Update: June 27, 2024 (4:20 AM ET): We’ve updated the Pixel Fold 2 rumor hub with confirmation of the Pixel 9 series launch event.
Original article: There was a long trail of rumors and leaks before the Google Pixel Fold launched. By this time last year, we had already seen renders of Google’s first foldable phone and were aware of many other aspects of the phone. However, the Pixel Fold 2 has mostly remained an enigma — until now. Thanks to our sources, we finally have some details to share about Google’s second foldy boi. We’ve got the low down on the Pixel Fold 2’s specs, design, and other hardware. Read on for all the latest.
Pixel Fold 2: At a glance
- When is the Pixel Fold 2 expected to come out? If rumors prove accurate, the Pixel Fold 2 could launch alongside the Pixel 9 series. Google confirmed an August 13 launch for the Pixel 9 series, suggesting that the Pixel Fold 2 could debut on the day too.
- What new features could there be for the Pixel Fold 2? The Pixel Fold 2 could see a design change as well as a processor and RAM upgrade.
- How much might the Pixel Fold 2 cost? There are no rumors about the Pixel Fold price yet, but Google could keep it unchanged and price the phone around $1,799 for the base variant.
Will there be a Pixel Fold 2?
February 2024 was the first time we heard anything substantial about the Pixel Fold 2. It looks like the device exists but is in the early stages of development. Google is clearly dedicated to foldable technology, and we don’t expect the company to stop at just one foldable phone. However, there have been no official confirmations from Google on a Pixel Fold 2 yet.
In a sudden change in naming strategy, our sources claim Google has recently started to refer to the Pixel Fold 2 as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as of April 15, 2024. This name is not final, but it’s said to be the moniker Google is using at the moment.
There are also rumors that Google could be working on a flip-style phone similar to the Galaxy Z Flip series. This was suggested in 2022 by an exclusive Android Authority leak of Google’s Pixel roadmap. However, we have no hard evidence for this phone quite yet.
What is the most likely Pixel Fold 2 release date?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Inside, home screen
- Google Pixel Fold — June 27, 2023
Now, this is a tricky one. We recently revealed in an exclusive that the Pixel Fold 2 might feature the Tensor G4 chipset instead of the Tensor G3 found on the Pixel 8 series. If so, Google could skip the expected summer launch for the new foldable and push it out alongside the Pixel 9 lineup in October. That’s also usually when Google unveils its new Tensor processors.
In an interesting twist, Google announced an August 13 launch date for the Pixel 9 series. We’re guessing the Pixel Fold 2 will launch here too. This earlier launch date also implies that the Tensor G4 will be ready on the day, so Google’s foldable could theoretically get it too if the Pixel 9 phones have it.
What will the Pixel Fold 2 look like?
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Thanks to our sources, we were able to get an image of what appears to be a Pixel Fold 2 prototype. The photo suggests that the second-generation Google foldable could feature a narrower form factor and a redesigned camera module.
According to our source, the cover screen of the Fold 2 is narrower compared to the Pixel Fold, and the inner screen’s aspect ratio is closer to a square. The inner and outer display also appear more rounded, matching the leaked Pixel 9 design. Our source described the phone as being like the first-generation Pixel in terms of feel and material.
Our source also told us that the selfie camera cutout on the inner display of the Pixel Fold 2 is in the top right corner instead of the top bezel, as was the case on the Pixel Fold.
Unfortunately, the information we received tells us that the display crease is still very much visible on the Fold 2.
The camera bar we saw on the Pixel Fold might also be replaced by a much smaller squarish camera bump on the top left of the Pixel Fold 2. It appears to have four camera sensors, an LED flash, and a microphone.
Renders of the Pixel Fold 2 have also leaked thanks to trusted leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka @OnLeaks). They pretty much confirm the leaked hands-on images we posted earlier. The camera module on the back looks incredibly similar, and the change in display aspect ratio appears present, too.
We can only speculate for now, but it looks like the three rear camera lenses shown in the renders will include primary, ultrawide, and periscope telephoto sensors.
