If they're selling them at $1800, they'd almost certainly be taking a steep loss selling them at $1200.

Of course they would. What I said was hypothetical but if it could have been done it would be a market disruptor.

It is if you're using Google Fi -- $700 off with 24 month commitment to keeping Google Fi

Fi user here: I don't see this offer anywhere. Inside the Fi store it shows a $1000 trade-in offer but that's it.

that seems like a fine tradeoff. I'm already on Fi, and the service is great, even internationally

Exactly. Have a barebones screen on the front or no screen at all, and make it cheaper. I get that they want it to be premium, but it doesn't need an expensive high-refresh OLED screen for both screens!

Just a matter of time really. 24 months ?

My theory is Google doesn't want to be too competitive, they mainly want to enable the Android market. If they're too competitive, Samsung, Motorolo, Oppo, etc will change to a different base. Google benefits from Android anyway by its embedded core of Google services.

However, I think with the -a series (7a, etc) they've turned to filling a gap with a reasonably priced high quality device, because Samsung &c low priced handsets are really terrible.

That's a good theory, could also explain why pixel devices are only available in only a small part of the world population.

What other OSes are out there to choose from?

I'm waiting for the great symbian comeback!

huawei seems to have found a way around google since they were restricted from using it.

Android forks.

Perhaps there will be a Pixel Fold Express (a) or some other moniker for a value-focused foldable that's more easily attainable for the masses? I'm trying to think how much money I'd need to make a year where dropping $1,700 on a device with a 3 year lifespan makes sense. I'm thinking I'd need to be an executive that works around the clock before I could justify that expense. Everyone has different values of course.

3 years life span is questionable considering pixel 7 and 7 pro quality issues (falling buttons, cracking camera glass)