Skilled's Ranking
Execs
- Glorious cameras
- Nice screens
- Google apps optimised for giant display
- Hole-free design
Cons
- The value
- Many apps not optimised for pill mode
- Heavy for a cellphone
- No stylus assist
Our Verdict
The Pixel Fold is a formidable gadget, particularly for a primary era. There’s room for enchancment in software program, although this depends on app builders as a lot as Google. The most important turn-offs are the worth and hefty weight, although these are intrinsic if you would like a cellphone that unfolds right into a pill. And should you do, the Pixel Fold is without doubt one of the higher ones to purchase.
Value When Reviewed
$1799 (256GB), $1919 (512GB)
Finest Costs At present: Google Pixel Fold
Google’s folding cellphone has been a very long time coming. Rumours that the corporate was creating one started a number of years again and in a shock revelation throughout a current Made by Google podcast episode, the world discovered that the Pixel Fold wasn’t the primary.
A earlier design hadn’t made the grade and was cancelled as a result of it wasn’t adequate. The Pixel Fold, then, will need to have handed muster and it’s taking the struggle to varied rivals however primarily Samsung. The South Korean firm has a giant lead on Google, having launched its first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and is on observe to launch its fifth-generation foldable cellphone quickly.
The historical past lesson is related right here as a result of the Pixel Fold doesn’t exist in a vacuum. And whereas there’s rather a lot to love in regards to the cellphone, there’s some frustration too – a few of which may be fastened in software program updates. Then there’s additionally the worth, which isn’t 1,000,000 miles away from $2,000/£2,000.
Design & construct
- No hole when folded
- Slim, comparatively talking
- IPX8 water resistance
Fairly clearly, the Pixel Fold is the kind of folding cellphone which goals to be a pill substitute quite than the ‘flip’ fashion which takes a standard cellphone and folds it in half.
And this makes the Pixel Fold a giant, heavy cellphone. It’s 12.1mm thick (not together with the digicam bump) and 80mm extensive. At 140mm tall, it’s shorter than many telephones however at 284g, quite a bit heavier – 20g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
And everybody I handed the Pixel Fold to commented on the load first. However, as with all folding cellphone, it additionally has an enormous wow issue. Pictured right here is the Obsidan color however you may also get it in Porcelain.
Opening it as much as reveal the 7.6in inner display will normally elicit a “wow” or a pant as a result of, even now in 2023, not that many individuals have seen a cellphone that folds in half.
The crease doesn’t ever go away, however a number of the time the brightness of the display hides it. It’s much more hidden should you’re operating one app on all sides of the display.
The place the Fold differs from its rivals – notably the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 – is that it has a 6:5 facet ratio. Meaning it's extra panorama than portrait which is extra vital than you may think because it impacts how apps behave.
When folded, there’s no hole between the screens. The hole is without doubt one of the belongings you discover first in regards to the Galaxy Fold 4, however which Samsung is more likely to deal with within the Fold 5 that launches in only a few weeks’ time.
It isn’t the primary folding cellphone to shut flat: Honor’s Magic Vs does too.
Jim Martin / Foundry
On the highest edge is one speaker with a second on the underside edge together with the nano-SIM tray and a USB-C port.
On the right-hand aspect, on the rear a part of the cellphone (when folded), is the quantity rocker and energy button, which doubles as a fingerprint scanner.
The sides are rounded, polished alloy and the hinge is actually a thicker model: its smoothness feels great in your fingers. As quickly as you contact it, your fingerprints will likely be throughout it however end is definitely worth the common cleansing required.
Jim Martin / Foundry
One space that doesn’t choose up fingerprints is the Gorilla Glass Victus on the again of the cellphone, because it has a matt end. An enormous digicam part juts out about 3mm.
This, and the actual fact the Pixel Fold doesn’t open to precisely 180° means it doesn’t lie flat towards a floor. That’s annoying if you wish to kind, swipe or do one thing that includes touching the display because it rocks in all instructions.
Jim Martin / Foundry
You'll be able to apply a little bit of stress to drive the display that ultimate 5 levels or so to be completely flat, but it surely doesn’t really feel good to try this on such an costly gadget.
