We’re nearing the highly-anticipated Google I/O 2023 developer conference, where Google is expected to unveil its first foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold. Leaked documents obtained by CNBC have revealed some details about the device, including its pricing and features.
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According to the documents, the Pixel Fold will cost around $1700, which is in line with recent rumours of a $1799 price tag. This puts the phone in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4. Google’s flagship phones have traditionally offered good value at lower prices than their competitors, so the Pixel Fold’s high price is a bold move.
To offset the cost, Google plans to offer incentives such as trade-ins and a free Pixel Watch with the purchase of the foldable. However, the leaked documents suggest that the Pixel Fold will have some impressive features that justify the price.
The Pixel Fold is expected to be water-resistant, a rarity among foldable phones. Samsung has managed to make its latest foldables water-resistant, but only Huawei’s Mate X3 has an IPX8 rating. The report did not detail the Pixel Fold’s IP rating.
The device will also have a durable hinge, a feature that Samsung has been touting for its foldable phones. The Pixel Fold’s hinge is reportedly the most durable among foldables.
The phone’s external display will measure 5.8 inches, with the folding display measuring 7.6 inches. At almost 300g, the Pixel Fold will be heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 4, but this is due to a larger battery that provides up to 24-hour battery life or up to 72 hours in low-power mode.
The Pixel Fold’s specifications suggest that it will give Samsung some serious competition in the foldable phone market. This is particularly important in the US, where Samsung is the dominant player in the space. Google is expected to officially launch the Pixel Fold at the Google I/O 2023 conference, which begins on May 10th.
