Google has unveiled a range of new Pixel mobile devices, including its first foldable phone and a tablet that doubles as a smart display. The company made the announcement during its annual I/O developer conference as part of its ongoing push into own-brand hardware to compete with rivals like Apple and Samsung.
The Pixel 7a, the latest in Google’s mid-range smartphones, boasts high-end hardware, including a 6.1 inch OLED screen with a fast 90hertz refresh rate, wireless charging, and an upgraded dual-camera system with a 72% larger sensor. The device is made with 21% recycled material by weight and will retail for £449 in the UK or $449 in the US.
On the other hand is the Pixel Fold, Google’s first foldable device. It sports a folding screen, similar to Samsung’s Z Fold series and has a 7.6in 120hertz OLED screen that opens like a book for a tablet experience and works like a regular phone when closed.
The Pixel Fold is IPX8 water-resistant, with a hinge that Google says can hold the screen at various angles for different viewing modes. It also has a triple camera system on the back, including a 5x optical zoom which is the first on a foldable device. The device will have a Tensor G2 chip and 256GB of storage, costing as high as £1,749 in the UK. A price range many have faulted.
