When Google finally stepped into the foldable game in 2023, expectations were sky-high. And with the Google Pixel Fold first generation, the company delivered something that wasn’t perfect, but definitely memorable. Even though newer foldables like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are around, this OG Pixel Fold still holds its charm. Let’s break down why.
Design That Turns Heads
The Google Pixel Fold first generation came with a premium book-style design. Closed, it had a compact 5.8-inch outer OLED screen, perfect for single-hand use. Open it up, and you were greeted with a wide 7.6-inch inner display. Sure, the crease was visible, but the stainless steel hinge and IPX8 water resistance gave it durability points. At 283 grams, it was on the heavier side, but that solid build made it feel like a proper flagship.
Display Experience
Both displays supported 120 Hz refresh rates, which made everything buttery smooth. The outer panel reached 1450 nits brightness, while the inner one managed around 1000 nits. Watching movies, scrolling Instagram, or just multitasking felt fluid. The crease did bother some users, but overall, the viewing experience was solid, making the Google Pixel Fold first generation a strong media machine.
Performance Powered by Tensor
Under the hood sat Google’s Tensor G2 processor paired with 12 GB RAM. It wasn’t the fastest chip on the market, but it handled day-to-day tasks, social media, and multitasking without issues. Gaming was fine for lighter titles, though heavy games like Genshin Impact made it warm up quickly. Still, for most users, the Google Pixel Fold first generation offered reliable performance that matched its premium price tag.
Cameras That Make Pixels Shine
If there’s one area where Google always nails it, it’s the camera. The Google Pixel Fold first generation carried a triple-lens setup: 48 MP main, 10.8 MP ultrawide, and a 10.8 MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Add Google’s software magic (Night Sight, Real Tone, Magic Eraser), and you had some of the best photos in the foldable category. The option to use the rear cameras for selfies in “Tabletop Mode” was another clever trick.
Battery and Charging
With a 4821 mAh battery, the phone managed about 20–24 hours on mixed use. On the inner display, it drained faster, but still held up for a day. Charging, though, was slow at just 21W compared to rivals offering 65W+. Wireless charging was a nice bonus, but Google didn’t include a charger in the box. That’s one place where the Google Pixel Fold first generation fell behind.
Software and Updates
One big plus of buying a Pixel is long-term support. The Google Pixel Fold first generation launched with Android 13, and it’s confirmed to get updates till June 2030. Features like split-screen multitasking, app pairs, and optimized apps for foldables made it a productivity-friendly device. By Android 15, Google had ironed out most of the early software issues, making it feel far more polished.
Pricing and Availability
At launch, this foldable was priced at around ₹1.45 lakh in India (imports only). As of now, second-hand or imported units go between ₹1.35 to ₹1.55 lakh depending on storage and condition. Availability is limited, so if you’re hunting for the Google Pixel Fold first generation, you’ll mostly find it on resale platforms like Amazon (imports) or eBay.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel Fold first generation wasn’t flawless — it was heavy, the crease was obvious, and the charging speed felt outdated. But it was also bold, unique, and packed with one of the best foldable camera setups of its time. For Pixel fans and foldable enthusiasts, it still has a place in 2025 as a collectible and a reliable daily driver. It may not outshine the latest foldables, but it’ll always be remembered as the one that started Google’s foldable journey.