Google plans to launch the $29 Pixel Tag on November 11 with a four-pack priced at $99, matching AirTag 2 pricing, offering UWB, Find Hub support, and more (Dominic Preston/The Verge)

In a year where Samsung released two new flagship foldable phones, Google's latest Pixel Pro Fold appears to be a disappointment. When Google first introduced its foldable phone, it made a significant impact with its unique design. The second-generation Pixel Fold then switched things up, offering an even larger display and improved cameras.

Additionally, it boasted better durability. However, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold seems to be a lackluster release, as Samsung's foldables surpass it. Both the exterior and interior displays of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold are essentially the same size as before, with peak brightness increasing by 20 percent. The phone also weighs 10 percent less than its predecessor, at 239 grams.

Despite being thinner, it still feels heavy and bulky compared to Samsung's foldables. While Google has enhanced its IP68 dust and water resistance, it has failed to address the weight and thickness issues. The phone now features a new glass fiber material for its rear panel, which is designed to be nearly unbreakable. Inside the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, users will find the Tensor G6 processor, which offers improved performance and camera capabilities.

However, the battery capacity has decreased from 5,015mAh to 4,806mAh. The charger output remains the same at 30 watts wired, but it reaches 25 watts wirelessly with Qi 2.2 support, an improvement from the previous 15 watts. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold's main camera has been upgraded to a 48-megapixel sensor, which should maintain Google's lead in image quality.

However, it lacks advanced features found in other Pro siblings, such as 120x Super Res Zoom and a new telephoto sensor. The phone does come with Google's new HiLight indicator LED system, which alerts users to incoming calls or when activating Gemini. While this feature is appreciated, the absence of text support at launch is a missed opportunity.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also depends heavily on Pixel 11's new features and software updates for its value. Google's new family-wide features, like Magic Capture, Camera Looks, and Creator Suite, are available across all Pixel devices. However, these features are not exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The most significant software addition is Google's bubbles feature, which allows users to open apps as free-floating windows, but this is not a unique feature for foldables.

The biggest drawback of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the presence of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which offers a more innovative design. Google's lack of innovation in its foldable line-up compared to Samsung leaves potential buyers questioning if the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is truly worth the price increase.