By
Godfrey Benjamin
April 23rd, 2024
The move will test Samsung’s long reign in the foldable phone business.
Google is just a few weeks away from launching its first-ever foldable smartphone. According to a CNBC report, the move will likely kick-start a market rivalry with Samsung which has long enjoyed the benefits of being the market leader of the foldable phone business.
While no official announcements have been made yet, the product is expected to be unveiled during Google’s annual developer conference on May 10.
Pixel Fold: Expected Price and Specifications
Per documents made available to CNBC, the Pixel Fold, will have the “most durable hinge on a foldable” phone. And its price will be no less than $1,700 but maybe more. This directly puts the product on par with Samsung’s $1,799 Galaxy Z Fold 4.
The Pixel Fold boasts an external screen of 5.8 inches across. However, just as is with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, it also opens up to reveal a 7.6-inch inner screen.
The phone is slightly heavier than its Samsung competition, weighing 10oz. But this may be due to its bigger battery. According to Google, the battery will last for 24 hours and could even last three days in power-saving mode.
Per the documents, the Pixel Fold will be powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip. That is the same processor that backs the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro devices that were launched last year. The Tensor processor allows Pixel phones to have features that give them an edge over other Android phones.
Is There a Silent Supremacy Smartphone Battle between Google and Samsung?
There appears to be growing tension around the relationship between Google and Samsung. Though unspoken, but yet evident in recent moves by both companies. Recall that earlier this week, a Times report suggested that Samsung is contemplating changing the default search engine on all of its smartphones. That is from Google to Microsoft’s Bing.
Without a doubt, that move, if carried out, will cost Google about $3 billion in annual revenue. As a matter of fact, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL) shares tanked nearly 3.5% on Monday, shortly after the Times report.
Google, on the other hand, is also keen to make a bold statement with the upcoming launch. As documents reveal, the Alphabet-owned company intends to offer incentives to users in hopes of convincing them to switch to the Pixel Fold. And without a doubt, the move will test Samsung’s long reign in the foldable phone business.