Google’s latest flagship foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, has arrived, and while it’s not the thinnest device on the market, the company is confident its blend of durability, AI smarts and design innovation will win over users.

At 10.8mm thick when closed, the A$2,699 Pixel 10 Pro Fold is slightly bulkier than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8.9mm) and Oppo’s Find N5.

But inside that extra millimetre sits a larger 5,015mAh battery, brighter displays, magnetic Qi2 wireless charging, and the world’s first IP68-rated foldable, offering true dust and water resistance – something competitors still lack.

Google’s engineers have also developed a new gearless hinge, removing dust-prone gears to deliver smoother folding and greater reliability.

The company claims the mechanism allows the phone to stay slim when open (just 5.2mm) and contributes to a sturdier overall feel.

However, not everyone is convinced.

YouTube durability tester Zack Nelson, known as JerryRigEverything, recently put the device through his trademark bend test, and the result was catastrophic.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s chassis snapped near the hinge, leading to a battery explosion, marking the first such failure Nelson has seen in a decade of testing.

He criticised Google for repeating the same design weaknesses found in earlier Pixel foldables, questioning the brand’s durability claims.

Despite that setback, Google says its third-generation foldable is its toughest yet, pointing to its new hinge design and enhanced materials as key upgrades.

Powered by the Tensor G4 chip and backed by a year of free Gemini AI Pro access, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold integrates on-device AI tools like Magic Cue for predictive replies and Camera Coach for real-time photo guidance.

Its PixelSnap magnetic charging system, compatible with Apple’s MagSafe accessories, could also tempt iPhone users to make the switch.

At 258 grams, it’s heavier than Samsung’s Z Fold 7, but early reviews note the Pixel feels “thin enough” in the hand and delivers exceptional battery life.