Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Price, specs and cheapest plans

If you're keen to get in on a Google foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the latest and greatest. While not exactly leaps and bounds beyond its predecessor, it does sport an upgraded Tensor G5 processor, improved image signal processor (ISP) for prettier pics, better battery, and new AI features like Magic Cue and Camera Coach.

If you're unsure whether the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the right fit for you, we're here to help you find your way. In this guide, we've compiled a full rundown of everything you need to know about Google's new premium foldable. Regardless of whether you're after the general gist or an in-depth breakdown of the specs, we've got you covered.

We're expecting Telstra and Optus to offer the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold on a plan (Vodafone has chosen to sit this one out). No matter which telco you go with, you'll get to choose between a 24-month plan or a 36-month plan. A 36-month plan will always be cheaper, but it means you're paying your phone off over a longer period of time. A 24-month plan is more expensive, but you'll own your phone quicker.

We're not expecting to see Pixel 10 Pro Fold plans go live until closer to its October 9 release date, but you can you can find a snapshot of plans you'll be able to pair with the new device below: 

In Australia, Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold pricing starts at $2,699 for the 256GB model, which is the same as its predecessor. The 512GB model starts at $2,899, and the 1TB at $3,249.

For a sense of how the Pixel 10 Pro Fold compares to its siblings in terms of price, check out the table below.

All told, the Pixel Pro Fold 10 looks to be an iterative improvement over its predecessor in some respects, particularly processing power. But other features, such as camera hardware, remain the same – at least, on paper. And like Google's last batch of Pixels, the new batch doubles down on AI, with new features like Magic Cue and Camera Coach.

• Qi2 wireless charging:  The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with support for faster wireless charging of up to 15W.
• New processor: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is powered by Google's fifth-generation Tensor processor.
  
• Additional AI features: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold ships with the latest version of Android and a bagful of new AI features, such as Magic Cue and Camera Coach.
• Same camera, new outlook: The 10 Pro Fold's camera hardware is the same as last year's, but the new ISP should help provide better images from the same setup.
• Slightly larger and brighter outer display: The Pro Fold 10's external display is 6.4 inches with a reported peak brightness of 3000 nits, vs the 6.3 inches and 2700 nits of its predecessor. But screen resolution remains the same.
• Slightly larger battery: The Pro Fold 10's battery capacity is about 8% larger than the Pro Fold 9. And Google claims battery life has increased from 24 hours to 30.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's external display is 6.4 inches with a resolution of 1080 x 2364 – basically it's a longer version of 1080p. It's not intended to be your go-to option, as evidenced by this good-but-not-head-turning pixel count, coupled with the regular "Actua" technology. But it does at least have a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of an impressive 3000 nits.

The internal display 8 inches, with the always-welcome Super Actua technology we've found provides vibrant colours, inky blacks and good white tones. It has a resolution of 2076 x 2152, refresh rate of 120Hz and peak brightness if 3000 nits.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is powered by the same Tensor G5 processor found in the rest of this year's Pixel lineup. According to Google, this silicon offers 34% faster CPU performance when compared to last year's Tensor G4. It also comes with an improved ISP that promises to translate into better camera performance. All storage models have the same 16GB of RAM.

Like last year's Pixel phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with 7 years of operating system upgrades and security updates.

As for battery life, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with a 5015 mAh battery that Google claims should be good for 30+ hours of battery life, which is an improvement over last year's 24 hours.

On paper, the cameras on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold are the same as least year. On the back, there's a 48MP main camera, 10.5Mp ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto. The selfie cams (internal and external) are both 10MP – also unchanged from last year.

On the software side, Google is more explicitly integrating AI into the camera. For instance, there's a new camera coach feature that uses on-screen instructions to help guide you towards taking better photos if you don't know where to start. And the new image signal processor (ISP) should help produce better images, even without upgrading the camera hardware.

