All the things we all know and what we need to see

Unique article: There was a protracted path of rumors and leaks earlier than the Google Pixel Fold launched. By this time final yr, Google’s first foldable was already out in the actual world. Google’s second foldable is but to launch formally, however because of a stream of latest leaks, we lastly have concrete particulars to share in regards to the telephone. We’ve acquired the low down on the specs, design, and different {hardware} of Google’s upcoming foldy boi, together with affirmation from Google that its second era foldable will probably be referred to as the “Pixel 9 Professional Fold” as an alternative of “Pixel Fold 2.” Learn on for all the most recent.

February 2024 was the primary time we heard something substantial in regards to the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. It regarded just like the gadget exists however is within the early phases of growth. Google is clearly devoted to foldable know-how, and we don’t count on the corporate to cease at only one foldable telephone.

As anticipated, a second-generation foldable is coming from Google, and the corporate has confirmed that it will likely be referred to as the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.

This title wasn’t at all times on the playing cards. Google used to name the foldable the Pixel Fold 2, however our sources declare that Google began referring to it because the Pixel 9 Professional Fold as of April 15, 2024.

There are additionally rumors that Google may very well be engaged on a flip-style telephone just like the Galaxy Z Flip sequence. An unique Android Authority leak of Google’s Pixel roadmap prompt this in 2022. Nonetheless, we have now no arduous proof for this telephone fairly but.

• Google Pixel Fold — June 27, 2023

It was tough to foretell when the following Pixel Fold would launch since there was just one launch on this sequence. Earlier this yr, we revealed in an unique that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold may characteristic the Tensor G4 chipset as an alternative of the Tensor G3 discovered on the Pixel 8 sequence. This mainly confirmed that Google may launch the Pixel 9 Professional Fold together with the Pixel 9 sequence as a result of that’s when it typically debuts the brand new Tensor chip.

In an attention-grabbing twist, Google introduced an August 13 launch date for the Pixel 9 sequence. When the corporate confirmed the brand new title of the foldable, it confirmed that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold will launch on the identical day because the Pixel 9 sequence, i.e., on August 13.

Google has confirmed what the Pixel 9 Professional Fold appears to be like like via its official reveal video above. The teaser just about confirms the design modifications we’ve been seeing up to now leaks, together with this Pixel 9 Professional Fold prototype. The prototype photograph prompt that the second-generation Google foldable may characteristic a narrower type issue and a redesigned digicam module.

Earlier this week, we solely reported that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold will characteristic fully new dimensions for each its screens. The internal display screen will measure 8 inches diagonally, whereas the unique Pixel Fold’s was 7.6 inches. This modification in measurement is basically because of the exterior display screen getting taller and narrower to suit a extra standard ~20:9 side ratio. It’s additionally grown in measurement, with a diagonal of 6.24 inches in comparison with 5.8 inches on the unique Pixel Fold. An attention-grabbing tidbit is that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold’s outer show dimensions really feel very near these of the Pixel 9’s display screen.

Other than the brand new sizes, the screens are additionally going to get rather a lot brighter. Our report factors towards a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and 1,600 nits for the exterior and inside screens, respectively. The identical numbers had been at 1,200 nits and 1,000 nits on the unique Pixel Fold. The refresh fee on each screens goes to be 120Hz.

Our supply additionally instructed us that the selfie digicam cutout on the internal show of the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is within the prime proper nook as an alternative of the highest bezel, as was the case on the Pixel Fold. Sadly, the knowledge we acquired tells us that the show crease continues to be very a lot seen on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.

When it comes to the remainder of the design, the official teaser has confirmed that the digicam bar we noticed on the Pixel Fold will probably be changed by a a lot smaller squarish digicam bump on the highest left of the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. It seems to have 4 digicam sensors, an LED flash, and a microphone. Nonetheless, the telephone will solely have three digicam sensors. Extra on that in a bit.

The scale of the Pixel 9 Professional Fold are additionally very completely different from these of the unique Pixel Fold, at 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.54mm. This implies the Pixel 9 Professional Fold will probably be taller and thinner than the unique.

The Android Authority staff just lately uncovered unique particulars in regards to the Pixel 9 sequence showing on the NCC certification web site, offering us with some real-life photographs showcasing the telephone from all doable angles.

Firstly, these photos additional confirm that Google is shifting the internal selfie digicam to the display screen’s nook, which aligns with earlier render hints.

From the photographs, it’s additionally evident that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold can have noticeably slimmer prime and backside bezels on its inside show in comparison with the unique Pixel Fold. Even the show crease seems much less distinguished, however we’ll should see the telephone with its display screen on to know for certain. Curiously, the telephone lies fully flat in these photographs, a notable enchancment from the first-gen Fold, which couldn’t be opened absolutely.

