Google is finally entering the foldable smartphone market with the Pixel Fold, a new smartphone that features a 7.6-inch display on the inside of the unfolded phone, a 5.8-inch external display, as well as the powerful Google Tensor Gen 2 processor, a triple-lens rear camera system, and a 10.8MP front-facing camera. It’s not the first foldable phone on the market, so what is Google bringing to the table here when it comes to Pixel Fold design, hardware specs, camera, software, pricing? You should know right off the bat this is not going to be an inexpensive smart phone; it’s for serious hardware junkies, who must have the latest and most advanced technology, so there’s no surprise it comes at a premium price.
Design
The Google Pixel Fold support a more compact form factor, reminiscent of the Oppo Find N2, but slightly larger and thinner. Its internal screen spans 7.6 inches, while the external screen measures 5.8 inches.
The hinge mechanism is noticeable in the design as Google opted to position many of the folding hardware components above and below the middle, resulting in larger bezels when the phone is unfolded.
Hardware
The hardware specifications of the Google Pixel Folding phone are impressive, bordering on flagship level. The external 5.8-inch display offers a 1080p 120Hz OLED panel with over 1500 nits peak brightness. On the inside, there’s a 7.6-inch OLED display also featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and slightly over 1440p resolution.
The phone is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which has been in the Pixel lineup for some time. It also has 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with a 4,821mAh battery, which, while slightly smaller than the Pixel 7 Pro, presents a potential concern given the larger and brighter display. However, the full battery performance can only be accurately assessed through real-world usage and comprehensive reviews.
Camera
The Google pixel Folding phone is one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year, and one of its most talked-about features is its camera system. The Google pixel Fold has a triple-lens rear camera system that consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The front-facing camera is a 10.8MP sensor.
Here is a more detailed look at each of the Google pixel Fold’s camera lenses:
Main sensor: The main sensor is a 50MP sensor that has a wide aperture of f/1.8. This allows it to capture a lot of light, which is important for taking photos in low-light conditions. The main sensor also has optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake.
Ultrawide sensor: The ultrawide sensor is a 12MP sensor that has a wide field of view of 120 degrees. This allows you to capture more of the scene in your photos. The ultrawide sensor also has a wide aperture of f/2.2, which allows it to capture a lot of light.
Telephoto sensor: The telephoto sensor is a 48MP sensor with a focal length of 48mm. This allows you to zoom in on distant objects without losing much detail. The telephoto sensor also has OIS, which helps to reduce blur caused by camera shake.
Front-facing camera: The front-facing camera is a 10.8MP sensor that has a wide aperture of f/2.2. This allows it to capture a lot of light, which is important for taking selfies in low-light conditions. The front-facing camera also has OIS.
The pixel Fold’s camera system is also supported by several software features, such as Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Magic Eraser. Night Sight is a feature that allows you to take sharp, clear photos in low-light conditions. Portrait Mode is a feature that allows you to blur the background of your photos, giving them a professional look. Magic Eraser is a feature that allows you to remove unwanted objects from your photos.
Software
Software plays a crucial role in making a phone exceptional, especially in the case of foldable devices. The Pixel Fold incorporates all the renowned Pixel features such as Google Assistant, Now Playing, Hold-for-Me, and Material You—an aesthetically customizable version of Android seen in previous Pixel devices.
The Pixel Fold will run Android 14 out of the box. Google has also worked on optimizing various apps for the foldable display, collaborating with developers to ensure apps make the most of the larger screen real estate. While there have been concerns about the software experience on Android tablets in the past, Google seems to have addressed these issues, providing side-by-side multitasking and introducing new app management features.
How much will the Pixel Fold cost?
The Google Pixel Fold phone comes with a substantial price tag of $1,799. At this price point, it competes with other premium foldable smartphones on the market. The Pixel Fold is available in two color options: Obsidian and Porcelain.
Who will carry the Pixel Fold?
Will Pixel Fold be available in Canada?
Bad news for Canadians and others around the globe; it’s not being sold everywhere, and Canada in particular is being left out of this launch. Why? Google has said they don’t see a big enough market for the device here; yet. Even so, we expect to be able to get hands on with it close to launch. It’s available for preorder here and expected to ship sometime in June.
Google Pixel Fold: everything you need to know
The Google Pixel Fold phone debuts as a refreshing contender in the foldable smartphone market. Boasting compelling features, an appealing design, and flagship specifications, it delivers a unique and immersive user experience.
Despite a higher price tag, noticeable bezels, and a prominent crease, Google’s exceptional software enhancements compensate for these drawbacks, offering a delightful user experience.
As Google’s inaugural foray into foldable devices, the Pixel Fold shows great promise, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a cutting-edge smartphone experience.
