Google Pixel Fold Review: Maybe Next Year!
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2023
- Pixel Fold is pretty sweet and I'm loving it. But it's also $1800 and has a real set of flaws.
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Phone provided by Google for review.
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Google’s phones have never been about the best hardware, but for $1800 this one needs to be
hopefully we'll get the legendary google discount with it. I don't think that pixels were ever the best for MSRP.
That or it has to be about deep deep discounts
Yeah, this is ridiculous. Do they actually think they are going to compete with Samsung? Nah.
@@Zee216-69% sale or I won't buy it (I am joking, I still wouldn't buy it)
Best comment out there. It is acceptable lower end hardware on an upper mid range phone, not in Galaxy Fold 4 direct competition. The software can't save it.
bet i can get it to fold flat....
Only 2 likes?
Where's the OnePlus Open video?
Whatchu mean by that? 🤔
Plot twist: he meant Marcus xD
💀💀💀💀💀
4 hours of battery life is an instant pass from me but I’m excited to see where the foldable market goes in the next year or two
I get at least 6 on the Fold 4
“It didn’t do my taxes correctly.” - 2025
@@CarlosVixil god forbid a phone that sells for nearly $2,000 has decent battery.
@@EweTuber it was a reply to looking forward to what happens next, in the context of an ai enhanced world. But I can see how that wasn’t clear.
Check other reviews. Nobody else has battery that bad. It may be the settings he’s using
The Pixel Fold costs $1800, and has a four hour battery life. That is unacceptable.
You gotta give it to Samsung for taking the risk and start the production of folding phones early when there wasn't more advanced technology at the time. They made a good progress overtime and they are making good foldables on the smartphone market right now.
What's funny is that Samsung manufactures both the outer display and the folding display, and also the Tensor chip.
Pixel Fold wouldn't be possible without Samsung.
@@bawbsmithSamsung Mobile doesn‘t manufacture their screens. „Samsung Display“ is a completely different division and samsung mobile has to buy the screens the same way as external customers. Fun Fact: Samsung doesn‘t even use the latest display tech from „Samsung Display“.
You gotta give it to samsung? lmao. Nearly every third review unit was broken or broke within few days on their first gen and they had do delay the launch.
@@TheTornadoWindI'd hope you can put two and two together to realise Samsung Mobile and Samsung Display are part of the same conglomerate.
Charging $2000 for a device still in beta? Imagine if Apple did that, y’all would be singing a different tune. More like Samsung rushed the device for the claim to be first
The bezels surprisingly don't annoy me as much as I thought they would, they remind me of the bezels of a regular tablet which actually makes perfect sense for a phone that unfolds to be a tablet-sized device.
for that price... it got to be better than this. Samsungs and huaweis even oppo did a batter job, considering google is late comer so no excuse there
The bezel obsession is so weird. I totally appreciate the push toward smaller bezels and how cool it is from an engineering perspective, looking at where we came from, but it's not *automatically* better aesthetically or functionally. Definitely subjective though, you like what you like. I feel the same about symmetry. Sometimes asymmetry is really good for aesthetics (e.g. rule of thirds)
They look cheap idk why probably the shimmery plastic look
I don't get people who are annoyed by bezels on phones. I find them useful, a place to rest my thumb when watching videos n stuff
Coming from an iPad mini it feels familiar
I am getting this phone next week based on your review from this and your month-long review ....I just love your reviews. Please keep up the good work.
You are simply the best. Have been watching you since videos from your bedroom! Really appreciate your thoughts and beautiful visors.
I wouldnt say hes the best, he more of a YT celebrity not a very good reviewer anymore. I just cannot connect with someone that uses his screen at 100% brightness at all time, this dude live on another planet compared to us regular folks
In a way this really gets me excited for the next generation of Pixel Fold but also for foldables in general. It feels like aside from Samsung and maybe Motorola, there's no "real" competition in the foldables space which means that these phones aren't improving as quickly as one might hope.
I'm not (yet) interested in owning a foldable, mostly because to me they still look quirky compared to their relatively gorgeous counterparts, but this feels like a step in the right direction of maybe one day going for that foldable format.
I deal with a lot of people for my job and work in the tech industry, and I have yet to meet anyone who has a foldable phone, or who has said they are interested in a foldable phone.
I think its a niche market, and this is going to go the way of the 3D TV. It'll be a big craze for a very short period of time for a very loud group of early adopting, tech loving people, but I cannot see this going mainstream.
Most people want better battery life, faster charging and hardware that is ultra reliable over 3-4 years. They're not looking for more gimmicks or more screens.
@@maxxqThat is your experience. For me a lot of ppl around me are already using foldable phones and are more than enough to be main stream.
Literally no one cares
Oppo are also good
oppo
My only complain and hold-back about the Pixel Fold is the lack of stylus support. A passport formfactor like this would've been perfect to use a stylus on for making art or creating notes.
