Google's Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a: Rumored Pricing and Potential Impact on the Foldable Segment

source: Gizmochina Google's upcoming Pixel Fold is rumored to be competitively priced against Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, according to a leak from a reliable source. Earlier rumors suggested that the Pixel Fold would be announced at Google I/O 2023 and cost around $1,700. However, Yogesh Brar, the tipster who shared the new leak, suggests that the Pixel Fold will cost between $1,300 and $1,500, making it more affordable than other large vertically-folding smartphones. In addition to the Pixel Fold, Brar also shared pricing information for the upcoming Pixel 7a. The leaker suggests that the price of the Pixel 7a will be similar to the Pixel 6a, or perhaps a bit higher. The Pixel 6a was launched at $450 in the US, £399 in the UK, and AU$749 in Australia. Brar speculates that the Pixel 7a could be priced between $450 and $500, making it an affordable mid-range smartphone. According to the leak, the Pixel Fold will be priced competitively to lower the entry barrier to foldables. While some clamshell foldable smartphones, such as Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Oppo's Flip N2, have cost around $1,000 or even less, vertically-folding larger folding phones like the Galaxy Fold series have been priced closer to $2,000. The rumored price of the Pixel Fold falls in the middle of this range, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers. source: The Economic Times Foldable smartphones have become more popular in recent years, and Google's Android 12L and Android 13 updates have made significant improvements to the foldable user experience. Google is also working on Android 14, which will further enhance the OS's foldable support with tools for developers to build or improve existing apps for foldables. With the Pixel Fold, Google will fully embrace this form factor, and a competitively priced foldable phone could make it more appealing to consumers. The Pixel Fold is expected to come with a Tensor G2 chip, improved materials, and new camera sensors. If the leaked pricing information is accurate, the Pixel Fold could be an attractive option for consumers looking for a high-quality foldable smartphone at a more affordable price point. However, it's important to note that these are just rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt until officially confirmed by Google. Also read: Why We Would Nominate Google Pixel Fold As The Best Foldable Phone In The Coming Year? The leaked information about the pricing of the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a suggests that Google is positioning itself to compete with other major smartphone manufacturers. By offering a competitively priced foldable smartphone, Google could attract a wider range of consumers to the foldable category, making it more accessible and mainstream. As always, it's best to wait for official confirmation before making any purchasing decisions.