So, this is it. The much-rumored and leaked, and anticipated Google’s first folding phone, Google Pixel Fold, is official. As expected, it looks like a wider Pixel device when folded and with a “visor” that does not run the entire width of the device.
The new Google Pixel Fold is powered by a Google Tensor G2 chip featuring Titan M2 security coprocessor backed by 12 LPDDR5 GB RAM and 256 or 512 GB UFS 3.1 storage.
What a folding phone is, needs no explanation. It basically lets you use the device like a regular phone, and in this case, a Pixel phone, when closed and opens up to a mini tablet.
The Pixel Fold’s form factor is closer to that of the Oppo Find N Series. When in the open state, it features boasts a Taskbar function that lets you switch between apps, or drag a compatible app into split-screen mode for multitasking with two apps side-by-side.
In split-screen mode, you can drag and drop files across different apps. The Taskbar is dynamic which means it will disappear when you’re done using it.
The new Pixel Fold boasts a custom dual-axis, quad-cam synchronized mechanism that boasts fluid friction across the full 180° range of motion, allowing the device to unfold at multiple angles.
Google said that the custom-built hinge resulted in the thinness and also claimed that is the most durable hinge out there. Speaking of thinness, when closed, the device is just 0.5 inches thick (12.1 mm). This means in the open state, it is just 6.05 mm (0.238 inches). It is not nearly as thin as Huawei Mate X3 but still impressive.
It has a 120 Hz 5.8-inch FHD+ (2,092 x 1,080 pixel) OLED display in a 17.4:9 aspect ratio and a 120 Hz 7.6-inch 2,208 x 1,840 pixels OLED display in a 6:5 aspect ratio.
The folding display is, of course, an Ultra Thin Glass with a protective plastic layer. Not groundbreaking here, really. Meanwhile, the outside display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and supports Always-on display with At-a-Glance and Now Playing.
Imaging-wise, the Pixel Fold benefits from a three-camera setup on the rear comprising a 48 MP 1/2” Quad PD with OIS + CLAF (0.8 μm pixel width, f1.7, 82° FoV), a 10.8 MP 1/3” ultrawide camera (1.25 μm pixel width, f2.2, 121.1° FoV, lens correction), and a 10.8 MP 1/3.1” dual PD telephoto camera (1.22 μm pixel width, f3.05, 21.9° FoV, 5x optical zoom, Super Res Zoom up to 20x).
The three cameras are bolstered by the LDAF sensor, as well as OIS and EIS, and Spectral and Flicker sensors. Like most folding phones, it has not one but two front-facing cameras. There is a 9.5 MP dual PD front camera and an 8 MP camera on the 7.6” display. You can use the rear camera as a selfie camera and the secondary screen as a huge-ass viewfinder.
Other highlights include IPX8 rated for water resistance, dual SIM (single nano + eSIM), 3 microphones, stereo speakers, spatial audio, tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, positioning, 5G radio, Qi-certified wireless charging, and a 4,821 mAh (typical) battery good for day+ use, supports fast charging with Google 30W USB-C chARGER WITH USB-PD 3.0 (not supplied).
The Google Pixel is offered in a choice of Porcelain (i.e. white) and Obsidian (i.e. black) colorways, and it is available for pre-order now starting at US$1,799. The device will be available in select countries, including Germany, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S.
Images: Google.
