster 25W Qi2 wireless charging, alongside a slightly thinner and lighter build. The reviewer praises its IP68 water resistance, solid triple camera and useful software additions like Bubbles multitasking, but criticises its persistent crease, bulk, and underwhelming HiLight feature, giving it a score of 8 out of 10 and warning its dated design may not remain competitive for long.
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets minor upgrades, not a redesign, unlike rivals
- Priced at $1,899 ($100 more), same 256GB base storage as before
- Strong camera and durability, but thick, heavy and still has a crease
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Google has released its latest folding phone, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, at a time when the wider market for foldable devices is changing fast. Rivals such as Samsung have recently redesigned their folding phones to be noticeably thinner, and Apple is expected to launch its first folding iPhone soon, putting pressure on Google to keep pace.
Google's new model brings a faster chip, a brighter screen, a bigger camera sensor and quicker wireless charging, but keeps a similar overall design to its predecessor, including the visible crease down the middle of the screen. It also costs more than last year's version. Reviewers see this as a solid but incremental update rather than a major redesign.
The story matters because it reflects a turning point in the foldable phone market, where design innovation is accelerating and companies that fail to keep up risk falling behind, even if their products remain functional and well reviewed.
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