Release date, specs, rumors, price, all we know so far

Replace, April 19, 2023 (02:47 PM ET): We’ve up to date the Google Pixel Fold hub to incorporate rumored details about the Fold’s preorder and launch date, options and specs, and worth.

Authentic article: A lot of the innovation within the smartphone area over the previous few years has come within the type of foldables. Samsung has led the way in which, however the likes of HUAWEI, OPPO, HONOR, and Motorola have all launched units with folding screens (with various levels of success). Google is but to indicate its hand, however we’re anticipating it to launch a Pixel Fold smartphone in 2023.

With the introduction of Android 12L, Google goals to make sure its cell OS is optimized for this new technology of units with bigger shows and extra versatile layouts. It additionally paves the way in which for the corporate’s first foray into the foldable market. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at every thing we all know to this point concerning the Google Pixel Fold.

Google’s repute for canceling software program merchandise is well-known, however the identical has additionally been true of {hardware}. A shelved Pixel E-book replace serves as the latest instance of a deliberate machine that can by no means see the sunshine of day. That stated, the event of its first foldable is seemingly a lot additional ahead, so it will be very stunning to see it canceled at this stage. We’ve seen loads of current Pixel Fold leaks (which we’ll get into in additional element later), together with specs, CAD renders, and even a full dummy unit with allegedly correct dimensions. There have additionally been provide chain rumors about manufacturing plans, so we might be pretty sure at this level {that a} Pixel Fold is coming.

What we don’t know for certain is the identify. Internally, Google has used the codenames Passport (is smart) and Pipit to check with a foldable product of some sort. Extra lately, Felix has been extra prominently talked about. It’s not clear whether or not these are all the identical machine or barely totally different variations which were prototyped and examined. When the cellphone hits retailer cabinets, Pixel Fold appears to be the most probably moniker proper now, though Pixel Notepad was apparently a frontrunner at one time. We’ll have to attend and see what Google ultimately goes with.

When is the Google Pixel Fold launch date?

We’ve been listening to whispers a couple of Pixel Fold launch date for a number of years now, just about because the launch of Samsung’s first-generation Galaxy Z Fold. We additionally know that it’s been delayed not less than as soon as earlier than, with a 2022 launch supposedly on the playing cards beforehand. Extra lately, studies have advised a possible launch throughout Google I/O in Could alongside the Pixel 7a. Conflicting info places the discharge date into the autumn, with mass manufacturing not starting till Q3 on the earliest.

Nevertheless, the outlet 9to5Google claims that it has seen a leaked retail itemizing for the Pixel Fold. That itemizing allegedly scheduled the launch for someday in mid-June. Jon Pressor, who doesn’t have one of the best historical past with Google leaks however has been correct currently, went slightly additional to say the foldable will go up for preorder on Could 10 and launch on June 27.

With all of this in thoughts, our greatest guess is that Google will present not less than a sneak peek throughout its Could developer convention, if not a full reveal. Extra particulars will doubtless observe in September/October on the firm’s annual Made by Google {hardware} present, if the cellphone hasn’t been rolled out by then. Ask Santa for it this yr, and the timing may line up completely.

Pixel Fold leaks have been ramping up in current months, so there’s a good quantity to debate right here. Whereas these rumors all come from pretty reliable sources, that’s no assure there gained’t be some variations when the product is lastly revealed. Even so, we expect we now have an honest image of what’s to come back.

Whereas no official pictures or hands-on movies have but been leaked, we’ve been handled to CAD renders from the ever-reliable OnLeaks (through HowToiSolve). Whereas the cellphone shares just a few issues in widespread with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7, such because the centered G brand and horizontal digital camera bar, there are additionally some departures from Google’s most up-to-date design language. The rounded rectangle form of the digital camera module and bigger bezels across the inner display screen stand out as much less modern-looking options (paying homage to the Floor Duo 2, maybe). That stated, it’s nonetheless a lovely machine, with a delightful curve to the metallic body and an not easily seen hinge.

