Google is looking to launch a cheaper foldable phone.
What you need to know
- Google reportedly wants its first foldable to be more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
- A new report suggests a $1,400 price target for the Pixel Notepad.
- Google could release the device before the end of the year.
While we don’t expect to see Google’s rumored Pixel foldable phone for a while, rumor has it that the phone will be significantly cheaper than Samsung’s best foldables at launch. Now, we probably know how much it will cost if and when it starts.
9to5Google reports that Google’s target price will reportedly lower the Galaxy Z Fold 3 by hundreds of dollars. Currently, Google is said to be pricing its “Pixel Notepad” at $1,400.
While that may change over time, it could explain why the rumored device is taking longer than expected to arrive on the market. Work on the Pixel foldable screen was reportedly put on hold while Google redesigned the design. Part of the reason may be that Google is trying to keep costs as low as possible so that it can better compete with Samsung.
It was previously rumored that the Pixel foldable phone would feature an older camera module from Google’s previous Pixel smartphones, which could be an area where the company is cutting costs. Beyond that, it’s unclear what other compromises Google made to hit its reported target price.
That said, the Pixel foldable might not skimp on other specs. Google’s Tensor chipset will reportedly power it, with previous rumors pointing to a Samsung-made 120Hz OLED for the internal display.
9to5Google seems to expect the foldable “Pixel Notepad” to launch internationally by the end of 2022, although we had heard we’d get it by the end of 2021, so take it with a grain of salt for now. Of course, by then, Samsung will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which will likely be even cheaper as it works to lower prices and make foldables more mainstream.
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