Google’s next foldable phone could be the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and finally get flagship specs
Google could shake things up with the launch of the Pixel 9 series later this year, as we could see four individual models, including a renamed Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This piece of information comes from a ‘Google insider’ who spoke to us Android Authority. According to their source, the quartet consists of the base Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, a new Pixel 9 Pro XL and the aforementioned foldable. Not much is known about the individual devices. Neither specifications nor features were mentioned in the leak. However, all four together in the same setup suggest they deliver similar performance, which will be a big deal for Pixel Fold fans in particular.
You see, the original Pixel Fold was a bit of a disappointment. It’s still a solid smartphone, but the Tensor G2 chipset in the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7 series turned out to be a dud. Performance is decent but not great, and phones with the Tensor G2 tend to have poor battery life. Additionally, in our experience, these devices can become unusually hot. Remember, the Fold cost $1,800 in the US at launch. You can’t blame people for wanting more.
Until recently, it was assumed that the Pixel Fold 2 would use the Tensor G3 chipset and solve all the problems of previous models. But we’re still waiting for the next foldable tablet to be unveiled.
Possible hardware
It’s hard to say for sure what kind of hardware will be found under the hood. Again, the device specifications were not included in the report. A previous leak suggests that the next phones will use an expected Tensor G4 chipset. That system on a chip (SoC) is planned for the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro. Logic dictates that it will be the same hardware on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
As for the design, Android Authority claims that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will look similar to the other three models. The site says they have seen renders of the smartphone but have not shared them. Instead, they posted an image of what was then known as the Pixel Fold 2, taken from yet another leak from late February.
What’s in a name?
While we’re on the subject of names, there’s a possibility that “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” won’t be the official name at launch. Android Authority says the name change from “Fold 2” to the current name was a recent development. The current branding may simply be a placeholder until a proper title is finalized.
As always, take this leak with a grain of salt. Things can always change. We won’t have to wait long to find out more, as Google I/O 2024 kicks off in about a month. During the event we expect to see the Pixel 8a plus a teaser for the new series.
In the meantime, check out Ny Breaking’s roundup of the best Pixel phones for 2024.