Google made waves in 2022 with the launch of their first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold. Now in 2023, rumors are heating up around a potential Pixel Fold 2 sequel. While Google has yet to officially confirm the Pixel Fold 2, leaked details give clues about what improvements we might see.
Pixel Fold 2 Design
Alleged leaked images of a Pixel Fold 2 prototype show a similar vertical book-style folding design as the original. However, the camera bump on the back appears significantly larger, hinting at camera upgrades.
The Pixel Fold 2 looks to fold inward horizontally, with the display on the inside. This protects the screens when closed. The outer cover display appears roughly the same size as the first model.
Some reports indicate there may be a model with a slimmer 6.2-inch outer screen, compared to the chunkier 5.8-inch display on the current Pixel Fold.
Enhanced Durability
The original Pixel Fold suffered some durability criticisms. Reports suggest the Pixel Fold 2 may use an improved ultra-thin glass cover for enhanced protection against bumps or drops.
The hinge is also rumored to be more durable. This could increase its rated folding cycles before wear, bringing it closer to competing devices like the Samsung Z Flip 4.
Tensor G3 or Tensor G4?
The Pixel Fold 2 is expected to be powered by either Google’s Tensor G3 or Tensor G4 chipset. The Tensor G3 recently debuted in the Pixel 7 series, delivering up to a 60% performance boost over the first-gen Tensor.
However, given the Pixel Fold 2’s likely 2023 release, it could be the first phone with the Tensor G4. This would bring additional improvements to speed, camera processing, and AI capabilities.
Improved Cameras
The leap in camera size suggests major upgrades are in store. The Pixel Fold could adopt a similar camera system as the Pixel 7 Pro, with a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto setup.
A periscope lens could push optical zoom range up to 5x. We should also expect the excellent Pixel image processing and software improvements like Photo Unblur.
Inside Displays Get Refresh Rate Boost
Both the inner and outer screens of the Pixel Fold 2 are rumored to support up to 120Hz refresh rates. That’s up from 90Hz and 60Hz on the original.
This spec bump delivers even smoother scrolling and animations. when unfolded. The outer display will also feel more responsive with a faster 120Hz refresh.
Android 13L and Software Optimizations
Google’s Android 13L focuses on improving the foldable and tablet experience. The Pixel Fold 2 should launch with 13L onboard, bringing better multitasking, resizable widgets, and UI optimizations.
Unique Pixel software extras like Floating Toolbar and new split-screen workflows specifically tailored for the foldable form factor may also debut.
Pixel Fold 2 Price and Availability
Rumors suggest the Pixel Fold 2 will once again occupy ultra-premium pricing around $1799-$1899. Unfortunately, no huge cost savings compared to Gen 1.
If priced competitively with Samsung’s foldables, the Pixel Fold 2 could offer a more affordable alternative to the $1799 Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Google has a hardware event rumored for Spring 2023 where the Pixel Fold 2 could make its official debut, followed by an estimated Summer 2023 launch.
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