Google may be shaking things up with the launch of the Pixel 9 series later this year because we could see four individual models, including a rebranded Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This nugget of information comes from a “Google expert” who spoke to Android Authority. According to his source, the quartet consists of the basic Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, a new Pixel 9 Pro XL and the aforementioned foldable. Not much is known about the individual devices. No specifications or features were mentioned in the leak. However, all four together in the same lineup suggest that they offer similar performance, which will be of great importance to Pixel Fold fans in particular.
You see, the original Pixel Fold was a bit disappointing. It's still a solid smartphone, but the Tensor G2 chipset in the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7 series turned out to be a flop. Performance is decent but not amazing, and phones with Tensor G2 tend to have poor battery life. Additionally, in our experience, such devices can become unusually hot. Remember, when it launched, the Fold cost $1,800 in the United States. You can't blame people for wanting more.
Until recently, it was assumed that the Pixel Fold 2 would adopt the Tensor G3 chipset and solve all the problems of the previous models. But we are still waiting for the next foldable to be presented.
Possible hardware
It's hard to say for sure what kind of hardware will be found under the hood. To reiterate, the specifications of the device were not in the report. A previous leak suggests that the upcoming phones will use the long-awaited Tensor G4 chipset. That system on a chip (SoC) is planned to be in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Logic dictates that it will be the same hardware in a Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
In terms of design, Android Authority claims that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be similar to the other three models. The site says they have seen renders of the smartphone, but have not shared any of them. Instead, they posted an image of what was then known as the Pixel Fold 2 from another leak from late February.
What's in a name?
While we're talking about names, there's a chance that “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” won't be the official name at launch. Android Authority says the name change from “Fold 2” to the current moniker was a recent development. The current brand may simply be a placeholder until a suitable title has been finalized.
As always, take this leak with a grain of salt. Things could always change. We won't have to wait long for more information, as Google I/O 2024 starts in about a month. At the event, we hope to see the Pixel 8a plus a preview of the new series.
In the meantime, check out TechRadar's roundup of the best Pixel phones for 2024.
