Google Pixel Fold Review: A Looker with Limitations

Worth When Reviewed

$1799 (256GB), $1919 (512GB)

Greatest Costs In the present day: Google Pixel Fold

Google’s folding telephone has been a very long time coming. Rumours that the corporate was growing one started a number of years again and in a shock revelation throughout a current Made by Google podcast episode, the world discovered that the Pixel Fold wasn’t the primary.

A earlier design hadn’t made the grade and was cancelled as a result of it wasn’t adequate. The Pixel Fold, then, will need to have handed muster and it’s taking the struggle to varied rivals however primarily Samsung. The South Korean firm has an enormous lead on Google, having launched its first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and is on monitor to launch its fifth-generation foldable telephone quickly.

The historical past lesson is related right here as a result of the Pixel Fold doesn’t exist in a vacuum. And whereas there’s lots to love concerning the telephone, there’s some frustration too – a few of which may be mounted in software program updates. Then there’s additionally the value, which isn’t 1,000,000 miles away from $2,000/£2,000.

Design & construct

• No hole when folded
• Slim, comparatively talking
• IPX8 water resistance

Fairly clearly, the Pixel Fold is the kind of folding telephone which goals to be a pill alternative slightly than the ‘flip’ model which takes a traditional telephone and folds it in half.

And this makes the Pixel Fold an enormous, heavy telephone. It’s 12.1mm thick (not together with the digicam bump) and 80mm huge. At 140mm tall, it’s shorter than many telephones however at 284g, quite a bit heavier – 20g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

And everybody I handed the Pixel Fold to commented on the burden first. However, as with every folding telephone, it additionally has an enormous wow issue. Pictured right here is the Obsidan color however it’s also possible to get it in Porcelain.

Opening it as much as reveal the 7.6in inside display screen will normally elicit a “wow” or a pant as a result of, even now in 2023, not that many individuals have seen a telephone that folds in half.

The crease doesn’t ever go away, however numerous the time the brightness of the display screen hides it. It’s much more hidden should you’re working one app on either side of the display screen.

The place the Fold differs from its rivals – notably the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 – is that it has a 6:5 side ratio. Meaning it’s extra panorama than portrait which is extra vital than you may think because it impacts how apps behave.

When folded, there’s no hole between the screens. The hole is among the belongings you discover first concerning the Galaxy Fold 4, however which Samsung is more likely to tackle within the Fold 5 that launches in just some weeks’ time.

It isn’t the primary folding telephone to shut flat: Honor’s Magic Vs does too.

Jim Martin / Foundry

On the highest edge is one speaker with a second on the underside edge together with the nano-SIM tray and a USB-C port.

On the right-hand facet, on the rear a part of the telephone (when folded), is the amount rocker and energy button, which doubles as a fingerprint scanner.

The perimeters are rounded, polished alloy and the hinge is actually a thicker model: its smoothness feels fantastic in your fingers. As quickly as you contact it, your fingerprints can be throughout it however end is well worth the common cleansing required.

Jim Martin / Foundry

One space that doesn’t choose up fingerprints is the Gorilla Glass Victus on the again of the telephone, because it has a matt end. An enormous digicam part juts out about 3mm.

This, and the actual fact the Pixel Fold doesn’t open to precisely 180° means it doesn’t lie flat in opposition to a floor. That’s annoying if you wish to sort, swipe or do one thing that entails touching the display screen because it rocks in all instructions.

Jim Martin / Foundry

You possibly can apply a little bit of stress to pressure the display screen that last 5 levels or so to be completely flat, however it doesn’t really feel good to try this on such an costly system.

In actual fact, outstanding warnings within the field let you know that versatile screens are softer than on conventional telephones and you must “keep away from contact with sand, crumbs, fingernails or sharp objects”. You’re additionally instructed to not take away the factory-installed display screen protector and to not apply a third-party one.

The overwhelming feeling, then, is that that is an particularly delicate telephone that wants numerous care. There’s additionally the frustration that, regardless of the value, Google doesn’t embody a case within the field. It’ll promote you one, after all: the official case prices $59.99/£64.99.

