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| Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
As Google gears up for the imminent launch of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it's becoming increasingly evident that this upcoming foldable device bears a striking resemblance to the OnePlus Open, which debuted last year. Despite the unique branding, the similarities in design between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the OnePlus Open are hard to overlook. This article explores why these similarities exist and what they could mean for the future of foldable smartphones.
Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold: What We Know So Far
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is poised to be unveiled alongside Google's other new flagship devices at an event scheduled for August 13. This next-generation foldable device represents a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Pixel Fold. The new design adopts a more conventional book-style foldable format, moving away from the previous model's short and wide outer display and super-wide inner screen.
The revamped Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a design that aligns more closely with other foldables on the market, but its resemblance to the OnePlus Open is particularly noteworthy. Recent leaks have provided a closer look at the device's design, highlighting several key aspects that echo the OnePlus Open's aesthetics.
Design Similarities Between Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open
Outer Display Design: One of the most apparent similarities is the outer display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold sports an outer screen that is notably wider than the one on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, closely mirroring the width of the OnePlus Open’s outer display. This design choice reflects a broader trend in foldable smartphones where manufacturers are opting for wider front screens to enhance usability when the device is closed.
Hinge and Glass Integration: The design where the glass meets the hinge on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is reminiscent of the OnePlus Open. The glass curves in line with the opposite side and meets a metal piece that aligns with the hinge’s flat edge. This design creates a seamless look and feel, similar to what is seen on the OnePlus Open.
Inner Display Characteristics: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner display features uniform bezels and a protective black plastic piece, with a selfie camera mounted in the top right corner. These traits bear a close resemblance to the OnePlus Open’s inner screen design, further reinforcing the similarity between the two devices.
Crease Visibility: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is reported to have a less noticeable crease in the middle of the inner display compared to other foldables. This feature, while not exclusive to the OnePlus Open, aligns with the advancements in hinge technology that both devices appear to share.
Previous Similarities with Oppo Designs
This isn't the first time Google’s foldable designs have drawn comparisons to those from other manufacturers. The original Pixel Fold had a design that was notably similar to Oppo’s early Find N foldables. The recurring pattern of resemblance in Google's foldable devices raises questions about the influence of other manufacturers on Google’s design approach.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Google is collaborating with Oppo or any other company in their foldable design process, the similarities in design elements suggest a broader industry trend. Foldable designs are inherently constrained by physical and functional limitations, leading to similarities across different devices.
Why the Design Similarity Matters
The close resemblance between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the OnePlus Open may seem like a design coincidence, but it could have implications for the foldable smartphone market. The OnePlus Open has been praised for its high-quality design and functionality, setting a benchmark for foldables. If Google’s new foldable aligns closely with this standard, it could signify a positive development for users seeking high-quality foldable experiences.
For consumers, the similarity might mean that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could deliver a similarly impressive user experience as the OnePlus Open. If the hardware aligns with the high standards set by OnePlus, it could be a promising addition to the foldable smartphone lineup.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's design shares several similarities with the OnePlus Open, from the outer display’s width to the inner screen’s protective features. These similarities highlight a broader trend in the foldable smartphone industry where design elements are converging. As Google prepares to launch its latest foldable device, the resemblance to the OnePlus Open underscores the growing influence of design standards set by leading manufacturers in the foldable space. For consumers, this could mean that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is poised to deliver a top-notch foldable experience.
Stay tuned for the official announcement on August 13 to see how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold compares in terms of performance and features to its OnePlus counterpart and other foldable devices on the market.
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