Update April 24, 2023 (11:17 a.m. ET): We’ve updated our Google Pixel Fold hub to include a leaked hands-on video and information about the Fold’s battery.
Original article: Much of the innovation in smartphones over the past few years has come in the form of foldable devices. Samsung led the way, but companies like HUAWEI, OPPO, HONOR, and Motorola have all launched devices with foldable screens (with varying degrees of success). Google has yet to show its hand, but we expect it to launch a Pixel Fold smartphone in 2023.
With the introduction of Android 12L, Google aims to ensure its mobile operating system is optimized for this new generation of devices with larger screens and more fluid layouts. It also paves the way for the company’s first foray into the foldable market. Let’s take a closer look at everything we know so far about the Google Pixel Fold.
Will there definitely be a Google Pixel Fold?
Google’s reputation for scrapping software products is well known, but the same is true for hardware as well. The shelved Pixel Book update is the latest example of a planned device that will never see the light of day. However, development of the first foldable seems to have moved forward, so it would be very surprising if it was canceled at this point. We’ve seen plenty of recent Pixel Fold leaks (which we’ll get to in more detail later), including specs, CAD renders, and a complete dummy unit with dimensions that are claimed to be accurate. There is even a leaked video that you can see below. And if that wasn’t enough, there have been supply chain rumors about production plans, so we can be pretty sure at this point that the Pixel Fold is coming.
What is the Google Pixel Fold release date?
We’ve been hearing whispers about a Pixel Fold release date for several years now, largely since the launch of the first generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. We also know it’s been delayed at least once before, with a 2022 release presumably on the cards beforehand. Recently, a report from Jon Prosser suggested that the Pixel Fold will be announced during Google I/O along with the Pixel 7a. Pre-orders for Leak Claims will start on the same day, which would be May 10th.
port 9to5Google It claims to have seen a leaked retail listing for the Pixel Fold that indicates a mid-June launch. However, Prosser’s leak places the launch on June 27th.
With all this in mind, Google will likely show at least a sneak peek during its developer conference in May, if not a full reveal. At this point, we think there’s a very good chance that Prosser is right about the release schedule.
What features and specifications will the Pixel Fold have?
Pixel Fold leaks have been increasing in recent months, so there’s a fair amount to discuss here. While all of these rumors come from fairly trustworthy sources, that doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be some discrepancies when the product is finally revealed. However, we think we have a decent picture of what’s to come.
While no official photos or hands-on videos have been leaked yet, we’ve dealt with CAD offerings from always being reliable. OnLeaks (via HowToiSolve). While the phone shares some things in common with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7, like the centered G logo and horizontal camera bar, there’s also some departure from Google’s latest design language. The camera module’s rounded rectangle shape and larger bezels around the inner display stand out as less modern features (perhaps reminiscent of the Surface Duo 2). However, it’s still an attractive device, with a pleasing curve to the metal frame and an understated hinge.
Thanks to the Prosser leak we mentioned earlier, we may also know about colorways. It appears that there may only be two color differences: chalk (white) and obsidian (black).
Modest display technology
The latest information suggests that Google will not go all out when it comes to Pixel Fold screens. We’re expecting a flexible 5.8-inch (2,092 x 1,080) FHD+ OLED panel on the inside made of ultrathin glass. according to 91 mobile phones, average brightness 800 nits, maximum 1200 nits. The top and bottom of this screen will obviously have fairly large bezels, with the selfie camera located above the screen and not below it or inside a hole. Google will reportedly not be using the more advanced foldable screen technology, as seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 4, though both panels are said to be made by Samsung Displays. Cost savings are the likely reason for the drawback here, so hopefully that’s reflected in the price.
The big Prosser leak also gave us details about the phone’s external display. The external OLED display appears to be 7.6 inches. This screen should offer a resolution of 2,208 x 1,840. Both the indoor and outdoor display are said to support a 120Hz refresh rate.
Smart hinge design
There is some better news regarding the internal display. Dave 2D, who recently posted a YouTube video showing a mock Pixel Fold, thinks the crease is likely to be nicer than the Galaxy Fold. These noticeable wrinkles are often quite annoying, so minimizing them would be a common move.
A punch-hole selfie camera is expected for the front screen. Everything we’ve heard up to this point would lead us to believe the Pixel Fold will be closer in shape to Oppo’s Find N than Samsung’s long, narrow offering.
