This past week has been monumental for Google enthusiasts, with a series of significant leaks giving us a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Pixel 9 devices, expected to be unveiled at the Made by Google event on August 13th. The leaks were so extensive that Google practically confirmed the devices through their official website and YouTube channels. Among the plethora of information revealed, the most exciting details pertain to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Having used the first-generation Pixel Fold for most of the year, the improvements in this second-generation model appear incredibly promising. There’s a lot to delve into, so sit back and join us as we explore everything we know about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And for those not particularly interested in foldable phones, don’t worry—we’ll be covering all the Pixel 9 devices in detail. Stay tuned by subscribing to our channel, as we have a ton of content coming your way.

Design and Display: A Significant Upgrade

In addition to its impressive display and camera features, the Pixel Fold 2 is expected to boast some powerful internal specs. The device is likely to be powered by the Tensor G4 chip, a slight improvement over the Tensor G3, which is paired with advanced AI capabilities to deliver a seamless experience. The Tensor G4, while not a drastic upgrade, utilizes the cutting-edge 4nm process and includes an advanced cooling system for better heat management and potentially longer battery life. Furthermore, the Pixel Fold 2 is expected to feature improved 5G connectivity, which could enable faster speeds and better power efficiency, along with satellite connectivity for enhanced coverage.

The new design of the Pixel Fold 2 is visually appealing, and I’m pleased with the progress so far. While I’ll miss the distinctive look and the generous internal display of the original Pixel Fold, which was great for multitasking, its bulky form made it cumbersome to carry and difficult to manage with one hand. In contrast, the redesigned Pixel Fold 2 appears more compact, possibly making it easier to use with one hand and more convenient to slip into a pocket. However, we’ll need to get our hands on the final product to truly assess its functionality.

The most striking change is the device’s physical design. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel Fold 2 adopts a taller and slimmer profile when closed, reminiscent of the OnePlus Open’s design. This change brings a significant upgrade to the cover display, increasing its size from 5.8 inches to 6.4 inches. The back of the device was also showcased, revealing the return of the ceramic color scheme, now accompanied by gold accents. Notably, the camera module has undergone a radical redesign, moving away from the signature camera bar to a more angular, top-right corner placement. The camera bump appears prominent, hinting at potential camera improvements. Additionally, a glimpse of the internal screen shows significantly reduced bezels, shifting the selfie camera and aligning with leaked NCC images. While the internal bezels are not as minimal as those on the Z Fold or OnePlus Open, the improvement is still a welcome one.

Google’s Approach to Camera Technology

Google has a strong track record of optimizing older camera hardware effectively. Their top-notch computational photography algorithms and the utilization of machine learning through the Tensor G4 chip are expected to enable AI capabilities that can deliver impressive results even with outdated sensor technology. While I’m not personally concerned, I do believe that the “Pro” designation in Pixel 9 Pro Fold should imply professional-grade cameras. I remain cautious about this rumor for the time being, as it seems unlikely for Google to label the Fold 2 as “Pro” without the corresponding hardware features. Let’s stay patient and see how this develops.

Battery and Performance: What We Know So Far

This week, in addition to design updates, we’ve seen rumors emerge about the device’s internal specifications, including enhancements to the battery and camera. Although Google has yet to confirm these details, they’re worth exploring. A recent leak from Taiwan’s NCC revealed that the Pixel Fold 2 will feature a dual-battery setup, comprising a smaller 1,183 mAh battery and a larger 3,377 mAh battery, totaling 4,560 mAh. The same leak also disclosed a charging speed of 20.25 watts. Notably, this battery capacity is smaller than the original Pixel Fold’s 4,727 mAh and even trails behind the base model Pixel 9’s 4,780 mAh. The charging speed also appears to be slower than the Pixel Fold 1’s 21 watts.

While the Tensor G4 processor and new Samsung modem may offer improved power efficiency, it’s possible that the device’s sleeker design came at the cost of reduced battery size. Real-world testing will be necessary to determine how these changes impact performance, with the hope that it will at least match, if not surpass, its predecessor.

