Rumored Details and Prototype Image of Google’s Pixel Fold 2 Surface
Google is not giving up on the foldable smartphone market just yet, and rumors about the highly anticipated Pixel Fold 2 are starting to emerge. Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman claims to have a live picture of an “early prototype” of the Pixel Fold 2, and it reveals some interesting details about the device.
One noticeable change in the Pixel Fold 2 prototype is the camera bump on the back. In previous Pixel models, the camera bar was praised for its symmetrical design and stable base when placed on a table. However, this prototype takes a different approach. The camera block is now located in the top-left corner of the phone, similar to other smartphones in the industry. It is unclear what exactly is going on with the camera block, but there seems to be room for four camera lenses instead of the usual three. The top-left post appears blank in the photo, which could potentially be a spot for a laser autofocus sensor.
The reason behind this change in the camera block design could be that the Pixel Fold 2 is narrower and no longer has space for the full-length camera bar. According to reports, the cover screen is narrower, and more importantly, the inner screen has an aspect ratio closer to a square. This is a departure from the wide-screen design of the original Pixel Fold, which provided enough horizontal room to display a tablet app layout. The square screen suggests that the Pixel Fold 2 might follow the “side-by-side phone apps” approach, similar to the Galaxy Fold series. Some argue that a square-ish foldable is a more practical choice due to the lack of Android tablet apps. However, others believe that the Pixel line should be aspirational and that foldables are not yet ready for practicality arguments, considering the durability issues they still face.
While there is no picture of the inner screen, it is rumored to feature an in-screen camera, unlike the Fold 1 which had a camera hidden in the bezel, resulting in a wide bezel around the edges.
It is important to note that the design of the Pixel Fold 2 prototype could still change before it goes into production. Android Authority mentions that the phone is still in an early stage of development, so it is unclear if this is the final design. This leak deviates from the usual pattern of Pixel phones being leaked through CAD files shared by accessory manufacturers, indicating a finalized design. It is possible that Google is experimenting with different directions for the Pixel Fold 2, and fans are hoping for some tweaks to the design.
In addition to the design changes, there are reports suggesting that the Pixel Fold 2 will skip Google’s Tensor G3 chip and instead feature the G4 chip. This indicates a later launch than usual for the device. The original Pixel Fold was released in June with the Tensor G2 chip, only to be followed by the Tensor G3 chip just three months later with the Pixel 8. Aligning the Pixel Fold 2 with the G4 launch would suggest an October release alongside the Pixel 9. A delayed launch would also give Google more time to reconsider and refine the design.
As of now, these details about the Pixel Fold 2 are still rumors, and it remains to be seen how accurate they are. Google has not officially confirmed any information about the device. However, if these rumors hold true, the Pixel Fold 2 could bring some significant changes to Google’s foldable smartphone lineup and offer users a unique and innovative experience.