With an IPX8 score, the Pixel Fold can “take a splash”, based on Google. In actual fact, that’s an understatement: it will possibly face up to immersion in water as much as 1m deep for half-hour. Not that you simply’d wish to take a look at that, thoughts.

One good thing about the stiff hinge is with the ability to regulate the display screen to a sure angle and it’ll keep there. That’s helpful if you wish to watch a video hands-free on the outer display screen in ‘tent’ mode, however it additionally means you are able to do the identical form of factor with the interior display screen in a form of ‘laptop computer mode’.

Jim Martin / Foundry

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That may very well be helpful for video calls as there’s a digicam on the within bezel in addition to one embedded into the outer display screen. When Android 14 launches, there will even be an replace to YouTube which shows the video within the prime a part of the display screen and places playback controls on the half laying flat.

Display screen & audio system

• 5.8in outer 17.4:9 display screen
• 7.6in inside 6:5 display screen

It isn’t presupposed to be the primary attraction, however the Pixel Fold’s exterior display screen is uncommon for a folding telephone as a result of it’s very related in proportions to a traditional telephone. Or, a minimum of, a traditional telephone from a number of years in the past.

Jim Martin / Foundry

The 17.4:9 side ratio is way more usable than the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s 23.1:9 outer display screen. It’s a very vivid OLED panel, peaking at 1550 nits and an actual pleasure to make use of even in vivid outside circumstances. Decision is nice, colors are nice and – no shock – viewing angles are, too.

Some might dislike Google’s option to go together with a punch-hole selfie digicam however it actually doesn’t get in the best way.

Jim Martin / Foundry

Prise open the Fold – one thing that wants two fingers and a fingernail as a result of there’s no hole in any respect – and it turns into a small pill. The display screen has the identical 7.6in diagonal because the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and though this makes each telephones square-ish, the Pixel Fold has a 6:5 side ratio in opposition to the Z Fold 4’s 21.6:18.

Human brains can’t simply evaluate these numbers, however what it boils all the way down to is that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (and just about each different competitor) has a taller, narrower display screen whereas the Pixel Fold is wider and shorter.

Is that this a profit? The reply is difficult, and one finest answered once I discuss concerning the Pixel Fold’s software program later.

Each screens assist a variable refresh price as much as 120Hz, however the inside display screen isn’t fairly as vivid at 1000 nits, with peak brightness of 1200 nits.

The opposite factor to notice is the bezel across the inside display screen. It’s thicker on the prime and backside than the edges however it’s not one thing you discover in regular use. If something, it’s too skinny on the sides and means it’s arduous to grip the telephone with out by chance touching one thing on the display screen.

Jim Martin / Foundry

Nevertheless, a extra essential remark, particularly for first-time foldable patrons, is that the display screen isn’t completely flat. We’re all so used to the thick glass on conventional telephones {that a} versatile display screen – which is what it’s – appears to be like wavy and, properly, low cost.

As talked about already, the fold stays even when the hinge is totally open, similar to the crease if you fold a chunk of paper in half after which unfold it.

General, high quality is nice however you do discover a band both facet of that crease exhibiting barely completely different brightness and hues as you progress the telephone round in your fingers. It’s not a dealbreaker: it’s simply what versatile screens are like in the intervening time.

The ultra-thin glass is roofed by a plastic protector that doesn’t fairly attain the outer bezel. There’s a spot of 1-2mm across the edge which collects mud and filth such as you wouldn’t consider. The identical factor occurs within the tiny gaps between the highest and backside of the display screen and the hinge.

Jim Martin / Foundry

At the least one (vocal) reviewer’s Pixel Fold display screen has been broken by crumbs getting caught within the display screen protector hole and seemingly inflicting the display screen to fail. I’ve had no such points, however have additionally been cautious to provide the display screen a wipe, even simply with a finger, earlier than closing it every time.

A last element that’s straightforward to overlook is the digicam within the top-right part of the bezel. It’s there so regardless of how you employ the Fold, there’s all the time a method to have a video name or take a selfie.

