When the Google Pixel Fold was released, I was frustrated and apprehensive. The Pixel Fold was equipped with Tensor G2 instead of the more powerful Tensor G3 released three months later, and various delays led to Google releasing its most expensive smartphone with an older chipset. Ta. This handicapped the Pixel Fold from the start, and while Tensor G2 performed well, it showed its age as Google introduced more Gemini Nano features.
It wasn’t just the hardware that upset me about the Pixel Fold. Google’s first foldable device suffered from poor battery life at launch and a software package that felt incomplete for a large phone. Google can’t replace Tensor G2, but it can update the Pixel Fold’s software. I’m glad to see Android 15 bringing the Pixel Fold to a phone that should have been there all along.
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Google Pixel Fold: $1,800 draft
Google’s first foldable device doesn’t reach its full potential
App pairs are no longer just for beta testers
It took only 15 months to get it
I’m used to being confused by my Mountain View friends’ decisions. But I was especially perplexed when I discovered that the Google Pixel Fold doesn’t allow you to save or launch app pairs. Samsung has included App Pair on its Galaxy Fold devices since the beginning, and since 2017 on other phones as well. I couldn’t understand how Google could omit something so basic. We’ve always heard that Android 14 would include App Pairs, but it was released without support for App Pairs.
Google is keeping its promise with the Android 15 release, and the app pairing works well on the Pixel Fold. It’s not a groundbreaking experience, and I’d much rather see Google implement a form of multitasking on the Microsoft Surface Duo, but I’ll take what I can get. Easily bring up two apps, save them as a pair, and pin them to your home screen for easy access.
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I’m baffled that flip phones still don’t offer better multitasking capabilities than Microsoft Duo
It makes no sense
It’s basic, but fundamental to the foldable smartphone experience. What’s the point of a large internal display in landscape orientation if you can’t use the extra space for multiple apps? Good thing Google made it. You can instantly access your email and calendar without having to go through many steps.
Android 15 fixes continuity issues for Pixel Fold
Switching from the outer display to the inner display is no longer a pain
Google has added something from the OnePlus Open playbook for Android 15. Seamlessly switch between the inner and outer display without having to reopen apps or unlock your phone. Depending on the settings you choose, you can close your Pixel Fold and see what you do on the outer display. With Android 15, the transition between internal and external displays is smoother, giving you a more streamlined experience when using the Pixel Fold.
The Google Pixel Fold feels like a device meant to be used as a folding phone with Android 15, rather than a haphazard combination of a phone and a tablet. It was the kind of polish I wanted from the beginning, but better late than never. I began to worry that my significant investment in Google’s first foldable phone would be a loss.
It’s no secret that the Google Pixel Fold had poor battery life when it first launched.
Android 15 improves battery life
Already heading in the right direction
It’s no secret that the Google Pixel Fold had poor battery life when it first launched. At first, I struggled to get 5 hours of screen time without using the inner display too much. Google’s results were poor and my Pixel 7a’s battery life was subpar, so I blamed the Tensor G2. Subsequent updates have reduced battery drain, but Android 15 takes things a step further.
Using Pixel Fold with Android 15, the battery drains much less overnight and improves overall battery life. I don’t think you would consider Tensor G2 to be an efficient chipset like Tensor G3 or G4. Still, I’d be happy with 6 to 6.5 hours of screen on time even with the inner display.
Google has improved the experience
After Google changed the form factor of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I was worried that the Pixel Fold wouldn’t see any meaningful updates. I knew there would be more security patches and feature removals, but I didn’t expect the company to do anything to address my initial complaints. However, the enough improvements Google made to the folding smartphone software for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold trickled down to the Pixel Fold, giving you a sleek device to have from the get-go.
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Google’s first foldable model improves on Samsung’s model in many ways. For example, if you switch to a wider phone, the front screen will be more comfortable for everyday use, and the inner display will open up completely to watch videos. There are some first-generation issues with the hardware and software, but if you want a Pixel smartphone with the flexibility of a tablet, this is the one for you.