The truth is, outstanding warnings within the field let you know that versatile screens are softer than on conventional telephones and it's best to “keep away from contact with sand, crumbs, fingernails or sharp objects”. You’re additionally instructed to not take away the factory-installed display protector and to not apply a third-party one.
The overwhelming feeling, then, is that that is an particularly delicate cellphone that wants a number of care. There’s additionally the frustration that, regardless of the worth, Google doesn’t embrace a case within the field. It should promote you one, in fact: the official case prices $59.99/£64.99.
With an IPX8 score, the Pixel Fold can “take a splash”, based on Google. The truth is, that’s an understatement: it will probably stand up to immersion in water as much as 1m deep for half-hour. Not that you simply’d wish to check that, thoughts.
One advantage of the stiff hinge is with the ability to regulate the display to a sure angle and it’ll keep there. That’s helpful if you wish to watch a video hands-free on the outer display in ‘tent’ mode, but it surely additionally means you are able to do the identical kind of factor with the interior display in a type of ‘laptop computer mode’.
Jim Martin / Foundry
That may very well be helpful for video calls as there’s a digicam on the within bezel in addition to one embedded into the outer display. When Android 14 launches, there will even be an replace to YouTube which shows the video within the high a part of the display and places playback controls on the half laying flat.
Display screen & audio system
- 5.8in outer 17.4:9 display
- 7.6in interior 6:5 display
It isn’t alleged to be the principle attraction, however the Pixel Fold’s exterior display is uncommon for a folding cellphone as a result of it’s very comparable in proportions to a standard cellphone. Or, at the least, a standard cellphone from a couple of years in the past.
Jim Martin / Foundry
The 17.4:9 facet ratio is way more usable than the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s 23.1:9 outer display. It’s a very vibrant OLED panel, peaking at 1550 nits and an actual pleasure to make use of even in vibrant out of doors situations. Decision is nice, colors are nice and – no shock – viewing angles are, too.
Some could dislike Google’s option to go together with a punch-hole selfie digicam but it surely actually doesn’t get in the best way.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Prise open the Fold – one thing that wants two fingers and a fingernail as a result of there’s no hole in any respect – and it turns into a small pill. The display has the identical 7.6in diagonal because the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and though this makes each telephones square-ish, the Pixel Fold has a 6:5 facet ratio towards the Z Fold 4’s 21.6:18.
Human brains can’t simply evaluate these numbers, however what it boils right down to is that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (and just about each different competitor) has a taller, narrower display whereas the Pixel Fold is wider and shorter.
Is that this a profit? The reply is sophisticated, and one finest answered once I speak in regards to the Pixel Fold’s software program later.
Each screens assist a variable refresh price as much as 120Hz, however the inner display isn’t fairly as vibrant at 1000 nits, with peak brightness of 1200 nits.
The opposite factor to notice is the bezel across the inner display. It’s thicker on the high and backside than the edges but it surely’s not one thing you discover in regular use. If something, it’s too skinny on the sides and means it’s arduous to grip the cellphone with out unintentionally touching one thing on the display.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Nevertheless, a extra essential commentary, particularly for first-time foldable patrons, is that the display isn’t completely flat. We’re all so used to the thick glass on conventional telephones {that a} versatile display – which is what it's – seems wavy and, effectively, low cost.
As talked about already, the fold stays even when the hinge is absolutely open, identical to the crease while you fold a bit of paper in half after which unfold it.
General, high quality is nice however you do discover a band both aspect of that crease displaying barely completely different brightness and hues as you progress the cellphone round in your fingers. It’s not a dealbreaker: it’s simply what versatile screens are like in the mean time.
The ultra-thin glass is roofed by a plastic protector that doesn’t fairly attain the outer bezel. There’s a niche of 1-2mm across the edge which collects mud and grime such as you wouldn’t consider. The identical factor occurs within the tiny gaps between the highest and backside of the display and the hinge.
