Google’s entry into the foldable phone market may spell trouble for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Industry insiders are speculating that the rumored Pixel Fold, Google’s first foldable phone, could give the Galaxy Z Fold a run for its money.
A leaked video of what is believed to be the Pixel Fold has surfaced online, showcasing a product with a distinctive lack of wrinkles on the primitive bezel. The product is expected to have a price point similar to or even cheaper than Samsung’s current foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with whom Google is collaborating. Samsung Electronics is reportedly in a state of emergency over this development.
The Pixel Fold is estimated to have an external screen of 5.8 inches, an internal screen of 7.6 inches, and a weight of 283g. Its internal display is the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 4, but it is 20g heavier. However, its advantage over Samsung’s offering is a longer battery life. The Pixel Fold is expected to have a 5000mAh battery that can last up to 24 hours and up to 72 hours in low power mode.
The Pixel Fold’s application processor (AP) is expected to be equipped with Google’s self-produced Tensor G2, the same chipset used in last year’s Pixel 7 series. Its expected release price is similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 at $1,799 (approximately 2.37 million won) or slightly cheaper at around $1,700 (approximately 2.26 million won). There is a possibility that it will be even cheaper than Samsung’s next-generation foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, expected to release in the latter half of this year.
According to IT tipster Kubo Wosowski, who recently leaked a video of the internal and external design of the product, the Pixel Fold is expected to be released in June. After Google unveils the Pixel Fold on May 10th, it may begin accepting pre-orders on the same day at the Google Store, with a release date set for June 27th, according to IT tipster John Prosser.
Industry insiders predict that the Pixel Fold could erode Samsung’s market share in the foldable phone market, leading to concerns about cracks in the alliance between the two companies. Initially, Google was only going to develop the operating system for Samsung’s foldable phones, but with the Pixel Fold’s rumored release, the dynamics of the partnership may change.