Other than that it's a great first gen product and i can't wait to see how the second gen will be like
Yeah no they probably are going to cancel the foldabe given the fact that they are Google 💀😂
There actually is one style of stylus that works on the Fold. I saw it on another vid
Problem is that it would scratch up the soft plastic flexible screen surface... Maybe with a glass screen protector, but that would have to be two pieces to accommodate the fold and would emphasise the crease / divide between the halves. 🤷♂
As somebody that draws a lot on the go, until that crease is 100% gone it’s not really good. Currently the iPad mini is the best form factor for always on the go little sketchbook. I used to have the Samsung notes and honestly phone screens too small, even at 6.5 inches as they are skinny, and you lose areas with the curved edges. Also the bigger spens don’t work while the toothpick ones are plugged in.
Phones just not there yet.
@@sloppynyuszi yeah i'm currently considering to get an ipad mini to draw on the go. too bad there isn't a mini "pro" with 120hz
I’m sorry if I missed that but there’s one more thing that probably needs to be fixed, it’s the fact that the bezels are not even slightly raised like on other foldables, so when it’s closed if anything gets at very small but still present gap between the screen protector and bezel could potentially damage the screen.
MKBHD...always the most thoughtful and insightful of all reviews. Thanks.
I really like the formfactor of pixel fold when it's closed. Google should just make a phone of this size and call it a Pixel mini or something like that.
Nail on the head. 17.5x9 aspect ratio with a 5.8" and 6.2" option would be wonderful.
Yeah, seems like a really good idea! and couldn't care less about foldables like this. The video lost all my interest as soon as that screen unfolded
@@the-mushwhy did you click on a video about the pixel FOLD then? What were you expecting???
i really miss 16:9 phones, i havent been nearly as accurate at typing since phone makers switched over.
@@markercrayon457 this video to me is primarily a Marques video, the specific phone is secondary to his opinions and insights. The tittle already told me to expect dissapointment, and I clicked anyways. Besides, I don't know about you, but I don't go around expecting everything to cather to my preconcived notions or just looking to reinforce my beliefs.
Looks like Google took inspiration from the MS Duo not only in terms of design but in terms of how the home screen works as well. A shame they didn't incorporate the Duo's superior multitasking feature. If you set-up the homescreen in this way then Duo style multitasking is possible as well.
100 percent agree. Still using my Surface Duo 2. The two seperate screen approach is my personal preference. Coupled with the pen and pen cover it is a multi-tasking beast. If I want to take pictures I'll use my iPhone. Ms Duo is the better business option. Even though we all know Ms has the worst track record with their phone line. I'm holding out on hope for a SD3. If not the next Gen Pixel Fold will be my next device.
Yeah. Google had no plan adding duo screen support for Android so Microsoft ended up implementing all the functionalities in Android. Surface Duo was more a demo unit which was used to incubate all the folding phones thereafter.
I'm actually so stoked for the internal bezels. On my fold 4, I keep accidentally turning pages in books while lying down. A problem I hope the bezels resolve.
I love the fold 4, but I have to have that wide screen and I love pure Android so trading for the Pixel Fold. I'm getting $900 for the fold 4 (might rise to $1000), so can't really complain about the price. 10 more days to go before it arrives.
@@darreno1450 I ended up keeping my fold 4 to have as a spare phone because I owned it outright. This pixel has been absolutely smashing though! Stoked for you to get yours!
@@Smiley_Dankas of today.. which is number 1 in your eyes… pixel fold or Z fold 4?
@@bigdrews4360 at this very moment, Pixel Fold. Z fold 4 is a drawer and forgotten about.
The Pixel Fold is one of the few foldables that actually interest me. So many of them treat the outer screen as an afterthought.
The Galaxy z fold 5 outer screen is wayyy too narrow for me
I bought the pixel fold and treat it as a chonky regular phone. I open it up when I find myself needing a tablet more than a phone. It is quite heavy, but that's to be expected.
@@kkammosame and it was a deal breaker
@rabdulwahid I actually find that to me it's perfect for one handed use. Which is what it's main use is. Otherwise I'll just open the phone. Never understood this criticism.
@@kkammoSamsung will change that for Fold 6
Despite the "weirdness", I'm actually really impressed with how much you like it for a first gen device. Sounds promising for the future, even if it's not a device for me.
I remember in early 2000’s when Phone first started to hit the market, people used to say how great they were, But now all they do is criticize every phone unless it’s not APPLE 😂
@@drb5003 i think that MKBHD is very fair. I trust his opinion on them.
But yeah of course we're jaded since we rely on them for essentially everything in our daily lives now
@@MacRay14nah. If anyone dare say something like that, they will be completely blacklisted from apple. That's how apple is able to completely control the narrative. It's not even an industry secret, one of the famous tech CZcamsrs talked about this, John Rettinger. I think
Just remember that he's a pixel fanboy.. i trust his opinions but they are a bit biased.
