Google Pixel Fold News and Expected Price Release Date Specs and More Rumors
Google Pixel Fold: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO WaqarKhanTech Mobile Phones > Google
One indicator we'll see this device is a report from TheElec, which states Samsung Display is developing foldable OLED panels for Google. Serial leaker Jon Prosser provided an early 2022 release date, but that didn't happen. 9to5Google obtained information about a release date for the foldable Pixel from a leaked document the “Q4 2021” timeframe, but this estimation was later updated based on a newer source, making that date just an announcement, with the actual release set for early 2022. Then, David Naranjo, senior director at Display Supply Chain Consultants, banked on a Q4 2021 Pixel Fold release. This also lined up with a tweet from phone leaker and blogger, Evan Blass. DSCC CEO, Ross Young, reported in late 2021 that Google had dropped the Pixel Fold, but then updated his estimate to say it's still alive and should arrive in 2022. In late May 2022, The Elec revealed yet another postponement of the phone. Although it was planned for Q4, it's apparently been delayed until at least 2023.
Another clue this phone won't quite reach that price is a source provided to 9to5Google, which says the device could cost less than the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 3. New technology costs more, and if it's combined with additional complexities, it's easy to see why devices like this go for such a hefty price. Google's Pixel Notepad will be no different. Of course, Google could very well introduce it at a more competitive price, but don't expect to fork over the same as you would for a Pixel 7. It simply will not be comparable.
Android 12 arrived in late 2021. Google doesn't need to make any significant changes to accommodate the tablet-sized screen, since it already develops the OS that runs on foldable devices from other companies. If anything, the Fold will support unique multitasking features that the competition, and smaller-screen Pixels, don't currently have. However, depending on when it's released, the Fold will run the latest OS at the time, so likely Android 13 or 14. There could be some exciting ways Google deals with what happens when the phone folds with multiple screens. When watching a movie in tablet mode, closing it might (and probably should) automatically continue the video on the outside screen. Of course, we'll know more as we get closer to launch and see additional leaks. Everything you need to know about Google's rolling phone
YouTuber Waqar Khan shows off some renders of what a foldable Pixel could look like in this video, using the Pixel 6 as inspiration. You can see how three displays might look on a foldable Pixel: Google published two patents in January 2021 (here and here) for a foldable device. It's unclear if it's for a phone or something completely different like an e-reader—the illustrations don't show a camera like most drawings. The camera could be under the display; then again, a patent uncovered by 91mobiles in August 2022, explains “A camera having an aperture located in a bezel of the second assembly that borders the flexible continuous display.” We'll keep a close eye on it. Like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6, experts expect the Pixel Notepad will feature Google Tensor. It just makes sense based on the timeline. The upcoming Pixel Tablet is already confirmed to have the Tensor G2, so the same is expected in the foldable. The Pixel 7 has a 50 MP rear camera, 48 MP telephoto camera, and 11 MP front-facing camera. We could see this repeated in the Pixel Fold or something entirely different considering the larger screen size. This is echoed by Mishaal Rahman, who, according to Android Headlines, spotted a device that could be the Fold that has the same camera sensor set as the Pixel 6 Pro. However, there are also rumors that the Fold will use the same camera setup as the Pixel 5. We monitor new Pixel Fold rumors frequently and will update this page with anything relevant. WaqarKhanTech Pixel Fold Specs (Rumored) Display 7.6-inch (inner display) and 5.8-inch (outer display) Chipset Google Tensor Memory and Storage 12 GB RAM / 128–512 GB Camera 50MP primary; 12MP wide-angle secondary; 48MP telephoto 4x zoom; 12MP front-facing Sensors Proximity / Accelerometer / Fingerprint / Gyrometer / Compass / Barometer Buttons and Ports USB Type-C 3.1 / Power button / Volume controls SIMs Single Nano SIM and/or eSIM Audio Stereo speakers / 3 mics Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band / Wi-Fi Direct / DLNA / Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD Network GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G OS Android 12L
Google Pixel Fold: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors
All the rumors we've heard about Google's foldable phone
By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 15, 2022 Tweet Share Email In This Article Release Date Estimate Price Rumors Pre-Order Information Possible Features Specs and Hardware The Latest News Frequently Asked Questions Following other major phone manufacturers moving into the foldable phone space is Google, which might be launching one of its own. Referred to as the Pixel Fold or Pixel Notepad (possibly codenamed Pipit or Felix), it's been said that it will have three screens and include the company's in-house chip.When Will the Pixel Fold Be Released
The goalpost appears to slide over and over. Below is a rollercoaster of news over when and if the Pixel Fold will even arrive. Short answer: nobody knows for sure, but the most recent report is from The New York Times, which says "Google is exploring a foldable phone for 2023." Specifically, we could see the phone launch in March 2023: According to CNET, a developer at Google confirmed Google has been prototyping foldable phone technology for a long time, but that a use case wasn’t yet clear. That was in 2019. Since then, there have been releases and rumors of foldable phones from other companies, including Apple's foldable phone.One indicator we'll see this device is a report from TheElec, which states Samsung Display is developing foldable OLED panels for Google. Serial leaker Jon Prosser provided an early 2022 release date, but that didn't happen. 9to5Google obtained information about a release date for the foldable Pixel from a leaked document the “Q4 2021” timeframe, but this estimation was later updated based on a newer source, making that date just an announcement, with the actual release set for early 2022. Then, David Naranjo, senior director at Display Supply Chain Consultants, banked on a Q4 2021 Pixel Fold release. This also lined up with a tweet from phone leaker and blogger, Evan Blass. DSCC CEO, Ross Young, reported in late 2021 that Google had dropped the Pixel Fold, but then updated his estimate to say it's still alive and should arrive in 2022. In late May 2022, The Elec revealed yet another postponement of the phone. Although it was planned for Q4, it's apparently been delayed until at least 2023.
