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Leaker reveals Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold pictures and specs before mid-August release

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold looks nothing like last year's Pixel Fold. (Image source: NCC)
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold looks nothing like last year's Pixel Fold. (Image source: NCC)
Google appears set to join Honor, Samsung and Xiaomi in releasing a new foldable smartphone this summer. Despite not confirming as much yet, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has already been pictured in full with a radically different design. Unfortunately, it seems that the shift in design has forced Google to make hardware compromises in a few areas.
Android Google Pixel Foldable Smartphone Leaks / Rumors

There have been plenty of Pixel 9-related leaks of late, many of which we recently summarised in a dedicated article covering the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Based on recent evidence, Google also intends to launch a fourth Pixel 9 model though as a Pixel Fold (curr. $1,199.99 on Amazon) successor. Not only does new information reiterate it, but it provides a detailed look at said device for the first time.

In short, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold looks more like the OnePlus Open than its direct predecessor. Specifically, Google has done away with the squat design of the Pixel Fold in favour of a more conventional form factor. Moreover, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has pronounced frame edges that wrap around both its cover display and glass back panel, just like the OnePlus Open.

Additionally, Google has shifted from integrating an internal camera within its foldable smartphone's frame. Instead, it has orientated this camera within top right-hand corner of the device's foldable display, just like the OnePlus Open. According to Kamila Wojciechowska, Google has equipped this year's foldable Pixel with a pair of 10 MP (Samsung 3K1) and 1/3.94-inch selfie cameras, which may actually be inferior to the Sony IMX355 and Samsung 3J1 sensors it included in the Pixel Fold for these tasks.

(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)

For reference, Android Authority speculates that Google has compromised in this regard to achieve a thinner overall design with its second-generation foldable. Similarly, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is said to feature the Samsung 3LU as its ultra-wide-angle camera, a 12 MP sensor that has a smaller optical format than the Sony IMX386 inside the current Pixel Fold (1/3.2-inch vs. 1/2.8-inch). By contrast, the Sony IMX787 and Samsung 3J1 are expected to remain in situ as primary and telephoto cameras, respectively, both with optical image stabilisation (OIS).

Furthermore, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears set to arrive with a 4,500 mAh combined battery capacity that supports roughly 20 W wired charging, which would both be downgrades on the existing Pixel Fold. Conversely, the former supports ultra-wideband (UWB) and is certified for Thread, unlike the latter. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold should debut on August 13 alongside the rest of the Pixel 9 series, plus the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and two Pixel Watch 3 smartwatches.

(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)
(Image source: NCC)

Source(s)

NCC via Android Authority (1) (2)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 07 > Leaker reveals Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold pictures and specs before mid-August release
Alex Alderson, 2024-07-17 (Update: 2024-07-17)