He is an Apple shill.
Xiaomi and Vivo do something similar with the homescreen. The outer display on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 and Vivo X Fold series act as sort of windows, a peak into the larger inner display. I personally don't mind that, on all the Z Fold's I set up both displays identically but I do agree there should be an option to treat the outer and inner displays as different homescreens.
@redwane2006 For $1800 you can get a really decent used car around here in Balkans... mid 2000s Peugeot for example
@redwane2006 I like the Mix Fold 2, I use it on a regular and given it's designed for the China market, I haven't had any issue. Big props to Xiaomi on the step up from their first gen. Vivo's X Fold series is also good considering it's designed for the China market. Hardware, both these companies foldables are excellent. Software Samsung still dominates for sure. I daily a Z Fold 4 but regularly switch it out for the Mix Fold 2 or X Fold 2.
I am getting really excited for the state of foldables in the next year or two. I cannot wait to see what Samsung has been cooking with the new Fold 5 when it is finally released. I would really like to buy one but it seems like the market just isn't up to scratch yet.
Apple
It’s going to be very similar to the Fold 4. Just like every Fold has been very similar to the original one. Just improving and refining the tech.
Prolly the same as z4
Fold 5 will be my upgrade from Note 9.
Been waiting a long time to find something worthy and non-generic like the Note series.
Let me save you the excitement, Samsung has been releasing the same exact phone for the last 4 generations. To top it off camera is crappy. I'm so done with it, but don't see any other option to upgrade to from z fold 3.
The general lighting of this video is just so good. On top of the review and video in general, but just the lighting is so good. Kudos.
Looking forward to comparisons to the upcoming ZFold 5. Samsung may have made a good decision on the launch date.
You can just compare it with the fold 4, but add the newest camera set and cpu of their latest s23 line up.
Leaks say there will be borderline no phisical difference between the 5th fold and the 4th one. They need a solid push in the ass.
Samsung always has the same dates usually. Nothing new. But excited for the fold 5 and the one plus fold.
what comparison? Just compare it to the fold 4. Its the same shit
@@339blackdiamondno, leaks say that it will be almost 1mm thinner when folded. and there might be small improvements to the screen or the crease.
No special intro for the fold? The disrespect is palpable
As a Z Fold 3 daily driver, my main concern about upgrading to a Pixel Fold is when you open the Pixel, the inner screen is a landscape display. I think this is causing some apps not to display across the whole display for example twitter spans the whole display on my Z fold and is a great experience.
How's your Fold holding up? Mine has slowly developed those hairline cracks all along the hinge.
@@Uncle_Fred I haven't had any issues my screen so far besides having to get the internal screen protector replaced.
But I did have to replace my first fold 3 because the charging port broke after a year and a half.
@@zachlamoreaux5974 Good to know. I've been using a wireless charger so hopefully that means less wear on the port.
I had the same issue where the internal screen protector started to lift off along the hinge. I just removed it without replacing it. About three months or so after removing it I started to get the hairline cracks.
Maybe there's something it did to spread the screen out from developing sharp angles or otherwise prevent these small cracks.
To be honest, I still prefer the Fold 3's overall design to anything released since. I don't really see any hardware improvements either to justify replacing this phone. I hope the Fold 3 can last a couple more generations.
The only thing that could really coax me over might be a fold option that adopts a 16:9 screen ratio. I feel the 4/3rds aspect is less than ideal for video content.
@@Uncle_Fred oh man my 'hairline cracks' are just hundreds of little splinters along the crease. Glass hasn't broken anywhere, but it's almost bad enough to see a white line in the center of the screen.
I am buying the pixel fold just so I can get the $800 trade-in credit from the Google Store. I'll also be getting the warranty through Google Store so I have recourse when the device inevitably breaks.
@@awwtbone That's a really good and frankly better description of what I'm seeing on my Fold.
Thanks for your great, thoughtful review! Really appreciate the info you gave
Enjoy your reviews, very thorough, appreciate you.
Im sure im not the only one with this like warm take, But I do not mind bezels, and if i dare to say, that I prefer bezels on my devices. Extra protections, preventing accidental touches, something to grip onto, better phone cases and screen protector design. Like I miss me led notification light so bad it's not even funny
I believe Asus Zenfones still come with a notification LED at the bottom or something and MAYBE also some recent Sony phones have it too but don't quote me on that.
I was somewhat disagreeing with your pros for bezels until you brought up LED notification lights. Man I really do miss that feature just like you mentioned.
have you used a galaxy fold? They offer a lip to hold onto that is easier to use than most bezels without touching the screen
Bezels were very useful back in the day, remember HTC with their insane speakers in the bezels. I wish i have a phone woth that much good of a speakers with led notification
You grip the sides not the top and bottom... Bezzels existed because the tech to remove them didn't exist. It was never a style choice.
