While Samsung is already working on the fifth generation of its folding smartphones and many other manufacturers are offering such devices, Google itself has not yet had anything comparable. But that should change soon.
Unlike Apple, which has put its plans for a foldable iPhone on hold for the time being, Google has been developing its own foldable smartphone for some time. In 2019, the company confirmed the construction of prototypes. After a series of leaks towards the end of 2022, however, a video has now been made public for the first time, in which the Google Pixel Fold should be seen in full size.
Thick frame, flat case
Well-known leaker Kuba Wojciechowski has the video in one Post on Twitter published. In the short clip, the smartphone can first be seen in a closed state with a dark display, until it is opened by the person holding it. The inside of the device then shows a folding screen in tablet format. While the content is technically blurred, at least the icons in the notification bar are recognizable. The frame around the display is comparatively thick and is a bit reminiscent of the first-generation Galaxy Fold. After all, the camera is integrated into the frame and does not take up any space on the screen.
Then the person closes and opens the smartphone again. During this process, it can be seen that there is no gap between the housing halves when they are folded together. This is a common problem that Samsung continues to have with its Fold 4 and Flip 4. Only recently, manufacturers such as Oppo with the Find N and Honor with the Magic Vs found a solution to give the display enough space despite its flat design.
Since we only vaguely see the smartphone in the video from the front and the inside, it cannot be confirmed whether the Google logo or the Pixel-typical camera visor can be found on the back. Only at second two does a small bulge on the back appear briefly in the picture. Shape and position could be an indication that it is actually a visor. Another clue that identifies the device as a Google Pixel Fold are the icons in the notification bar. Because these correspond to the Android interface that Google normally uses in its pixel smartphones.
Here’s what we know about the Google Pixel Fold
A report by US news channel CNBC According to Google, Google plans to launch the Pixel Fold as early as next month. The smartphone should therefore appear at the Google I/O developer conference on May 10th and cost 1700 US dollars (approx. 1543 euros). Notorious leaker Jon Prosser confirms the date and also states that pre-orders will start on May 30th and availability will start on June 27th. However, he assumes a slightly higher price of 1800 USD (1633 euros).
A lot is already known about the specification in advance. According to CNBC, internal sources state that the Pixel Fold is the “most durable hinge in a foldable [Smartphone, Anm. d. Red.]” should have. In addition, Google is probably planning to make the smartphone water-resistant – similar to Samsung’s Fold 4 and Flip 4. A special feature, however, is the compact size with a 5.8-inch external display. With a 7.6-inch display when unfolded, the Google Pixel Fold would still have tablet format. According to information from CNBC, the smartphone could be quite heavy at 284 grams. For comparison: the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple’s largest model, weighs 240 grams. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 also weighs “only” 263 grams.
After all, according to Google, the Pixel Fold should have a battery that lasts for 24 hours – or even 72 hours in power-saving mode. However, this is hardly due to a more efficient chip, because the folding smartphone is supposed to get Google’s Tensor G2. This can already be found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, as well as in the recently introduced Pixel 7a.