Google Pixel Fold One Year Later: More Durable Than I Expected

August 23, 2024

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When Google launched the Pixel Fold, there was hope that it would be the device that would distinguish itself from other foldable phones. Given its unique shape and solid build, one could tell that Google was not planning to be subtle with its first foldable product. But to what extent does it stand up after one year of usage? It is time that we take an unboxing look at the Pixel Fold to know all that has made it through the test of time in terms of durability, looks, and performance.

A Unique Design That Stands Out

The Pixel Fold doesn’t mimic any foldable phone that is currently on the market. The device has a curvy polished aluminum frame and measures exactly 3.5 inches when unfolded, which hardly exceeds the size of a passport; the gadget’s design differs from the long, thin forms of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. When closed, the Pixel Fold is considerably more compact and better balanced—shorter and squatter—which makes it easier to handle and fit into a pocket or bag. On the outside, there is a raised, thick, massive-looking camera module housing that is sure to turn heads, and when opened, the main screen is in landscape orientation rather than portrait, which is standard for foldables.

This is a rather peculiar approach, and it is as beneficial as it is problematic. The feature of the widescreen helps to watch movies and videos in a more enjoyable way and enhances the cinematic experience on a handheld device. However, there are some apps and sites that are normally designed to be in portrait mode and, therefore, may seem slightly awkward or be slightly tricky to manipulate when in landscape mode.

As we underlined before, the Pixel Fold’s frame looks fairly thick, and not just for the sake of style. It enabled Google to place a selfie camera within the thick of the main display bezel while not taking up much valuable screen space. This makes the design thinking unique and quite effective compared to a hole-punch camera that other smartphones have, which is quite invasive to the viewing of items.

Google Pixel Fold: The Specs

Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications that power the Google Pixel Fold:

Display:
- Main (unfolded): 7.6-inch OLED, 2208 x 1840 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
- Cover (folded): 5.8-inch OLED, 2092 x 1080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Google Tensor G2
RAM: 12GB
Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB
Battery: 4,821mAh
Operating System: Android 13 (upgradable)
Cameras:
- Rear: 48MP primary, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto
- Front (unfolded): 8MP
- Front (folded): 9.5MP
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Water Resistance: IPX8
Weight: 283g

More Durable Than I Expected

One of the issues users face with foldable phones is the issue of durability, and, as it was mentioned, the Pixel Fold was met with certain skepticism. Nevertheless, several months of hard testing have shown that the Pixel 9 pro Fold is much more resistant to wear and tear than anyone would expect it to be.

The Hinge and Frame

The hinge mechanics continue to be rigid, and there is no noticeable flex when the notebook is in use as well as when the notebook is in tablet mode. Google’s engineers thought it through to design and build a hinge that would be able to take a battering day in and out for a year without showing signs of wear and tear. Cosmetically, the aluminium frame has discoloured and has minor scratches, but it has not flexed or suffered any damage to any of its main components. This is therefore an indication of the quality and rugged construction, which have remained intact despite drops and occasional rough handling.

Display Durability

One of the most fragile features of any foldable device seems to be the foldable OLED display, and, to the surprise of many, it holds up well. The ultra-thin glass has not accumulated a lot of scrapes or dings, and the factory-applied cover remains intact and has no bubbling, a problem noted on other foldables currently in circulation. The Pixel Fold’s inner display remains impressively resilient, showing no signs of wear even after a year of use.

Real-World Wear and Tear

Barely had I had an opportunity to read this without a case and bring the Pixel Fold into a household with a toddler, and it is shockingly resilient to daily abuse in the form of bumps and drops. Some of the problems include scratches on several parts of the phone, including the back cover and the side portion, and a small crack on the outer screen of the product, which has resulted from falls onto hard surfaces; however, these do not affect the usability of the product.

Water and Dust Resistance

As for the water protection, the Pixel Fold this time received the IPX8 rating, but an ordinary test for this was to drop the device into sand; this was even more nerve-wracking. A sound of sand particles in the hinge was once dragged out of the phone, a normality that proves its robustness. While the specifications do not include IPX8, which does not cover dust protection, the performance of the device remained perfect.

Pros of the Google Pixel Fold

Unique Widescreen Format: The main display is in landscape orientation, which makes the show of videos and movies better suited for this, making it perfect for media use.
No Interruptions on the Main Display: As the selfie camera is tucked under the bezel, the main screen is not compromised in any way; users get a picture without any distractions.
Class-Leading Camera Setup: The Pixel Fold comes with the standard Pixel camera system on the back, with great sensors and image quality, including a 5x optical zoom that is better than most rivals.
Durable Build: People are not wrong to have some concerns over the durability of the Pixel Fold; still, it seems perfectly capable to handle daily usage, drops, and even rough conditions to the maximum extent.
Software Integration: Pixel 7’s software, including Pixel Recorder, Call Screener, and Live Translate, provides a huge amount of value, best utilising the foldable aesthetic.

Cons of the Google Pixel Fold

Thickness and Weight: The Pixel Fold has a thick frame and may appear slightly large, and this also applies when folding the same. Frankly speaking, it is not as pocket-friendly as some of the other gadgets on the market; it is a tad heavier too.
App Compatibility: Some third-party applications are not designed to work with the Pixel Fold’s aspect ratio, and this occasionally causes display problems or an ugly layout.
No Native Stylus Support: Pixel Fold also lacks native stylus support, which can be a disadvantage compared to some of its competitors if a user is engaged in productivity.
Slightly Limited Multitasking: Nonetheless, what is clear is that Google’s software integration is well put together, though there is no Dex mode, which is present in Samsung’s foldables; as a result, the Pixel Fold’s multitasking capabilities are not as sophisticated as those people would prefer.

Pixel Fold vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy Fold: Google’s First Foldable Holds Its Own

Since the Pixel Fold launched last year, I’ve been using Google’s first foldable side by side with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy Fold. The phone’s form factor, with a crease-free inner screen, rivals traditional phones, while its camera bar stands out, offering flagship quality like the Pixel 8 Pro. Despite minor gripes, like the chunky outer display, the Pixel Fold is one durable folding phone worth considering.

Conclusion

A year after its launch, the Google Pixel Fold has proven itself to be a durable, reliable, and uniquely designed foldable phone. Its robust build quality, standout camera system, and immersive widescreen display make it a compelling option for those looking to invest in the future of smartphone technology. While it has its quirks and drawbacks, the Pixel Fold’s combination of innovative design and durability makes it a standout in the foldable phone market. Google’s first attempt at a foldable has certainly set a high bar, and it will be exciting to see how the company continues to innovate in this space.