Jim Martin / Foundry
At the least one (vocal) reviewer’s Pixel Fold display has been broken by crumbs getting caught within the display protector hole and seemingly inflicting the display to fail. I’ve had no such points, however have additionally been cautious to offer the display a wipe, even simply with a finger, earlier than closing it every time.
A ultimate element that’s straightforward to overlook is the digicam within the top-right part of the bezel. It’s there so regardless of how you employ the Fold, there’s at all times a technique to have a video name or take a selfie.
Audio system, to alter the topic, are surprisingly good. They don’t put out a lot quantity till you ramp the slider as much as the max, however they're able to first rate audio for watching movies, listening to podcasts and even the odd little bit of music.
Software program & apps
- Android 13
- Optimised Google apps
- 5 years of Pixel updates
Software program is essential with any folding cellphone as a result of apps want to look otherwise while you use it in pill mode and make the most of the additional house and backbone. The place others, corresponding to Honor with the Magic Vs, haven’t accomplished a tremendous job, Google is within the lucky place that Apple is with the iPhone and may management each {hardware} and software program.
To this finish, it has optimised all its apps for the Fold’s oddly-shaped display. Gmail, Calendar, Climate, Drive, Photographs – all of them look lovely and present much more than you see on the outer display.
Jim Martin / Foundry
That’s nice, however not all apps work effectively on the Fold. People who aren’t optimised show with black bars on the edges – Fb is a notable one – and the one technique to make them fill the display is to rotate the Fold by 90° and use it in ‘portrait’ mode.
Jim Martin / Foundry
The difficulty is, in lots of instances, apps are merely scaled up so every little thing is bigger as an alternative of displaying extra info.
Even a few of Google’s apps aren’t absolutely optimised. Maps typically reverted to the Fb fashion of filling the centre of the display however with black bars on the edges.
Jim Martin / Foundry
The facet ratio isn’t nice for video both: if you wish to see all of a 16:9 video, it’s displayed at a measurement that’s barely bigger than the outer display. And it’s worse should you’re watching a film that makes use of a good thinner, wider facet ratio.
YouTube is optimised, in fact, so you'll be able to zoom in and make the video fill the display. Nevertheless it’s like going again to the times earlier than widescreen TVs.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Maybe the principle profit isn’t operating a single app, although, it’s having two open on the identical time. This works effectively, particularly as a result of Google has added a taskbar that seems while you slowly swipe up from the underside of the display. In case you’re already operating an app, you'll be able to drag one other one to the left or proper and it'll fill whichever half you’ve dragged it two.
Jim Martin / Foundry
You'll be able to then drag the divider bar left or proper to make one app wider (and the opposite thinner) and you'll rotate the cellphone to portrait if the apps work higher in that orientation, corresponding to while you wish to watch a video and have an online web page open on the identical time.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Sure apps allow you to drag and drop between them, however I by no means discovered this to be significantly recreation altering. Sure, you'll be able to choose a bunch of images from Google Photographs and drop them into an e-mail or a WhatsApp chat, but it surely’s simply as straightforward to connect images from inside these apps.
Copying and pasting textual content between apps feels extra handy when each are on display, however even after every week, I didn’t uncover the killer app pair that made the Fold an indispensable software.
An issue that could be addressed when Android 14 drops is the absence of a technique to launch pairs of apps that you simply like to make use of collectively. As an alternative, you must launch one full display, deliver up the taskbar and both use the Break up icon or discover the app and drag it to the one aspect.
One other problem is that apps don’t stay paired should you shut the Fold. What occurs while you re-open it's that one of many apps shows full display, one thing that’s very irritating.
It could additionally get complicated as a result of Google has chosen to make the Fold do various things while you shut it relying upon what kind of app you have been utilizing in pill mode. I requested Google about this and was instructed that it’s a characteristic builders name “wakelock”. Some apps inform the display to remain on – even on non-folding telephones – and ignore any idle timers. So should you’re watching a video, studying a e-book or taking part in a recreation and shut the display, it should seem on the outer display as an alternative of locking the cellphone and displaying the always-on data.
That’s superb when you perceive it, however there’s no setting to alter this behaviour should you don’t prefer it.
