Google introduces Pixel 11 Pro Fold: thinner, lighter, 3 times more durable and integrated with HiLight
Google officially launched Pixel 11 Pro Fold, its most advanced folding phone model this year, with a thinner and lighter design, outstanding durability, a completely new main camera and a series of expanded AI features from Gemini Intelligence.
Design & durability
Pixel 11 Pro Fold is nearly 10% lighter and about 1mm thinner than Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the screen border is also thinner for a cleaner overall, the device comes in two colors: classic Obsidian and new Olive. Regarding specific size and weight, the device weighs 239g, when folded is 155.2 x 76.0 x 10.1mm and when opened is 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.0mm.
Google is equipped with a new glass fiber composite back, which is advertised as nearly unbreakable, combined with a new gearless hinge that helps protect the screen during drops and a Super Actua outer screen made of super hard ceramic glass, overall making the device up to 3 times more durable than the previous generation. The device retains the IP68 water and dust resistance standard like the previous generation, while improving the smoothness of screen creases thanks to the larger bend radius of the new hinge and thicker glass on the inner screen.
Another design highlight is HiLight, an LED strip added around the flash on the camera bar, used to signal real-time information such as an incoming call from a favorite contact with a distinct color, or signaling when interacting with Gemini by voice. Google said it will continue to add more capabilities to HiLight in the near future, including message notifications from favorite contacts, and this feature is also compatible with WhatsApp.
Screen
Both the outer screen and the inner folding screen of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold are 20% brighter than the previous generation, reaching a peak brightness of 3,600 nits. The Super Actua external screen is 6.5 inches in size, with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,342, and the Super Actua Flex internal folding screen is 8 inches in size, with a resolution of 2,076 x 2,152, both reaching a maximum HDR brightness of 2,400 nits.
Configuration
The device runs on Google's new Tensor G6 chip, comes with 16GB of RAM for all versions and three storage options 256GB, 512GB, 1TB using Zoned UFS standard, along with Titan M3 co-processor security chip to help protect the device when booting, even against the risk of attacks from quantum computers.
Regarding the battery, the capacity decreased from 5,015mAh to 4,750mAh, but Google said the Tensor G6 is up to 20% more energy efficient than the G5 generation, helping the device still achieve over 24 hours of use. Wire charging speed reaches 50% battery after about 30 minutes with 30W charging, while wireless charging supports Qi2.2 standard at 25W speed, 20% faster than the previous generation Fold. The device runs Android 17 from the start, is committed to 7 years of operating system, security and Pixel Drop updates, supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, UWB and NFC connectivity.
Camera
Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a completely new 48MP main camera, which Google says provides 56% better light sensitivity than the previous generation, along with a telephoto camera that supports Super Zoom up to 30x. The specific camera configuration includes a 10.5MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, the front camera and internal camera are both 10 megapixels. The device is also equipped with new photography features of the Pixel 11 series such as Magic Capture, which automatically selects the best moment when the subject is moving, and Camera Looks, which allows customizing the photo style according to the user's own preferences.
Software features
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold's two screens are great for real-time translation, especially the new sign language-to-text feature, developed by Google with the deaf community, that allows users to sign in ASL into the front camera and receive translations right on the external screen, works with both Live Transcribe and Gboard, and is compatible with both one-handed and two-handed signing. Bubbles are optimized specifically for foldable devices, allowing any app to turn into a small bubble in the lower right corner of the screen when opened for quick access.
Typical foldable features such as Drag and Drop, Split Screen, Instant View and two new animations for Made You Look are still retained, in addition to common features of the Pixel 11 series such as proactive assistance and Circle to Search are integrated deeper into the camera.
Selling price
Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 for the 256GB version, $2,019 for the 512GB version and $2,249 for the 1TB version, an increase of $100 in all versions compared to last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The device opened for pre-order on the day of announcement and will officially be available from August 20. New users will also receive 6 months of Google AI Pro including Google Health Premium and 5TB of Google One storage.