At this level, we don’t know something for sure in regards to the Pixel 9 Professional Fold specs and options. Nonetheless, the latest promo materials leak did verify among the rumors we had been listening to.

Firstly, it’s mainly a given now that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold will skip the Tensor G3 chip and go for the unannounced Tensor G4 processor that’s anticipated to energy the Pixel 9 sequence. This may be very completely different from how the primary Pixel Fold dealt with processing. It was powered by the Tensor G2, which debuted first on the Pixel 7 sequence in October 2022.

One other improve that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold may very well be getting is 16 gigs of RAM as default, as talked about within the picture above. The Pixel Fold shipped with 12GB of RAM, so this may undoubtedly be a leg up for the brand new telephone.

It seems that the brand new Pixel 9 Professional Fold may include some downgrades in comparison with the unique. The NCC itemizing we discovered signifies the Pixel 9 Professional Fold can have a battery capability of 4,560mAh. For context, the unique Pixel Fold had a 4,727mAh battery, which Google marketed as 4,800mAh. This implies the Pixel 9 Professional Fold may need an marketed battery capability of round 4,600mAh.

Charging speeds is also slower. Whereas the unique Pixel Fold was marketed with 23W charging speeds, the NCC itemizing reported it as 22.5W. For the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, the NCC lists charging speeds at 20.25W, which doubtless interprets to an marketed velocity of 21-22W. Curiously, all different Pixel 9 fashions, together with the non-Professional model, are listed with considerably greater charging speeds on the NCC listings.

Our Pixel 9 sequence digicam leak additionally mentions spec downgrades for the Pixel 9 Professional Fold as in comparison with the unique Pixel Fold. The ultrawide digicam is now a Samsung 3LU (1/3.2-inch) as an alternative of the outdated Sony IMX386 (1/2.8-inch). Each of the outdated selfie cameras (Sony IMX355, 1/2.8-inch, and Samsung 3J1, 1/3-inch) have been modified to the Samsung 3K1 (1/3.94-inch).

It’s believed that the Fold may obtain a brand new modem. Based on our info, Google’s subsequent foldable can have a Exynos Modem 5400. This modem affords an upgraded software program stack, in addition to assist for 3GPP Rel. 17, which brings assist for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communication in different phrases.

Talking of satellite tv for pc messaging, Google has been engaged on integrating assist for satellite-based messaging in Android 15. At first, satellite tv for pc communication will probably be text-based and supplied by T-Cell (in-built collaboration with SpaceX). Nonetheless, different suppliers will presumably be a part of a while sooner or later.

Moreover, a particular “Satellite tv for pc Gateway” app will permit for straightforward communications with emergency companies by way of a characteristic referred to as “Emergency SOS.” This app will ask a couple of primary inquiries to slim down the state of affairs, and also you’ll be given a option to notify your emergency contacts.

As soon as the questions are answered, you’ll be capable to converse with emergency companies to get the assist you want. Because of the nature of satellite tv for pc connectivity, cellular options utilizing it sometimes want very particular alignment to attach. Google has designed animations to assist this course of, such because the one beneath:

X (previously Twitter) person Nail Sadykov, uncovered what this UI may like in a social publish. This UI is a part of the Adaptive Connectivity Providers app, which is a Pixel-exclusive app.

The UI will immediate the person to maneuver their telephone to “middle the satellite tv for pc within the circle.” This coincides with the person going through and pointing to the closest lively satellite tv for pc they’ll connect with. Throughout this time, it is going to present a reminder that the person should get a “clear view of the sky by avoiding buildings, bushes, and mountains,” for it to work appropriately.

Moreover, the UI may be minimized right into a floating window with the PiP button on the prime left. You possibly can see an instance within the picture beneath.

A storage improve to UFS 4.0 can also be anticipated on the telephone, which may end in sooner load instances for apps and video games.

• Pixel Fold 256GB: $1,799
• Pixel Fold 512GB:$1,919

The Pixel Fold was an ultra-premium gadget that began at $1,799. Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 on the identical value final yr. We didn’t have any rumors in regards to the Pixel 9 Professional Fold’s pricing up to now, however a latest leak, courtesy of Dealabs, does give us some thought about what to anticipate from Google’s Pixel pricing this yr.

Based on the outlet, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold may very well be priced at €1,899 (~$2,065) for the 256GB mannequin and €2,029 (~$2,207) for the 512 GB mannequin in France. These are the identical costs that the Pixel Fold launched at in Europe, so we will count on Google to observe the identical pricing technique within the US, too. The leak additionally hints that the Pixel 9 Professional Fold will probably be accessible in the identical Porcelain and Obsidian shade choices.

