Google was no longer able to claim the title of the first foldable smartphone ever, in this area the competitor Samsung presented it years ago. But Google’s first folding phone – the Pixel Fold – claims to be the thinnest folding smartphone currently available, both closed and unfolded.
However, the Google Pixel Fold is also record-breaking in another category: At a price of just under 1900 euros, it is significantly more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. At the moment, the Pixel Fold can only be pre-ordered in the Google Store and delivered should be from August.
Google has provided the Tagesspiegel with a test device. The relatively large packaging already indicates that this is no ordinary smartphone. This impression is reinforced when you take out the Pixel Fold. Twelve millimeters may not sound like much on paper, but if you pick up the folding pixel, it feels different. For comparison: Apple’s iPhone 13 is 7.65 millimeters thick. However, the weight of the Pixel Fold takes some getting used to. At 283 grams, it’s almost twice as heavy as the iPhone 13 (147 grams). In short: The Google Pixel Fold fits into your pocket when folded, but is characterized by a fairly large curvature and also pulls down noticeably.
However, these are outward appearances that you can get used to. The inner, i.e. technical values, are at least as important. In almost all categories, the folding pixel raises the bar very high. In Google’s own Pixel family, only the Google Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly better camera.
Three cameras on the back
Whereby this is a comparison at the very highest level. Because on the back of the Pixel Fold there is a camera system with an ultra wide angle, 48 megapixel normal lens and five-fold telephoto lens, which, together with the software gimmicks, leads to extremely impressive results. Even the values of the front camera (9.5 MP) and the camera in open mode (8 MP) don’t need to hide.
Of course, the main focus is initially on the folding function. When opened, the slightly thicker smartphone with a 5.8-inch display becomes a mini tablet with a 7.6-inch screen that makes a very stable impression. The hinge is above and below the display, which should ensure a long life for the folding screen.
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The crease at the fold is visible and noticeable as a small dent. However, this is not at all disturbing when scrolling a website. The only disadvantage of this hinge solution: the size of the usable screen is limited by wide strips.
But the Google Pixel Fold is more than a gadget that combines the two device types smartphone and tablet. The result here is actually more than the sum of its parts, because the display concept, in combination with the powerful hardware – the Google Tensor G2 processor is supported by twelve gigabytes of RAM and either 256 or 512 gigabytes of mass storage, connects with the environment it is contemporary with 5G, Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 – some interesting usage scenarios.
Multitasking and dual screen for professionals
First of all, an application that is active in the collapsed state is almost doubled in size in the unfolded state. The large screen can be divided in two with a swipe of a finger, so that two apps can run side by side on the left and right side in true multitasking mode. Especially people who use their smartphone as a mobile office will learn to love it very quickly.
In another scenario, the Pixel Fold lies half open with one side on a pad. For example, a YouTube video can now be viewed on the upper half of the display, while the lower half is used for control.
In this position, you can also ask the Pixel Fold to take a selfie using a voice command. A tripod is then not necessary. Speaking of the selfie, when it’s closed, there’s a new pictogram next to the camera switch icon. If you click on it, you will be prompted to open the smartphone. The rear camera, which is then directed at the person, can now take a selfie with even better quality.
From autumn, the Pixel Fold will become a simultaneous interpreter. The well-known translation tool already works surprisingly quickly and precisely in the folding smartphone. In the future, it should be able to communicate even better between two people by means of the opposite screens. The front display is aimed at the person opposite, you look at the upper side of the opened display as Google’s AI translation removes language barriers.
The most important accessory to start with is certainly the Google Pixel Fold Case, a bumper designed to protect both displays (around 75 euros). Anyone who buys a Pixel Fold in the Google Store by July 2nd will be lured with a free Pixel Watch. In addition, Google accepts the old smartphone with up to 590 euros in payment.
The Google Pixel Fold is still far from a bargain. Google’s first folding smartphone can still be interesting for professionals and early adopters. The concept makes a mature impression, especially since the company has had enough time to learn from the mistakes of the competition. On the other hand, you can safely wait for the further development, which may then be offered at a lower purchase price.