Folding phones have been available for a few years now, but they still represent a small segment of the mobile market, often due to their high prices. Despite Samsung’s long-standing presence in the foldable phone arena, Google made its entry last year with the Pixel Fold.
Upon its release, the Google Pixel Fold was well-received as a solid folding phone, but competition intensified when OnePlus introduced its own foldable, the OnePlus Open, which gained popularity.
After using both the OnePlus Open and revisiting the Pixel Fold a year later, I found myself favoring the former. So, how does the Google Pixel Fold fare after all this time? The answer is complex.
What I still like about the Google Pixel Fold
The Google Pixel Fold continues to appeal to me for several reasons. The 5.8-inch cover display remains a standout feature, offering a highly usable size that caters to one-handed usage, especially for those with smaller hands like mine. Compared to other foldables, the Pixel Fold’s cover display feels more like a regular phone, making typing easier and more comfortable.
Additionally, the Pixel Fold’s hinge is sturdy and versatile, providing a satisfying opening and closing experience. Google has also optimized its first-party apps for the larger screen, improving the overall user experience.
Google’s efforts to optimize its apps for foldable displays have enhanced the Pixel Fold’s usability, though some challenges remain, such as the device’s weight and reflectivity. The crease on the inner display is also a noticeable drawback that Google should address in future iterations.
What I don’t like about the Google Pixel Fold
Despite its strengths, the Google Pixel Fold faces drawbacks, including its weight, reflectivity, and the noticeable crease on the inner display. Compared to newer foldables, the Pixel Fold’s design and features may feel outdated.
As the market for foldable devices evolves, the Pixel Fold’s aging design and features may struggle to compete with newer offerings from competitors. Considering the expected launch of a new Pixel Fold by Google, the original model may no longer be a top recommendation.