Due to the leaked retail itemizing talked about earlier, we can also know concerning the colorways. It seems there could also be solely two colour variations: Carbon and Porcelain. As you’ll be able to think about, Carbon is claimed to be a grey or black colour and Porcelain is probably going white or off-white. We will’t wait to see what the actual factor seems like.

Modest show tech

Essentially the most up-to-date info suggests Google isn’t going all out with regards to the Pixel Fold’s screens. We’re anticipating a 7.57-inch (1,840 x 2,208) versatile panel on the within created from ultra-thin glass. In keeping with 91Mobiles, brightness will common at 800 nits, maxing out at 1,200 nits. It’s thought this show will assist larger refresh charges, although it’s unclear if it’ll go as excessive as 120Hz. The highest and backside of this show will apparently characteristic pretty sizable bezels, with a selfie digital camera residing above the display screen relatively than beneath it or inside a cutout. Google is reportedly not going to make use of probably the most superior foldable display screen tech, as seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 4, though each panels are stated to be made by Samsung Shows. Price-saving is the doubtless motive for holding again right here, so we hope that’s mirrored within the worth.

Intelligent hinge design

There may be some higher information relating to the internal show. Dave 2D, who lately posted a video to YouTube displaying off a Pixel Fold dummy mannequin, thinks the crease is prone to be gentler than that of a Galaxy Fold. These noticeable wrinkles are sometimes fairly off-putting, so minimizing this may be a well-liked transfer.

When closed, the Pixel Fold is claimed to sport a 5.79-inch (1,080 x 1,900) entrance show that’s notably shorter and fatter than that of a Galaxy Fold. A punch gap selfie digital camera can also be anticipated. Every part we’ve heard up up to now would lead us to imagine the Pixel Fold might be nearer in type to Oppo’s Discover N than Samsung’s lengthy, slender providing.

Due to that waterdrop hinge, we’re additionally anticipating Google’s foldable to be utterly flush when shut — this may be one other plus level in comparison with the annoying hole you’ll discover on a Samsung. Stereo audio system on the highest left and backside proper of the internal show might add justification to the bigger bezels and make the Pixel Fold excellent for media consumption on the go.

A report from CNBC claims the Pixel Fold’s hinge would be the “most sturdy hinge on a foldable.” That might be a tough feat to perform with opponents just like the Galaxy Z Fold and the OPPO Discover N2 Flip.

Despite the fact that some corners could have been lower in sure areas to maintain the associated fee down, it sounds just like the Pixel Fold continues to be going to really feel like a premium machine. Every half of the cellphone measures in at 5.7mm, in response to the dummy mannequin. This implies it will be thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. With the digital camera bump included within the measurement, the thickness elevated to eight.3mm, however not less than it’s in a horizontal bar format much like the Pixel 6 and seven sequence. There gained’t be any desk wobble right here. With the handset folded, it’ll doubtless be 11.4mm thick with out the digital camera bump, and 14mm with it. That’s nonetheless not too unhealthy for a cellphone of this sort.

Acquainted specs and options

Just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Google’s foldable is prone to have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that doubles as an influence button (through 9to5Google). This could can help you unlock it the identical manner whether or not it’s open or closed. Hopefully, there may also be some type of face unlock too, even when it’s the much less helpful/safe selection that Google shipped with the Pixel 7 and seven Professional.

Whereas digging round within the Android 13 QPR1 beta, developer Kuba Wojciechowski uncovered particulars concerning the Pixel Fold’s digital camera array. The code refers to a Sony IMX787 fundamental digital camera, an IMX386 ultrawide, and a Samsung S5K3J1 sensor for the telephoto and outdoors selfie digital camera. There’s additionally an IMX355 sensor above the within show. Whereas the 64MP IMX787 is a brand new flagship sensor from Sony, the opposite digital camera {hardware} is all pretty acquainted. It’s the software program that makes Pixel pictures shine, although, and we will count on the identical computational magic right here from Google.

