![]() ![]() Google’s many first-party apps (Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Maps, Home) look great on the Pixel Fold, as do Asphalt 9, Netflix, WhatsApp, Hulu, Spotify, and TikTok. The performance is solid, but when it comes to apps that can actually take advantage of that optimized version of Android, there are some noticeable omissions. The Pixel Fold is powered by Google’s custom Tensor G2 chip, the same processor found in the Pixel 7 lineup, and it runs a version of Android 13 optimized for foldable phones that adds split-screen multitasking and a taskbar. Days of lighter usage saw closer to 30 hours on a charge, which is a fair amount more than I’ve gotten with just about any current flagship Android phone. ![]() During two days of heavy usage consisting of hours of YouTube streaming, gaming, and checking emails, TikTok, and Instagram, the device had about 16% battery life left when I went to sleep around midnight. Google says the Pixel Fold can last 24 to 33 hours on a charge, which is consistent with what I experienced in testing. With two screens, such a device’s battery life could be hit or miss. As someone with larger hands, I find it difficult to use the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for anything else without having to open the phone. The outer screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is too narrow for me to do much besides read emails and do some light web browsing. The Pixel Fold’s wider dimensions make it easier for me to write emails, watch videos, take photos, and play games on the exterior screen, without even having to unfold the phone to use its bigger display. ![]() I much prefer the short and wide design of Google’s folding phone over the long and narrow design of Samsung’s. (Then again, neither does the iPhone 14.) Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold actually closes completely with no noticeable gap, which creates a more streamlined look and protects the screen more effectively when the device is in a pocket or bag. Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold doesn’t lie completely flat when it’s open due to its camera bump. The Pixel Fold’s polished stainless steel hinge is fairly stiff when I open it-and it’s more rigid than the one in the Galaxy Z Fold 4-but it opens and closes reasonably easily. On-screen motion is smooth, colors are bright, and the contrast is great. Both the exterior and internal displays are more than bright enough for use in direct sunlight, on a par with the Pixel 7 Pro’s screen. But I found myself getting used to the crease after just a short time with the device. ![]() I’ll cut right to the chase: Yes, the Pixel Fold has a visible crease dead center where the phone opens, just like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 does. The Pixel Fold has a responsive 5.8-inch exterior touchscreen that opens to reveal a large, 7.6-inch interior display-essentially a small tablet. However, similar to rival foldables from companies like Samsung, the Pixel Fold is extremely expensive, and most people shouldn’t spend $1,800 on it when other phones offer a great experience for much less. It’s well built, the hybrid tablet/phone experience works almost exactly how it should-aside from some minor software hiccups-and it takes the best selfies of any phone I’ve ever used. Google’s first foldable phone isn’t quite a home run, but after spending a week with the Pixel Fold, I have to admit: I love it. ![]()
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