Google introduces its foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold 📖

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The trend of innovation in the smartphone world presents the foldable as the future. Made popular by Samsung and its Z Fold and Z Flip lines, foldable smartphones are increasingly appealing to consumers and manufacturers. So it seems only natural that Google would join the dance with its Pixel Fold.

A design inspired by the competition, with the Pixel identity

With this first version, Google does not intend to revolutionize the genre, far from it. We find the book format initiated by Samsung with its Z Fold, with an external screen, and a small tablet once the smartphone is opened. On the other hand, Google was inspired by Oppo and its Find N, to offer a more compact format to its smartphone with a rather square 6:5 ration.

Despite this, Google has made a point of respecting the visual identity of its Pixel range, with a horizontally arranged photo block, even if it doesn’t span the entire width. You could also say that this visual identity is respected with the imposing borders, which often make Pixel users cringe. However, its thickness of only 6 mm when open, compared to 12 mm when closed, will quickly make you forget this flaw. The Google Pixel Fold is also IPX8 certified and water resistant.

Google Pixel Fold // Source : Google

Both OLED displays have a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The screen on the front measures 5.8 inches diagonally and is coated with Gorilla Glass Victus. The screen inside, which folds up, is 7.6 inches diagonal. The fingerprint reader is positioned on the side (on the unlock button).

Google wants to stand out with the software experience

Where Google intends to make a difference is in the software experience. A new format means that applications have to adapt. Google has worked with many developers to make sure this is the case.

Source : Google

Multitasking should take another dimension with this Pixel Fold. Google has even added a new taskbar, like Samsung with its Z Fold. Just like the Korean giant, Google gives its Fold a mode called « Tabletop », allowing to use the smartphone in a sitting position. The display is thus split into two parts in compatible applications, with, for example, the content display on the upper half and the interaction buttons on the lower part. This is reminiscent of Samsung’s « Flex Mode ».

On the technical side, no big surprise. We find the Google Tensor G2 chip that already equips the Pixel 7, coupled with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage. On the camera side, the Pixel Fold has 3 sensors on the back (wide-angle, ultra wide-angle and telephoto), a selfie sensor on the external screen and another on the internal screen.

For now, the Google Pixel is only available in the US, starting at $1800.

What do you think of this new Pixel? And folding smartphones in general? Tell us all about it in comments.