The Google Pixel Fold has emerged as a true contender in the world of foldable phones, challenging Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line. Priced at $1,799, the Pixel Fold may not be accessible to everyone, but it is still a notable rival thanks to its innovative design and features.
In terms of design and display, the Pixel Fold boasts a 5.8-inch exterior screen that opens up to reveal a flexible 7.6-inch interior display, both equipped with 120Hz OLED panels. While this may sound similar to Samsung’s Z Fold 4, Google has played with the phone’s build and dimensions, resulting in a unique design that showcases the company’s design prowess. The wider 17.4:9 aspect ratio of the exterior screen offers a passport-like shape, reducing the need to switch to the larger interior screen frequently. This makes a big difference as Samsung’s cover display can feel cramped for activities like typing. The Pixel Fold’s screen strikes a balance between usability and app functionality, making it comfortable for users with medium-sized hands. Additionally, the wider screen allows for a landscape orientation when the phone is unfolded, providing an excellent viewing experience for videos.
Google has also worked on the Pixel Fold’s hinge and chassis, resulting in a device that is extremely thin with no noticeable gap between the phone’s halves. It measures less than 6mm thick and has a closed thickness of around 12.1mm. Despite being slightly heavier than the Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold feels more balanced, and its slim profile enables easy pocketability. Moreover, the Pixel Fold is IPX8-rated for water resistance, offering peace of mind against accidental splashes or submersion. The phone’s slightly larger bezels house an 8-megapixel selfie camera, eliminating the need for a low-resolution under-display camera. This additional space also allows users to hold the Pixel Fold like a paperback book when using it as an e-reader.
Although the presence of a crease on the flexible display is noticeable, Google has managed to minimize its distraction. However, it’s worth noting that foldable phones require more care and gentle handling compared to traditional glass-and-metal handsets. Google advises users to avoid contact with sand, crumbs, sharp objects, and fingernails, and recommends against removing the pre-installed screen protector or using third-party protectors. While there haven’t been any issues reported so far with the Pixel Fold’s display or screen protector, Google offers repair services at its service centers for a fee if any issues arise.
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Moving on to software and apps, the Pixel Fold introduces some clever tweaks to enhance the user experience. Similar to the Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold features a taskbar that appears when needed and disappears when not in use. This taskbar allows for easy multitasking, with the ability to drag icons to open apps in multi-window mode. The Pixel Fold’s dual displays enable users to take selfies using the high-resolution rear cameras and show subjects a live preview of their photos. While certain features like Dual-Screen Interpreter mode are not yet available, Google has optimized over 50 first-party apps for use on foldable devices like the Pixel Fold.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Pixel Fold offers an impressive camera setup. It includes a 48MP main sensor, a 10.8MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom. Google’s excellent photo processing software enhances the image quality, resulting in sharper images with more detail, better shadows, and highlights compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Pixel Fold’s camera excels in daylight photography and continues to impress with its Night Sight mode, capturing clearer and well-exposed photos in low-light conditions.
Overall, the Google Pixel Fold stands as a worthy competitor in the foldable phone market. Its innovative design, impressive display, solid camera capabilities, and thoughtful software optimizations make it a notable rival to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line. While the high price may deter some potential buyers, those looking for a premium foldable phone experience will find the Pixel Fold to be a compelling option.