This is the kind of in depth review that I love! Great video! I want this phone but I don't want it strong enough to pay 1800$
First of all, I'm not that interested in flip phones as of now at least. However, I think the Pixel should automatically do the mirror of folded to outside screen for new users and then have a setting to change it to customize the inside, if possible. Great review.
I think the thing with foldables is that we seem to be at or near the limit of durability for the screens, and they are still relatively fragile compared to normal glass screens. Which means to be more practical, they need to be cheaper or at least cheaper/easier to replace the screen, which doesn't seem like it will happen anytime soon. I love my Z-flip4 but I worry about replacing it or the screen when it inevitably wears out
Not a phone to pass on the insurance option for. The inside screen will give eventually.
Always appreciate the honest reviews. For once I have the product pre-ordered that you are reviewing. Also have the Razr+ coming, which I watched your review of as well. Interesting times for phones.
Thank you for the update GPT44X is done right, and waiting is part of the process,
Hey, thank you for this review. It was thorough, thoughtful, and concise. Exactly what I was looking for. I appreciate it!
It's about $800 too expensive for me but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future iterations!
I know the bezels get a lot of bad press, but as someone who still uses a Microsoft Surface Book for work purposes only I can say sometimes bezels are nice when using a tablet. its more comfortable to rest your thumbs somewhere for longer periods of time. my Zfold I have to hold a specific way with it resting on my pinky to avoid accidental touches. Bezels always melt away with larger screens when you are actually using them.
It'd make a big difference to be able to have a different set of home screens for the inside an outside; that's very important to me. The only reason I'd get a foldable phone would be to have a phone-and-tablet-in-one, and such a feature is integral to this.
Exactly how the Samsung fold 4 works
Perhaps there are third party launchers for it? Worst case, it'll come via a software update whenever Google fixes it
Phones are tablets, just different shape
As a Fold user I'm interested in trying this form. The fold accidental touching while unfolded drives me nuts. That bezel for holding seems better.
Been waiting to hear from you on this...
I wouldn't want to sacrifice a good inside camera and thinness in order to have smaller bezels. I feel like that would just increase accidental touches, the bezels can be smaller though. Also I would like to see the practical downside to losing 2 degrees of rotation on the hinge, especially with a camera bump already present on the back. What is that extra two degrees going to change for it to be a main point of improvement? I think the app ecosystem should be the largest focus for Google. For many of these apps the PWA versions scale properly anyways, but most users won't ever figure that out unless PWAs become more visible to end user somehow.
Lmao who gives a shit about the inside camera. No one taking selfies in tablet mode dawg 💀
the 2 degrees thing was weird, when he couldn't even tell.
Yet next to a Samsung Fold, the Google version just looks whack. The Samsung one is easier to use in phone-mode, nicer as a total package too. It doesn't have any weird folding issues either.
C O P E
Everyone all of a sudden forgetting hole punches exist?
As a fold 4 user this is about what I expected. I knew the tensor wouldn't be good for battery life but most importantly the software for foldables from Samsung is just miles ahead of pixel. I'm glad there's finally some competition for Samsung here in the US, also the one plus fold is looking intriguing but with z fold 5 just a month away I'm glad I didn't order this phone. Maybe 2nd or 3rd gen.
This is one review, mkbhd uses differnt phones and has differnt uses, go find another review which I already found some and they said it was pretty good, MKBHD isn't the final say
@@NethirOsman You can't put that kind of premium price tag on a phone and not deliver a premium experience that can compete with established foldables. The battery is an absolute joke, along with the other expected first-gen issues. Anyone saying otherwise is just lying to themselves. Consumers with more than half a brain will wait for the next generations.
Fold2 and 4 user here also. I skipped fold1 due to comon Gen 1 issues. Am looking for alternatives next fold phones since I got frustrated with fold 4 screen rebooting out whenever I opened from outside to inside. Got it fixed, but didn't appreciate the experience. Am really interested in pixel fold, but I figured this Gen1 would have teething issue. So maybe gen2 pixel fold will be better.
@@jro1472 My pixel fold is 6+ hours of battery with heavy use so dont just listen to 1 review.
I never thought I would watch a sponsor/ad part of the video that too at the end of video. Marques really has that quality.
Upgrade from the fold 3 to the pixel fold and it has been a huge improvement. The large outer screen is soo nice.
the main and if not only thing i'm looking hoping with the folding phone wave is not the folding phones themselves, but for fingerprint sensor/lock combo buttons to show up on more phones in the future. ever since i upgraded from my s10e, i've missed it so much.
Zenfone is the phone for you then!
Really? Thats interesting. I have an Xperia 5 III and i despise the lock button/fingerprint scanner on the side. I'd never buy another phone with it. That being said, i understand why it makes sense on a foldable.
What did you upgrade to? Im still using an S10e and i find it harder to upgrade year by year. Phones are just getting bigger and more expensive with less features.
