Google hasn't yet confirmed any details about its much-rumored Pixel Fold smartphone, but multiple recent leaks have revealed some of its key details. Google remained tightlipped about its first-gen foldable at its 'Made by Google' event, choosing to focus on the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel Watch instead. However, multiple sources believe that the device is in the works and is in fact, fairly close to launch.
Folding smartphones are getting more popular, although they still remain a niche for the most part. While Samsung is the brand that's most associated with foldables thanks to its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip line of devices, many other smartphone vendors, like Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Motorola, also make folding smartphones. While Huawei's latest foldables are the Mate Xs 2 and P50 pocket, Oppo's Find N is also a notable device in the foldable segment.
By all accounts, the so-called Pixel Fold will be similar in design to the Galaxy Fold series, insofar as it will unfurl into a tablet. In a communiqué to 91mobiles, coder and noted tipster Kuba Wojciechowski recently claimed that the folding display on the device will have a resolution of 2,208 x 1,840 pixels and measure 123 × 148 mm. It will be a 7.58-inch panel when unfurled, with a 5:6 aspect ratio and a 380ppi pixel density. The exact refresh rate is unclear, but it is expected to be higher than 60Hz and could go up to 120Hz. Average brightness will reportedly be rated at 800 nits and max out at 1,200 nits. The report further claims that both the displays on the Pixel Fold (the main display on the inside and the cover display on the outside) will be supplied by Samsung.
Google Pixel Fold Coming In 2023?
Wojciechowski had earlier revealed information about the Pixel Fold's cameras, claiming that the device will ship with five cameras in all, including three at the back and two selfie cameras for the two displays. According to the tipster, the Pixel Fold could sport a 50MP Sony IMX787 primary sensor, a 12MP Sony IMX386 ultra-wide shooter, and a 10MP Samsung S5K3J1 telephoto camera. On the outside, it could have another S5K3J1 sensor as the cover display selfie camera, while on the inside, it could have an 8MP Sony IMX355 sensor for selfies and video chats.
The information, which Wojciechowski says was found within Android 13 QPR1, also revealed that the device is codenamed 'Felix' and will be powered by the second-generation Tensor chip – the same one that powers the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The device was originally expected to launch this year, but multiple delays mean it is now only expected to arrive sometime in 2023. Meanwhile, Google is said to be moving some of its high-end smartphone production from China to Vietnam, but the Pixel Fold will apparently still be made in China because of its complicated manufacturing process and local availability of components, such as the hinges and foldable displays.
Source: 91mobiles, Kuba Wojciechowski/Twitter