The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold continues the tradition of a conventional phone shape when closed and an almost square display when opened, competing against Apple's recent foldable offerings. This fourth-generation model features full water and dust resistance, similar to standard smartphones, and retails starting at £1,799 (€1,999/$1,899/A$2,799), marking a £50 (€100/$100/A$100) increase from its predecessor amid rising material costs.
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In terms of design, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold looks similar to earlier models but is 19 grams lighter and slightly slimmer. It maintains the same screen ratio as Google's slab phones, with a bright 6.5-inch exterior display. The internal screen measures 8 inches and supports running two full-size apps side by side, although its crease is more visible than that on competing models. The phone is built with delicate materials compared to standard glass phones but does offer robust features such as Qi2 magnetic charging and accessory support.
The specifications include a 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED outside screen and an 8-inch 120Hz OLED inside screen, powered by the Google Tensor G6 processor, with RAM options of 16GB and storage varying from 256GB to 1TB. It operates on Android 17 and includes a comprehensive camera system with a 48MP wide lens, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens, along with two 10MP selfie cameras. Additional connectivity features involve 5G support, eSIM, USB-C, and various modern wireless technologies.
Battery life has seen a slight decrease compared to last year’s model, lasting roughly 36 hours on mixed usage. A full charge takes about one hour and 40 minutes, with 50% charge attainable in 37 minutes using a compatible 30W USB-C power adapter. The device is compatible with 25W Qi2 wireless charging as well.
Running the latest Android 17, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold contains various AI tools, such as Gemini's proactive system and new voice dictation features. It introduces a floating taskbar and improved multitasking capabilities, including enhanced Bubbles for messaging apps, although it does not reach the flexibility of Samsung's desktop-like interface.
In terms of sustainability, the phone uses recycled aluminum for its construction and offers support for more than 1,000 full charge cycles and ease of repair. The camera system is highlighted as one of the best in foldable devices, with capabilities for low-light performance and various software features for photography.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has several pros, including its functionality as a regular Pixel when closed, solid performance, excellent cameras, and a competitive software package. However, it also faces drawbacks like high costs, fragility compared to traditional models, and slightly reduced battery life.
Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a minor upgrade from its predecessor, boasting improved performance and features. It is recommended for those seeking a foldable phone that mimics the experience of a standard model when closed.