Google finally unveiled itsPixel Fold, the Pixel brand's first foldable phone, the author also quickly and simply experienced it on the spot, and made a simple comparison with OPPO Find N2 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.
From a product positioning perspective, the Pixel Fold is not only Google's first foldable phone under its own brand, but also the first Pixel-branded product to be priced at $1799. This suggests Google will further expand its Pixel product line and will not just focus on the $499 to $899 price range.
However, whether such an adjustment can be accepted by the consumer market seems to depend on the subsequent pre-order status of Pixel Fold and its actual sales performance at the end of June.
The Pixel Fold uses the same Tensor G7 processor as the Pixel 2, and is also equipped with a Titan M2 security chip, 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, and storage capacities of 256GB and 512GB. The battery is claimed to be able to meet all-day battery life needs, and if in extreme power saving mode, it can provide up to 72 hours of usage time.
The outer screen uses a 5.8-inch OLED screen with a 17.4:9 display ratio and a Full HD+ (2092 x 1080) resolution, while the inner screen uses a 7.6-inch OLED screen with a 6:5 display ratio and a resolution of 2208 x 1840. Both support a 120Hz frame refresh rate.
The overall feel of the Pixel Fold is more like the design concept of the OPPO Find N2. The body maintains a normal width when folded, allowing users to use it as a normal mobile phone. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, which is more "slender" when folded, the inner screen maintains the same size as the Galaxy Z Fold 3 when unfolded, and both have the display area of a small tablet.
相機部分，則分別在外側採用950萬畫素、f/2.2光圈與84度拍攝視角的視訊鏡頭，內側螢幕則採用800萬畫素、f/2.0光圈設計的視訊鏡頭。
而主相機模組則包含4800萬畫素、f/1.7光圈與82拍攝視角設計的廣角鏡頭，搭配1080萬畫素、f/2.2光圈與121.1拍攝視角的超廣角鏡頭，以及同樣是1080萬畫素、對應5倍光學變焦的長焦鏡頭，還有另一組支援最高20倍「超解像」拍攝功能的長焦鏡頭。
Google emphasizes that the Pixel Fold's screen and hinge provide sufficient durability, while also claiming to maintain a certain level of lightness and thinness. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and OPPO Find N2, it does have a thinner body, but weighs 283 grams.
It is not certain whether it is related to the model experienced on site this time, but after the inner screen of the phone is unfolded, it cannot be unfolded flatly. It seems that this is to avoid the inner screen from being completely flattened. Perhaps we have to wait and see whether the same situation will occur in subsequent models on the market.
In addition, the inner screen frame is significantly wider because the video camera is mounted on the frame. Unlike other brands that use under-screen cameras or design video cameras in the form of holes, the screen frame can be narrowed.
As for the switching experience between the inner and outer screens, it is quite smooth. At the same time, after the inner screen is unfolded, it can also correspond to multi-tasking interface operations such as left and right paging. At the same time, there are currently more than 50 apps that have been optimized for the use mode of foldable screen phones. Even the Pixel Fold can use the folded screen to hover, so that the upper and lower screens correspond to different operation interfaces. In addition, the outer screen can be used as the viewing screen for the camera function, and selfies can be taken with the main camera lens.
As for a more special application, it is to make the inner and outer screens of Pixel Fold correspond to different display contents, thereby realizing the real-time interactive translation function between two languages.
The Pixel Fold's overall design is quite standard, offering the same features as other foldable phones. It also boasts IPX8 water and dust resistance, though it lacks stylus support. However, its key features include a relatively thin body, an external screen that allows for easier operation as a regular phone, and the AI-powered photography capabilities that are a hallmark of Pixel phones.
However, whether consumers can accept the $1799 price tag remains a question. Even if Google reduces the perception of the price being too high by giving away the Pixel Watch, it seems that consumers will still have to think twice. After all, at this price, one can almost buy a foldable phone from Samsung, not to mention similar phones from other brands.
Currently, the Pixel Fold is only sold in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Pre-orders are now open on the Google Store in the United States and other markets. It will be available for sale on May 5th through telecom operators with data plans. The phone will not actually enter the market until June 30th. There are no plans to launch it in the Taiwanese market.
Pixel Fold exclusive protective case:
Pixel Fold, OPPO Find N2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 appearance comparison:
