The arrival of the Google Pixel Fold marks a significant moment in the foldable phone market, challenging the dominance of established players like Samsung. With great anticipation surrounding its release, the Pixel Fold aims to make a strong impression with its unique features and design.
One standout feature of the Pixel Fold is its remarkably thin design, setting it apart from its foldable counterparts. In addition, the phone offers a wide cover display that enhances usability and convenience. Moreover, true to Google's reputation for exceptional camera quality, the Pixel Fold incorporates Pixel-grade cameras, ensuring impressive photographic capabilities.
In summary, the Pixel Fold has been worth the wait, primarily due to its sleek design, user-friendly cover display, and top-notch camera performance. Google has made a compelling entry into the foldable phone market, presenting a viable alternative to Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Specs
The Google Pixel Fold comes with a starting price of $1,799 and offers a range of impressive specifications. It features a 5.8-inch OLED cover display with a resolution of 2092 x 1080 pixels, and a main 7.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2208 x 1840 pixels. Both displays have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing a smooth user experience.
Under the hood, the Pixel Fold is powered by the Tensor G2 CPU and packs 12GB of RAM. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB, although expandable storage is not mentioned. The phone is equipped with a set of rear cameras, including a 48MP primary camera with an aperture of f/1.7, a 10.8MP ultrawide camera with an aperture of f/2.2, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom capability. For selfies, it has a 9.5MP front camera and an 8MP inner camera.
Video recording capabilities include 4K video at up to 60 fps. The Pixel Fold houses a 4,821 mAh battery and supports 30W wired charging. It also offers wireless charging functionality. In terms of dimensions, it measures 6.2 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches when open and 5.5 x 3.1 x 0.5 inches when closed, with a weight of 10 ounces.
The Pixel Fold is available in two colors: Obsidian and Porcelain. Overall, these specifications highlight the Pixel Fold's competitiveness in the foldable phone market, providing consumers with a high-performance device in a sleek and compact form factor.
Google Pixel Fold release date, pre-orders and price
On May 10, pre-orders for the Google Pixel Fold began, allowing customers to reserve their devices. The phone is scheduled to begin shipping in June, with Verizon specifically planning to release it on June 27. The Pixel Fold's price starts at $1,799 for the 256GB variant and goes up to $1,919 for the 512GB model.
During an interview, I inquired about the Pixel Fold's high price to a Google product manager, who provided intriguing insights. According to Google, the Pixel Fold will initially be available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. In the U.S., the phone will be accessible through all three major carriers. Notably, those who pre-order the Google Pixel will receive a complimentary Google Pixel Watch, which holds a value of $349.
The Google Store, particularly in the United States, may be the most advantageous location to purchase the Pixel Fold due to the availability of exceptionally generous trade-in bonuses.
Google Pixel Fold design and durability
The Pixel Fold, like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and potentially the Z Fold 5, unfolds in a book-like manner to reveal a large 7.6-inch display. However, Google's design differs significantly from Samsung's offering.
According to Google, the Pixel Fold boasts the thinnest profile among foldable devices, measuring just 6.2 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches when open (158.7 x 139.7 x 5.8 mm). In comparison, the current Z Fold 4 measures 6.11 x 5.12 x 0.25 inches (155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm).
When closed, the Pixel Fold has dimensions of 5.5 x 3.1 x 0.5 inches, while the Z Fold 4 measures 6.1 x 2.6 x 0.55-0.62 inches. It's worth noting that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 could potentially be slimmer, but as of now, Google holds the advantage. However, the Pixel Fold weighs slightly more at 10 ounces compared to the Z Fold 4's 9.28 ounces.
According to Google, the Pixel Fold is equipped with an exceptionally durable hinge, claimed to be the most robust available. The hinge utilizes a 180-degree fluid friction mechanism, enhancing dust resistance and enabling the device to withstand up to 200,000 folds. Additionally, the Pixel Fold carries an IPX8 rating, indicating its ability to resist spills and rain.
The hinge design also facilitates a tabletop mode, allowing for hands-free usage while watching videos, capturing photos, or engaging in quick video calls. This mode, similar to the flex mode found in the Galaxy Z Fold series, provides controls on the lower half of the device's screen, while the primary content is displayed on the upper portion.
