Not long ago, our initial glimpse of the upcoming Google Pixel Fold 2 left us puzzled as its design seemed peculiar. The camera ‘visor’ on the back had vanished, replaced by an unusual rounded rectangle island housing two oval-shaped camera areas stacked on top of each other. Initially resembling a prototype, recent leaks suggest that Google is indeed embracing this design, and CAD-based renders of the Pixel Fold 2 have surfaced, mirroring the peculiar configuration seen in the hands-on shot from earlier this month.
The absence of the visor is conspicuous, giving way to what can be deemed, in the writer’s opinion, the most unattractive camera island or protrusion in the history of mobile devices. Neither its shape, proportions, nor placement exude aesthetic appeal. Putting aside this design quirk, the leaked images showcase the Charcoal color variant of the upcoming foldable smartphone.
Significant improvements are evident in the device’s display features. The inner screen incorporates an under-display selfie camera in the top right, allowing for significantly reduced bezels compared to the original Pixel Fold. The outer screen, with a size of 6.4 inches (or 6.6 inches factoring in the corners), surpasses its predecessor and features a centrally positioned hole-punch for a selfie camera.
Unfolded, the phone measures 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.27 mm, adopting a squarer form compared to its predecessor, aligning with earlier rumors. Additionally, it is marginally thinner, enhancing its overall sleekness. In its folded state, the dimensions become 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.54 mm, making it even slimmer than the rumored dimensions of the Galaxy Z Fold6.
The lower frame houses the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM tray, while the right side accommodates the power and volume buttons. An additional speaker grille is situated at the top, accompanied by an antenna line intricately cut into the metal frame.
Rumors surrounding the Pixel Fold 2 suggest the potential use of the Tensor G4 chipset, potentially delaying its launch to October alongside the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. With a speculated 16GB of RAM, a record for Google, and UFS 4.0 storage, the Pixel Fold 2 appears poised to make a notable impact in the foldable smartphone landscape.
Published on 03/6/24 11:00 | by Rawa John
Yesterday, reports surfaced suggesting that the Google Pixel Fold 2 might bypass the Tensor G3 chipset featured in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, opting instead for the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. This implies a potential October release alongside the latter devices, contrary to the original Pixel Fold, which debuted in May.
Today, the same source behind yesterday’s disclosure leaked an image purported to be a prototype of the Pixel Fold 2, offering a sneak peek at its design. Notably, two distinct features set this model apart. Firstly, the camera bump adopts a new shape, diverging significantly from the visor-like structure of the original Pixel Fold. This departure is intriguing, considering the elongated camera island has become a defining characteristic of the Pixel series.
Secondly, the cover screen of the Pixel Fold 2 appears longer and narrower compared to its predecessor, addressing the wide form factor that caused issues with apps registering as landscape mode when opened. The Pixel Fold 2 aims to rectify this by being slightly longer than its width when unfolded, allowing apps to default to their portrait orientation.
While the leaked image doesn’t reveal the inner screen, the source indicates a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera in the top right—a departure from the OG Pixel Fold, which housed the camera in the bezel. Described as “fairly thin,” the Pixel Fold 2 still exhibits a noticeable display crease.
It’s essential to approach this leaked image with caution, as it’s just one perspective. If the Pixel Fold 2 indeed hits the market in October, there’s ample time to uncover more details about the device in the coming months.
Published on 02/12/24 9:10 | by Rawa John
There are rumors circulating that Google’s upcoming Pixel Fold smartphone might bypass the Tensor G3 chipset and opt for the Tensor G4 instead. This advanced chipset is anticipated to power the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro scheduled for an October release.
If the Pixel Fold follows suit with this upgraded chipset, it might only make its debut alongside the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. The initial Pixel Fold was unveiled at last year’s Google I/O conference in May, leading us to anticipate its successor this May. However, if these rumors hold true, the release might be delayed.
In terms of performance, Google’s Tensor chipsets haven’t been groundbreaking so far. Hence, waiting a few more months to incorporate a superior chip in the new Fold seems like a reasonable decision. Adding to the intrigue, there are reports of Google testing the Pixel Fold 2 with a substantial 16GB of RAM, surpassing any previous Pixel model.
Additionally, it boasts UFS 4.0 storage, a notable upgrade from the UFS 3.1 storage found in the original Pixel Fold. While leaks about the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have surfaced, there’s been no information regarding the Pixel Fold, possibly hinting at the credibility of the current rumor.
Published on 02/11/24 1:23 | by Rawa John