Yes, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with 5G connectivity on par with what you can find in the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup. Of course, you'll need to be located in an area with 5G coverage in order to actually make use of this feature. To see where is 5G available in Australia, use the coverage map below.

Only Telstra and Optus will offer Pixel 10 Pro Fold plans – Vodafone doesn't intend on joining in.

Regardless of which provider you pick, your plan will be structured the same way so be sure to pick the one that best suits your individual needs. Optus and Telstra both offer various perks and plan features, which we'll cover below.

Firstly, though, you'll want to consider coverage. When it comes to network footprint, the Telstra network has a well-earned reputation for offering the widest coverage in Australia. Optus sits in second place, with a wide network of its own. We've listed the figures further below, but keep in mind it's not all about the numbers, but also where you live and frequent.

Both telcos have solid 4G coverage in well-populated areas. And in metro areas, 5G coverage is quite similar. The biggest difference for 4G coverage (crucial for calls and text) is in regional and rural areas, where Telstra has a significantly larger presence. Telstra's 5G coverage is also larger, but you'll need to use a coverage map to see which network is better suited to your needs.

Optus' smallest plan has a big 50GB of data, which is around double the average national usage. There's also data sharing if you have multiple plans on the same account, which can be handy for families – though keep in mind there's not much added benefit in sharing data if everyone already has more than they need. 

That said, Optus' Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold plans include more than just a big data allowance. The more expensive options also come with unlimited international calls to select destinations. That's great to have if you're looking to keep in touch with friends and family overseas. If you're planning to travel abroad yourself, Optus has good roaming add-ons too. You can score 5GB of data and unlimited local talk & text for $5 per day when roaming in select countries.

It's also worth remembering Optus mobile plans come with no data overage fees. If you go over your monthly data limit, you won't incur any unexpectedly high fees but you will have you speed capped at 1.5Mbps until the end of your current billing cycle. 

Optus customers also get access to SubHub – a platform that lets you combine multiple subscription services (such as Netflix, Microsoft 365, and others) into a single bill, along with a 5% or 10% discount, depending on whether you sync two or three or more services.

Telstra's Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold plans are the most expensive, but Australia's biggest telco is also well known for its wider network coverage and all the perks you'd expect, given the premium price.

Once again, the smallest plan has 50GB. This is far higher than the average Australian uses each month and, while there are no overage charges for going past your data limit (instead you're slowed to 1.5Mbps), there's no data banking or rollover to let you hang onto your unused data. Fortunately, as with the other big three providers, you can share data between up to 10 mobile services on the same eligible account.

All Telstra's Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold plans come with 30 minutes of international calls to all destinations – not a lot of minutes, but without the usual limit on the number of countries that are included. International calling packs are available for additional minutes.

Roaming is relatively easy to do, but not as affordable as Optus or Telstra in most circumstances. Travelling in New Zealand will cost you $5 per day, but most other countries are $10 per day. You'll get 2GB to use per day. 

Finally, you've got the Telstra Plus system. You earn points based on eligible plan payments. You can use these put towards purchases from the Telstra Plus Rewards store, such as tech, gadgets, and gift cards. You can also get discounted movie tickets, pre-sale tickets for concerts, and more.

In any case, Telstra's biggest selling point is still the size of its network. With a population coverage of 99.7% for 4G, Telstra sits ahead of Optus' 98.5% and Vodafone's 98.4%. When it comes to 5G, Telstra offers an even bigger lead. With 95% of the population covered with 5G, it's comfortably ahead of Optus' 80.5%. Meanwhile, Vodafone doesn't even publish clear 5G coverage stats, so there's no comparison to be made there.

Even in regional areas that fall outside the reach of the largest mobile network in Australia, Telstra customers can still stay connected via the provider's new Starlink-powered messaging service. If you live in rural Australia, this feature is nice to have. That said, it does come with a few caveats, such as being limited to text-messaging, requiring a direct line-of-sight to the sky, and only working within Starlink's satellite coverage footprint.