Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a predictably iterative improvement over last year’s foldable, with slight upgrades to performance and the camera, but it comes with an unwelcome $100 price bump, according to WIRED. The review, written by Simon Hill, notes the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and the Qi2 25W support for faster magnetic charging as standout features, yet argues the device sits perilously close to the Pixel 11 on paper — a phone that costs less than half as much.
The Price and the “Pro” Problem
WIRED reported that Google has never been known for its hardware; software is where the company excels, and some folks will appreciate the unrivaled AI-infused software features. Google is good at elevating its devices beyond the spec sheet, but the 11 Pro Fold is perilously close to the Pixel 11 on paper, a phone that’s less than half its price, according to the review.
Beyond the big unfolding screen and customizable rear LEDs, little else justifies the “Pro” tag. With Samsung’s fresh Fold8 form factor and a folding iPhone on the horizon, Simon Hill, writing for WIRED, said he is not convinced Google has done enough to make this the foldable you drop $1,900 on.
Design and Durability
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn’t look different from the 10 Pro Fold, but Google has shaved off a fraction of a millimeter and 19 grams, according to WIRED. Even so, the device remains heavier and thicker than several rivals:
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold: 239 grams, 10.1 mm
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: 201 grams, 9.7 mm
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: 215 grams, 8.9 mm
- Honor Magic V6: 219 grams, 8.75 mm (not sold in the US)
The horizontal camera bar means less rocking than Samsung’s phones when they lie flat, WIRED noted. The double-camera module has had a makeover so it looks less chunky, and the back is matte-textured glass.
| Device | Weight | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold | 239 g | 10.1 mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 | 201 g | 9.7 mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra | 215 g | 8.9 mm |
| Honor Magic V6 | 219 g | 8.75 mm |
IP68 vs IP48: Dust Tightness
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold scores an IP68 rating, which compares favorably to Samsung’s IP48 ratings, according to WIRED. Both can survive shallow submersion, but Google’s phone is dust-tight, while Samsung’s phones are at risk from fine dust and sand.
Competitive Pressure
WIRED’s review points out that the 11 Pro Fold is heavier and thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 (201 grams, 9.7 mm), the Fold8 Ultra (215 grams, 8.9 mm), and the Honor Magic V6 (219 grams, 8.75 mm). The handset’s $1,900 price tag, set against a Pixel 11 that costs less than half as much, makes the foldable a difficult recommendation for technology buyers.
Simon Hill concluded:
I’m not convinced Google has done enough to make this the foldable you drop $1,900 on.
That sentiment underscores the review’s overall conclusion that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is better than its predecessor, but not the best in the class.
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