We’ve been hearing about a potential “pixel fold” for quite some time now. Android 12L introduces some changes tailored for tablets and foldable smartphones, and it seems that with the Google Tensor, Google is finally starting to get serious about its hardware. However, all of that seemed to evaporate when Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) said in November that the project had been terminated. However, it seems that the device may be back on track, as he has now tweeted more information about what to expect from its display — and even when it will launch.
The Z Fold 4 and Google foldable will have similarly sized foldable displays, but the Google Cover display will be much smaller at 5.8 inches. That should mean it will have a wider aspect ratio than Samsung’s 6.19-inch Fold 4. Hear more at next week’s meeting.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 2, 2022
The biggest takeaway from Young’s tweet is that Google’s “Pixel Fold” foldable phone will be available in the fourth quarter of 2022. Its launch will likely come shortly after Android 13, and the platform update has been shown to provide better support for foldable devices. Even better is its rumored price point, which is reportedly well below its rivals’ $1,400 price point. That would make it $400 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, $400 more than the Galaxy Z Flip 3, but $800 more expensive than the cheapest Google Pixel 6.
Young offers insight not only into Google’s upcoming foldable smartphone, but also from Samsung. He noted that both devices will have similarly sized internal displays, while the main differentiating factor will be their external displays. Google’s foldable phone will apparently have a smaller external display, measuring 5.8 inches, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 measures 6.19 inches.
Although Google’s phone has a smaller display, it could have a wider aspect ratio, possibly similar to the OPPO Find N. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3’s exterior screen is a common sticking point, as its thinness makes it difficult to fit.