I hope the camera on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold exceeds the expectations from the rumors; here's the reason.
One of the most pleasant surprises last year was the revamped Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google's second-generation folding phone addressed most of the issues noted with the Pixel Fold, establishing it as the folding counterpart to the Pixel 9 Pro series.
With flagship performance, a boxy design, and the recognizable porcelain white color, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold seamlessly integrates into the existing lineup rather than feeling like a separate category, as was the case with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
However, one aspect where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold falls short compared to its lineup siblings is the camera. The leading folding phones still haven't matched the camera performance of their non-folding counterparts, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception.
I had anticipated that the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold would differ, but it appears that while the rest of the series will see significant enhancements, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may only receive minor updates, according to the most recent rumors. Here’s why this would be a misstep for Google.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold camera in comparison to the Pixel 9 lineup
Google Pixel 9 (left), Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a strong main camera but has lower-resolution ultrawide and telephoto cameras that feel somewhat secondary. In contrast, the other models in the Pixel 9 lineup feature the same robust main camera, but they are paired with superior ultrawide and/or telephoto sensors where relevant.
Here’s how the camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stacks up against the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup:
Main camera | Ultrawide | Telephoto
--- | --- | ---
Pixel 9 Pro Fold | 48MP, f/1.7, 25mm dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 10.5MP, f/2.2, 127˚ PDAF | 10.8MP, f/3.1 OIS, 5x optical zoom
Pixel 9a | 48MP, f/1.7, 25mm dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 13MP, f/2.2, 120˚ 1.12µm | —
Pixel 950 | 50MP, f/1.7, 25mm dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 48MP, f/2.2, 123˚ dual pixel PDAF | —
Pixel 9 Pro | 50MP, f/1.7, 25mm dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 48MP, f/1.7, 123˚ dual pixel PDAF | 48MP, f/2.8, 113mm OIS, 5x optical zoom
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, priced at $1,800, is the costliest in the Pixel 9 lineup, but the most affordable model, the Google Pixel 9a, which is set to launch soon, boasts a better camera on paper. Notably, the 13MP ultrawide camera of the Pixel 9a will deliver slightly enhanced photo quality compared to the 10.5MP ultrawide camera on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. To provide some context, the Pixel 9a is priced at $449, merely a quarter of the cost.
When comparing with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the core issue with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold camera becomes clear. The Pixel 9, costing approximately a third of the Fold, features a considerably superior ultrawide camera. Additionally, although the 10.8MP telephoto on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers 5x optical zoom, it doesn't match the quality of the 48MP telephoto present in its Pro counterparts.
How the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands against the competition
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Ajay Kumar / Digital Trends
Initially, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was competitive, but over the last year, significant advancements have been made by key competitors. The most notable is the Galaxy Z Fold 6, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold closely resembling Samsung’s flagship folding device. However, a global market perspective reveals that Google needs to upgrade the Pixel Fold camera.
Main camera | Ultrawide | Telephoto
--- | --- | ---
Pixel 9 Pro Fold | 48MP, f/1.7, 25mm dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 10.5MP, f/2.2, 127˚ PDAF | 10.8MP, f/3.1 OIS, 5x optical zoom
Galaxy Z Fold 6 | 50
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I hope the camera on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold exceeds the expectations from the rumors; here's the reason.
The camera was one aspect of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold that was underwhelming, and this seems likely to persist if the speculation about the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's camera is correct. Here's why this would be a misstep.