GoKawiilWhile many foldable phone-makers tout the sleekness of their devices, Google is once again going in a different direction.
On Wednesday, the company unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, emphasizing its increased durability over its predecessor. That might not sound very sexy, but it’s a big deal when you’re spending $1,899 on a phone.
Yes, that’s a $100 price hike over last year’s Pixel Fold, which Google acknowledged in a briefing is due to the RAM shortage that’s hiking costs across the industry. But the company clearly hopes that’s a price you’ll be willing to pay for a little more peace of mind – as well as some fresh capabilities.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold looks strikingly similar to last year’s 10 Pro Fold – which, in turn, resembled the phone before it. But beneath the surface, the latest book-style foldable is three times more durable than last year’s offering, according to Google.
The new phone lineup, which also includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, arrives one month before Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation handsets and, potentially, the long-rumored foldable iPhone. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also debuts on the heels of Samsung’s latest foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which broke preorder records and could share a passport-style design with Apple’s anticipated foldable. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, on the other hand, maintains the taller build of more traditional book-style phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
All Pixel 11 phones are open for preorder now and launch on Aug. 20. Here’s what Google says it improved with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and what remains the same from last year.
The Pixel 11 Pro fold has a 6.5-inch cover screen made of a new glass-ceramic material that’s more resistant to scratches and cracks, according to Google. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Design and durability on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a 6.5-inch display with a new glass-ceramic cover that’s more resistant to scratches and cracks, according to Google. Like most foldable phones today, that cover display is a comfortable size for scrolling, typing and browsing, and doesn’t feel awkwardly narrow or tight. The bezels have also slimmed down this year, making the display feel a little more immersive.
The Fold’s glass fiber composite back cover should be harder to crack, and an aluminum frame adds some sturdiness while keeping the phone relatively light. In fact, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is nearly 10% lighter than last year’s phone, Google says.
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