While Samsung is currently dominating the global foldable smartphone market, a major rival is set to challenge the Korean technology brand with a new launch in the coming months. According to reports, Google’s long-awaited foldable Pixel phone will be unveiled within weeks, with the device set to be available in June. The leaks show that Google’s new device will be similarly priced to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 but with a more durable design and longer battery life.
According to internal communications seen by CNBC, the US tech company will unveil the device at its annual developer conference, Google I/O, on May 10.
Expected to be called the Pixel Fold, the documents note that the device will have the “most durable hinge on a foldable” phone.
This appears to be a direct jab at Samsung, whose previous Galaxy Fold devices, including 2021’s Z Fold 3, have been criticized for being very breakable.
For those interested, the smartphone will set you back by around $1,700 (£1,371), making it a direct rival to Samsung’s $1,799 Galaxy Z Fold 4, which costs £1,649 in the UK.
This phone is expected to beat Samsung in another important way – battery life – as the documents showed that the Pixel Fold will have a larger power pack that Google says will last for 24 hours, or up to 72 hours in a low power mode.
On the other hand, the Pixel will weigh 283g, which is 20g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (263g), making it slightly burdensome to wield.
Similar to Samsung’s latest foldable phone, Pixel will have an IP rating for water resistance, and should comfortably fit in pockets, measuring 5.8 inches across.
Once you open the device, you’ll face an impressive 7.6-inch screen, which is the same size as the display on Samsung’s competitor.
The device will be powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which is the same brain powering the company’s recent Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
If you’re in the market for a high-end phone, Google will reportedly tempt you with incentives like a trade-in option to swap in a current Pixel, iPhone or an Android-powered phone for a discount on the Pixel Fold.
It is also planning to offer customers a free Pixel Watch, the company’s latest smartwatch if they buy the Pixel Fold.
This is a similar deal to what Samsung occasionally makes, offering customers a free Galaxy Watch with its folding phones.
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