One different factor Google may change is so as to add the choice to save lots of completely different residence display layouts for the interior and outer screens. As it's, the Fold replicates your outer residence display on the left-hand aspect of the interior display, and places the apps from the second web page on the correct.
Not like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, there’s no technique to run three apps directly, nor have a floating window. The Pixel Fold doesn’t have stylus assist both, which could disappoint some individuals.
There are advantages of shopping for a Pixel cellphone, although. Google guarantees 5 years of updates, and there’s Google’s VPN that you should utilize without spending a dime. A characteristic coming quickly is the flexibility to point out translated pace on the outer display – helpful in conditions the place you don’t communicate somebody’s language. The within display will present what they’re saying in your language.
Specs & efficiency
- Tensor G2
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
The Fold’s chipset, RAM and storage are the identical because the Pixel 7 Professional’s. There’s loads of grunt, even when benchmarks present it’s not the quickest on the market and it makes the Pixel Fold really feel clean and responsive in every day use.
Apps launch shortly and, together with the high-refresh-rate screens, they run exceptionally effectively.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Video games additionally run fairly effectively, however efficiency is considerably moot as a result of so few video games have been optimised to make use of the Fold’s uncommon decision and facet ratio. Optimised video games are highlighted within the Play Retailer and embrace Minecraft, Asphalt 9, League of Legends, Genshin Influence, Conflict of Clans, Sweet Crush and Name of Obligation Cellular.
Asphalt 9 ran easily and supplied an honest expertise. Nevertheless, simply because a recreation fills the entire display doesn’t imply it’s any simpler or higher to play than on a regular ‘sweet bar’ display. Non-optimised video games would possibly regulate to the facet ratio however present lower than they do on a taller display.
In addition to this, the Pixel Fold will get noticeably heat even when operating less-demanding duties. Use the digicam app for some time, maybe to report video or a long-exposure evening sky picture and it shortly heats up.
That by no means brought on different points, corresponding to any perceptible throttling, but it surely’s not what you’d anticipate from such a premium gadget.
Speaking of being a premium gadget, it has premium haptics. They’re refined and really feel very pure. You'll be able to regulate the power for various issues corresponding to incoming calls, notifications, alarms and normal contact suggestions.
I discovered the Fold was nice for cellphone calls, with the ability to clearly hear the caller utilizing each the earpiece and audio system.
As you’d anticipate, it has succesful Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, ultra-wideband and NFC. There’s a single nano-SIM tray however you should utilize the eSIM for a second quantity. It helps 5G mmWave and Sub 6GHz.
Cameras
- 48Mp f/1.7 extensive
- 10.8Mp f/2.2 ultrawide
- 10.8Mp f/3.05 5x telephoto
- 9.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digicam
- 8Mp f/2.0 entrance digicam
You’d assume that Google would have copied and pasted the cameras from the Pixel 7 Professional, however no. All three sensors on the rear have completely different resolutions (all decrease, surprisingly) and the entrance digicam has an uncommon 9.5Mp rely.
Not that it issues: these are nice cameras which ship very pleasing images – and movies – within the majority of conditions. Photographs from foremost rear digicam are sharp, effectively uncovered and have good dynamic vary. Right here’s a range:
There’s a 2x mode within the digicam app, however that is accomplished in software program so hit the ‘5’ for the telephoto lens. Each the ultrawide and telephoto lenses can produce handsome images, however the latter wants loads of gentle to carry out at its finest.
Right here’s some from the ultrawide:
And a range from the 5x telephoto:
Low-light efficiency isn’t superb: noise creeps into images greater than you’d need. Plus, the Fold’s macro capabilities are nothing particular.
I’d say the identical in regards to the portrait mode on all cameras: it’s not the perfect round. Listed here are quite a lot of images from the selfie digicam:
Thankfully, Google’s software program magic makes this an ideal cellphone for pictures and most of the people gained’t discover or care in regards to the drawbacks. You'll be able to erase objects from images, unblur them, choose the perfect shot from a burst sequence and all that different Pixel-y good things.
