Everything You Need To Know About The Google Pixel Fold
Breaking new ground on the mobile tech front, Google have begun their long-awaited entry into the foldable phone market with the newly announced Google Pixel Fold. It’s only the second major foldable device available globally – its only rival is the Samsung Z Fold 4, which as the name suggests, is already on the fourth generation.
While foldable phones only make up 2 per cent of the market, it’s a sizzling-hot emerging market. So Google’s launch is an important one: while its foldable phone has an eye watering four-digit price tag, it’s one for early adopters to try out and test, as the software capabilities improve to match the hardware capabilities.
If it’s piqued your interest, here’s all you need to know about the Google Pixel Fold.
Camera
Google Pixels are known for taking great photos, and while the Google Pixel Fold is yet to be tried and tested, it’s likely to compete effectively with its Samsung equivalent. The Pixel Fold has a 48MP primary lens, a 10.8MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP lens with 5x optical zoom. Knowing its importance nowadays, it has two selfie cameras: one on the front-facing display, and one on the inner display. You can also expect some nice tech magic to go with the camera capabilities, including Real Tone (so all skin tones are shown in the best light), Photo Unblur, Night Sight, Portrait mode and 10-bit HDR video.
Battery performance
The phone has a decent (but not outstanding) 4821 mAh battery. Google claim that the battery can last over 24 hours – or 72 hours if you use Extreme Battery Saver. It also supports wireless charging, and 30W fast wired charging.
Design and display
The Google Pixel Fold comes in two colours: Porcelain and Obsidian. It’s very interesting that it’s the same size as the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with a 5.8” display when folded, and a 7.6” display when unfolded. That suggests a standard has been set for future foldable phones. The Pixel Fold is thinner, and has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus outer screen, and an excellent IPX8 rating for water resistance. It also has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, making it a great choice for gamers, if the large screen wasn’t enough of an appeal.
Tech spec
The Pixel Fold has some nifty features that complement its foldable nature. Mainly, multi-tasking across apps has suddenly become a whole lot easier, with software that allows for seamless side-by-side app use. And in due course, Live Translate will make it super easy to have face-to-face conversations that are immediately translated for you. It also features stereo speakers, a fingerprint sensor, and dual SIM support with one eSim. Google’s Tensor G2 chip isn’t market-leading (that’s the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1) but it does combine with the Titan M2 coprocessor to make the phone and its apps secure and safe to use.
Price and availability
The Google Pixel Fold priced from £1,749 in the UK – not too far off Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, which costs from £1,649. It’s available to pre-order, and will start shipping in June.
If you’re looking to protect your mobile, take a look at Switched On’s award winning and highly rated mobile phone insurance. Its feature packed policies include 24/7 online claims, immediate protection and fast repairs and replacements. Find out more here.