Google Enters the Foldable Phone Market with Pixel Fold

• Google
• Google Pixel

Google has started taking pre-orders for its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, aiming to ship the device in June. Priced at US$1,799, it's directly competing with the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4. Although Google is entering the foldable market later than some of its competitors, it's leveraging its timing to address some of the perceived deficiencies of the Galaxy Fold.

"Google enters the foldable phone market, aiming to address the perceived deficiencies of its competitors."

Pixel Fold: A Wider Aspect Ratio

The thinness and broader body of Google's folding phone make it stand out. This design feature allows easier handling and a better aspect ratio for viewing the front and interior OLED displays. Brad Akyuz, a mobile industry analyst with Circana, a global market research firm, notes that the Pixel's wider aspect ratio is ideal for content consumption, making it a top choice. Unlike Samsung's Fold, which has a more square screen, the Pixel offers a more immersive experience without any black bars appearing when watching content.

First-Gen Challenges and Comparisons

However, the Pixel Fold has its potential challenges. At the core of the Pixel Fold is Google's Tensor G2 processor, which Akyuz asserts is less potent than the chip used in the Samsung Galaxy Fold. Furthermore, as a first-generation device, it remains to be seen what kind of problems Pixel Fold customers might encounter and how Google plans to address them. Nevertheless, the Pixel Fold does have some advantages, such as a larger battery and three cameras, including a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 10.8 MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8 MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom.

Foldable Phones: A Niche Market

Despite their unique offerings, the high price tag of foldable phones, including the Pixel Fold, limits their audience. Currently, foldable phones appeal primarily to early adopters and business travelers who appreciate the convenience of having a smartphone and a tablet in a single device. However, as prices come down and more options are introduced, these folding phones could become a more significant market in the future.

A Bright Spot in the Smartphone Market

Although some doubts about their durability, foldable phones are a promising development in the smartphone market. The smartphone industry has been facing a decline, but the foldable segment is rapidly expanding. According to IDC, the foldable market is projected to make up 3.5% of the smartphone market, or 50 million units, by 2027. This number will increase significantly if Apple enters the foldable market in the next five years.