All proof to this point means that the Pixel Fold might be outfitted with the Tensor G2 SoC, the identical chip that powers the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. There needs to be no considerations about efficiency, as though Google’s in-house processors benchmark decrease than the most recent silicon from Qualcomm and Apple, they’re nonetheless loads quick sufficient for a premium cell expertise. We’d count on 12GB of RAM to make sure easy efficiency whereas operating a couple of app facet by facet on the large inner show.

There had been hypothesis that the Pixel Fold could embody stylus assist, however that appears much less sure now.

The biggest battery in a foldable

The Pixel Fold could also be on the hefty facet, in response to sources near the matter. Though there aren’t any specifics, the rumor means that the Pixel Fold is not going to solely be wider than its opponents but in addition heavier. The burden is believed to be because of the dimension of the battery. CNBC‘s report claims that the cellphone might be 283g.

Primarily based on the rumor, it’s anticipated that Google might give the Pixel Fold the most important battery in a foldable up to now. The battery gained’t be 5,000mAh, however it would allegedly not be that far off. It might be large enough, nevertheless, to offer 24 hours price of battery life, in response to CNBC.

How a lot will the Pixel Fold price?

Completely different figures have been floated, starting from $1,400 to $1,800. The report from CNBC we talked about earlier claims the worth might be upward of $1,700. If the specs we’ve already mentioned are correct, we’d hope Google could be aiming for the decrease finish of that vary with a view to stay aggressive. A leak from tipster Yogesh Brar did counsel that the vary may very well be $1,300 to $1,500. This could put it beneath the price of the most recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.

The analysis and improvement outlay for Google gained’t have been low cost, so so much will depend upon how a lot of that the corporate is intent on recouping. With a bit of luck, getting as many items into shoppers’ arms as doable would be the precedence, and a lower cost tag could be one of the simplest ways to realize that. Don’t depend on that, although.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line is nice, however it’s additionally the definition of compromise. The outer screens are unnaturally tall and slender, and when unfolded, you find yourself with a show that seems like a portrait-oriented pill. Neither type issue is right. We favored what we noticed with the OPPO Discover N and its lately introduced successor as a result of they’re shorter, leading to an inner show with a wider side ratio that’s extra like a pill in panorama. Hopefully, Google will take a leaf out of OPPO’s e-book right here and provides us a tool that’s extra snug to carry and extra intuitive to make use of.

Novel software program experiences

Other than the cool issue, top-of-the-line causes to get a foldable cellphone is for brand new software program experiences unavailable on conventional {hardware}. That is one thing Samsung has centered on with some success. FlexCam on Galaxy Z Flip telephones means that you can relaxation the cellphone down on a floor in an L form for taking selfies, like a makeshift tripod. Equally, with a Galaxy Z Fold, you’ll be able to watch a video or assembly on the highest half of the show whereas taking notes on the underside portion. For the Pixel Fold to achieve success, Google must introduce novel software program experiences that transcend enhanced multitasking options and well-optimized large-screen apps — these are the naked minimal anticipated from this machine.

An extension of the earlier level — pen assist is one thing that has set Samsung’s foldables aside from the outset. OPPO failed to incorporate this in its first-gen foldable however has rectified it with the Discover N2. Google would do properly to observe go well with and assist stylus enter so customers can get probably the most out of the Pixel Fold and its notepad potential.

An inexpensive price ticket

Okay, so we all know it’s most likely unlikely to be low cost, however launch this factor for greater than $1,500, and it’s most likely DOA. If Google can hit a candy spot with an honest characteristic set and nice cameras with out costing practically as a lot as a Samsung equal, it’ll stand an opportunity. The subsequent couple of years might be essential for folding telephones. In the event that they’re going to actually hit the mainstream, the worth must be proper. And by proper, I imply moderately inexpensive so that folks exterior of tech lovers with cash to burn are capable of get entangled.