The Google Pixel Fold went from overpriced to under $500 — and it’s worth every penny

It’s no secret that I wasn’t a fan of the Google Pixel Fold when it first launched. The device felt unfinished, and Google had plenty of polishing to do with future generations.

It was no match for devices like the Galaxy Z Fold and later the OnePlus Open, especially since Google was asking $1,800 for the privilege of owning one.

The Pixel Fold felt out of place from the start, as various development delays forced the device to be shipped with a Tensor G2.

Unfortunately, the Tensor G3 chipset shipped with the launch of the Pixel 8 phones just a few months later, making it seem like Google didn’t put its best foot forward with its expensive folding phone.

Thankfully, time has done its thing, and prices have come down. Google has also contributed, providing the Pixel Fold with meaningful updates over the past two years.

It feels like a steal for under $500, and it’s the top foldable I’d recommend for people who are unsure of the form factor. Here’s why.

Google’s extended software support matters

Material 3 Expressive is excellent on the Pixel Fold

The Google Pixel Fold was initially slated for three years of software updates when it launched, aligning with the company’s standard software support policy at the time.

However, Google extended support for older devices to five years, including the Pixel Fold, meaning you’ll get new versions of Android on your device until the middle of 2028.

It makes the Pixel Fold a more viable purchase in 2025, and it eases the pain for early adopters, who suffered through the initial rough patches after shelling out considerable cash.

Material 3 Expressive runs well on the Pixel Fold, and it looks amazing. You won’t find a full slate of new Gemini features, but I’m not bothered by that. Gemini Live still works fine, and all the photo editing tools you’re used to are on your Pixel Fold.

Even before the Android 16 release, Google did a wonderful job reigning in the Pixel Fold.

Battery life was initially weak on my Pixel Fold at launch, but subsequent updates significantly improved it. I struggled to get five hours of screen-on time before updates, not something you want from a $1,800 phone.

Google went to work, and the Pixel Fold you’d buy today is much better than the one offered at release.

Hardware performance is solid

I even like the cameras, too

I understand people like to complain about Tensor chipsets, and the G2 is nothing special, but it gets the job done in 2025.

I wouldn’t expect high-end gaming performance on my Pixel Fold, but for daily tasks, it’s more than capable. Instagram and Facebook are snappy, and multitasking is smooth.

I also enjoy the Pixel Fold’s form factor. Its wider, 5.8-inch outer display is the ideal size, and I wish more companies would manufacture shorter phones with wider aspect ratios.

It felt like I was using my BlackBerry Passport or Microsoft Surface Duo, making it perfect for reading entire emails or larger PDFs.

A wider outer screen means the Pixel Fold has a landscape-dominant inner display when unfolded. It gives apps more room while multitasking, and I never feel cramped using two programs at once.

Despite my initial reservations about the phone, I have always preferred the camera system on the Pixel Fold over that of other folding devices.

Its 5x telephoto lens is excellent, and you’ll get crisp, detailed images from the phone’s 48MP primary lens — especially with Google’s computational photography behind it.

Price makes the difference

Under $600 is an excellent price

The Pixel Fold is over two years old, but new examples can still be purchased on Amazon for $600. However, if you’re comfortable with a renewed phone, you can score one for even less.

The price depends on the seller, but a used Pixel Fold will cost between $450 and $500, which is an outstanding value. It makes the Pixel Fold comparable in price to a midrange phone, with more software support on the way and a folding form factor.

I used to be wary of recommending pre-owned folding phones, but the Pixel Fold features a durable hinge and solid construction.

Amazon also offers several buyer protections if your device isn’t up to your liking.

The Google Pixel Fold is the ideal entry point

If you don’t love spending $2,000 on a smartphone, I don’t blame you. Still, you might want to see what the foldable hype is all about.

The Google Pixel Fold is a fantastic way to get a well-supported phone for the price of a Google Pixel 9a. You get all the fun of a folding phone, without the punishment to your wallet.

Brand

Google

SoC

Google Tensor G2

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB, 512GB

Battery

4821mAh

Ports

USB-C

Last year’s Google Pixel Fold may not have dazzled us on release, but the company has made many improvements to the device over time. Android 15 has the Pixel Fold running well, and it’s a fantastic deal for sub-$600 if you’re comfortable with a renewed device. It’s an excellent choice for picking up a foldable on a budget.