‘Devastated’ Aussies spot problem with Google phone

Google has announced the highly-anticipated folding phone – but Australian tech-heads are fuming over one thing.

The Pixel Fold has a 7.6-inch screen with a thinner profile than any other foldable phone on the market. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via AFP

Another tech giant has joined Samsung, Oppo and Microsoft in reviving the flip phone – and it’s generating serious hype in the process.

Last week, Google announced the highly-anticipated folding phone – ‘The Pixel Fold’ – billed as the company’s ‘first foldable phone’.

However, Aussie tech heads briefly caught up in the hype have been left deflated after it was revealed the new product would not be made available on our shores.

“The Pixel Fold isn’t coming to Australia, so if you see me curled up in a ball crying in the corner, that’s why,” Australian tech enthusiast Ramal Media wrote.

Google has announced its first foldable phone, called the Pixel Fold, joining the likes of Samsung, Oppo and Microsoft in reviving the flip phone. Picture: Josh Edelson

“The Pixel Fold looks great … but not for Australians, sadly. Or at least not yet, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath waiting for it,” tech journalist Alex Kidman lamented.

Another Aussie, James Cychowski, wrote: “I’m extremely disappointed that the Pixel Fold is not being offered to buy in Australia. Come on Google.

“You have super fans in Australia also, who love Pixels and would love to have a chance to buy a Pixel Fold. I’m very disappointed Google.”

The device has generated significant excitement, but Australians have been left disappointed as it will not be available for purchase in the country. Picture: Josh Edelson

Google promises Pixel Fold uses “endless ways of having fun and getting things done”.

“When closed, Pixel Fold has a familiar smartphone silhouette that fits in the palm of your hand and slides into your pocket,” the company explained on a blog post announcing the device was available for pre-order.

Members of the media view the new Google Pixel Fold phone during the Google I/O annual developers conference in California on May 10. Picture: Josh Edelson/AFP

“Flip it open to reveal a 7.6-inch screen with a thinner profile than any other foldable phone in the market.”

Google assures the foldable design does not “compromise on form and function” stating, “Many of the Pixel components – from camera, battery, speakers and haptics technology – were cleverly redesigned to fit within the thin design.”

The Pixel Fold has a 7.6-inch screen with a thinner profile than any other foldable phone on the market. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via AFP

Even with a pre-order price of $A2684, keen tech fans are eager for a piece.

“Both the Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Z Flip phones look amazing. It is a shame that Apple still doesn’t make any foldables,” one wrote.

“The name isn’t very original, but the design is amazing,” another wrote.

Despite the pre-order price of $A2684, many tech fans are eager to get their hands on the device. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via AFP

While most online appeared excited to welcome the new product, some naysayers had seen enough flip phone revivals.

“Gives me 11” iPad Pro vibes, where bezels actually serve a purpose and make the iPad easier to hold,” one wrote.

“Hell nah! Looks as overbezeled as the 9th Gen iPad,” wrote another.

Google was contacted for comment regarding future availability in Australia.