Lifewire's Release Date Estimate
From what we know right now, it probably won't be until 2023 at the earliest (assuming it's coming at all). Two 2022 Google events tipped us on the Pixel Tablet's release date for 2023, but nothing was said about a foldable Pixel. Keep an eye out for Google's events for any details.Google Pixel Fold Price Rumors
Around $1,500 is what we're hearing. But, of course, nobody knows for sure, and won't until Google provides real numbers. Components like storage, cameras, and processor usually drive the price of a new phone. Plus, a foldable device has more parts than one that doesn't; three times the screen real estate definitely won't go unnoticed when pricing this phone. Let's consider the phone will be essentially identical to the latest standard Pixel, only with multiple screens. The price hike will, in all probability, end up approaching that $2K mark. However, if the rumors are true (they probably are) and Google will be using its own chip, this could swing the price down a bit.Another clue this phone won't quite reach that price is a source provided to 9to5Google, which says the device could cost less than the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 3. New technology costs more, and if it's combined with additional complexities, it's easy to see why devices like this go for such a hefty price. Google's Pixel Notepad will be no different. Of course, Google could very well introduce it at a more competitive price, but don't expect to fork over the same as you would for a Pixel 7. It simply will not be comparable.
Pre-Order Information
Details on pre-ordering will be clear after Google announces the phone. WaqarKhanTechGoogle Pixel Fold Features
The foldable Pixel will undoubtedly look different from any of Google's past line of Pixel phones. But we don't expect too much to change feature-wise, except for the apparent enhancements enabled with extra screens. There will still be a front-facing and rear camera, speakers, Bluetooth, etc., like any modern-day phone. While the Pixel 7 does have face unlock and a fingerprint scanner, it's looking like the foldable Pixel will have a side-mounted traditional sensor.Android 12 arrived in late 2021. Google doesn't need to make any significant changes to accommodate the tablet-sized screen, since it already develops the OS that runs on foldable devices from other companies. If anything, the Fold will support unique multitasking features that the competition, and smaller-screen Pixels, don't currently have. However, depending on when it's released, the Fold will run the latest OS at the time, so likely Android 13 or 14. There could be some exciting ways Google deals with what happens when the phone folds with multiple screens. When watching a movie in tablet mode, closing it might (and probably should) automatically continue the video on the outside screen. Of course, we'll know more as we get closer to launch and see additional leaks. Everything you need to know about Google's rolling phone
Pixel Fold Specs and Hardware
We can't confirm yet how big the screen will be, but according to TheElec, which obtained details on Google's ordering of OLED panels, says that it's “around 7.6-inch in size”. Ross Young says the cover display will be 5.8". Some rumors have suggested that we'll see an outer screen like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4. Samsung's phone also has a 7.6" main screen, meaning it could look a lot like that device. According to 9to5Google, the main screen (when the phone is unfolded) might have a display resolution of 1840x2208. The outer screen (when folded) looks to have a resolution of 1080x2100. The internal display could support a refresh rate as high as 120Hz.YouTuber Waqar Khan shows off some renders of what a foldable Pixel could look like in this video, using the Pixel 6 as inspiration. You can see how three displays might look on a foldable Pixel: Google published two patents in January 2021 (here and here) for a foldable device. It's unclear if it's for a phone or something completely different like an e-reader—the illustrations don't show a camera like most drawings. The camera could be under the display; then again, a patent uncovered by 91mobiles in August 2022, explains “A camera having an aperture located in a bezel of the second assembly that borders the flexible continuous display.” We'll keep a close eye on it. Like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6, experts expect the Pixel Notepad will feature Google Tensor. It just makes sense based on the timeline. The upcoming Pixel Tablet is already confirmed to have the Tensor G2, so the same is expected in the foldable. The Pixel 7 has a 50 MP rear camera, 48 MP telephoto camera, and 11 MP front-facing camera. We could see this repeated in the Pixel Fold or something entirely different considering the larger screen size. This is echoed by Mishaal Rahman, who, according to Android Headlines, spotted a device that could be the Fold that has the same camera sensor set as the Pixel 6 Pro. However, there are also rumors that the Fold will use the same camera setup as the Pixel 5. We monitor new Pixel Fold rumors frequently and will update this page with anything relevant. WaqarKhanTech Pixel Fold Specs (Rumored) Display 7.6-inch (inner display) and 5.8-inch (outer display) Chipset Google Tensor Memory and Storage 12 GB RAM / 128–512 GB Camera 50MP primary; 12MP wide-angle secondary; 48MP telephoto 4x zoom; 12MP front-facing Sensors Proximity / Accelerometer / Fingerprint / Gyrometer / Compass / Barometer Buttons and Ports USB Type-C 3.1 / Power button / Volume controls SIMs Single Nano SIM and/or eSIM Audio Stereo speakers / 3 mics Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band / Wi-Fi Direct / DLNA / Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD Network GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G OS Android 12L