Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Review: Better, But Not the Best
Google's new foldable phone arrives with minor improvements.
1Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Overview
The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold brings minor improvements over last year's model. IP68 water and dust resistance, Qi2 25W wireless charging support, and AI-powered software features stand out. However, weaker hardware specs compared to other Pro models and a $100 price increase are noticeable. While Google excels in software, it still lags behind in hardware.
2Design and Dimensions
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is only slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, shedding a few millimeters and 19 grams. However, it remains heavier and thicker compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Honor Magic V6. The horizontal camera bar reduces wobbling when placed on a flat surface, and the matte-textured glass back enhances grip.
3Water and Dust Resistance
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold boasts an IP68 rating, making it highly resistant to water and dust. This feature outperforms Samsung's IP48-rated phones. Google's device offers complete protection against fine dust and sand, while Samsung's phones are more vulnerable in this regard.
4Display Features
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold features an 8-inch main screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen. Both displays offer 3,600 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. Colors are rich and vibrant, but the fold crease in the middle of the screen is noticeable. This crease may be bothersome for some users.
5Fingerprint and Face Unlock
The fingerprint sensor in the power button offers an unconventional experience for users transitioning to foldable phones. Face unlock works well in adequate lighting but fails in dark environments. This limitation can be frustrating, especially during nighttime use.
6Cameras and Image Quality
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes with a 48 MP main camera and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens. The 5X optical zoom delivers sharp and detailed shots, but quality deteriorates at 30X digital zoom. The 10.5 MP ultra-wide camera produces relatively grainy images. The front-facing cameras are adequate for selfies.
7New Camera Features
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold introduces new camera features like Camera Looks and Magic Capture. Camera Lets users define their preferred contrast and color styles, while Magic Capture simplifies capturing videos and photos from events. These features enhance the user experience.
8Performance and Hardware
The phone is powered by the new Tensor G6 processor and comes with 16 GB of RAM. Storage options include 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB. Performance is generally smooth for those transitioning from the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but occasional freezing issues occur, especially in split-screen mode with Gmail.
9HiLight Feature
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold introduces HiLight, a new feature that changes the color of LEDs in the camera module based on the caller. While handy when the phone is placed face down, this feature feels underdeveloped and lacks polish.
10Competition and Price
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold competes with the Samsung Fold8 and the upcoming foldable iPhone. However, with a $1,900 price tag, it's hard to argue that Google has a significant advantage. The device trails behind competitors, especially in terms of hardware.
11Conclusion and Evaluation
The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold takes small steps forward in the foldable phone market. While its software and AI features shine, there's room for improvement in hardware and pricing. Compared to rivals like Samsung and Apple, Google needs to put in more effort to stay competitive.
Original article: Wired — Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold İncelemesi: Daha İyi, Ancak En İyi Değil