After years of rumors and leaks, it actually does seem like Google is getting ready to launch its first foldable smartphone. That device is most often mentioned under the ‘Pixel Fold’ name, but we’re still not sure that will be its final name. In any case, we do have enough info at this point to round things up, and see what to expect when it comes to this device. So, if you’re wondering about the Google Pixel Fold, this preview will interest you.
Before we get down to it, though, do note that the Pixel Notepad name was also mentioned. Those are the only two names that were highlighted thus far, so… chances are one of them will be used. Based on the latest info, however, the ‘Pixel Fold’ will probably be final. That’s what the phone is being called, internally. Having said that, let’s see what’s expected out of Google’s very first foldable smartphone.
This article will be regularly updated with new information on the Google Pixel Fold (this is a preview article) — both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims — as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. The last update was made on May 2, 2023.
Google Pixel Fold preview: Design
Various different Pixel Fold designs surfaced throughout the years, but the final one may have dropped in December 2022, thanks to CAD-based renders. Following that, official renders of the phone surfaced, allowing us to check out the very final design of the Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold will be a book-style foldable, but look different than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It will not only look different design-wise, but utilize a completely different approach. The Pixel Fold will lean towards a horizontal layout when unfolded, similar to the OPPO Find N2, more than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It will be larger than the Find N2, and thus its display will be quite wide when the device is folded. More on that in the section with the specifications. The device will include a Pixel 7 Pro-like camera visor on the back, but it won’t extend fully towards the side frame.
CAD-based renders & video:
Official renders (leaked):
As you can see, the phone seems to be made out of metal and glass, and it has rather interesting bezels. The top and bottom bezels on the main camera are noticeably thicker than the side bezels. A display camera hole is centered on the cover display, while there is no camera hole on the internal display. It seemingly won’t have an under-display camera either, but it will include a camera. It will be placed in the bezel itself, in the top-right corner.
At least two colors will be available
The phone will be made out of metal and glass, it’s said, and it will arrive in a couple of color options. Based on the info that surfaced at the time of these images, ‘Chalk’ and ‘Obsidian’ models are coming. The phone is said to be quite large overall, there’s a reason it’s codenamed ‘Passport”. There were allegedly two prototypes, one with the camera on the inside, and one without. Google seemingly decided to go with the one with the camera. You will also notice that its physical keys are placed on the right side, and yes, the power/lock button doubles as a fingerprint scanner.
Even a video showing off a mockup of the device popped up a while back, if you’re interested in that.
Spotted in public?
The phone also appeared in public, allegedly. It was allegedly spotted on a train, in the hands of a Google employee. The image is really not the best, though, and it could be some other phone, truth be said. So, you can see for yourself below.
Short hands-on video also appeared
The Google Pixel Fold did surface in a short hands-on video too. This 6-second clip shows us the phone itself, in both folded and unfolded state, from the front. It seems like the previous design info was spot on. You can check out the video below.
😉😉😉 pic.twitter.com/zTpEo18K4y
— Kuba Wojciechowski :3 (@Za_Raczke) April 22, 2023
Google Pixel Fold preview: Specifications
What about its specs? Well, the Pixel Fold will almost certainly be fueled by the Google Tensor G2 SoC. A Geekbench listing basically confirmed it. The same processor that fuels the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro handsets. That is Google’s second-gen SoC. The thing is, the Tensor G2 inside the Pixel Fold may be better than the one in the Pixel 7 series. How so? Well, thanks to Samsung’s improved 5nm process. The phone is said to utilize Samsung-made displays, both of them. The main display is said to utilize a resolution of 2208 x 1840, and measure 7.6 inches. That will be a 120Hz AMOLED panel, by the way, and its brightness will go up to 1,450 nits, max. The cover display is said to measure 5.8 inches, and offer a resolution of 2092 x 1080. This will also be an OLED panel, by the way, and run at 120Hz. Its brightness will go up to 1,550 nits.
When it comes to RAM, Google is tipped to offer 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM inside of this phone. There will be two storage options on offer, 256GB and 512GB models (UFS 3.1). Android 13 will come pre-installed on the device, mainly due to its release timeframe, more on that later. IPX8 certification for water resistance will be included. Stereo speakers will also be included, as will a mmWave antenna for 5G. The device will include a 4,821mAh battery, and will support 30W wired charging. A charging brick won’t be included in the retail box, though. Wireless charging will be supported, but we don’t know the specifics yet. The phone will measure 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.11mm when folded, and 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8mm when unfolded. It is said to weigh 283 grams.
The camera info has also been revealed, and it’s different than initially reported
The Google Pixel Fold will feature a 48-megapixel main camera (f/1.7 aperture, 0.8um pixel size, 82-degree FoV, dual pixel). A 10.8-megapixel ultrawide camera (f/2.2 aperture, 1.25um pixel size, 121.1-degree FoV) will also be included. The third camera on the back will be a 10.8-megapixel telephoto unit (f/3.05 aperture, 1.22um pixel size, 21.9-degree, 5x optical zoom, dual pixel). Above the main display, you’ll get an 8-megapixel selfie camera (f/2.0 aperture, 1.12um pixel size, 84-degree FoV). On the cover display, a 9.5-megapixel unit (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size, 84-degree FoV) will be included.
Google Pixel Fold preview: Pricing & Availability
So, when will it launch? Various different launch timeframes were mentioned over time. Most of them said that the Pixel Fold will become official in May 2023. The Pixel Fold is actually expected to launch alongside two other Google products, the Pixel Tablet and Pixel 7a. The Pixel Tablet was both confirmed and partially shown off by Google, unlike the Pixel Fold. Both devices are tipped to arrive in May, during Google I/O. Do note that the Pixel Fold was also mentioned in a recently-leaked Google roadmap. The May launch is more likely, however, as another rumor suggested that the phone will launch in June, so… it fits.
When it comes to its pricing, well, that info did appear. We also know when the device will launch. Following the Pixel Fold’s launch on May 10, the phone will go on pre-order that same day. Google’s partners will open pre-orders later on, on May 30. Chances are those will be Amazon, AT&T, Best Buy, Verizon, T-Mobile, and so on. The Pixel Fold is expected to go on sale on June 27. What about the pricing? Well, the device is tipped to cost $1,799, which was the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s original price tag.
2023-05-02 15:09:34