Before Samsung’s monopoly in the folding phone business hampered the entry of any other entity, Google hastily came up with the first generation Pixel Fold in 2023. Although it explored a different approach to the folding phone, it was deeply flawed, and the world has been awaiting a sequel ever since. Although the Pixel Fold is yet to celebrate its first launch anniversary, the fraternity of bubbling tipsters has not spared any mercy in leaking the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, erstwhile known as Pixel Fold 2.
From its design to what powers it underneath, the recent crop of Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold leaks reveals most of the key aspects, save for its software features.
Spoiler alert! You may want to put a hold on your purchasing plans for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and OnePlus Open until it arrives. The same goes for the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6!
But why are we discussing the Pixel Fold 2 at a time when the world can’t stop gushing over the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6’s cool Gen-AI tricks, or the CMF Phone (1)’s intriguing modular rear design? You will get the answer if you join us in our deep dive into the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s leaked renders and basic specifications.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will arrive in a world that will put it on the same pedestal as the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 — another luxurious foldable smartphone that brings an AI-overhauled user experience for Samsung users. It will also share the shelf space with OnePlus’ Open, which amassed much praise from the tech gurus and enthusiasts last year.
Hence, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a lot riding on its shoulders. Will it beat Samsung at its own game this time or be relegated to the list of ‘yet another smartphone’ for a second time? Let’s find out.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold leaks and rumours
While the first generation Pixel Fold stuck to the design ethos established by 2022’s gorgeous Pixel 7 series, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold establishes a different design direction for Google’s foldable lineup.
Instead of being a separate product, the foldable is now part of Google’s mainstream flagship series, thereby signifying the importance of foldables in the grand scheme of things for Android phones.
Based on the teaser images shared by Google’s team, it is evident that the Pixel Fold team went in a completely different direction with the design. The sleek camera bar has been replaced in favour of a raised rectangular platform holding the triple rear camera system. The flat sides impart a sense of bold presence, just like the modern iPhones. The overall design seems inspired but in the competitive world of foldables, it is a fresh take.
A set of CAD renders shared by Smartprix and OnLeaks also suggests a change in the dimensions of the Pixel Fold 2, which will be narrower yet taller than its predecessor. The cover display will grow to 6.4 inches from the Pixel Fold’s 5.4 inches. Similarly, the inner primary display will offer a larger screen estate of 7.9 inches.
Unlike the first-generation model, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have slimmer and uniform bezels around the inner folding display. The bezels won’t be as slim as the ones on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 but won’t be comparable with the iPad Air’s chunky borders any more. A new hinge mechanism should shun all doubts regarding the handset’s durability.
But that’s not all!
The main folding display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also borrowing one of the coolest features from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 – its under-display hidden selfie camera. The renders don’t show any camera cutout within the confines of the display or in the narrow bezels surrounding it.
However, as exciting as it may seem, this change may amount to a downgrade rather than an upgrade. The under-display hidden camera technology has been around for years. It debuted on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 in 2021 and is infamous for its poor image quality. This might be a concern for a camera-centric phone like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold unless Google relies on its AI magic to sort out the mess.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs: Smart performance over raw power
Bucking the tradition set by its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is likely to borrow Google’s next-gen Tensor G4 chipset from the Pixel 9 series. That’s almost two generations’ worth of performance upgrades over its predecessor!
Now, we don’t know much about the performance credentials of the Tensor G4 and if history is to be considered, it might not be as powerful as the latest Qualcomm or Apple Silicon chips. However, the Tensor chips are optimised for superior neural network processing and that could benefit generative AI performance on-device. Features like Magic Editor, Magic Audio Eraser, generative wallpapers and all other video enhancement features from the Pixel 8 Pro could make it to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
More Android OS updates
In 2023, Google kickstarted the trend of promising seven years of OS and security updates on its flagship Pixel 8 series. We expect the Mountain View-based tech giant to carry on the trend with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The device could debut with Android 15 at launch, and Google may continue to deliver updates until Android 22.
No major changes to the cameras!
Weirdly, the flagship smartphone from Google won’t feature any notable camera upgrades over its predecessor. It is said that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will continue to feature a 50-megapixel main sensor, a new Samsung-made 50-megapixel ultrawide shooter and the same 10.5-megapixel telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom from the Pixel Fold. The selfie camera on the main display will be upgraded to a 10-megapixel Samsung sensor while the video call camera on the cover display will feature a new 10-megapixel image sensor.
And it is coming to India!
Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will make it to the Indian shores and be a solid alternative to the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s release date
A foldable phone built for the Gemini era.
Out with the old. In with the Fold.Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/7zTWktAvWk pic.twitter.com/UZDudLiUWB
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) July 18, 2024
What are your thoughts on everything we have amassed about the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Do you like Google’s new design approach for its next-gen folding phone?
Don’t make up your mind yet, as there is still a lot left to be dug from the treasure trove of smartphone leaks. We expect more intel on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s battery capacity, display and a suite of generative AI features to surface in the weeks leading to the August 14 launch date.
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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Google)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rumoured to be based on the Tensor G4 chipset and accompany a larger 7.9-inch main folding display and a 6.4-inch cover display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will also feature a triple rear camera system, a massive battery, an under-display hidden selfie camera and the latest version of Android 15 out of the box.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be announced as part of the mainstream Pixel 9 series on 14 August 2024.
