Google has entered the folding phone-tablet arena with its groundbreaking Pixel Fold, a direct competitor to Samsung’s renowned Z Fold. Priced at a hefty £1,749 ($1,799), the Pixel Fold challenges the boundaries of innovation with unique design concepts and a significant camera enhancement. In this review, we delve into the Pixel Fold’s features, specifications, sustainability, software, camera prowess, and its impact on the market.
Key Highlights of the Pixel Fold
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Design | Wider, shorter closed form for improved app visibility, full-size keyboard on exterior screen |
| Build Quality | Premium aluminum, glass, and stainless steel construction with gapless fold |
| Display | 7.6in 120Hz OLED main screen, 5.8in FHD+ OLED cover screen |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 with 12GB RAM |
| Storage Options | 256GB or 512GB |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Camera | Triple-camera setup, 5x optical zoom, excellent low-light photography |
| Sustainability | Repairable, recycled materials, environmental impact reporting |
| Software | Android 13 provides seamless transition between phone and tablet modes |
| Battery Life | Approximately 32 hours between charges |
| Pros | Versatile phone-tablet combination, water resistance, attractive design, class-leading cameras |
| Cons | High price, fragility, costly repairs, software less robust than rivals, battery life |
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel Fold distinguishes itself with a wider and shorter closed form, offering better app utilization and a full-size keyboard on the exterior screen. The aluminum, glass, and stainless steel body exudes premium quality, though the device is slightly heavier than conventional phones. The hinge functions smoothly, with a wide range of angles, while the fold holds up to at least 200,000 cycles.
Display and Performance
Boasting a 7.6-inch 120Hz OLED main screen and a 5.8-inch FHD+ OLED cover screen, the Pixel Fold ensures an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip and 12GB RAM, the device delivers swift multitasking capabilities. Despite its prowess, the Pixel Fold tends to heat up during operation.
Camera Innovation
The Pixel Fold’s camera setup raises the bar for folding devices, featuring a triple-camera system with a 5x optical zoom. The main camera captures intricate details across various lighting conditions. The ultrawide camera performs well, though noise is noticeable in low light. The standout 5x optical zoom camera delivers impressive results, even at higher levels of digital zoom.
Software and User Experience
Running on Android 13, the Pixel Fold seamlessly shifts between phone and tablet modes. Google’s software approach is simpler compared to competitors, offering the ability to run two apps simultaneously on the internal tablet screen. However, software power-user capabilities lag behind Samsung’s offerings.
Sustainability and Repairability
Google prioritizes sustainability, with the Pixel Fold composed of recycled materials, accounting for 17% of the device’s weight. Repairability is emphasized, with the option for Google or third-party repairs. Replacement parts are available for DIY repairs, contributing to the device’s eco-friendly profile.
Verdict
Google’s Pixel Fold presents a compelling fusion of phone and tablet, setting a new standard for the folding device market. Its unique design, outstanding camera system, and user-friendly software make it a strong contender. However, its premium price tag, fragility, and software limitations are factors to consider. As the folding technology continues to evolve, the Pixel Fold showcases the future of mobile devices, enticing users with its innovative form and functionality.
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