It looks like a solid first effort. There is definitely some issues to fix for future generations, but I might get the Pixel fold 2 or 3
yeah its solid first "effort" we should give them 3k instead of "just" 1.8k for their good effort.
Probably not gonna be until 4 or 5 seeing how it went with the Pixel and Z series to gain traction and footing
Yeah I don't see any upsides to getting this over the samsung fold
Hey Marques, love your work.
I've seen you've been talking about the Fairphone. It would be really nice if you could emphasis in your videos the environmental impact of digital equipments! (and reparability!)
Not always an easy thing to do, but worth it!
great review! would love more on the sustainability aspect of new products in the future, or maybe some shoutouts/reminders to buy used/refurbished when you can. What sites do people use to buy refurb tech?
I think the bezels aren’t that much of an issue, and I can’t wait to try it out for myself (don’t think I’ll get one though) I’ll maybe wait for the pixel fold 2 before considering buying one.
I agree. Personally, I'm more a fan of larger bezels so I don't accidentally bump something as my fingers or pal rest.
The battery is a bit of a concern, as multitasking with multimedia is likely a big part of my battery cycle.
Still interested to see a demo irl to see what I think of the feel/design.
I find the same, I struggle with the new devices that have no room around the sides of the screen for you to hold them.
Yeah like at least they aren't really big
I've been daily driving the Razr + since release and I am extremely happy with it. The external screen is large enough to do so many things, and coming from the Pixel 7 pro, I'm alright with the slightly less camera quality.
Flip phones don't really have anything to do with foldable tablets like the Pixel Fold. They have no real purpose other than to be small when folded.
I am definitely interested in that phone thanks for that update.
I brought it because it was $180 for 3 years knowing I can still use different phones and I don't plan on leaving AT&T any time soon. I had some hopes for it...but I lost it and can't find where that hope is. External screen is fantastic for what it can do, inside is where it dies. The phone is too tall when opened, and too short when turning it for entertainment purposes. I will eventually put my SIM in and take it out of the house, but I'm really glad I'm not stuck with this phone. It's just...not good.
@@GhostShipInc You think the razr ultra would of been a better choice?
@tedlessor3887 sorry I was talking about the razr ultra. I brought it for $180 with AT&T via their promotion. I have other phones (S23 Ultra, Surface Duo 1, Z fold 3), and unfortunately, my experience with the Razr Ultra (also called +) isn't what I hoped. External screen is just awesome. But that's where it stops for me.
Nice lighting on face Marques…especially from left side…looks like golden hour😍
Every year they're getting closer to making a foldable I would buy. Basically just want a small, one-handable outside screen with a larger inside for videos and reading.
"Basically just want a small, one-handable outside screen with a larger inside for videos and reading." That's exactly what the foldables already are and have always been. That's the whole point.
So.... you want foldable phones to be foldable phones? Good news, mission accomplished.
They're not actually one handable for me (small hands) though. These are 6" (or close) screens, I want a small phone (4-low 5" screen)
@@nya.nyandrew Fair enough. So what about the Flip? Sounds like what your're looking for is the Fold form factor but with the single screen dimensions of the Flip.
@@jasonibanez9855 Honestly, the Flip would be great if the battery life wasn't ghastly. Also if it got closer to midrange flagship price points (a la pixel) but that'll take awhile unfortunately :(
One thing Google absolutely nailed with this is the form factor. The screen size, especially closed is perfect. I have never been a fan of Samsung's long skinny form factor.
Why are your videos so sharp? Looks very high resolution. Love your video making style ❤.
Thank You so Much for the video Marques! Love your videos! Cant wait for an android 14!
I feel like I want a pixel that's just the front screen with camera on the back. That aspect ratio and thinness seems dope.
I definitely believe that the next will be better as everyone else I suppose. I am not big Google fan but honestly they make a great start to the point I will definitely spend my money for it
One of the reasons almost every reviewer enjoys using the Pixel Fold closed is its display aspect ratio. Instead of making phones taller/longer, more manufacturers should've been exploring wider displays.
I would suspect part of why is pocket size. theres a section of the population that tends to have pockets just big enough for current cell phones but not much more. Heck I've seen pants with dedicated phone pockets that are really not useful for anything besides a phone. However they are just big enough for a large phone with a slim case. Any thicker or wider and it just wont fit.
The other part is 1 handed use. Its already hard to reach the top of the screen one handed hence why most controls are put down low. However make it wider and now the far side of the screen is out of reach without a stretch.
I simply love colour pallet in this video. Orange light, blue screen, red Rubik's cube... Love it!
This really reminds me of the Pixel Watch. Overall cool design with big bezels and poor battery life, but still a decent first try.
Exactly what I thought
I had the same thought. It's easy to forget that Apple's watch has taken numerous generations to get where it is now, from where it was at launch.
