Google accidentally leaked the entire Pixel 10 collection this week – and it looks like a very familiar update indeed.
The entire Pixel 10 range looks near-identical to its Pixel 9 equivalent, and that includes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
However, despite looking like an unassuming update, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be the first foldable to reach an exciting milestone.
Let me explain.
It might not look any different, but don’t let that fool you
Looking at the recently leaked images of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, one thing is obvious; it doesn’t look any different from last year’s foldable. In a year where we’ve seen massive steps forward in foldable design from the likes of Samsung and its Galaxy Z Fold 7, some might feel short-changed about this decision.
However, despite looking the same, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be harbouring a huge secret feature – and if true, it could be the first foldable to do so.
You see, while foldables are quickly closing the gap between them and regular bar phones in terms of phone hardware, there’s still one area they’re falling behind: dust and water resistance.
Some of the top foldables of this year, including the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Razr 60 Ultra, offer just IP48 dust and water resistance. Most phones, even some at the budget end of the market, offer full IP68 resistance, if not IP69 for added protection from heated jets of water.
The water resistance, denoted by the ‘8’ in IP ratings, is actually the same whether you go for a foldable or bar phone. Dunk it in water, take it out in the rain; it doesn’t matter.
Where they differ is in the dust department, with the 4 in the IP rating denoting protection against objects 1mm and bigger. In an IP68-protected phone, the phone is completely dust-tight.
That’s what could make the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold so impressive; it’s rumoured to be the first foldable to offer full IP68 dust and water resistance.
The IP68 challenge
Why has IP68 – and the dust resistance in particular – been such a problem for foldables? Well, it mainly comes down to the hinge mechanism.
The hinge and flexible screen need to bend and move smoothly, which means there are physical gaps and seams where the phone unfolds – and it’s here that tiny dust particles can easily get into the hinge and interfere with internal components.
Some of the components within these complex hinge systems are tiny and easily susceptible to interference from tiny dust particles.
The flexible screen itself is also more delicate than traditional smartphone glass, so any dust that gets inside can cause scratches, pressure points or even damage to the display when the phone is folded and unfolded.
Companies like Samsung have tried various methods to prevent the ingress of dust particles, some using tiny brushes or sweeper mechanisms to keep dust out, while others utilise special materials and seals to achieve the same goal.
The problem is that none of these solutions to date have worked. If Google manages the impossible, I’m sure all other foldable manufacturers will take note of how it was achieved. It is the last remaining hurdle for foldables, after all.
An otherwise quite familiar device
Aside from that potential industry-first, however, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks very much like an iterative update.
As noted, it appears nearly identical to last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, featuring the same signature camera bar and square aspect ratio when unfolded.
However, the screens are rumoured to be slightly larger, measuring 6.4 inches and 8 inches, respectively. They’re also said to be brighter, with cover screen brightness reaching up to 2050 nits and internal screen brightness at 1850 nits, both featuring even and thin bezels.
It’s a similar story in the camera department, with a rumoured combination of 50MP main, 10/5MP ultrawide and 10.8MP sensors, along with two 10MP selfie cameras. The keen-eyed among you might recognise that spec, and it’s because it’s the exact same as last year’s offering – though there is said to be improved video stabilisation.
Elsewhere, expect a slightly larger 5015mAh battery, along with Tensor G5 performance and new software smarts like Magic Cue.
So yes, it might be a modest upgrade, but it could still be one of the most important foldables to date. I’ll certainly be watching the Made by Google event on 20 August to see for myself!
