Google’s latest Pixel Fold update makes this $400 foldable worth another look

I’ve maintained for the last few months that the original Google Pixel Fold is one of the best deals in tech.

I love the form factor, and it’s hard to beat picking up a folding phone that’s still in support for around $400. It’s a capable device in 2026.

If rumors are to be believed, Apple and Samsung are working on foldables that bring back much of the original Pixel Fold’s charm.

Google isn’t done updating it, either. The Pixel Fold recently benefited from the March Pixel Feature drop, adding new functionality to the three-year-old device.

I was plenty disappointed with the Pixel Fold at launch, as it felt like a half-baked product. Thankfully, Google has more than made up for it.

What’s new on the Pixel Fold with the March update?

Improved At a Glance and new camera features

I really love what Google’s done with the At a Glance feature in the latest update. I may not use it very much for stock prices and travel updates, but I appreciate that the functionality is there.

I enjoy the sports updates the most because I can see my Rangers lose in real time. With a toddler in the house, I don’t get to watch many games anymore, so I like keeping track of the New York Knicks at a glance on the lock screen when I’m using my Pixel Fold.

Dual screen preview is a nifty feature that came to the Pixel Fold with the March update. It allows you to see what you’re filming on the outer and inner screens, so you can use the primary camera sensors to film yourself.

If you’re with family and capturing a special moment, you can use the higher-quality sensors without having to guess whether everyone is in the frame.

It’s ideal for content creators, as you can record without constantly worrying about missing the shot.

It’s welcome to see Google bringing new features to older hardware, and it works well on the original Pixel Fold.

Now Playing being its own app is a smaller change, but a good one.

I always just created a shortcut on my home screen to see what music I had listened to, but now I don’t have to. I can have the full Now Playing app right there for easy access.

It’s long been a favorite feature of mine, and I’m glad to see it get a standalone app.

Material 3 Expressive was a breath of fresh air

It gave my Pixel Fold new life

Even though Material 3 Expressive wasn’t new with the March update, it’s given my Pixel Fold new life. The software is much more enjoyable to use on the Pixel Fold now.

Google took its sweet time bringing features and optimizations to the Pixel Fold, but at least it was worth the wait.

I’m impressed by how smoothly everything runs, and Google has done an excellent job optimizing Android 16 for older hardware.

Sure, I don’t get all the bells and whistles I do with my Pixel 10 Pro XL, but I don’t care that much, especially since I’m spending only $400 on a folding phone. It runs well, and that’s all I can ask for.

Its hardware gets the job done

Decent battery life and solid cameras

The Tensor G2 chipset may not be the most impressive in 2026, but at least it’s paired with 12GB of RAM on the Pixel Fold. It holds up well enough, and it’s about the performance I’d expect at a midrange price.

Google’s done a decent job of curtailing overheating on the Pixel Fold over time, and the battery life has improved from launch.

I still don’t get a full day or more on a single charge, but it’s up from the roughly four hours of screen time I struggled to achieve early on.

The cameras have held up really well on the Pixel Fold. I love the 5x optical zoom, and until recently, I considered the Pixel Fold to have the best camera system on any foldable.

Night Sight is fantastic, and the daylight images are crisp and detailed.

Then there is the form factor. I love how it feels in the hand, the 5.8-inch-wide cover screen is ideal for most uses, and I love the landscape-dominant inner display.

There is a reason Apple and Samsung appear to be adopting similar form factors, and you feel it right away on the original Pixel Fold.

The Pixel Fold is still the right choice for many

If you’ve never used a folding phone, the Pixel Fold is an excellent starting point.

It’s held up well over the last three years, and it still has plenty to give. You’ll receive two more years of software support and enjoy one of the best Android experiences.

I’d jump at the chance to buy a Pixel Fold for $400, and you’ll enjoy giving it another look.

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.