Google Pixel Fold reportedly canceled due to fierce competition from Samsung and other foldable phone makers

There have been rumors that Google will release a new foldable smartphone this year. The company’s first foldable smartphone is reportedly debuting alongside the Pixel 6 series. While that didn’t happen, the rumor mill later claimed that Google had shelved its plans to launch a foldable device next year. Recent developments suggest that there may not be a foldable Pixel phone. According to a new report from Display Supply Chain Consultant (DSCC) Ross Young, the search engine giant has abandoned its plans to launch the Pixel Fold next year.

Google Pixel Fold cancelled?

Citing several sources in the supply chain, Yang made the statement. The analyst says Google won’t release a foldable smartphone in 2021 or the first half of 2022. This is a follow-up to Young’s previous report in which he claimed the launch would take place by the end of 2021.

“DSCC has confirmed with its supply chain sources that Google has decided not to release the Pixel Fold to the market. Not in 2021 and reportedly not in the first half of 2022,” Young said. One reason for not releasing a foldable Pixel is that Google felt it would not be competitive enough to succeed in a market dominated by the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, etc. Young believes that the price of Google’s foldable smartphones would be higher than Samsung’s in the US and Europe.

If the report is indeed correct, it would be pretty surprising if Google abandoned the project a few weeks after the launch of Android 12L. The improved version of Android 12 is optimized for large screen devices and foldable smartphones. The Pixel Fold was expected to be one of the few devices with Android 12L.

Some details of the leaked Google Pixel Foldable smartphone include an LTPO display with support for variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. It was also rumored to feature the same 12.2MP rear camera as the Pixel 5 series, as well as a 12MP super wide camera. The device is rumored to feature dual 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 selfie camera sensors. Since Google isn’t giving any hints of a foldable smartphone, it’s safe to assume that the foldable Pixel isn’t coming anytime soon.