The Google Pixel Fold broke my heart at launch but won it back completely

It was difficult to hide my displeasure with the Google Pixel Fold on launch. The phone felt half-baked, precisely what you don’t want in a device that costs $1,800. However, Google kept at it. Despite a complete reboot with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the company made significant software improvements to the original Pixel Fold. Android 15 turned the tide, and I’ve found myself using it more than any other book-style folding phone.

It’s also not too late to enjoy the Pixel Fold, with refurbished devices often selling for under $500. Google is promising software updates for the Pixel Fold until mid-2028, which means you’re getting a viable device with an interesting form factor at a significant discount to its original MSRP. If you’re in the market for an affordable folding phone, the Google Pixel Fold is the device I’d buy in 2025.

Folding phones do have advantages

Productivity monsters if used right

Folding phone manufacturers haven’t sold me on why I need to spend close to $2,000 on a device, but that barrier is much less intimidating if I’m only asked for $500 out of pocket. Book-style folds have their uses, and the Google Pixel Fold does better than most in 2025. Its landscape-dominant inner display is ideal for productivity tasks. I don’t understand why more folding phone manufacturers haven’t adopted a widescreen approach. Two apps can be displayed side by side with a proper aspect ratio for each. I don’t feel like I’m cramming an app into one corner of the display — it’s a better way to multitask.

Google’s optimizations with Android 15 solved another significant issue with the original Pixel Fold: battery life.

I also prefer the external screen on the Google Pixel Fold to that of other folding devices, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Its wider aspect ratio is perfect for writing and reading emails, and it feels incredible in the hand. I wish Google had made some different design choices, namely adding an anti-reflective layer to the inner display, but I can’t fault the hinge. It remains as solid to open and close as it was when new, and I’m pleased with how my Pixel Fold has held up over time.

Google finally got it right

Android 15 brought the changes I wanted

I couldn’t believe the Google Pixel Fold didn’t have app pairs for over a year. We were promised them in the Android 14 update, with the feature appearing in betas, but app pairs never made it to the stable build. Thankfully, Google brought the functionality with Android 15, and it was a breath of fresh air. Opening two apps easily on my Pixel Fold is outstanding, allowing me to respond to an email while glancing through information on my calendar. It’s also ideal for those double-dip social media doom scrolls, with Instagram and X opened simultaneously.

Google’s optimizations with Android 15 solved another significant issue with the original Pixel Fold: battery life. I struggled to get 4-5 hours of screen time on a single charge when the Pixel Fold was released, severely limiting the device. On Android 15, that number increases to over 6 hours, which isn’t changing anyone’s life, but it makes a noticeable difference. Google needed to rein in the Tensor G2, and it took some time to do so, as the chipset struggled with battery performance on every device I used it on. Between the improved multitasking and battery life, the Pixel Fold turned into a capable work companion over the last year.

The price is right

And the performance isn’t shabby

For $1,800, the Google Pixel Fold had to hit on all cylinders from the start. You can’t ask for that kind of money and expect people to enjoy using what amounts to a smartphone first draft. However, $500 is significantly more palatable, and at that price, the Pixel Fold is an excellent value. You get all the conveniences of a book-style folding phone, without the wallet-punishing price. It’s the same price you’d pay for a solid midrange phone, but you get more versatility from the Pixel Fold. I also wouldn’t worry about buying a renewed or refurbished device. If you purchase through Amazon, there are several buyer protections if your phone isn’t as advertised.

The Google Pixel Fold also still performs well, and while the Tensor G2 chipset didn’t even top benchmarks when new, it does the job. The Pixel Fold’s 12GB of RAM provides some future-proofing, ensuring you won’t feel limited for years. I wouldn’t choose a Pixel Fold if I were a heavy gamer, but for social media and productivity apps, you won’t have any constraints.

It’ll be a while before we see affordable foldables

We won’t see a book-style foldable for under $1,000 for some time, at least not one I’d recommend buying. Renewed and refurbished phones are an excellent way to experience premium tech without the prohibitive costs. As long as you’re careful while purchasing, the Google Pixel Fold is a fantastic midrange folding device — I just wish Google had it running like this at launch.