The dimensions of the Pixel Fold 2 are also very different from the original Pixel Fold at 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.54mm. This means the Fold 2 will be taller and thinner than the original.
Keep in mind that these design aspects could change in the coming months since there’s still some time to go before Google puts the Pixel Fold 2 into mass production.
What rumored specs and features could the Pixel Fold 2 have?
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
At this point, we don’t know a whole lot about the Pixel Fold specs and features. However, we have a few promising leads about some upgrades that may be on the way.
As mentioned earlier, the Pixel Fold 2 could entirely skip the Tensor G3 chip and opt for the unannounced Tensor G4 processor that’s expected to power the Pixel 9 series. This would be very different from how the first Pixel Fold handled processing. It was powered by the Tensor G2, which debuted first on the Pixel 7 series in October 2022. One would expect the Pixel Fold 2 to take the same cue and launch with the Tensor G3 that powers the Pixel 8 lineup. However, our source suggests that recent prototypes of the Fold 2 have shifted to the rumored Tensor G4 chipset, codenamed “zumapro.”
Another tidbit our source informed us of is the possible increase in RAM on the upcoming Google foldable. Our source told us that some current prototypes of the Pixel Fold 2 feature 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The Pixel Fold shipped with 12GB of RAM, so this would definitely be a leg up for the new phone. Not only that, it would also make the Pixel Fold 2 the first Pixel ever to ship with over 12GB of RAM.
According to leaker Ross Young, the foldable display will be 8.02 inches, while the cover display is 6.29 inches. This would make it slightly larger than the Z Fold 5, which has a 6.2-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch foldable screen. Young also adds that panel production will start in April. However, we would take this leak with a grain of salt as Young has been wrong before.
It’s believed that the Fold could receive a new modem. According to our information, Google’s next foldable will have a Exynos Modem 5400. This modem offers an upgraded software stack, as well as support for 3GPP Rel. 17, which brings support for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communication in other words.
Speaking of satellite messaging, Google has been working on integrating support for satellite-based messaging in Android 15. At first, satellite communication will be text-based and provided by T-Mobile (built in collaboration with SpaceX). However, other providers will possibly join some time in the future.
Additionally, a special “Satellite Gateway” app will allow for easy communications with emergency services via a feature called “Emergency SOS.” This app will ask a few basic questions, to narrow down the situation, and you’ll be given a choice to notify your emergency contacts.
Once the questions are answered, you’ll be able to converse with emergency services to get the help you need. Due to the nature of satellite connectivity, mobile solutions using it typically need very specific alignment to connect. Google has designed animations to help this process, such as the one below:
X (formerly Twitter) user Nail Sadykov, uncovered what this UI could like in a social post. This UI is part of the Adaptive Connectivity Services app, which is a Pixel-exclusive app.
Here’s a first look at the Android Satellite Pointing UI
To connect via satellite you need to “move your phone to center the satellite in the circle”. This UI can be minimized into a floating window which can be useful to stay connected while you texting with emergency services pic.twitter.com/V0cKY8BJ5c
The UI will prompt the user to move their phone to “center the satellite in the circle.” This coincides with the user facing and pointing to the nearest active satellite they can connect to. During this time, it will provide a reminder that the user must get a “clear view of the sky by avoiding buildings, trees, and mountains,” for it to work correctly.
Additionally, the UI can be minimized into a floating window with the PiP button at the top left. You can see an example in the image below.
A storage upgrade to UFS 4.0 is also expected on the phone, which could result in faster load times for apps and games.
What might the Pixel Fold 2 price be?
Kris Carlon / Android Authority
- Pixel Fold 256GB: $1,799
- Pixel Fold 512GB:$1,919
The Pixel Fold was an ultra-premium device that started at $1,799. Samsung priced the Galaxy Z Fold 5 at the same price when it launched the phone in the US. We think Google will want to keep the pricing unchanged and expectations tempered since this is only the second time it’s releasing a foldable phone. A sudden price jump may not sit well with consumers who are now looking forward to more affordable folding devices anyway.
Should you wait for the Pixel Fold 2?
