The Pixel Fold may finally be nearing a launch after years of rumors about Google’s first foldable smartphone. While the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 6a both earned spots among our best smartphones, the value proposition is a big part of that, and the Pixel Fold may break from that core focus.
Google’s main competition at launch will be Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4. Keep in mind, however, that we wouldn’t be getting a Pixel Fold (or any of its leaks) without Samsung Display developing a major component of the phone.
Foldable phones are showing signs of life after getting off to a rough start, with Samsung's Flip and Fold gaining in popularity and more affordable brands finally getting in on the action. The question is whether after years of rumors the Pixel Fold is ready for the improving competition, let's dig into what we know so far and find out.
Google Pixel Fold latest news (Updated May 2)
- A new leak revealed the full Google Pixel Fold specs
- The Google Pixel Fold may be expensive, but incentives could sweeten the deal.
- Was the Google Pixel Fold spotted in an NYC subway?
- Google Release Pixel Fold teaser video
Google Pixel Fold release date rumors
While it was once rumored for 2022 and then rumored to be cancelled, it looks like a leaked Google Pixel roadmap from December had it right and the Pixel Fold, codenamed "Felix," will arrive in 2023.
Recent rumors have the foldable Pixel arriving at Google I/O 2023 alongside the Google Pixel 7a, which means a May 10 debut. However, the actual shipping date for the Pixel Fold may not come until later in the summer as we've seen with some of the Pixel A-Series in the past.
Google Pixel Fold price
A recent Pixel Fold price leak corroborated previous rumors from Front Page Tech and the leaked Pixel roadmap, indicating the Google Pixel Fold will start at over $1,700, roughly mirroring the pricing of the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
That's quite the price jump from the most expensive configuration of the Pixel 7 Pro at $1,079. If true, we're expecting plenty of premium flagship foldable features.
In recent years Google has found success with mid-tier smartphones bringing flagship capabilities. What’s more, Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that Google has "definitely shown that Pixel 4a, Pixel 5 are a clear value proposition. We'll build on that."
A recent Pixel 7a price leak suggests that Google is going to bump its price up to $499 from the $449 of the Pixel 6a. If true we'll expect to see the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro prices jump as well, as we recently called the Google Pixel 7 the best phone under $500, because despite its $599 retail price, it has been available at or below $500 more often than not since December.
Google Pixel Fold specs
The ever-reliable Evan Blass leaked the full specs for the Google Pixel Fold and it certainly lines up with the majority of the credible rumors we had on the device, so while nothing is official until Google announces it, we would be surprised if these aren't accurate.
- Display: 5.8-inch OLED (2092 x 1080) 1550 nits display at 120Hz, opens to 7.6-inch (2208 x 1840) OLED 1450 nits display at 120Hz
- Processor: Google Tensor G2 with Titan M2 co-processor
- Memory & Storage: 12GB of RAM, 256GB/512GB of flash storage
- Rear Camera: 48MP 1/2-inch sensor camera, 10.8MP ultra-wide-angle, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 9.5MP dual pixel
- Connectivity: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.13 x 0.5 inches (closed), 5.5 x 6.2 x 0.24 inches (open)
- Weight: 10 ounces
- Battery: 4,821mAh
- Colorway: Obsidian, Porcelain
Google Pixel Fold design
So far, we haven't seen any Pixel Fold prototypes or official images emerge, which is shocking given Google's track record, however, a leak from Front Page Tech has shown off the full design of Google's long-rumored foldable Pixel.
These are detailed renders of the Pixel Fold based on images shown by anonymous sources. As previous rumors have indicated, the foldable Pixel is expected to share a similar design to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. However, it appears to have an updated Pixel look.
Unlike the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7, the camera bar stands out instead of stretching across the back cover. The updated camera bump appears to house three lenses similar to the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, with the report stating we can expect a "Pixel flagship camera."
Apparently, the Pixel Fold will be available in Chalk (white) and Obsidian (black), which are color options we've come to know in the recent Pixel lineup. While there are no exact specs, previous rumors have indicated with can expect a 7.6-inch 120Hz LTPO in-folding display panel. As the renders show off, the front display with have a hole-punch camera, with the main display noticeably having slightly large bezels.
As one source points out, the Pixel Fold is apparently "really f**king heavy,” which indicates it will be made out of premium materials. This makes sense according to the leaked price.
According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, who announced that Chinese manufacturer Foxconn will develop the Pixel Fold and rumored high-end Pixel 7, the Pixel Fold will have a folding screen similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. The post also reveals the Pixel Fold will have a similar back cover to the Pixel 7, while the front will look like Oppo's first foldable, the Find N. The internal screen, on the other hand, will be a full screen without a notch — no hole-punch hole camera in sight.
