The current Pixel range is the biggest it’s ever been, but Google is missing out by avoiding flip phones altogether.
In general, the company has taken a ‘less is more’ approach to its smartphones. The Pixel range began life with a single device back in 2016, and it took seven more years before we saw more than three handsets in the same calendar year.
But after 2023’s quartet (the 8 series plus 7a), Google has gone one better this time around. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro were widely expected, as was a Pixel Fold successor (even if the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold name was a surprise).
But until the deluge of leaks approaching its launch, few had predicted that we’d see a fourth model, known as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It means we now have a range of flagship phones catering to different needs, plus a foldable for buyers at the cutting edge of the market.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the 2024 Pixel 8a is a worthy mid-range alternative. And while Google doesn’t make a budget phone itself, older models such as the Pixel 7a are regularly discounted to under £300/$300.
It’s a strong lineup, but I firmly believe that it would be even better with a flip phone added to the mix.
Google is one of the few phone companies yet to experiment with flip phones – Samsung is on its 5th generation already – and undoubtedly the biggest on the Android side. Apple is clearly biding its time to release any kind of foldable, too.
That’s despite two generations of book-style foldables, which are still too experimental and expensive (£1,749/$1,799 for the 9 Pro Fold) to make their way into the hands of regular consumers.
By contrast, many flip phones are priced in line with regular flagships. And there are a few obvious reasons why people might want to buy one over a non-folding phone.
Whether you want to take top-class selfies, are trying to reduce screen time or just want a more compact design, a flip phone offers some genuine advantages compared to a regular handset.
The two leading flip phones on the market – the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024) – are both compelling options.
But both have significant flaws, whether it’s Samsung’s somewhat frustrating cover screen or Motorola’s camera compromises. And the lack of competition is really hurting consumers in the UK and US, with Chinese companies seemingly reluctant to launch flip phones outside Asia.
I believe that Google is the one company that could really master the flip phone form factor.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
At the same time, I believe that Google is the one company that could really master the flip phone form factor.
Pixel phones have some of the best cameras in the business, so using them for selfies would be great. Google’s hardware has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and I’d be confident in it making a stylish yet durable flip phone. And as the maker of Android, it could incentivise developers to make apps that are genuinely optimised for the cover screen.
Combined, a potential Pixel Flip could offer the best of both worlds: an exciting hybrid that doesn’t compromise on the fundamentals of a great smartphone. If that doesn’t give flip phones mainstream appeal, I don’t know what will.