It’s a superb cellphone for video, significantly due to the superb stabilisation. You'll be able to shoot at as much as 4K/60fps. Slo-mo is price highlighting as effectively, being simply accessible inside the principle video mode and producing excellent outcomes.
The opposite bonus of a folding cellphone like that is that you should utilize the entrance display as a viewfinder to take better-quality selfies utilizing the rear cameras.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Battery life & charging
- 30W quick charging
- 7.5W wi-fi charging
- No adapter in field
The Pixel Fold makes use of a pair of batteries that add as much as round 4800mAh so many common telephones have greater cells. Google says that’s sufficient to final past 24 hours, which is true. Nevertheless it’s not true day-after-day.
I used the Fold for over every week earlier than scripting this overview and whereas the intelligent Adaptive Battery could not have had sufficient time to correctly kick in, my mileage different rather a lot.
In my estimation I used the Fold for about the identical period of time every day – give or take – and did mainly the identical issues, utilizing a mixture of the outer and interior screens to browse, play video games, take images, use social media: the same old.
A few of these days ended with snug ranges – round 20-25% – however on others, it didn’t even make it to bedtime with no need a recharge. Conversely, one other day, there was nearly 40% left which lasted till after lunch the next day.
Weirdly, Google hasn’t caught up with the kind of quick charging different cellphone makers now provide and it’s arduous to name the Fold a fast-charging cellphone. Google doesn’t embrace a charger within the field, however you probably have one that may output 30W, the Fold will take it.
Utilizing a 61W Ravpower charger I needed to hand, the fold charged from empty to 14% in quarter-hour and was as much as 28% at half-hour: good and linear but additionally very gradual.
Wi-fi charging is feasible on the bog-standard 7.5W utilizing any Qi-compatible charger. At the least it’s there, not like the Honor Magic Vs
Value & availability
The 256GB model prices $1,799 from Google within the US, and £1,749 within the UK. There’s additionally a 512GB mannequin which prices $1,919/£1,869. In case you pre-order one, you’ll get a free Pixel Watch.
You may get the black mannequin proven right here (Obsidian), or some time (Porcelain) model that’s unique to Google and is accessible solely with 256GB of storage. In case you get the Fold from wherever else, it’ll be a black one.
These are precisely the identical costs that Samsung expenses for the Z Fold 4 within the US. Within the UK, costs are cheaper: it was £1,649 for a 256GB Z Fold 4.
And should you’re within the US, these are actually your solely selections. Outdoors of the US there’s a much wider vary: see our roundup of the perfect foldable telephones for extra options.
Verdict
My opinion of the Pixel Fold has modified rather a lot over every week. I stay to be satisfied that the sort of folding cellphone is one thing the world wants. However even whether it is, the Pixel Fold is so costly it’s merely a curiosity for most individuals.
Software program wants to enhance, too. It’s the basic chicken-and-egg situation the place builders gained’t optimise their apps for such a distinct segment gadget till it turns into extra in style, however punters will likely be cautious about shopping for them till the apps work correctly.
The opposite massive disadvantage is the heft. It’s a marvel of engineering, but it surely’s nonetheless a chunky, heavy gadget that makes your hand ache after holding it for some time.
Finally, it is a first-generation gadget and should you can afford it and actually need it, you’ll in all probability like it to bits. Everybody else ought to follow an everyday cellphone – maybe a Pixel 7 Professional – and swap to an iPad, laptop computer or TV while you desire a greater display.
Specs
- 5.8in FHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED
- 7.6in 2208 x 1840 120Hz LTPO OLED
- Google Tensor G2 chipset
- 12GB RAM
- 128/256GB non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage
- 4800mAh battery
- 30W wired charging
- Wi-fi charging
- 48Mp f/1.7 foremost digicam
- 10.8Mp f/2.2 ultrawide digicam.
- 10.8Mp f/3.05 5x telephoto digicam
- 9.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digicam
- 8Mp f/2 interior digicam
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- IPX8
- Gorilla Glass Victus (entrance and rear)
- 140mm x 79.5mm x 12.1mm (5.5 x 3.1 x 0.5in)
- 284g / 10oz