We expect Google will need to maintain the pricing unchanged and expectations tempered since that is solely the second time it’s releasing a foldable telephone. A sudden value leap might not sit nicely with customers who are actually wanting ahead to extra inexpensive folding gadgets anyway.

The Pixel 9 sequence launch occasion is just some days away, so in case you can delay your buy, it makes absolute sense to attend and see what Google launches on the day. The Pixel Fold nonetheless affords some of the comfy ergonomics on a book-style foldable, and arguably probably the most aggressive set of cameras amongst all foldalbes, but it surely suffers from numerous first-gen issues that Google will most actually iron out within the upcoming Pixel 9 Professional Fold.

The Pixel Fold was a reasonably strong first effort. Nonetheless, there are a lot of issues we’d prefer to see improved on the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Though it’s doubtless nonetheless months away, it’s enjoyable to take a position what the brand new Pixel 9 Professional Fold may deliver to the desk. Right here is our wishlist for the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold.

Google claims the Pixel Fold could make it past 24 hours, however this isn’t the case until you retain your utilization very mild or toggle on Excessive Battery Saver. When you really use the foldable as meant, you’ll discover it makes it via at some point at most, and with heavy utilization, you’ll doubtless be working to the charger earlier than the day is up. We actually need this to be addressed with the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.

The Pixel Fold ought to transfer from a 4,821mAh battery to no less than a 5,000mAh capability, or on the very least, Google wants to enhance energy effectivity elsewhere. As a lot as I need a greater battery, I additionally understand that actual property is a premium for foldables, so smaller batteries are sometimes the secret.

On the very least, Google may give us sooner charging so we will prime the Pixel 9 Professional Fold off quick and be again in motion. The Pixel Fold is able to as much as 30W charging, which is first rate for a Google telephone, however we’d prefer to see it no less than leap as much as 45W to match gadgets just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely.

Whereas the Google Pixel Fold is a decent-looking telephone, we’d prefer to see the Pixel 9 Professional Fold additional refine this design by decreasing its weight and crease. Sadly, rumors talked about earlier counsel the crease is perhaps right here to remain.

The Google Pixel Fold is somewhat heavy at 283g. That’s considerably heftier than most sweet bar telephones, and even the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is lighter at 253g. On the intense aspect, the Pixel Fold is definitely a bit smaller and thinner than the Fold. Nonetheless, we’d like to see Google additional refine its design to deliver the load right down to one thing a bit of extra on par with the Fold 5.

The crease and bezels are form of self-explanatory. Though Samsung has but to fully scale back its crease, the Fold’s crease stands out a bit extra, and the bigger bezels make the entire thing really feel a bit like a first-generation product. Which, in fact, it’s. Right here’s hoping the Pixel 9 Professional Fold takes all the pieces we love about Google’s first foldable whereas decreasing its footprint within the course of.

The Google Pixel sequence is understood for its overheating Tensor chips, and sadly, that continues to be the case for the Google Pixel Fold. The Tensor G2 will get sizzling simply and sometimes to the purpose it causes noticeable discomfort. Google actually wants to deal with this. The excellent news is the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 doesn’t undergo as a lot with extra warmth, so this gained’t doubtless be a significant subject for the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, even when it comes with the Tensor G4.

The Google Pixel Fold has numerous potential, and whereas Google did make a number of software program enhancements particularly with foldability in thoughts, app assist stays a significant sore level. Assist presently is worse than you’ll discover on the Samsung Galaxy Fold sequence, because the latter has a extra commonplace portrait-oriented show versus Google’s distinctive panorama orientation.

The quirky app optimizations imply that easy issues like switching from pill to telephone mode may cause glitches and different points with the show, as seen within the photograph above. Whereas we don’t thoughts Google’s strategy to its shows, it wants to search out methods to draw extra builders and work out the kinks so the Fold not seems like a beta product.

Although Samsung doesn’t bundle it with the gadget, we’re huge followers of S Pen assist on the Galaxy Fold 5. It looks as if such a pure companion to a tool that may remodel right into a pill that’s the right measurement for drawing and taking notes.

We’d love for Google to compete by providing pen assist of its personal. In contrast to Samsung, Google doesn’t essentially have to put money into its personal commonplace and will simply supply USI assist. For individuals who aren’t within the know, many Chromebooks presently use this commonplace, and whereas it hasn’t come to telephones and even tablets formally, it will be a pure approach for Google to increase pen assist to extra gadgets past simply its laptops.