Google set a new durability standard with the Pixel 10 Fold (Samsung: take note)

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Pixel 10 Fold is first foldable with IP68 mud, water score.
• Pixel 10 Professional Fold resists mud higher than rival foldables.
• One among few upgrades in Google’s $1,799 foldable.

Get extra in-depth ZDNET tech protection: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.

Did Google simply pull off the unattainable? At its Made by Google {hardware} occasion at the moment, the corporate unveiled its new Pixel 10 Pro Fold, a $1,799 foldable cellphone that is the primary of its variety to characteristic an IP68 score.

These two digits — particularly the primary one — are actually necessary, whether or not you are a frequent seashore goer or usually discover a pile of mud and particles once you pull your cellphone out of your pocket. An IP68 score represents the gadget’s Ingress Safety code, a compliance normal for a way effectively it could actually resist water and dirt.

Additionally: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more

Whereas foldable telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 have lengthy provided water resistance (IPX8), their vulnerability to mud and small particles has made many shoppers hesitant to commit — particularly at premium costs. That is why the Pixel 10 Professional Fold’s IP68 score is as noteworthy as it’s.

The improved sturdiness ought to drastically cut back the chance of the cellphone being broken by on a regular basis put on, particle intrusion, and extra. An IP68 score additionally places the Pixel 10 Professional Fold in the identical safety degree as conventional slab telephones — it is fairly the feat contemplating how tough it’s to design a tool with shifting components that additionally face up to mud and particles.

Additionally: The best flip phones of 2025: Where does the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 stand?

Google says the Pixel 10 Professional Fold encompasses a reworked hinge, with a gearless, high-strength beam system comprised of spacecraft-grade supplies. You are a foldable cellphone that is marketed to resist greater than 10 years of folding.

The redesigned inside additionally gave room for Google to squeeze in a bigger 5,010mAh battery (up from final yr’s 4,650mAh) in addition to magnetic adapters for PixelSnap equipment — assume MagSafe for Android.

Additionally: Finally, Pixel 10 ends Android’s MagSafe envy with its new PixelSnap feature

How important is the Pixel 10 Professional Fold’s sturdiness improve to you? Does the IP68 score make it a extra engaging choice than different foldable telephones? Pontificate within the feedback beneath.

Get the morning’s high tales in your inbox every day with our Tech Today newsletter.