As the name suggests, this sees Google bringing screen folding technology to its premium Pixel phone range. The headline points are that its first foldable phone features the Google Tensor G2 chip, a 7.6-inch screen when unfolded (from its initial 5.8-inch screen form), and Android’s split-screen functionality.
Away from the screen technology what is there?
Memory and storage are 12 LPDDR5 GB of RAM, and 256 or 512 GB UFS 3.1 storage. Rear cameras are a 48MP Quad PD with OIS + CLAF (ƒ/1.7 aperture), a 10.8MP ultrawide camera (ƒ/2.2 aperture), and a 10.8 MP dual PD telephoto camera (ƒ/3.05 aperture). And the front camera is a 9.5MP Dual PD11 (fixed focus ƒ/2.2 aperture).
Speaking of pictures, there are Pixel Camera features such as Real Tone, Magic Eraser and Night Sight, but a new camera feature is “Rear Camera Selfie mode”, which Google says takes the “highest quality selfie on a Pixel ever”. You can also use a quick gesture to trigger a countdown clock for selfies.
Also, when the Pixel Fold is in “tabletop mode” to take a group selfie, you can trigger the camera’s timer with the same gesture.
For multi-language conversations, powered by the Tensor G2, a Dual Screen interpreter mode simultaneously uses the inner and outer screens to translate live conversations in different languages.
Google writes:
“When closed, Pixel Fold has a familiar smartphone silhouette that fits in the palm of your hand and slides into your pocket. Flip it open to reveal a 7.6-inch screen with a thinner profile than any other foldable phone in the market.”
“To create this foldable design, we didn’t compromise on form and function. Many of the Pixel components — from camera, battery, speakers and haptics technology — were cleverly redesigned to fit within the thin design. Our custom-built hinge not only contributes to that thinness, but also doubles as the most durable hinge out there. And last but not least, Pixel Fold has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.”
It will be available in two colours: ‘Porcelain’ (grey-white) and ‘Obsidian’ (black), and – being a Google Pixel phone – it is guaranteed five years of Pixel updates.
You can read more about the Google Pixel Fold here.
It’s only available for pre-order but will begin shipping next month, with prices starting at £1,749.
See also: Gadget Watch: Samsung Galaxy Fold heralds arrival of foldable phone
