The Pixel Fold is a highly anticipated folding phone from Google, and it certainly lives up to the hype. With its thin and passport-shaped design, it is optimized for easy use when closed. The outside screen is highly usable, with a fingerprint reader for quick unlocking and a premium OLED display. However, the real magic happens when you open up the phone to reveal the 7.6-inch folding AMOLED display. While the crease is visible, it doesn't hinder the overall experience, and the bezels, though slightly larger, are easy to overlook.
Performance-wise, the Pixel Fold shines. It boasts the best performance of any Pixel phone, thanks to the Tensor G2 chip and ample RAM and storage options. The software experience is also top-notch, with Google's apps optimized for the folding screen and a new dock feature for easy multitasking. However, there are some limitations, such as the inability to set up separate home screens for the inside and outside displays.
The camera quality on the Pixel Fold is good, but not on par with the flagship Pixel phones. The photos have the signature Pixel style, but are slightly noisier and less vibrant. Video quality is also a step down, with noticeable noise in darker areas. However, the advantage of the folding form factor is the ease of shooting and framing with the larger display.
The Pixel Fold does come with a hefty price tag of $1800, making it a device for early adopters and enthusiasts. However, for those willing to invest, it offers a unique and enjoyable user experience. The optimized closed usage, combined with the promise of Android 14 and years of security updates, make it a compelling choice. Just be aware of the average battery life and the need for app optimization on the larger screen.
In conclusion, the Pixel Fold is a weird and wonderful folding phone that showcases Google's strengths in software and design. While it has some first-gen shortcomings, it offers a glimpse into the future of smartphones. With its quirks and features, it's a device that I personally enjoy using and look forward to seeing how Google improves upon it in future iterations.