Audio system, to alter the topic, are surprisingly good. They don’t put out a lot quantity till you ramp the slider as much as the max, however they’re able to first rate audio for watching movies, listening to podcasts and even the odd little bit of music.

Software program & apps

• Android 13
• Optimised Google apps
• 5 years of Pixel updates

Software program is crucial with any folding telephone as a result of apps want to seem in another way if you use it in pill mode and reap the benefits of the additional area and backbone. The place others, reminiscent of Honor with the Magic Vs, haven’t executed an incredible job, Google is within the lucky place that Apple is with the iPhone and may management each {hardware} and software program.

To this finish, it has optimised all its apps for the Fold’s oddly-shaped display screen. Gmail, Calendar, Climate, Drive, Pictures – all of them look lovely and present much more than you see on the outer display screen.

Jim Martin / Foundry

That’s nice, however not all apps work properly on the Fold. Those who aren’t optimised show with black bars on the edges – Fb is a notable one – and the one method to make them fill the display screen is to rotate the Fold by 90° and use it in ‘portrait’ mode.

Jim Martin / Foundry

The difficulty is, in lots of instances, apps are merely scaled up so every little thing is bigger as an alternative of exhibiting extra info.

Even a few of Google’s apps aren’t totally optimised. Maps typically reverted to the Fb model of filling the centre of the display screen however with black bars on the edges.

Jim Martin / Foundry

The side ratio isn’t nice for video both: if you wish to see all of a 16:9 video, it’s displayed at a dimension that’s barely bigger than the outer display screen. And it’s worse should you’re watching a film that makes use of a fair thinner, wider side ratio.

YouTube is optimised, after all, so you may zoom in and make the video fill the display screen. However it’s like going again to the times earlier than widescreen TVs.

Jim Martin / Foundry

Maybe the primary profit isn’t working a single app, although, it’s having two open on the similar time. This works properly, particularly as a result of Google has added a taskbar that seems if you slowly swipe up from the underside of the display screen. Should you’re already working an app, you may drag one other one to the left or proper and it’ll fill whichever half you’ve dragged it two.

Jim Martin / Foundry

You possibly can then drag the divider bar left or proper to make one app wider (and the opposite thinner) and you may rotate the telephone to portrait if the apps work higher in that orientation, reminiscent of if you wish to watch a video and have an online web page open on the similar time.

Jim Martin / Foundry

Sure apps allow you to drag and drop between them, however I by no means discovered this to be notably sport altering. Sure, you may choose a bunch of images from Google Pictures and drop them into an e mail or a WhatsApp chat, however it’s simply as straightforward to connect images from inside these apps.

Copying and pasting textual content between apps feels extra handy when each are on display screen, however even after per week, I didn’t uncover the killer app pair that made the Fold an indispensable software.

An issue that might be addressed when Android 14 drops is the absence of a method to launch pairs of apps that you simply like to make use of collectively. As a substitute, you must launch one full display screen, carry up the taskbar and both use the Cut up icon or discover the app and drag it to the one facet.

One other problem is that apps don’t stay paired should you shut the Fold. What occurs if you re-open it’s that one of many apps shows full display screen, one thing that’s very irritating.

It may well additionally get complicated as a result of Google has chosen to make the Fold do various things if you shut it relying upon what kind of app you had been utilizing in pill mode. I requested Google about this and was advised that it’s a function builders name “wakelock”. Some apps inform the display screen to remain on – even on non-folding telephones – and ignore any idle timers. So should you’re watching a video, studying a e-book or enjoying a sport and shut the display screen, it’ll seem on the outer display screen as an alternative of locking the telephone and displaying the always-on information.

That’s wonderful when you perceive it, however there’s no setting to alter this behaviour should you don’t prefer it.

One different factor Google might change is so as to add the choice to avoid wasting completely different dwelling display screen layouts for the inside and outer screens. As it’s, the Fold replicates your outer dwelling display screen on the left-hand facet of the inside display screen, and places the apps from the second web page on the correct.

In contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, there’s no method to run three apps without delay, nor have a floating window. The Pixel Fold doesn’t have stylus assist both, which could disappoint some folks.

There are advantages of shopping for a Pixel telephone, although. Google guarantees 5 years of updates, and there’s Google’s VPN that you need to use totally free. A function coming quickly is the flexibility to point out translated pace on the outer display screen – helpful in conditions the place you don’t communicate somebody’s language. The within display screen will present what they’re saying in your language.

Specs & efficiency

• Tensor G2
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB UFS 3.1 storage

The Fold’s chipset, RAM and storage are the identical because the Pixel 7 Professional’s. There’s loads of grunt, even when benchmarks present it’s not the quickest on the market and it makes the Pixel Fold really feel clean and responsive in day by day use.

Apps launch shortly and, together with the high-refresh-rate screens, they run exceptionally properly.

Jim Martin / Foundry

Video games additionally run fairly properly, however efficiency is considerably moot as a result of so few video games have been optimised to make use of the Fold’s uncommon decision and side ratio. Optimised video games are highlighted within the Play Retailer and embody Minecraft, Asphalt 9, League of Legends, Genshin Impression, Conflict of Clans, Sweet Crush and Name of Obligation Cellular.

Asphalt 9 ran easily and offered a good expertise. Nevertheless, simply because a sport fills the entire display screen doesn’t imply it’s any simpler or higher to play than on an ordinary ‘sweet bar’ display screen. Non-optimised video games would possibly regulate to the side ratio however present lower than they do on a taller display screen.

Apart from this, the Pixel Fold will get noticeably heat even when working less-demanding duties. Use the digicam app for some time, maybe to file video or a long-exposure evening sky photograph and it shortly heats up.

That by no means precipitated different points, reminiscent of any perceptible throttling, however it’s not what you’d count on from such a premium system.

Speaking of being a premium system, it has premium haptics. They’re delicate and really feel very pure. You possibly can regulate the energy for various issues reminiscent of incoming calls, notifications, alarms and common contact suggestions.

I discovered the Fold was nice for telephone calls, with the ability to clearly hear the caller utilizing each the earpiece and audio system.

As you’d count on, it has succesful Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, ultra-wideband and NFC. There’s a single nano-SIM tray however you need to use the eSIM for a second quantity. It helps 5G mmWave and Sub 6GHz.

Cameras

• 48Mp f/1.7 huge
• 10.8Mp f/2.2 ultrawide
• 10.8Mp f/3.05 5x telephoto
• 9.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digicam
• 8Mp f/2.0 entrance digicam

You’d assume that Google would have copied and pasted the cameras from the Pixel 7 Professional, however no. All three sensors on the rear have completely different resolutions (all decrease, surprisingly) and the entrance digicam has an uncommon 9.5Mp rely.

Not that it issues: these are nice cameras which ship very pleasing images – and movies – within the majority of conditions. Pictures from fundamental rear digicam are sharp, properly uncovered and have good dynamic vary. Right here’s a variety:

There’s a 2x mode within the digicam app, however that is executed in software program so hit the ‘5’ for the telephoto lens. Each the ultrawide and telephoto lenses can produce handsome images, however the latter wants loads of mild to carry out at its finest.

Right here’s some from the ultrawide:

And a variety from the 5x telephoto:

Low-light efficiency isn’t wonderful: noise creeps into images greater than you’d need. Plus, the Fold’s macro capabilities are nothing particular.

I’d say the identical concerning the portrait mode on all cameras: it’s not one of the best round. Listed below are a wide range of images from the selfie digicam:

Thankfully, Google’s software program magic makes this a fantastic telephone for pictures and most of the people gained’t discover or care concerning the drawbacks. You possibly can erase objects from images, unblur them, choose one of the best shot from a burst collection and all that different Pixel-y good things.

It’s a great telephone for video, notably due to the superb stabilisation. You possibly can shoot at as much as 4K/60fps. Slo-mo is price highlighting as properly, being simply accessible inside the primary video mode and producing excellent outcomes.

