Google takes inspiration from Samsung for its first foldable phone

While many Chinese smartphone brands have launched foldable smartphones, none of them are selling their devices globally. Google is expected to become the first brand to challenge Samsung globally in the foldable smartphone market. And it seems the company has taken some inspiration from Samsung to bring features that people want the most in foldable phones.

Pixel Fold to feature water resistance and $1,700 price tag

According to a report from CNBC, Google will announce the Pixel Fold, its first foldable smartphone, during Google I/O 2023 in May. The smartphone is expected to go on sale in most western countries by the end of June 2023. The report states that the Pixel Fold will have an IP rating for water resistance, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It also claims that Google will promote the phone as having the most durable hinge in a foldable smartphone. It seems like after Samsung brought an IPX8 rating to its foldable phones, it is inevitable for Google to have that feature on its foldables to be able to properly compete and attract buyers.

The report also claims that the Pixel Fold will have a 5.8-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch internal foldable screen. The device is also said to come equipped with the Tensor G2 processor, similar to the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. However, the Pixel Fold will reportedly weigh 283g, which is 20g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (263g). The device will reportedly last 24 hours on a single charge under normal usage conditions and 72 hours in power-saving mode. That’s similar to the Pixel 7 lineup.

Now coming to the most interesting part, pricing. The Pixel Fold will reportedly be priced at $1,700, which is similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. With a strong hinge, a water-resistant design, a good UI, and a similar price tag, the Pixel Fold could be the first proper competition to the Galaxy Z Fold 4.