Review for the new Amazon *GPT44X* would be good, pls bro
Tried it out yesterday, and I really liked it-a lot! I loved the aspect ratios of all the screens. I didn’t like the way the keyboard separates for each thumb when opened or has a weird space between each keyboard side. Compared to the Samsung Fold, Google really got the aspect ratios right-it’s just what I want to see on each screen. “Passport” sized front screen is a good way to put it.
You can very easily change it to a normal keyboard.
I ordered my fold a couple weeks ago, so exited for when it gets here. Going from my pixel 4 to the fold will be quite the jump lol
One request for MKBHD. Would be nice to see how these foldables work with popular launchers like Nova
I have a fold 4. They typically don’t unless you find one made for a foldable.
They don't
Nova specifically does not support foldables - you can use it but it just duplicates accross both home screens just like the Pixel Fold. I'm hoping the Pixel might encourage Nova to finally offer support... I love my Galaxy Fold 3 but Nova is by far my biggest missed aspect of my previous phones.
I'm confused I have Nova running on my zfold 3, it works an absolute treat in terms of grid formation,resizing widgets etc. The only thing to note is that on the main front screen everything is slimmer, definitely not unusable, if anything more functional due to the folds slim and tall format makes one handed use more practical. I have a 9x5 grid.
@@LegitimateGear Yes, but you can't set up a different home screen for the front screen and the unfolded screen right? That's the missing support that we want. It can be done using Samsung's own launcher (which fortunately is fairly decent), but not with Nova, and apparently not with the Pixel Fold.
My biggest concern are possible quality issues and the way Google handles them. The camera glass on the 7 or the fingerprint on the 6 pro were nothing I want to see on a +700$ phone and especially not on a 2000$ phone. For me Google right now is a no, but maybe the second or third iteration of this device.
I agree about setting up inside and outside screens set up differently
I LOVE the way it looks while folded.
Shorter wider screens are a huge plus phone makers! Get to it!
honestly I really enjoy the thinner cover screen of fold, if I have 2 hands I am almost always opening the phone. Also the galaxy fold inner screen rotated 90 is basically the same as the pixel fold screen.
me too
$1800 for using mostly the outside screen because of the battery life isn't good enough to use inner screen 😅 Better to get flagship instead for now 💯 Great video as always 👍
Get a flagship with a way better camera AND save $600
isnt using the outside screen a lot the exact way its supposed to be used though? its not a folding tablet, its a phone. ie it should operate as a great phone until that one moment where you want a bigger screen, then its also there.
imo this makes the fold actually useable and carry-able. i wouldnt carry a folding tablet..
now the price, yea, steep.
@@kangsterizer Yeah, absolutely not. The inner display is the reason people get a folding phone in the first place. The cover screen is meant for quicker, on the go, often one handed interactions. When you have that much screen real estate available, you want to use it as much as possible. "That one moment" is a preposterous perspective to have.
@@kangsterizerno, I have a Fold 4, and the entire point is the inner display. The only time I use the outer display is for making and receiving phone calls, glancing at notifications, and a few other things that you only pick up your phone for 1-5 minutes for. Everything beyond that is inner display. I also have long fingers and can reach the majority of the outer display so its not a form factor thing.
@@Kill4Glory for thats the entire reason i dont use the samsung fold - i dont want to open the whole thing each time i need to type a reply or quick check a price online, a map direction, etc. maybe theres a market for both concepts, but im generally under the impression that most will prefer the pixel fold paradigm and that samsung will copy it for the next version. for what its worth it looks like MQBHD would be using them like i do as well - not that we're the references for how people use phones but it's interesting nonetheless
Cant wait to get it into my hands by the end of this month and many thanks Marques for your thoughts on this device as this means a lot to me. Too bad Google is only releasing it in Europe in Germany and UK. Although not perfect yet I am convinced it will satisfy me. I like the form factor a lot. When you are on the move you keep it closed and in that form its big enough for everyday use (WA, Social Media, Email, etc...). When you have more time you will be able to fold it open en enjoy the wide screen. I have used the Samsung Z Fold 4 and I find that screen too narrow for everyday use resulting in opening up more often. Also in occasions that it was not handy to do so.
Furthermore I want to say that everyone is complaining about the price. And yes it is a lot of money but dont forget that many people now have the iPhone 14 pro Max which costs almost 1500 euro and that is quite normal these days.
Well done Google!
Getting much more with Apple though, there aren’t really any deficiencies like this phone has, in an Apple 14 Pro Max (now 15 PM) in a similar price point, let’s see how well the Pixel 2 upgrades from the 1st though, they will nail it out soon
I'm looking to upgrade within the next few months and I was gunning to get this device.. now that I've watched your video I may just wait until the fold 2.0...
waiting for your Zenfone 10 review. From the leaked specs i hope it would be good or even better than previous.
Samsung definitely still holds the folding crown. I can’t wait till they actually get affordable! I’ve always wanted one
We're 5 years into foldables and they're still around 2k.. I wonder how long the wait is until affordability
@@confusedwarrior4495probably once they start going down another avenue like a holo screen phone where it's just a piece of glass. Then they may knock the price down on these as they won't be the new best thing.
