I have a fairly accurate assumption.
Let’s face it: foldable smartphones are costly, and whenever a new model is unveiled, the initial inquiry on everyone’s minds is “will the previous generation see a price reduction?” With the next Google Pixel foldable on the horizon, speculation is rife, and many people are questioning what this means for last year’s expensive Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
While official details about the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold are limited at this moment, it’s anticipated that it will be unveiled during a Made by Google event on August 20th. This indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is due to be classified as last-gen, but does this imply a price drop? One can only conjecture, but my experience in this industry allows me to provide a general idea of what to anticipate in the upcoming weeks. Let’s delve into it.
What we know
As I pointed out earlier, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is likely to be disclosed at a launch event on August 20th with a keynote beginning at 10am PT.
In addition to the foldable, we’re also expected to catch a first glimpse of the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, and Google is likely to announce the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2A. Some speculation has even hinted that the company might formally introduce its much-anticipated AR smart glasses, although the credibility of this rumor is still uncertain.
Concerning specifications, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to feature a 6.4-inch OLED cover display along with an 8-inch OLED inner display. Each screen is anticipated to achieve 3,000 nits of peak brightness, plus Google is reportedly developing a new-and-improved hinge that should make the device a tad slimmer and more comfortable to hold. Given the ultra-sleek design showcased on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (the Fold’s principal rival), this seems like a wise decision on Google’s part.
Internally, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to utilize the same Tensor G5 chipset as the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro/10 Pro XL, with rumors suggesting an enhanced 5,015mAh battery. You’ll also have 16GB of RAM as standard, alongside storage options extending up to 1TB. We are also anticipating the foldable device to feature IP68 ingress protection, which would be a first within the industry!
So, what about the pricing? Observing the competition, it’s important to note that both of Samsung’s recent foldable phones have seen significant price hikes, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 priced at an astonishing $1,999.99. In contrast, last year’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold started at $1,799.99.
Will Google mirror its competitors and increase the price of the Pixel 10 series? It’s difficult to ascertain, but at least one rumor proposes that Google may actually reduce the starting price of its flagship foldable by $200. Only time will reveal the truth, but I wouldn’t get too excited just yet.
Will the Pixel 9 Pro Fold experience a price reduction?
Now for the big question: will the Pixel 9 Pro Fold see a drop in price with the next generation’s arrival? Since certainty isn’t guaranteed, we must reference past trends to make an informed assumption.
The predecessor to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was simply named the Pixel Fold. This foldable was released in 2023 at a price of $1,799, and although it’s somewhat difficult to find today, you can still acquire the Google Pixel Fold for as low as $989.99 through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. However, this is nearly three years post-launch, and I suspect you’d prefer not to wait that long to obtain the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Instead, I suggest holding off for a significant sale event, such as Back to School 2025 or the forthcoming Black Friday sales. By that point, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be regarded as last-gen, but most retailers will still be eager to sell their stock. After all, right now you can get $500 off the phone at Best Buy, and the Pixel 10 version hasn’t even been unveiled yet. Give it a few more weeks, and I wouldn’t be astonished if last year’s foldable dropped to $1,000 or less.
The Pixel experience in a foldable format
Though it’s about to be replaced by a new model, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains an impressive device with two stunning 120Hz OLED displays, a robust Tensor chipset, and exceptional battery longevity. You also receive all the newest AI features along with years of OS and security updates. Now if we could just see that price lowered…
