Google (GOOG) finally entered the foldable market with the Pixel Fold last year, and while the device introduced a new form factor for the Pixel brand, it kept a similar design ethos to the standard Pixels.
For the second generation, though, the Pixel Fold 2 aims to keep the title of the world’s thinnest foldable and mix things up with what could be bigger screens, smaller bezels, and a redesigned main camera array on the back.
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Thanks to a fresh leak from OnLeaks first posted to SmartPrix; we have several renders showing off the second-generation Google folding smartphone. And we’ll note that OnLeaks has a good track record for these.
The most notable change with the Pixel Fold 2 is a rectangular camera bump on the back instead of a long, rectangular bar like the current Pixel Fold. It’s also a departure from the general Pixel design language, as the 8 and 8 Pro also feature a longer bar. The leak depicts a setup similar to that of other smartphones, with the lenses and sensors stacked on a rectangular bump, which means the Fold 2 won’t lay flat on a given surface.
Google is still opting for a more premium design with the Fold—it will still be built from aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screens for durability. These renders look mighty fine, and it’s nice to see the Charcoal finish sticking around. It will still be very thin at 10.54 millimeters folded and just 5.27 millimeters when unfolded.
In terms of screens, this leak notes that the cover display now measures close to 6.4 inches, in a taller ratio and a thinner width across. The Pixel Fold was wider than competing folding phones, like the Z Fold 5, but this revised ratio puts it more in line. It will also give you more space on the front to use apps and even rotate it horizontally to take videos.
The thick bezels around the larger display, which folds open, are massively shrunk, and the internal selfie camera is now under the display. It should be closer to 8 inches, at 7.9 inches, which is still a jump from the 7.6-inch screen on the original. Since it’s a Google Pixel, you can expect a super clean version of Android on both screens with some Pixel-exclusive features.
Interestingly enough, the original Pixel Fold launched in late June 2023, but seemingly, the Pixel Fold 2 is going to be arriving a bit later as OnLeaks and SmartPrix are reporting it will be powered by a Tensor G4, the fourth-generation of the Google-made processor that we aren’t expecting until later this year. It will likely power the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, which are due for a Fall release.
Google could opt for the G3 to power the Fold 2, as it’s a fast and efficient chip currently in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Either route, we’re eager to eventually see the Pixel Fold 2 in person with a taller design that still offers an ultra-sleek premium build with even larger screens.
Regarding other foldables, we can expect Samsung’s (SSNLF) follow-up to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 to arrive this summer, and you can bet that Galaxy AI features will be arriving. That means “Circle to Search,” a more helpful keyboard and photo editing improvements are all in tow.
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