I feel like the oppo ones are better than Samsung foldables
Refurbished Z Fold 3s are well into being affordable now
@@confusedwarrior4495The ones in the NA market are $2k but the Chinese ones are pushing down into $1400 and Samsung is knocking down the price of the fold 5. Within a year or two there's gonna be a lite version of a folding phone retailing for pro max/Galaxy ultra prices.
The second biggest drawback with foldable phones has been the outside screen. This is a nice advance to fixing that. (The primary problem has always been the plastic screen and the crease).
The screen is actually glass :)
@@RobAlfieInostrozaLindley Glass doesn't fold.
@@ellisz5972 well I guess you just learned something new today :-)
I can wait one more year having the Pixel 6 as my daily while the Pixel Fold matures in hardware and software. Maybe it’s half baked now but its long-term potential is limitless.
Been waiting ages for this review. Helped me decide to wait for Fold 5. Thanks MKBHD!
Samsung dex is the only reason why I can't get this phone
@@RealSmARTLiFE Isnt Dex wireless too?
@@LouScabooeyMills yes and I haven't used a computer or even thought about buying one.
I personally like a bit of a bezel it gives buffer room on the edge of the device that prevents accidentally triggering something on the phone without meaning to. It just allows you to hold the device better
My comments on the fold since receiving it as my work device. I currently use my fold for work and I absolutely love the device. I love that I have both a phone and a tablet in the palm of my hand. Since using the phone its been great using it to showcase my Powerbi to clients, answer emails, media consumption and web conferences. So far the phone will last me all day without a charge. I have not had the phone on the charger since 9am this morning and I still have over 30% of battery left and that running the phone at full brightness and using the main display for 80% of my day.
I think when it comes to battery life and experience with the device, it is going to come down to user preference. Everyone uses their phones differently and really everyone is going to have a different experience with their Fold. I definitely recommend you go into your closest carrier store and see if they have a demo of the device just to experience it before making your final decision about this phone.
It's cool seeing this technology coming along. As for the design choice, I personally prefer a little bit of a bezel, over a complete edge to edge design.
You heathen 😰
Fantastic review, as always 👌🏼 Definitely well said - it's a phone for early adapters and Pixel fans. But still I think they did a great job as for the first-gen phone
The vibe of this review is a lot more positive than I expected based on the title
been keeping my eye on this since it was first announced. I've got a Pixel 7 Pro but I've been using Google sheets more while out of the house and the size closer to a standard smartphone while closed is one thing that I prefer over the tall and thin like the Samsung. if sheets is optimized for the Pixel Fold then I very well may be one of the early adopters.
It seems to be pretty optimized on Pixel Fold. Nice big screen to see more cells at once!
Can confirm. Pixel Fold may as well be a small android tablet for spread sheets ands documents. Too bad many apps still aren’t optimized for both standard phone mode and open tablet mode. Also good for the vintage tech manuals and programming references for my old computers.
Being a late adopter of the surface duo I fell in love with the form factor and the pixel fold has it plus the outer sceen. But for 1800 and maybe 4 hours screen on time I'll pass. Really wish zfold had this form factor
Ive been getting 6+ hours of life with very heavy use
I love foldables, and I love Pixel... The price doesn't scare me away, but the crease does. I just bought the Lenovo Yogabook 9i, and I think I would have preferred to see a similar hinge and dual display design in the Pixel Fold. I also think it would have helped it lay more properly flat.
Other than that, I like everything else about it... Even the software and the bezels.
been using the fold 3 and 4 and you dont even notice the crease after using a few times
I'm glad there is a popular dude dedicated to doing tech reviews that has some integrity.
Never been a fan of foldables but this one is not bad, wouldn't mind one
I think it's fine. It folds open to give more viewing area. It's thin and that's great. The software does work well so that's another plus. Not every device is supposed to look like the way a custom tailored tuxedo would look. Looks is not what is most important when it comes to cellphones. Functionality should be the overriding goal. It's a great useful techincal appliance that can simplify your life substantially. It more than gets the job done. The bezel is a small issue for what you are buying it for. There is too much obsession these days with looks of a product than its functionality. I like beautiful things too but sometmes function needs to exceed looks.
This is the way I feel, which is why I stayed with the Surface Duo 2 for a little over a year. I sold it and will be trading in my Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G, and I believe I'll be happy to have the Pixel Fold. I hope there is a significant discount on the Pixel Fold 2 when I trade this one in, as the next iteration is most likely going to be better. I tried the Z Fold 3 for a week and could not stand just how thick, narrow, and tall it was. I hated using apps side by side because I hated how the apps looked, so it forced me to always use one app at a time; I was never able to comfortably multitask on it. Just like with the Surface Duo 2, I will like having the thicker bezels around because it will cut down on accidental touches from my palms and I'll be able to hold it more easily. The crease in the middle probably won't bother me much, if at all, since I had gotten used to a physical gap between two screens.
