Yesterday, whistleblower John Prosser revealed that Google is indeed close to releasing its first Pixel Watch. The source also said that it is typical for Google to delay certain projects until they are ready to enter the market. We assume that a similar situation happened with the company's first foldable smartphone.
Last year, there were rumors that the launch of the foldable device would take place in the fourth quarter of 2021. Shortly before the launch of the Pixel 6, some reports suggested that a foldable device would arrive alongside it, but that didn't happen, leading to further delays of the device's launch indefinitely. Still, we're guessing Google is secretly making some headway, and the device already has a name and an estimated price. According to the latest report, the device will ship as Pixel Notepad.
Contrary to earlier rumors suggesting the name Pixel Fold for Google's first foldable smartphone, a new report confirms that it will be called Pixel Notepad. We have to say that this seems like the best option, at least when it comes to originality. Samsung already has "Fold" in the Galaxy Z Fold series, and Xiaomi also uses the name in the Mi Mix Fold. It seems that the search giant is looking for something more "original", and the name "Notepad" seems more appropriate to it. All the more so given the expected form factor of the device, which will resemble a notebook or a diary.
The Pixel Notepad will be cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold2
According to the report, the Pixel Notepad will be closer in design to the Oppo Find N than the Galaxy Z Fold3. It will be shorter and wider. The report also lists the cost of the device. All in all, Google is aiming for a $1400 price tag for its first foldable device. It will cost less than the Galaxy Z Fold3, which currently retails for around $1800 or even more depending on the region. This is a good way for the company to enter the segment with a device that costs less than its direct competitors. Of course, everything will depend on the characteristics of the components inside the new model.
According to rumors, the Pixel Notepad cannot be a direct competitor to the flagships of 2022. All things considered, the Pixel 6 series will use the Tensor chip, which is a bit behind the competition. The device will also select a lower camera setting. Google doesn't use the 50MP Samsung GN1 sensor because of its thickness. The device will be equipped with a 12-megapixel IMX386 ultra-wide-angle camera and two 8-megapixel IMX355 cameras for selfies and video calls. One will be on the external display, and the other should be on the external display.
