Google is set to take on Samsung’s dominance in the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its own foldable device, the Google Pixel Fold. The new smartphone, internally referred to as Felix, is expected to be released in June this year. The Pixel Fold is anticipated to revolutionize the foldable smartphone industry with its robust hinge design, which is touted to be the most durable in the market.
The Pixel Fold will not come cheap, with a hefty price tag of $1,700, just $99 less than its competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. However, Google plans to sweeten the deal by offering a free Pixel Watch with every purchase of the Pixel Fold.
The Pixel Fold is designed to be compact and water-resistant, featuring a 5.8-inch external screen. Images obtained by CNBC show that the phone unfolds like a book, revealing a tablet-sized 7.6-inch screen, similar to Samsung’s rival product.
Google Pixel Fold Leaks Reveal Release Date
Despite being slightly heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold boasts a larger battery capacity. Google claims that the battery can last up to 24 hours, or even up to 72 hours in low power mode. The device is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, the same processor used in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro phones launched last year.
While Google has primarily focused on software development, including Android and its app store Google Play, the Pixel Fold represents an opportunity for the tech giant to showcase a fully Google-made foldable phone experience. The device may offer exclusive features not available on all Android phones, such as photo editing options powered by the Tensor processor.
The launch of the Pixel Fold comes at a time of uncertainty in Google’s relationship with Samsung. Recent reports suggest that Samsung may consider switching its default search engine from Google to Microsoft’s Bing for its smartphones, potentially impacting Google’s estimated $3 billion in annual revenue from Samsung. To encourage customers to switch to the Pixel Fold, Google plans to offer incentives such as a trade-in option and a free Pixel Watch with every purchase of the Pixel Fold.