Only thing I could be worried about is the battery life. Software... I'm hoping Google will come through and push updates on how the apps function now that they have a foldable.
Wdym the way something looks isn't important?
Good product design is everything
Cope harder. The premium price tag is entirely unjustified considering the far from premium experience they are delivering. It simply doesn't compete with established foldables.
@@dchae The battery life is beyond pathetic for a supposedly flagship device, and that's with minimal inner display usage.
I do like that my Fold outside screen can be set up completely different than my inside screen. Good eye MB!
10:46 is that a subtle Superbad reference?? "The thing about my back is....."
I like the consistency between the outside and inside screens, the bigger screen seems like an extension to me rather than a separate device. Like when you plug in a second screen to your laptop: it extends the desktop without acting like a completely different device with a different layout.
I'm honestly surprised that Google has really stepped up their hardware game because for being a first gen product so for everything they've been putting out has been pretty damn good for first gen. Look forward to what else they have in stored for us
That's the most ridiculous overly positive take I've ever seen from a product that's not good.
I can understand this. Just for actual reference, compare this to Samsung's first or even second foldable. It is overpriced, but goodjob on what it actually is, i.e a Fully functional foldable with great software to go along with it
All the hardware in this phone are like 2 years behind what are you on about
@@boxspite again for a first gen. It's not that far behind if you compare it to everybody else's first gen foldable. This phone is actually surprisingly pretty well optimized. Is it perfect? No, of course not. But being that is sold in the United States only most people are going to buy it through the carriers and carriers like Verizon are giving like $1,000 off with a trading of any other old pixel. I've got a bunch of old pictures at home that I can trade in to get $1,000 off. This phone is more than worth 800 bucks
@@foxfm1987ultYeah buddy a "1st gen" that came out half a decade later with tons of other designs as a reference vs samsung 5 years before with no other reference of design. Credit does not need to be given when they're pricing it like a samsung too. They are a ridiculously large company, not a start up.
This is the only real other option for when I upgrade from my lgv60 dual screen, because I REALLY need the wider screens. Unless Samsung makes a z fold xl or something so hopefully next year they get this all ironed out
8:48 The software on the galaxy fold is simply the best
Speaking of battery life - this video just finished up the battery on Pixel 7 Pro 😂. Great review as usual, Marques!
I really don't know how they talk about 5+ screen on time. I barely get +3 no matter what phone I use.
My pixel 7 pro got 3 hours today. But also 90.mins or wireless Android Auto that likely killed it
The tensor chip usually takes time (around a week) to optimize battery usage.
I will stick to my fold 4. I actually like how thin the screen is when closed. Much easier to hold in one hand and i type on it pretty good
I would prefare bezels on a foldable, it's like using a tablet. the bezels can't be just too thin.
I've been waiting for this video! I'm still on the line if I should make the switch. Currently using Pixel 7 Pro and I love it but thinking I might just go 8 Pro and wait until 2nd Gen Pixel Fold 🤔
I was curious to know how Google would “out-software” a foldable which are usually more hardware centric. Maybe better compatibility and optimisation in future gens will showcase more Google magic.
Been waiting for this
I love Pixel phones, but for 1800 it definitely needs more love or better yet, the price should just be more reasonable.
But without talking about price, I actually appreciate Googles first/flagship devices not being super crazy and more thoughtful of design hardware wise and then nicer software wise. I don't expect the first versions to be perfect, but it's nice to know that it started pretty solid and that further development can happen with feedback in the right direction.
My Pixel 6 Pro after the few years I've had it and with heavy use, still works amazingly. It's only had 1 or 2 hiccups in that time, mostly because it overheated when playing games but after I cooled it down and did a small reset on it, it went back to perfect again. I consider that more user error than Pixels though. I'll run apps on it all day, I constantly check it, play music through casting, doom-scroll CZcams, Facebook, and Twitter a lot and will still have half my battery at the end of the day. It's almost 9 where I'm at and my battery is 53%. That is so much better than any other phone I've ever had. I'll probably always get Pixels in the future since I know that from this point on they will get even better. Which I appreciate, and I don't feel like I have to do that because the phone "goes bad over time" It's because I know the phones will actually outlast others.
My parents buy new iPhones like every year because they have so many issues with apple slowing their phones down on purpose. I hate that so much.
Pixels pixel 6/6p pro were good with a few issues. The pixel 7/7pro were great phones which addressed previous issues. I expect google to nail it by either the second or third generation. Google is doing great stuff, I'm excited for the future
Wow, great review and insifght. Google presentation :"one more weird thing" :D
I picked up a pixel fold on the 27th of Oct, I had to exchange it today on 5 Nov due to the right screen flickering and being a lot darker than the left. Other than that I didn't have any issues. Hopefully this one lasts a lot longer with no issues!