Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. Features

Something strange is happening with my Google Pixel Fold

Christine Romero-Chan
By
Google Pixel Fold in Obsidian open on Google News.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Google’s first foldable, the Google Pixel Fold, is now available for everyone. Even though Google is a few years late to the game compared to other brands like Samsung, it’s better late than never, right?

The Google Pixel Fold has received mostly positive reviews, including our own. But like any other foldable, it’s not without some issues. Since there are moving parts with foldable devices, there are more points of failure than a simple slab-style smartphone, especially as this category is still only in its infancy.

Recommended Videos

I’ve had the Google Pixel Fold for about two weeks now, and for the most part, the device has been a pleasure to use. Thankfully I did not have a completely destroyed inner display after four days as some other reviewers did. But I have started to notice something a little odd going on with my review unit.

Related

There’s something about that hinge …

Google Pixel Fold in Obsidian open slightly on a planter.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

I’m not sure when it actually began to start, but sometime this week, I began to notice that whenever I open up the Google Pixel Fold, a light pop or click noise came from the hinge. The noise does not happen when I close it. So far, that seems to be the extent of my problems with the Pixel Fold, and thankfully it does not seem to have any other effect on the inner display or usability of the device.

Popping sound on the Google Pixel Fold

But here’s the thing — it seems to come and go randomly. I have opened up the Pixel Fold numerous times in quick succession to replicate the issue, and sometimes it will make that sound repeatedly. Other times, it will be silent when I open and close it. And then other occurrences will have it make the sound once, and then it’s silent, and then it will come back for no reason at all. It truly feels random because I’m not doing anything different each time — I’m simply just opening and closing the Pixel Fold. In other words, I’m using it as intended.

It almost feels like a squeaky wheel or something that needs some good old WD–40. I’m just not sure. I’m thankful that it seems to be the only issue and doesn’t affect the usability of the screens on the device, but it’s also something I can’t not notice — and it’s driving me mad.

We’re currently working with Google to get this Pixel Fold unit sent back for a replacement one. If and when that happens, we’ll be sure to keep an eye on any similar popping sounds or any other issues that may arise.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Christine Romero-Chan
Christine Romero-Chan
Staff Writer, Mobile
Christine Romero-Chan has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade. She graduated from California…
The Honor V Purse is the most unusual foldable I’ve ever used
Honor V Purse with its chain case.

The novelty factor of a foldable gets me excited every time I use a fold or flip phone. After all, there’s a big screen that’s being halved to fit inside my pocket, and depending on the phone, sometimes it’s made of thin glass! While foldables brought the fun factor back to phones, the Honor V Purse is bringing the same fun/exciting feeling to foldables.

I didn’t think things could get any better, but then I unboxed the Honor V Purse — and it has exceeded my expectations. It’s a reverse book-style foldable, meaning there’s a large portion of the screen that’s always exposed. I expected it to wear out within weeks, but I’ve had the device for a few months now, and after using it as my primary phone for three weeks, I’m amazed at how it has held up. It's durable, unique, and one of the most unusual folding phones available in 2024.
The Honor V Purse is one of a kind

Read more
Google Pixel 8a: news, rumored price, release date, and more
Possible renders showing the Google Pixel 8a.

Not long ago, it seemed like the Google Pixel 7a would be the last smartphone in Google's Pixel A series. However, recent rumors indicate that this may not actually be the case.

As a result, we're likely to see the release of a Google Pixel 8a this year. What can we expect from this new budget phone in terms of its specs, design, price, and more? Let's take a closer look at everything we know about the Google Pixel 8a.
Google Pixel 8a: release date

Read more
Here’s every color that will be available for the Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 7a in Snow leaning on lamp post.

What is there left to say about the Google Pixel 8a at this point? We've seen the phone's design in numerous renders and hands-on photos, its specs are all but confirmed, and we have a good idea of when it'll be announced. Well, one of the phone's last remaining details has now just been spoiled: the colors in which it will be available.

On April 12, Android Headlines published multiple official-looking renders of the Pixel 8a. The renders confirm the phone's design, which we've been seeing for months, including its rounded corners and dual rear cameras. For the first time, though, these new renders reveal the official colors the Pixel 8a will come in. There are apparently four to look forward to, including Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Mint.

Read more