Countless reports have indicated that Google is working a foldable smartphone of its own. The company has worked closely with Samsung to tailor Android OS for the foldable form factor. As Google is now serious about building its own hardware, it was only a matter of time before the company launched its own foldable device.
Google hasn't confirmed when it intends to launch the device. However, recent reports suggest that it may be launched in the third quarter of this year. This means that the device will arrive around the same time as the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung isn't too worried, it seems, as it's helping Google with a crucial component for its foldable phone.
Google sets up a clash with the Galaxy Z Fold 5
Korean media is reporting that Google is going to start mass production of its foldable smartphone in the third quarter of this year. This is the third time that the mass production schedule has been pushed back by the company. Google is reportedly taking more time to improve product completeness.
Samsung Display is working closely with Google on this project. It will provide the foldable panel by July or August this year. Going by this timeline, we may expect to see the Google foldable phone hit the market by September or October. That puts it in the same release window as the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Google's foldable phone is believed to have a 7.57-inch internal foldable and 5.78-inch external display, both manufactured by Samsung Display. The device has a similar form factor as the Galaxy Z Fold. Despite its similarity to Samsung's flagship foldable, Google's foldable isn't expected to support stylus input on the internal display.
It will be interesting to see how Google intends to differentiate its device from Samsung's newest foldable. Perhaps the company might offer some software experiences that remain exclusive to this device. It may also undercut Samsung's $1,799 price for its top-of-the-line foldable, enabling customers to experience the form factor at a more attainable price.