The opposite bonus of a folding telephone like that is that you need to use the entrance display screen as a viewfinder to take better-quality selfies utilizing the rear cameras.

Jim Martin / Foundry

Battery life & charging

• 30W quick charging
• 7.5W wi-fi charging
• No adapter in field

The Pixel Fold makes use of a pair of batteries that add as much as round 4800mAh so many common telephones have larger cells. Google says that’s sufficient to final past 24 hours, which is true. However it’s not true each day.

I used the Fold for over per week earlier than scripting this assessment and whereas the intelligent Adaptive Battery might not have had sufficient time to correctly kick in, my mileage various lots.

In my estimation I used the Fold for about the identical period of time every day – give or take – and did mainly the identical issues, utilizing a mixture of the outer and inside screens to browse, play video games, take images, use social media: the standard.

A few of these days ended with snug ranges – round 20-25% – however on others, it didn’t even make it to bedtime while not having a recharge. Conversely, one other day, there was nearly 40% left which lasted till after lunch the next day.

Weirdly, Google hasn’t caught up with the form of quick charging different telephone makers now provide and it’s arduous to name the Fold a fast-charging telephone. Google doesn’t embody a charger within the field, however when you’ve got one that may output 30W, the Fold will take it.

Utilizing a 61W Ravpower charger I needed to hand, the fold charged from empty to 14% in quarter-hour and was as much as 28% at half-hour: good and linear but additionally very sluggish.

Wi-fi charging is feasible on the bog-standard 7.5W utilizing any Qi-compatible charger. At the least it’s there, in contrast to the Honor Magic Vs

Worth & availability

The 256GB model prices $1,799 from Google within the US, and £1,749 within the UK. There’s additionally a 512GB mannequin which prices $1,919/£1,869. Should you pre-order one, you’ll get a free Pixel Watch.

You will get the black mannequin proven right here (Obsidian), or some time (Porcelain) model that’s unique to Google and is out there solely with 256GB of storage. Should you get the Fold from anyplace else, it’ll be a black one.

These are precisely the identical costs that Samsung costs for the Z Fold 4 within the US. Within the UK, costs are cheaper: it was £1,649 for a 256GB Z Fold 4.

And should you’re within the US, these are actually your solely selections. Exterior of the US there’s a wider vary: see our roundup of one of the best foldable telephones for extra alternate options.

Verdict

My opinion of the Pixel Fold has modified lots over per week. I stay to be satisfied that one of these folding telephone is one thing the world wants. However even whether it is, the Pixel Fold is so costly it’s merely a curiosity for most individuals.

Software program wants to enhance, too. It’s the traditional chicken-and-egg situation the place builders gained’t optimise their apps for such a distinct segment system till it turns into extra in style, however punters can be cautious about shopping for them till the apps work correctly.

The opposite large disadvantage is the heft. It’s a marvel of engineering, however it’s nonetheless a chunky, heavy system that makes your hand ache after holding it for some time.

In the end, it is a first-generation system and should you can afford it and actually need it, you’ll most likely adore it to bits. Everybody else ought to follow a daily telephone – maybe a Pixel 7 Professional – and swap to an iPad, laptop computer or TV if you desire a larger display screen.

Specs

• 5.8in FHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED
• 7.6in 2208 x 1840 120Hz LTPO OLED
• Google Tensor G2 chipset
• 12GB RAM
• 128/256GB non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage
• 4800mAh battery
• 30W wired charging
• Wi-fi charging
• 48Mp f/1.7 fundamental digicam
• 10.8Mp f/2.2 ultrawide digicam.
• 10.8Mp f/3.05 5x telephoto digicam
• 9.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digicam
• 8Mp f/2 inside digicam
• 5G
• Wi-Fi 6E
• Bluetooth 5.2
• IPX8
• Gorilla Glass Victus (entrance and rear)
• 140mm x 79.5mm x 12.1mm (5.5 x 3.1 x 0.5in)
• 284g / 10oz