Google has launched its foldable smartphone through a video on Twitter and YouTube showcasing a Pixel phone featuring a vertical hinge that can be unfolded to reveal a tablet-like display.
This unveiling comes ahead of Google’s upcoming annual developer conference, scheduled to take place at its headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Speculations suggest that during the event, Google may also unveil the Pixel 7a budget phone, its latest Android operating system, and advancements to its AI-powered Bard chatbot.
While specific details about the Pixel Fold’s specifications were not disclosed, it has become a common practice for companies to showcase products before their own events to generate anticipation and establish expectations, especially when surprising the audience with something truly unexpected.
Read also: Samsung Unveils Foldables Galaxy Series
Foldable market challenges
Despite the significant interest in foldable phones, including the resurgence of flip phones reminiscent of the 90s among celebrities and TikTok influencers, the foldable market remains relatively small.
Samsung currently dominates this category, followed by other players like Motorola/Lenovo, Oppo, and Huawei. According to ABI Research, foldable and flexible displays accounted for only about 0.7% of the smartphone market in 2021, and it is projected to reach slightly under 2% in 2022.
One major factor limiting consumer adoption is the high price points associated with foldable phones. Rumors suggest that the Pixel Fold, for instance, may start at $1,700.
Given these circumstances, it is not surprising that Google is now venturing into the world of foldable. However, it’s possible that the company waited until the technology became more advanced before launching its own version. Early iterations of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, for example, faced issues with the screen, and most apps were not well optimized for the unique design.
Hence, Google has been working diligently to bring about improved foldable phone technology.
Foldable smartphone market outlook
The outlook for the foldable smartphone market is expected to be promising and filled with potential. Foldable smartphones, which feature flexible displays that can be unfolded to provide a larger screen size, have generated significant interest and excitement among consumers and tech enthusiasts.
Several major smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and Xiaomi, have already released foldable smartphones or announced plans to enter the foldable market. This indicates the growing importance and competitiveness of this segment.
One of the key advantages of foldable smartphones is their ability to offer both portability and larger display sizes. When folded, these devices can be easily carried and used with one hand like a regular smartphone. However, when unfolded, they provide a tablet-like experience with a much larger screen, making them suitable for activities such as multimedia consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
The demand for larger and more immersive screens is a driving factor for the growth of foldable smartphones. Consumers are increasingly seeking devices that offer enhanced viewing experiences for videos, movies, and productivity applications. Foldable smartphones meet this demand by offering a larger canvas for content consumption and improved productivity.
Additionally, technological advancements and improvements in foldable display technology are expected to drive the market forward. Companies are investing in research and development to enhance the durability and flexibility of the displays, as well as to improve the overall user experience. As these technologies continue to evolve and mature, foldable smartphones are likely to become more mainstream and accessible to a wider audience.
However, challenges still exist in terms of pricing, durability, and mass production. Foldable smartphones are currently priced at a premium, making them less accessible to the average consumer. Additionally, concerns about the durability and longevity of foldable displays remain, as they are relatively new and untested in the long run. NoManufacturers will need to address these challenges and make improvements to gain broader market acceptance.
Overall, while the foldable smartphone market is still in its early stages, it holds significant potential for growth and innovation. As technology advances, prices decrease, and consumer demand increases, foldable smartphones are expected to become a more integral part of the smartphone market, offering unique and versatile experiences to users.
The future of foldable smartphones looks promising, with more manufacturers entering the market and improving the design and durability of their devices. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting foldable phones in the years to come.