It was one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year 2023. Not as much as the folding iPhone, of course, but still. The Pixel Fold, the first folding smartphone developed by Google is official. A gem of technology that could change the future of this format on Android.
Despite undisguised excitement from the tech world, Google is cautious and reserves its innovation for only a lucky few. The Pixel Fold will only be available in a few countries: the United States, of course, but only Germany and the United Kingdom in Europe. No Pixel Fold in France thereforemuch to our dismay.
Pixel Fold : Google and fashion flex
✨May The Fold Be With You✨https://t.co/g6NUd1DcOJ#GoogleIO #PixelFold
May 10 pic.twitter.com/K8Gk21nmo8— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) May 4, 2023
Google has been very clear about the format of the Pixel Fold: the future lies more in the smartphone which becomes a tablet rather than in the valve. Question of uses according to the company.
The Pixel Fold therefore takes the same “book” format as the Galaxy Folds first launched a few years ago now.
Google has chosen to take its time (as it often does), to refine its recipe. On the outside, the Pixel Fold sports a magnificent 5.8” screen. A “real” smartphone screen, OLED technology, with Full HD definition and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. All protected by Corning Gorilla Victus glass.
Inside, the sight is just as breathtaking. The flexible screen has a diagonal of 7.6” with a 6:5 ratio more likely to facilitate multitasking. Again, Google goes all out with a refresh rate of 120 Hz in particular. Everything is IPX8 certified (splash protection).
Under the hood, the Pixel Fold houses the Tensor G2 chip, the same as the Pixel 7 range. It comes with 256 or 512 GB of storage. Enough to provide high-end performance while ensuring a 24-hour battery life (depending on the brand).
To this impressive technical sheet is added un design dont Google a le secret. The brand is once again playing the originality card with a photo module housed in a wide horizontal band.
The Pixel Fold is mostly one of the thinnest folding smartphones in the world with the Mate X3 announced by Huawei two days earlier. 6 mm thick open, 12 mm closed. We are getting closer and closer to the more classic smartphone.
Finally, Google says it has particularly worked on software functions, big lack on the models currently offered. We therefore find features already integrated into the Galaxy Fold with, in addition, the optimization of hundreds of applications including those of Google and partners such as Netflix, TikTok etc.
Why is Google not launching the Pixel Fold in France?
Of course, such innovation comes at a price: more than 1,800 euros in Europe. A price that explains Google’s reluctance about a global launch? Probably in part.
Historically, Google has always launched its innovations in several phases. A strategy which it has failed in the past but which does not seem to cool the sales teams.
Perhaps the company does not want to assume the cost of a global launch on a niche product. Maybe the production, logistics and distribution efforts just aren’t worth it yet. Maybe Google just wants to start with a test phase before a global rollout of future iterations.
A lot of people may therefore be faced with a Google that has remained very silent in the face of our insistent questions on the subject. If you want a Pixel Fold, you will have to go through import, with the risks that entails, especially in terms of 5G connectivity.
