Pixel Fold Shape: Ahead of Its Time?

The original Google Pixel Fold, released in 2023, got the fundamental shape of a foldable phone right years before most competitors—a short, wide cover display with a nearly square inner screen. This design, often called the “passport” form factor, is now being adopted by other manufacturers in 2024 and 2025, validating Google’s early bet. Here’s the full story of why that shape mattered, how it works, and what it means for you.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed from a run or ride. The formulas are:

• Pace = Total time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Total time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables:
t = total time in minutes
d = distance in kilometers
Pace is shown in minutes per kilometer, speed in kilometers per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values: you ran 10 km in 50 minutes.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator returns pace 5.00 min/km and speed 12.00 km/h.

Why the Pixel Fold’s Shape Was Different

Before the Pixel Fold, most foldable phones (like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series) opened into a tall, narrow inner screen—roughly the shape of a book held upright. When closed, they were thick and skinny, like a remote control. Google chose the opposite: a short, wide cover screen (similar to a standard phone, but slightly squatter) and an inner display that was almost perfectly square (about 6:5 aspect ratio). This meant when closed, the phone felt like a normal device, and when open, the screen was ideal for reading, multitasking, and watching videos without awkward black bars.

How the Shape Affects Everyday Use

The practical benefits of the Pixel Fold’s shape are clear once you use it:

• Closed usage: The cover screen is 5.8 inches with a 17.4:9 ratio, which is close to a typical phone. Typing one-handed is comfortable, and most apps work without scaling issues.
• Open usage: The 7.6-inch inner screen (6:5 ratio) is wider than it is tall. This makes split-screen multitasking far more usable—two apps side by side each get a nearly square area, which is better for reading and composing.
• Video and photos: A square-ish screen shows 4:3 photos at near full size, and when watching 16:9 video, the black bars are smaller than on tall, narrow screens.

How to Choose a Foldable Shape

When deciding between a “passport” style fold (like the Pixel Fold or OnePlus Open) and a “book” style fold (like the Galaxy Z Fold), consider what you do most:

• If you mostly use the cover screen and occasionally open for reading or multitasking, the passport shape is better.
• If you watch a lot of widescreen video on the inner screen, a taller, narrower screen (like the Galaxy Z Fold’s 21.6:18) actually shows less letterboxing, but the image is smaller.
• If you write long emails or documents on the inner screen, a wider screen (like the Pixel Fold) gives you more horizontal text per line, reducing scrolling.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Pixel Fold’s square inner screen is a gimmick. In reality, it was a deliberate choice based on how people use tablets and phones. However, the original Pixel Fold had real issues: the hinge was not fully flat when closed, and the crease was visible. Also, some apps did not optimize for the square aspect ratio, leading to black bars or stretched content. These are software issues that have largely been fixed with later updates and newer models.

Comparisons with Later Foldables

In 2024, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open both moved toward a wider, shorter cover screen, echoing the Pixel Fold’s design. The OnePlus Open, in particular, has a 6.31-inch cover screen (20:9) and an inner screen that is 7.82 inches (7:6 ratio), very similar to Google’s approach. This shift shows that the industry recognized the Pixel Fold’s shape as more usable for daily tasks. The Pixel Fold’s inner screen is also more square than the Galaxy Z Fold’s, which remains taller.

Cost and Value Considerations

Foldable phones are expensive, and the Pixel Fold launched at $1,799. The price has since dropped, and used units are available. When considering cost, factor in the durability of the hinge and screen. The Pixel Fold’s hinge is rated for 200,000 folds, and the inner screen has a plastic layer that can be scratched more easily than glass. Repair costs are high, so a good case and careful handling are essential. For many, the shape’s utility justifies the premium, but it is worth trying the phone in a store before committing.

Safety and Durability Tips

Foldable screens are more delicate than standard glass. To avoid damage:

• Do not press hard on the inner screen; use the included stylus if you need precision.
• Keep the phone away from sand and dust, which can get into the hinge.
• Do not remove the pre-installed screen protector on the inner display—it is part of the display stack.
• Close the phone gently; slamming it shut can stress the hinge over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel Fold’s shape really better than the Galaxy Z Fold?

It depends on your use. The Pixel Fold’s wider cover screen is more comfortable for typing and one-handed use, and the square inner screen is excellent for reading and multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold’s taller inner screen is better for widescreen video and scrolling through long documents. Most reviewers prefer the Pixel Fold’s shape for general usability.

Will the Pixel Fold’s shape become the standard?

Yes, many 2024 and 2025 foldables have adopted a similar short-and-wide design. The OnePlus Open and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 both have wider cover screens than earlier models, indicating that the industry is moving toward Google’s approach.

Does the square inner screen make apps look weird?

Some apps initially had black bars or letterboxing, but most Android apps now scale properly to the 6:5 ratio. Google’s own apps are optimized, and third-party apps have been updated. In rare cases, you can force apps to fill the screen in developer options.

Is the Pixel Fold durable enough for daily use?

The hinge is rated for 200,000 folds, which is roughly 100 folds per day for five years. The inner screen has a plastic layer that can be scratched, so it is recommended to use a case and avoid sharp objects. The phone is IPX8 water-resistant, but not dust-proof, so avoid sandy environments.

Should I buy a used Pixel Fold in 2025?

If you can find one at a good price, yes. The shape is still competitive, and Google has released the Pixel Fold 2 (also called Pixel 9 Pro Fold) with improvements. A used original Pixel Fold can be a good value, but check the hinge and screen for wear, and ensure the battery health is acceptable.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2