Aside from the Pixel 7a, this Wednesday (05/10/2023) during the latest I/O event, Google introduced the Pixel Fold — its first foldable smartphone. After numerous leaks and rumors, the device’s details were finally confirmed, showcasing high-performance hardware and other features aimed at competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 (check out our review of Samsung’s foldable here).
The Pixel Fold boasts a durable hinge that allows for opening and closing its internal screen, which is accompanied by large borders housing the front camera. The phone adopts a design similar to the Pixel 7 Pro, including a triple-camera setup and metallic side finishes.
Its internal screen measures 7.6 inches and features OLED technology, with Full HD+ resolution (2,208 x 1,840 pixels) distributed in a 6:5 aspect ratio and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The display can reach a peak brightness of 1,400 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1.
When closed, the phone reveals an external 5.8-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution (2,092 x 1,080 pixels) and a 120 Hz refresh rate. This panel is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, a technology that promises increased resistance against glass damage.
The phone’s hinge is designed by Google and features a dual-axis aluminum alloy construction, providing enhanced durability. According to the company, it is the “most durable hinge on a foldable smartphone.”
One of the major highlights of this tech giant’s first foldable phone is its advanced camera system, aiming to maintain the brand’s reputation for photography. The rear camera setup includes a 48 MP main lens, a 10.8 MP wide-angle lens, and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
The front camera, located on the edge of the internal screen, has an 8 MP resolution, while the external screen features a 9.5 MP sensor. The Pixel Fold offers exclusive features for video calls on Google Meet, allowing for quick screen switching when the phone is folded at a 90-degree angle.
The device is powered by the Google Tensor G2, a custom platform that includes a CPU with two 2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, two 2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, and four 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. It also features a Mali-G710 MP07 GPU and a 2nd generation TPU Edge for optimized AI-based tasks.
To ensure smooth multitasking, the Pixel Fold offers 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, along with options for 256 GB and 512 GB of internal storage. It is equipped with a 4,821 mAh battery that supports 30 W fast charging. The device comes preloaded with Android 14, the next version of Google’s operating system.
Similar to other horizontally foldable smartphones, the Pixel Fold offers split-screen modes to optimize multitasking workflows, enabling quick file transfers and other functions.
Specs
On-site reporting by Eliane Fiolet
- OLED internal screen with 7,6″ and Full HD+ resolution
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- OLED external display with 5,8″ and Full HD+ resolution
- Punch hole for the selfie camera + 120 Hz refresh rate
- Google Tensor G2 SoC
- 12 GB of RAM
- 256 GB or 512 GB of internal storage
- Two selfie cameras:
- Internal selfie camera with 8 MP
- External selfie camera with 9,5 MP
- Three-camera setup on the back:
- A main sensor with 48 MP
- An Ultrawide sensor with 10,8 MP
- A telephoto lens with 10,8 MP and 5x optical zoom
- 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, and a fingerprint reader
- IPX8 certification
- 4.821 mAh battery with 30 W fast-charging
- Android 14
Price and Availability
The Google Pixel Fold is now available for pre-order in the United States and select countries starting from Wednesday (10). It is available in two color options: black or white. Deliveries will commence soon. The suggested prices are as follows:
- 8 GB + 256 GB: $1,799
- 8 GB + 512 GB: $1,919
Jun 20 2023 update: AT&T says the Pixel Fold will be available in its network, starting at $25/mo without trade-in. See the official press release for more details.
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