The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has surfaced in images that seem official, but its design fails to impress me.
Google's forthcoming foldable device appears strikingly similar to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Evan Blass / Leakmail
Previous CAD designs had already tempered my expectations for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The latest promotional content released by Evan Blass via the Leakmail newsletter offers little indication of anything more than a fresh color scheme and minor design adjustments that would likely go unnoticed by most without a close inspection.
The phone bears a disappointing resemblance to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, maintaining the same dimensions, rounded edges, and its distinctive camera arrangement. I have never appreciated how Google layers what appear to be two smaller Pixel camera visors on top of one another; it seems disjointed rather than unified.
Evan Blass / Leakmail
Google's attempt to sustain a heavily rounded design across the Pixel series presents another issue. On its foldable model, this shape results in significant areas of exposed metal around the upper and lower edges of the hinge-side bezel. I'm uncertain about the reasoning behind this choice, but it has always appeared off to me.
Google is adhering to its existing design approach.
A modest update might be more palatable if competitors weren’t pursuing different trends. The original Pixel Fold introduced a shorter and broader book-style design to the Western market, and Samsung has since embraced a similar style with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Apple seems to be following suit with its upcoming foldable. Meanwhile, Google appears satisfied to continue refining its current design for at least another generation.
Evan Blass / Leakmail
Evan Blass / Leakmail
Earlier CAD estimates indicated that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could decrease from 10.8mm to 10.1mm when closed and from 5.2mm to 4.8mm when opened. While these size reductions are welcome, trimming a few millimeters from the device hardly compensates for retaining the same design for yet another year. This approach is reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Flip 8, which became slightly slimmer while keeping much of the same hardware and launching at a $100 higher price point.
However, a slimmer profile may come with drawbacks. Previous reports suggest a battery capacity of about 4,800mAh, reduced from the 5,015mAh battery of its predecessor. The price is also expected to increase, potentially hitting 1,999 euros for the entry-level model.
A nice color can help mitigate the disappointment.
At least the Pine finish appears genuinely appealing. The muted green back, light gold frame, and corresponding Google logo come together surprisingly well, giving this otherwise familiar foldable an infusion of personality. The material also showcases the recently teased Pixel Glow LED positioned within the upper camera visor. While a fashionable color and a notification light can’t substitute for a substantial redesign, they do add an element of freshness to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Evan Blass / Leakmail
The primary draw of the Pixel lineup is likely to be its new Gemini Intelligence capabilities, so I'm sure the device will still attract buyers despite its nearly identical appearance to last year’s model. That said, if the initial reception of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is any indication, I would like to see Google revisit the short and wide design concept.
The original Pixel Fold was ahead of its time in that regard. The market may finally be ready for it now that some of the industry's leading players are adopting the design as mainstream.
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The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has surfaced in images that seem official, but its design fails to impress me.
Images that look official reveal a Pixel 11 Pro Fold that seems nearly identical to its predecessor, except for a slimmer profile, a Pine finish, and the addition of Pixel Glow LED.