Code analysis reveals Google Pixel Fold camera details and prospective launch date

According to 9to5Google, the latest version of the Google Camera app has revealed new details about the Pixel Fold. Originally thought to be arriving this year, code in the APK points to the Pixel Fold running Android 12L. Specifically, Google has included the string 'isPixel2022Foldable', implying that the foldable will not arrive until next year.

For context, Google included equivalent strings for the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 series, which were referred to as 'isPixel2019MidRange' and 'isPixel2019', respectively. Apparently, 'isPixel2022Foldable' links to the codename 'Pipit', with 'Passport' the presumed codename of the Pixel Fold until this point. 9to5Google clarifies that Google has switched codenames before, but usually because of a hardware change.

To that end, the Google Camera app states that the Pixel Fold has four cameras, all Sony IMX sensors. Hence, Google's first foldable smartphone will not share its primary camera with the Pixel 6 series, which relies on the Samsung ISOCELL GN1. Instead, Google will return to the IMX363, a 12.2 MP camera found in every Pixel from the Pixel 3 to the Pixel 5a.

Additionally, 9to5Google reports that the Pixel Fold utilises the IMX386 as its ultra-wide-angle camera, another 12 MP sensor and two IMX355 sensors as front-facing cameras. These 8 MP cameras will adorn the outer and inner displays, mirroring Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series.

In short, the Pixel Fold will be closer to the Pixel 5 in camera performance than the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. According to Google, Android 12L will arrive as a feature drop in early 2022, 'in time for the next wave of Android 12...foldables'. Hence, we may not be that far away from seeing the Pixel Fold, despite how recent the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are.

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