“The inner screen has a full screen without a hole, and the ultra-micro-hole camera is on the frame,” the post states. The post is translated using Google Translate, so it's hard to know what this means exactly. Instead of an under-display camera, apparently, there could be an "ultra-micro-hole camera" somewhere on the frame, possibly in the bezel. That said, we may not see a camera when the foldable is open, meaning no selfie camera.
Google Pixel Fold display
The majority of Pixel Fold rumors had a focus on its display, and it’s looking to impress. According to display panel insiders Ross Young and David Naranjo, all foldables set to arrive with panels from Samsung Display will be equipped with a 120Hz LTPO display — which is something we’re more than excited to hear. This includes the Pixel Fold, along with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3. However, Young stated these would arrive in 2021, yet we still have no Pixel Fold.
Thanks to Samsung Display, the Pixel Fold is expected to have a 7.6-inch in-folding display panel with a smaller 5.8-inch cover display compared to the Galaxy Fold 4's 6.19-inch display.
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. Hear more at our conference next week.May 2, 2022
Google Pixel Fold cameras
Uncovered by 9to5Google, codes in the Google Camera app offered a precise rundown of the camera specs for the phone.
According to the findings, the primary wide-angle camera on the foldable Pixel is the same 12.2MP IMX363 found in the Pixel 5 and a number of other Pixels. While Google definitely wrings every last bit of performance out of that thing, it was showing its age two years ago.
A secondary 12MP Sony IMX386 is also listed, that is the same sensor that is used for the ultra-wide in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, so presumably, it is doing that duty on the foldable Pixel as well. Like the Sony IMX363, this sensor was first released in 2016.
No telephoto lens, unfortunately, but it will feature two 8MP Sony IMX355 front-facing cameras, one on the outer display and one on the inner display. That is the same front-facing sensor that Google used for the Pixel 3 in 2018.
In a dive into Google code, developer Kuba Wojciechowski gave us a look at camera details for the Pixel Fold. Apparently, it will offer a "standard GN1 for the main sensor, IMX363, IMX386 (Pixel 6's ultrawide) - listed as "FOLDED" and IMX355 (Pixel 6's front)."
Google Pixel Fold performance
Foldables are known to be equipped with high-end specs, and the Pixel Fold isn't looking any different. It was previously believed to house the same Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, but now it should ship with the Tensor G2 chip from the Pixel 7 series.
The Front Page Tech leak states the foldable will come with "usual Pixel-esque performance," and a "Pixel flagship camera." but given the launch timeframe, it's possible we get either an upgraded Tensor G2 or even a Tensor G3.
As spotted by Notebookcheck, two listings codenamed "Google Pipit," another rumored codename for the Pixel Fold, have been found on Geekbench. According to the listing, the Pixel Fold will be powered by the Tensor chip, and boast 12GB of RAM. This is the same as the Pixel 6 Pro. However, Geekbench can be unreliable for rumored phones, as certain listings can be faked.
We made a chip!#Pixel6 is powered by our first ever smartphone SoC: meet Google Tensor(5/13) pic.twitter.com/0Kts53TfqmAugust 2, 2021
Previous rumors of Google making its own chip for Pixel devices, codenamed “Whitechapel,” came to be true. Google Tensor is Google's first-ever in-house silicon for phones, bringing enhanced speech recognition capabilities for better performance from Google Assistant and more features to be powered by AI and machine learning.
"Tensor enables us to make the Google phones we’ve always envisioned — phones that keep getting better, while tapping the most powerful parts of Google, all in a highly personalized experience. And with Tensor’s new security core and Titan M2, Pixel 6 will have the most layers of hardware security in any phone," Google wrote in a blog post.
Cameras on Pixel devices got an upgrade thanks to the Tensor chip, as the improved AI offered clearer, DSLR-like photos. Gaming performance still falls short of the best from Qualcomm and Apple, but it's good enough for casual gaming and the optimizations for typical tasks are worth it.
Outlook
The clock is ticking down now with the Goole Pixel Fold hopefully arriving soon. With a 120Hz LTPO in-folding display panel apparently in the works, and Google working its software magic the Pixel Fold could easily kick off added interest in foldables when it arrives.
Google's Pixel lineup has been among our favorites since the move to its Tensor chips, and while we're fans of Samsung's foldables, it will be good to see more competition in the market. Here's hoping the wait is almost over and Google takes the wraps off the Pixel Fold at Google I/O, rest assured we'll bring you all of the latest up through its release and beyond.
