Google’s annual Made by Google event, scheduled for August 20, 2025, promises a showcase of its latest innovations, with the spotlight firmly fixed on the Google Pixel 10 series. Among the expected reveals – the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL – the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is generating considerable buzz.
The foldable phone market is rapidly evolving, marked by increasing competition and escalating prices. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 exemplifies this trend, boasting exceptional power and a premium price tag. As the two leading Android phone manufacturers, Google and Samsung are engaged in a constant battle for supremacy. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is poised to challenge the Galaxy Z Fold 7 directly, and to succeed, it requires significant enhancements.
Here are three key upgrades that the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold needs to surpass the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7:
Enhanced Foldable Features
While the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was lauded as a capable and enjoyable device, its dual-screen functionality was somewhat limited. At launch, it offered only a dual-screen translator and a cover-display preview feature for the camera. Considering its premium price point, users expect more.
Google could introduce innovative features that leverage both screens. Imagine games designed specifically for the folding form factor or animated wallpapers that extend across both displays when unfolded.
Furthermore, improving the utility of the inner display is crucial. While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may not match the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in raw processing power, Google can gain an edge through intelligent and intuitive software.
Drawing inspiration from Apple’s upcoming iPadOS 26 update, Google could incorporate desktop-like features into the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s inner display mode. An 8-inch screen, though not expansive, could accommodate floating windows for enhanced multitasking.
Superior Camera System
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 currently holds the crown for the best camera system on a foldable phone. Its 200MP sensor captures significantly more light and detail compared to the often-compromised camera setups found on other foldable devices.
In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera system was considered a weak point. While it features a decent ultra-wide lens and a 5x telephoto lens, the main camera was a downgrade from the standard Pixel 9, resulting in less vibrant and detailed images.
Google Pixel phones are renowned for their exceptional camera capabilities and intelligent image processing. Despite the physical constraints of foldable phones, Samsung has demonstrated that it is possible to equip them with flagship-quality cameras.
A better main camera would level the playing field for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Upgrades to the ultra-wide and 5x telephoto lenses would also be beneficial. Furthermore, 8K video recording, paired with Google’s AI-powered Video Boost feature, would match the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of resolution and video quality.
Streamlined Design
The trend in foldable phone design is undeniably moving towards thinner devices. Early foldable phones felt bulky, resembling two smartphones stacked together. However, devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are now remarkably slim, approaching the thickness of standard flagships when folded and becoming incredibly thin when unfolded.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, at 10.5mm thick when folded and 5.1mm thick when unfolded, wasn’t excessively bulky. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 sets a new standard with its impressive 8.9mm thickness when folded and a mere 4.1mm at its thinnest point when unfolded.
Several Chinese manufacturers, such as Honor with the Magic V3 and Oppo with the Find N5, have been at the forefront of this slimness trend.
Google should embrace this trend. While the Pixel line may sometimes lag in performance, it has consistently been praised for its hardware design. It is crucial that this aspect doesn’t fall behind.
Honorable Mention: A Faster Chipset
While not a primary focus, processing power is always a factor. The performance gap between the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and its Samsung counterpart, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, was noticeable. Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, while reliable, couldn’t match the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset found in the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes it a step further with the overclocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, delivering exceptional performance.
Given Google’s history of equipping even its flagship Pixel phones with slightly less powerful chipsets, it may be challenging for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to catch up in a single generation.
However, a Pixel 10 Pro Fold that equals or surpasses the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 in benchmark tests could significantly disrupt the foldable phone market.
The full specifications of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be unveiled at the upcoming Made by Google event on August 20th.