The Pixel Fold is offered in two color options, namely Porcelain and Obsidian. However, it would have been desirable to have a broader range of choices available.
Google Pixel Fold displays
The Pixel Fold distinguishes itself from the Galaxy Fold series in terms of its front display. The device features a 5.8-inch OLED cover display with a slightly wider aspect ratio of 17.4:9, providing a more spacious user experience when the device is closed, in comparison to Samsung's 21.6:18 aspect ratio.
The OLED panel of the Pixel Fold supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and offers features like an always-on display. It is also rated for impressive peak brightness of up to 1,550 nits and 1,200 nits with HDR content.
The expansive 7.6-inch display on the Pixel Fold boasts a resolution of 2208 x 1840 pixels and is capable of a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers a peak brightness of up to 1,450 nits and 1,000 nits with HDR content.
To ensure durability, the front of the Pixel Fold is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus, while the inner panel utilizes ultra-thin glass with a protective plastic layer.
Google Pixel Fold cameras
The Pixel Fold ensures a camera experience of the same high quality as other Pixel phones, offering features such as Real Tone for accurate skin tones and Night Sight for impressive low-light photography. It is equipped with a 48MP rear camera, a 10.8MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom and 20x Super Res Zoom (digital).
For capturing selfies, there is a 9.5MP front camera, as well as an 8MP inner camera for both selfies and video calls. With the Rear Camera Selfie feature, users can utilize the front display as a viewfinder to capture 48MP selfies while the back of the foldable is open and facing them.
The Pixel Fold offers additional camera features tailored for its foldable design. With tabletop mode, users can conveniently prop up the Pixel Fold on a table or shelf and use a palm gesture to instantly capture group shots without the need for a timer. Alternatively, users can utilize tent mode to capture stunning shots of the night sky.
Similar to the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a, users of the Pixel Fold can leverage special photo features such as Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur within the Google Photos app. These features allow users to effortlessly remove unwanted subjects from their photos and enhance image sharpness.
Google Pixel Fold software and apps
The Google Pixel Fold comes pre-installed with Android 13 but is set to receive an update to Android 14 later this year. However, the Pixel Fold already offers numerous optimizations for its foldable design.
Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold incorporates a taskbar that simplifies app switching. The taskbar is dynamic, disappearing when not in use. Furthermore, the Pixel Fold facilitates multitasking by enabling the use of two apps side by side, allowing for easy content and file drag-and-drop between windows.
Google has prioritized optimizing over 50 of its apps for large screens, and it is collaborating with various third-party developers, including TikTok, Spotify, and Disney Plus, to enhance their apps for foldable devices.
The forthcoming Android 14 update will bring even more exciting features to the Pixel Fold. One notable addition is the live translation feature, which utilizes both the front and rear displays simultaneously while speaking, providing an immersive translation experience.
Google Pixel Fold performance
The Pixel Fold incorporates the powerful Tensor G2 chip, similar to the Pixel 7 series, ensuring smooth performance. However, it may not match the speed of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip expected to power the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Accompanying the Tensor G2 chip is 12GB of RAM, providing ample support, and you can select either 256GB or 512GB of storage when making your purchase.
Google Pixel Fold battery and charging
The Pixel Fold is equipped with a 4,727 mAh battery, surpassing the 4,400 mAh battery found in the Galaxy Z Fold 4. This larger capacity raises expectations for respectable battery endurance in this foldable phone. However, due to the size of its 7.6-inch main display, it may not offer the same level of longevity as the other devices
Charging capabilities for the Pixel Fold include 30W wired charging, matching that of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Additionally, the Pixel Fold supports Qi wireless charging.
Summary
The Pixel Fold certainly seems like a promising entry into the foldable phones market. It offers a durable and flexible hinge, a front display that looks easy to use and a premium camera experience in the thinnest foldable design yet.
It's also encouraging to see Google optimizing its own apps for foldables and pushing developers to do the same. However, the $1,799 price gives me pause because Google is known for undercutting Samsung and other flagships.
So the Pixel Fold will really have to deliver to sway shoppers. Stay tuned for our Pixel Fold review.