Early reviews of Google’s inaugural foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold, started to surface in English-language media. Critics generally commend the device for comfortable ergonomics while voicing concerns about its heft and price.
For instance, The Verge’s Alison Johnson highlighted the expansive outer display, noting that it makes daily tasks feel more efficient than using the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s taller screen. Johnson also applauded the Pixel Fold’s camera performance and the hinge mechanism, which folds the display with virtually no gap when closed.
Yet Johnson’s assessment also carries sharp critique. The Pixel Fold weighs in at 283 grams, about 20 grams more than the Galaxy Z Fold 4, a difference she argues is perceptible when the phone must be held in one hand. Another Verge writer questioned the durability of Google’s first foldable device from a materials and design perspective, given it marks Google’s initial step into this niche. The price, pegged at $1,800, emerged as another notable drawback in her review, particularly when weighed against competing options.
Conversely, 9To5Google’s Ben Shulman offered a notably positive take, describing the Pixel Fold as “surprisingly good.” He found the ergonomics satisfactory and argued that the device’s substantial weight is balanced by a relatively slim profile. He also commented on the performance and practicality of the device in everyday use.
Screen quality drew mixed reactions. Shulman pointed out that the outer display lacks strong brightness, while the interior panel is very broad but often underutilized by many apps. The hinge, described as a little too tight, sometimes prevents the phone from opening to a full 180 degrees. He also singled out the Tensor G2 processor as the most fragile link in the foldable concept, noting it handles loads but can overheat, making prolonged use uncomfortable in hot weather.
Initial availability for the Pixel Fold was scheduled for June 27, 2023, with launches planned in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In the weeks surrounding pre-orders, a subset of early buyers reported issues with cancelled reservations, adding to the discussion about initial supply and retailer communications.