The Google Pixel Fold launched over the Summer to mixed opinions, but now that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have launched, they really make me wish that Google had just waited a little bit longer to debut its first foldable.
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The $1,799 Google Pixel Fold is a genuinely impressive first attempt on Google’s part to jump into the foldable space. And, in a lot of ways, I think it makes a compelling argument for prospective buyers. The compact and useful outer display is unique in the market, and the inner display combined with Android’s built-in multitasking experience is a great combination. Plus, it doesn’t compromise on the camera, with Pixel Fold able to far and away beat out Samsung’s inconsistent Galaxy Z Fold 5 camera.
I really liked the Pixel Fold.
But, my review of the Pixel Fold ended with me not recommending it to buyers, and I think that’s only more true following the launch of the Pixel 8 series.
When I reviewed the Pixel Fold, it was the first time that Tensor really became a breaking point. The first two generations of Tensor have been objectively inferior chipsets compared to the latest from Qualcomm and MediaTek, especially due to heat problems. But, since Google’s phones were more affordable, I never considered it a deal-breaker.
Pixel Fold really changed that story, because it wasn’t any cheaper.
All foldable smartphones struggle with heat issues, because they have to be incredibly thin. As a result, you’re far more likely to feel that heat. Even the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and its super-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 often feels warm, but the Pixel Fold really took that to another…
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