The market for foldable phones is expanding, but consumers should be aware of many limitations. Even if you’re sold on the idea, your only real option right now is acquiring a Samsung phone (Microsoft has the Surface Duo 2, but it’s hard to find these days) because you’re not always getting the same degree of durability or camera quality as you would on a typical flagship. As Google’s first attempt into foldables, the new Pixel Fold has the potential to address both of these issues.
With a design that’s supposed to maintain the standard smartphone experience when you’re using it with one hand and an expansive, multitasking-friendly tablet when you have it open, Google claims the Pixel Fold has the greatest camera and thinnest build we’ve seen in a foldable device. Those are some lofty ambitions, and when added to the $1,799 price tag, they give Google’s first foldable a lot to live up to. The question is, “Can it deliver?” My first thoughts after a brief hands-on session; it’s too soon to tell for sure.
Google Pixel Fold preorders are live at $1,799
The Google Pixel Fold may be preordered starting at $1,799 today (May 10) and will begin shipping in June. Preorder from Google and they’ll toss in a free Pixel Watch. In addition to the standard Obsidian and Porcelain (essentially black and off-white) color options, Google will now sell a protective Pixel Fold case in Hazel, Porcelain, and Bay.
A foldable that isn’t supposed to feel like a foldable
The Pixel Fold is shorter and wider when folded than the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which was my first impression. The outside OLED display on the Z10 is just 5.8 inches in size, compared to 7.6 inches on the Z Fold 4. However, the Z10’s somewhat broader frame makes it look more like a typical smartphone than the narrow candybar that the Z Fold 4 becomes when folded.
Google claims this is intentional and an attempt to address user complaints about the lack of usability on the outside screens of these devices. Holding the phone in one hand, I could understand how the Fold would be appealing to those who like a gadget that doesn’t overwhelm their hands. Despite Google’s boasts that the Pixel Fold has the smallest edges of any folding device and a tiny display when unfolded, I found the folded device to be somewhat bulky. The sandwich-like construction made it noticeably larger than a regular smartphone, and the wide flat panel that made up the outside hinge on the left side wasn’t exactly pleasant to hold.