When it comes to travel, we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to improve our experiences while lightening our load. Luckily, the solution has arrived in the form of foldable phones. These technological marvels possess the potential to replace your tablet, laptop, and even your trusty Kindle. As an avid traveler myself, I understand the struggles of juggling multiple devices. That’s why I recommend foldable phones as the ultimate travel companion.
In the United States, we have been deprived of competition in the foldable phone space. Apart from Samsung, other companies have only launched their foldables in Europe, and Asia. But not anymore! Google has unveiled the Google Pixel Fold, their first foray into the world of foldable smartphones. In this article, I’ll delve into everything you need to know about this groundbreaking device, as well as my personal thoughts on its potential.
General specifications
The Google Pixel Fold boasts a 5.8-inch 120Hz OLED outer display with a resolution of 2092 x 1080 pixels. The inner display measures 7.6 inches and also features a 120Hz OLED panel. Its resolution stands at 2208 x 1840 pixels. Equipped with Google’s latest Tensor G2 CPU, the device offers 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB. While the camera array differs from the Pixel 7 series, it still impresses with a 48-megapixel wide lens, a 10.8-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto lens, and a 9.5-megapixel selfie camera. The Pixel Fold comes with a 4821mAh battery that supports 30-watt wired charging and Qi wireless charging. This time around, you can choose between porcelain and obsidian color options. The phone will be priced at $1800 and will start shipping on June 27th, 2023. As an added bonus, preorders will come with a free Pixel Watch (Wifi or LTE) to sweeten the deal.
Compact and Wide
In contrast to the Samsung Galaxy Fold series, Google has opted for a shorter and wider aspect ratio. The dimensions resemble those of the Oppo Find N2, released in 2022, giving it the appearance of a pocket-size notebook. Admittedly, the width is a bit too much for my liking. Measuring 79.5mm, the Pixel Fold is wider than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This width potentially hinders one-handed usability. However, the wider screen does make it easier to type on, especially if you have larger hands.
Exclusive Pixel Features and Software Enhancements
Similar to other Pixel devices, the Pixel Fold will grant access to Pixel-exclusive features (e.g. Call Screen). During the unveiling, Google demonstrated the new Android taskbar and the ability to use applications side by side. Additionally, a new live translation feature enabling the use of both screens during a conversation is set to arrive later this year.
I can’t help but wonder if Google will match Samsung in terms of foldable-specific software features. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series excels due to features like forcing apps to open in a specified aspect ratio and maintaining playback even when an app is not in focus. The Galaxy Z Fold multitasking experience is further enhanced by the ability to create floating app windows. These types of software enhancements will surely determine the success of the Pixel Fold.
Sleek Design with Thin Bezels
Compared to other folding phones, the Google Pixel Fold is impressively thin, measuring just over 12mm when folded. To achieve this, Google has ingeniously concealed much of the hardware beneath. A traditional front-facing camera also sits inside the bezels, making for a much more pleasant video call experience.
Water-resistant and folds flush
The Pixel Fold boasts an impressive IPX8 water resistance rating, making it one of the rare few foldables on the market equipped with water resistance. Google implemented a water-drop style hinge, enabling the device to fold seamlessly and perfectly flush.
First Generation
As a general rule, I tend to discourage purchasing first-generation devices from any manufacturer. The experience of using such devices often feels like beta testing a product. Considering the hefty $1800 price tag, it becomes even more challenging to justify owning the device. That being said, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Despite the reservations, are you still tempted to preorder the Google Pixel Fold? What features or aspects excite you the most? Share your insights in the comments below!
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