Google Pixel Fold: New prototype appears in Android 13 code with premium camera hardware

It appears that Google's development of the first Pixel Fold or Pixel Notepad has taken another twist. Previously, there has been evidence to suggest that the company had developed 'Passport', the development of which is thought to have been stopped in favour of 'Pipit'. Based on new code findings by Kuba Wojciechowski, Google may have now replaced 'Pipit' with 'Felix', a hitherto unknown codename.

Reportedly, Android 13 QPR1 Beta 1 contains references to 'Felix', as having five cameras, including front-facing inner and outer cameras. Also known internally as 'F10', Wojciechowski claims that 'Felix' relies on the Sony IMX355 as its inner camera, the same sensor found in the Pixel 6 and older Pixel smartphones. Additionally, 'Felix' has two Samsung ISOCELL 3J1 (S5K3J1) cameras, one for telephoto optics and the other as the front-facing camera on its cover display.

Moreover, Android 13 QPR1 Beta 1 refers to 'Felix' as having Sony IMX787 (64 MP) and Sony IMX386 (12 MP) as its primary and ultra-wide-angle cameras, respectively. Overall, Wojciechowski considers this camera setup as 'fitting for a premium device'. In other words, 'Felix' should be a flagship device, mirroring next month's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

According to Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), Google will start mass producing foldable Pixel smartphone panels in January 2023 ahead of a March 2023 release. As Wojciechowski points out, 'Pipit' has been seen in Android code with the Google Tensor, the same chipset that powers the Pixel 6, Pixel 6a and the Pixel 6 Pro. Google has now confirmed that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will rely on Tensor G2, a second-generation version that should also feature in the Pixel 7a.

As such, it seems unlikely that Google's first foldable smartphone, presumably a halo product, will utilise the original Google Tensor. Hence, 'Pipit' may end up on the cutting room floor like 'Passport' in favour of 'Felix'. Potentially, Google could tease details about 'Felix' at October's hardware launch event, as it did with the Pixel 7 series and the Pixel Watch in May during I/O 2022. Currently, the company has only confirmed the launch of the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Watch, though.

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