Google is set to make waves in the smartphone industry with the announcement of its first-ever foldable device, the Pixel Fold. The upcoming device, which is expected to rival Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, has been confirmed by the tech giant, following months of rumors and speculation. According to sources, the Pixel Fold will be Google's most expensive Pixel device to date, with a price tag of $1,799.
The Pixel Fold's design has been the subject of numerous leaks in recent weeks, with some claiming that it resembles a cross between the Pixel 7 Pro and the Oppo Find N2. However, Google has now provided the first official glimpse of the device, which reveals a squarer aspect ratio than its contemporaries, along with the familiar camera bar and triple rear-facing set-up found on Google's current flagship smartphone.
While Google has not provided any details on the device's specifications, it is expected to feature high-end hardware, including a powerful processor and a large battery capacity. However, the Pixel Fold's key selling point is its flexible display, which will allow users to fold the device in half, effectively turning it from a traditional smartphone into a tablet.
One notable feature of the Pixel Fold's design is its thicker internal bezels, which have been described as wider than other recent foldable smartphones. However, the device's cover display fills the entire front, with a wider top bezel allowing Google to remove the front-facing camera. The horizontal and vertical bezels are uniform, which gives the device a clean, sleek look.
Google has hinted that it will provide more information on the Pixel Fold at its upcoming I/O 2023 conference, which is scheduled to take place on May 10. The company is also expected to showcase other devices at the event, including the Pixel 7a and the Pixel Tablet, as well as Android 14 and other OS updates. There is also speculation that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro could receive an outing, despite not being due to arrive until the autumn.
Pre-orders for the Pixel Fold are rumored to open on May 10, but only on Google's website. Third-party retailers and carriers will be unable to sell the device until May 30, and pre-orders may not start shipping until June 27. This means that the Pixel Fold will be available to consumers a few weeks before Samsung unveils its latest foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold5, the Galaxy Z Flip5, and the Galaxy Watch6 series.
The Pixel Fold's entry into the foldable smartphone market is significant, as Google has traditionally focused on producing mid-range devices. However, the company has been steadily increasing its presence in the high-end smartphone market in recent years, with the release of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro last year. With the Pixel Fold, Google is now taking on Samsung directly in the foldable smartphone market, which is currently dominated by the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series.
Overall, the Pixel Fold represents an exciting development in the world of foldable smartphones, as Google looks to establish itself as a major player in the high-end smartphone market. With its flexible display and powerful hardware, the device is sure to appeal to tech enthusiasts and early adopters alike. The upcoming I/O 2023 conference promises to provide more information on the Pixel Fold, along with other exciting developments from Google, making it an event not to be missed for tech enthusiasts.