Pricing and Availability

Finally, let’s talk about the price. Although the official figures have not been disclosed, a French retailer has unofficially revealed a European price point of around EUR1,900, which is roughly $2,066. Keep in mind that this is purely speculative, and we’ll have to wait until Google’s official announcement on August 13th to confirm the price. This advance notice allows you to adjust your budget accordingly, as a potential price hike is possible.

Camera System: A Mix of Old and New

The camera system on the Pixel Fold 2 is expected to see some updates, although it’s not clear what improvements we can expect. A recent report from Android Authority suggests that the main camera will still use the same Sony IMX787 sensor as its predecessor. While this sensor is certainly capable, it’s disappointing to see Google sticking with the same technology in a device that could cost over $1,800. However, the ultra-wide camera is rumored to get an upgrade, switching to the Samsung 3LU sensor at 12 megapixels. The telephoto camera is expected to use the same Samsung 3J1 sensor as the Fold 1, with optical image stabilization. Both selfie cameras are expected to use the Samsung 3K1 sensor at 10 megapixels, which is also used in the S24 devices. Overall, it seems like most of the camera system will be similar to the original Pixel Fold, with the most notable changes being the ultra-wide and selfie cameras.

Additional Features and Final Thoughts

As we conclude, here are some additional details that were not covered in previous sections but are noteworthy. Regrettably, it seems that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will not include an infrared thermometer like the other Pro models in the series. Moreover, it does not appear to support the Qi2 wireless charging standard, which is a disappointment. Nonetheless, it is equipped with ultra-wideband support for precise location tracking and other connectivity features. On a positive note, there are rumors that a one-year subscription to Gemini Advanced will be included, offering various benefits such as access to Gemini 1.5 Pro with an expanded context window, the capability to upload files for answers and insights on the Gemini web app, two terabytes of cloud storage, and priority access to new features. The estimated value of the one-year subscription is $240, making it a valuable addition for users who utilize AI features. If AI technology is not of interest to you, the subscription may not hold as much value, but it could still be worth claiming the free trial.

I’m currently impressed with the updated design, but let’s review the remaining hardware components. While the Google teaser provided a sneak peek, the NCC leaks offer more detailed information. With 12 images and tear-downs available for review, we can observe the obsidian color option, confirming the return of both ceramic and obsidian finishes. I’m hopeful for another limited edition release, as I have a penchant for unique devices. The hinge mechanism appears similar, but leaked images show that the phone can now open completely flat, a significant improvement from the original design. Additionally, the punch-hole selfie camera positioned in the top right corner of the internal display is now visible, no longer integrated within the bezel. It remains uncertain whether it will be a fixed cutout or if Google will employ under-display technology to conceal it when not in use. The bezel seems made from the same glossy plastic as the initial Pixel Fold, known for its susceptibility to scratches and dents due to the absence of bumpers or raised edges found in other foldable devices. I’m hopeful that Google has improved the durability, as the internal bezels of my first-generation device show signs of wear after nearly a year of use.

A Thank You to Our Viewers

As I wrap up, I’d like to extend a massive thank you to our valued channel members who are tuning in live right now. We’re thrilled to have your backing and are committed to serving up a steady stream of Pixel-focused content to satisfy your cravings. Additionally, for those seeking trustworthy phone repair solutions, I highly recommend Gadget Kings PRS—my trusted repair experts of choice. Be sure to check them out for more details.

I have a positive outlook on the improvements Google is making in the Pixel Fold 2. Although the camera system has potential for enhancement, the device still looks like a solid upgrade. I have been pleased with my Pixel Fold 1, despite its limitations compared to the primary series in terms of AI capabilities. However, it seems that Google has addressed this issue in the Pixel Fold 2, which could be a game-changer. The foldable market is ripe for competition, and Google’s arrival may give Samsung a run for its money. Stay tuned for my full review on August 13th, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates!

Final Words

It’s been a pleasure sharing with you today, and I’m Jordan Floyd from 95 Google. I appreciate you taking the time to tune in, and I look forward to connecting with you again in our next video. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring the latest in tech with us!