Hadley Simmons/Android Authority
screenshot
Thanks to that watertight hinge, we’d also expect the Google Fold to fully fold when closed — that’d be a plus point compared to the annoying gap you’ll find on Samsung’s. Stereo speakers at the top left and bottom right of the inner display could justify the larger bezels and make the Pixel Fold ideal for media consumption on the go.
report from CNBC He claims that the Pixel Fold’s hinge will be the “most durable foldable hinge”. This would be a difficult feat to achieve with competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold and OPPO Find N2 Flip.
While some corners have been cut in certain areas to keep the cost down, it looks like the Pixel Fold will feel like a premium device. Each half of the phone measures 5.7mm thick, according to the mockup. This means that it will be thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. With the camera bump included in the measurement, the thickness has increased to 8.3mm, but at least in a horizontal stripe format similar to the Pixel 6 and 7 series. There will be no table wiggling here. With the phone folded, it’s likely 11.4mm thick without the camera bump, and 14mm with it. It’s still not too bad for a phone of this type.
Familiar specifications and features
Like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Google’s foldable device will likely have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that doubles as a power button (via 9to5Google). This is further supported in the Prosser leak. The fingerprint sensor will allow you to unlock it the same way whether it is unlocked or closed. Hopefully, there will also be some form of face unlock too, even if it’s the less useful/secure variety that Google shipped with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
While researching the Android 13 QPR1 beta, developer Kuba Wojciechowski Details about the Pixel Fold’s camera suite revealed. The code stands for Sony IMX787 main camera, IMX386 ultrawide camera, Samsung S5K3J1 telephoto sensor, and an external selfie camera. There is also an IMX355 sensor on top of the inner screen. While the 64MP IMX787 is a new main sensor from Sony, the other camera hardware is quite familiar.
The Prosser leak revealed that the main camera will be 48MP with 0.8µm pixel width, ƒ/1.7 aperture, and 0.5″ sensor size. The telephoto lens is 10.8 MP, 1.22 µm pixel wide, ƒ/3.05 aperture, 5x optical zoom, and 20x Super Res zoom. The ultra wide angle is 10.8MP with 1.25µm pixel width, ƒ/2.2 aperture, and 121.1° field of view. However, it’s the software that makes the Pixel’s photos shine, and we can expect the same computational magic here from Google.
All evidence so far indicates that the Pixel Fold will be equipped with a Tensor G2 SoC, the same chip that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. There shouldn’t be any concerns about performance, as although Google’s internal processors measure a lower performance than the latest silicon from Qualcomm and Apple, they’re still fast enough for a premium mobile experience. Joining this chip should be a Titan M2 security chip. We also expect 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM to ensure smooth performance while running more than one app side-by-side on the large internal screen.
There was speculation that the Pixel Fold might include stylus support, but that seems less certain now.
The largest foldable battery
The Pixel Fold might be on the bulky side, according to sources close to the matter. Although there are no specific details, rumors suggest that the Pixel Fold will not only be wider than its competitors, but also heavier. Weight is believed to be due to battery size. CNBCA report claims that the phone could be 283 grams, which is also powered by Prosser.
Based on the rumors, the Google Pixel Fold is expected to give the largest foldable battery yet. The battery won’t be 5,000mAh, but it allegedly won’t be too far. The leak provided by Yogesh Brar claims that the battery will be 4,500mAh with 23W charging speed. According to Prosser, this battery is said to provide up to 72 hours of life.
How much does the Pixel Fold cost?
Various numbers have been put forward, ranging from $1,400 to $1,800. report from CNBC We mentioned earlier claims that the price will rise to $1,700. If the specs we’ve already discussed are accurate, we hope Google will aim for the lower end of that range in order to remain competitive. Unfortunately, Prosser’s report claims that the fold will be on the higher end of the spectrum.
Reportedly, there will be two options: a 256GB model and a 512GB model. The 256GB version is expected to retail for $1,799 and will be available on Chalk and Obsidian. While the 512GB variant may only be available at Obsidian and may cost $1,919.
Google’s research and development expenses won’t come cheap, and it appears the company won’t make any sacrifices to keep costs down. At the very least, the Prosser leak claims that Google will include a free Pixel Watch for those who pre-order.
What do you most want to see on the Pixel Fold?
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