Kris Carlon / Android Authority
Pixel Fold
The Google Pixel Fold is still a relatively new device, as it’s only a little over half a year old. There’s no reason to wait for the Fold 2 if you’re interested in Pixel’s vision for foldables. While it’s not perfect, it’ll be a while before Pixel fans have any other Google-branded option.
Of course, if you aren’t impressed by the original and are still looking for a foldable, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 (
) is a great choice, although the Z Fold 6 is on the horizon. For even more foldable options, check out our guide to the best foldable phones.
Google Pixel Fold 2 wishlist
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
The Pixel Fold was a pretty solid first effort. Still, there are many things we’d like to see improved on the Google Pixel Fold 2. Although it’s likely still months away, it’s fun to speculate what the new Fold 2 might bring to the table. Here is our wishlist for the Google Pixel Fold 2.
A bigger battery and faster charging
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Google claims the Pixel Fold can make it beyond 24 hours, but this isn’t the case unless you keep your usage very light or toggle on Extreme Battery Saver. If you actually use the foldable as intended, you’ll find it makes it through one day at most, and with heavy usage, you’ll likely be running to the charger before the day is up. We really want this to be addressed with the Pixel Fold 2.
The Pixel Fold should move from a 4,821mAh battery to at least a 5,000mAh capacity, or at the very least, Google needs to improve power efficiency elsewhere. As much as I want a bigger battery, I also realize that real estate is a premium for foldables, so smaller batteries are often the name of the game.
At the very least, Google could give us faster charging so we can top the Fold 2 off fast and be back in action. The Pixel Fold is capable of up to 30W charging, which is decent for a Google phone, but we’d like to see it at least jump up to 45W to match devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Refinements to its bezels, crease, and weight
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
While the Google Pixel Fold is a decent-looking phone, we’d like to see the Fold 2 further refine this design by bringing down the weight while also reducing its crease. Sadly, rumors mentioned earlier suggest the crease might be here to stay.
The Google Pixel Fold is rather heavy at 283g. That’s significantly heftier than most candy bar phones, and even the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is lighter at 253g. On the bright side, the Pixel Fold is actually a bit smaller and thinner than the Fold. Still, we’d love to see Google further refine its design to bring the weight down to something a little more on par with the Fold 5.
The crease and bezels are kind of self-explanatory. Although Samsung has yet to completely reduce its crease, the Fold’s crease sticks out a bit more, and the larger bezels make the whole thing feel a bit like a first-generation product. Which, of course, it is. Here’s hoping the Fold 2 takes everything we love about Google’s first foldable while reducing its footprint in the process.
Better heat management
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
The Google Pixel series is known for its overheating Tensor chips, and unfortunately, that remains the case for the Google Pixel Fold. The Tensor G2 gets hot easily and often to the point it causes noticeable discomfort. Google really needs to address this. The good news is the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 doesn’t suffer as much with excess heat, so this won’t likely be a major issue for the Pixel Fold 2, even if it comes with the Tensor G4.
Improved app optimization
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
The Google Pixel Fold has a lot of potential, and while Google did make several software improvements specifically with foldability in mind, app support remains a major sore point. Support currently is worse than you’ll find on the Samsung Galaxy Fold series, as the latter has a more standard portrait-oriented display versus Google’s unique landscape orientation.
The quirky app optimizations mean that simple things like switching from tablet to phone mode can cause glitches and other issues with the display, as seen in the photo above. While we don’t mind Google’s approach to its displays, it needs to find ways to attract more developers and work out the kinks so the Fold no longer feels like a beta product.
Stylus support would be amazing
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Even though Samsung doesn’t bundle it with the device, we’re big fans of S Pen support on the Galaxy Fold 5. It seems like such a natural companion to a device that can transform into a tablet that’s the perfect size for drawing and taking notes.
We’d love for Google to compete by offering pen support of its own. Unlike Samsung, Google doesn’t necessarily need to invest in its own standard and could just offer USI support. For those who aren’t in the know, many Chromebooks currently use this standard, and while it hasn’t come to phones or even tablets formally, it would be a natural way for Google to extend pen support to more devices beyond just its laptops.
Which Pixel Fold wishlist feature would you like to see the most?
219 votes
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