Google’s Pixel lineup is now a staple in the Android smartphone space, and as we head into 2023, one of next year’s most anticipated releases is the Google Pixel Fold.
The Pixel Fold. It’s the long-rumored foldable Pixel phone from Google, and the tech world has been buzzing about it since the first folding phones started to hit the market. For all the latest on the Pixel Fold — including its potential specs, design, price, and more — here are all the rumors and details you need to know.
Google Pixel Fold design
We get our first look at the Pixel Fold arrived on November 14, when FrontPageTech published numerous renders of what the phone’s final design may look like. It looks exactly like the original. Galaxy Z Fold 4 —featuring a cover display on the outside and a larger, tablet-like display when folded open. There are some design differences that you should be aware of.
For starters, the outer screen on the Pixel Fold looks considerably wider than the Very narrow one on the Fold 4 and appears to be much more similar to the aspect ratio of a “normal” phone. When the Pixel Fold is opened, you see a much bigger screen on the inside that’s set to a horizontal landscape orientation. It’s a pretty different setup compared to the Z Fold 4 and, if anything, should be very Near the Oppo Locate NIts form factor.
There are other important design details you need to point out. FrontPageTech’s source for the Pixel Fold claims that the phone is “really fucking heavy,” suggesting the phone is made out of glass and metal for a premium feel.
What other options do we have for accessories? The speaker grilles are located on the top, bottom, and side frames. A Pixel 7 Pro-like camera bar is on the back. There are two color options (chalk, obsidian), and a power switch that doubles as an on-screen fingerprint sensor.
Pixel Fold specifications
Shifting gears to the Pixel Fold’s spec sheet, things become a bit murkier. Powering the phone will most likely be one of Google’s in-house Tensor chips — presumably the Tensor G2 chipset found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Geekbench Test starting January suggested the Pixel Fold could have 12GB of RAM, and it’s safe to assume we can expect (at least) 128GB of storage.
Z Fold 4 and Google foldable will have similar sized foldable displays, but the Google cover display will be quite a bit smaller at 5.8". This should mean it will have a wider aspect ratio than the Samsung 6.19" Fold 4. You can find out more at the conference next week.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 2, 2022
In May, display analyst Ross Young reported that the Pixel Fold will have a 5.8-inch cover screen and that it “will have a wider aspect ratio than the Samsung 6.19-inch Fold 4 ” — something that’s clearly visible in FrontPageTech’s renders. For the inner screen: Ross tweeted NovemberThe inside of the Pixel Fold will feature a 7.57-inch display. It is expected that the inner screen will be an OLED panel, with a refresh rate of 120Hz.
One Pixel Fold specification that remains uncertain is its battery life. Pixels’ battery life has not been an issue, nor is the endurance of many foldables. It’s certainly possible Google will find a way to build the Pixel Fold with excellent battery life, but from the outside looking in, the odds aren’t in its favor.
Pixel Fold camera
While Pixels might not be well-known for their long battery life, it is still a great device. These are synonymous with outstanding cameras — and the Google Pixel Fold shouldn’t be any different. FrontPageTech’s source says the Pixel Fold will have a “Pixel flagship camera” system, and other leaks back that up.
The code states that the camera setup is: Back of the phone: IMX787 primary, S5K3J1 tele and IMX386 superwide. The inner camera is an IMX355 taken from the Pixel 6, while the sensor at the front is another S5K3J1. This is a very comprehensive setup and fitting for a premium phone.
— Kuba Wojciechowski⚡ (@Za_Raczke) September 8, 2022
Kuba Wojciechowski (Android researcher) discovered code in an Android 13 Beta suggesting that the Pixel Fold will include a 64MP Sony IMX787 camera for the primary camera at the back, a 10-megapixel telephoto camera and a 12-MP ultrawide camera. The 48MP telephoto camera and the 48MP zoom capabilities on the original Pixel Fold will be reduced. Pixel 7 Pro, but that’s to be expected with the foldable design.
Along with the three cameras on the back, FrontPageTech reports the Google Pixel Fold will have two additional 9.5MP cameras — one in the hole-punch cutout on the outer screen and another in the top bezel above the inner display.
Software Pixel Fold
Most likely, the Pixel Fold will ship with Android 13The same Google customizations that were used on other Pixels are included in the box. Material You theme support is available, as well as the usual Tensor-powered AI tricks (Magic Eraser), and at least three years of future updates.
Given the larger size of the Pixel Fold’s inner screen, we can also expect some foldable-specific software tweaks. Google introduced many tablet/foldable optimizations in Android 12L and Android 13. These include improved multitasking, an app Dock at the bottom of your screen, and redesigned applications that take advantage the extra screen real-estate.
Google Pixel Fold Price and Release Date
Foldable phones were never known for their low prices. This should also apply to the Pixel Fold. According to FrontPageTech, the Google Pixel Fold will be available for $1,799 — the exact same price as the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
It’s reassuring to hear that the Pixel Fold won’t be more expensive than Samsung’s handset, but it doesn’t look like it’ll have the same competitive pricing as its Pixel 7Among them are 7 Pro siblings.
How about the release date? Initial expectations were that the Pixel Fold would launch in the fourth-quarter of 2022. But that does not seem to be the case anymore. Now, the phone is expected on store shelves in May 2023. We can assume that Google will unveil the Pixel Fold at its annual I/O Conference in May if the May timeframe is correct.
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