The Google Pixel Fold 2 is coming as the company’s second-gen foldable handset. Much like its predecessor, this handset will be a book-style foldable. The thing is, it will be considerably different than its predecessor when it comes to design, dimensions, and even display aspect ratios. Not a lot of information surfaced when it comes to this phone at the time of writing this article, but we’ll fill in the blanks as we go.
The expectations are high when it comes to the Pixel Fold 2. The original handset had its flaws, and many are hoping Google will fix most of them with the second-generation products. In this article, we’ll show you what you can expect from the Pixel Fold 2. We’ll also do our best to keep the article updated with upcoming information.
This article will be regularly updated with new information on the Google Pixel Fold 2 (this is a preview article) — both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims — as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. This is the initial version of the article.
When will the Google Pixel Fold 2 be released?
The Google Pixel Fold was announced in May 2023, during Google I/O. The phone was released on June 27, almost two months after the initial launch. It’s possible Google will once again present its foldable at Google I/O. The thing is, we’re not sure, as no particular info surfaced just yet. We can only guess, and the company could change its plans for the second-gen model of the device. Even the first one was rumored to arrive with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, rather than in May. The phone’s chip could also play a role here. If Google plans to use the Tensor G4, and not the Tensor G3, the company may have to wait until the Fall to launch the device.
What models are coming?
The original Pixel Fold arrived in a single RAM variant and two storage flavors. Chances are the same will be the case with the Pixel Fold 2. We’ll likely see a single RAM model with several storage options. If we had to guess, we’d say that Google will stick with 12GB of RAM inside the phone, and LPDDR5X RAM will hopefully be used. Google could stick with 256GB and 512GB storage flavors, though a third one could be included, a 1TB model. The company will hopefully make a jump to UFS 4.0 flash storage, though, as UFS 3.1 was used for the first-gen model.
How much will the Google Pixel Fold 2 cost?
Google is expected to either keep the same price tag for the second-gen Pixel Fold or lower it. We don’t think the phone will be more expensive than the original was. The original Pixel Fold was priced at $1,799 for the 256GB storage option and $1,919 for the 512GB storage flavor. Chances are that Google will either stick with that price, or lower that to $1,699 as a starting price tag. We’ll have to wait for more specific information to surface, though, as we’re only guessing at this point.
What will the Google Pixel Fold 2 look like?
We do know what the Pixel Fold 2 will look like. The phone not only appeared in CAD-based renders already, but it also surfaced in a real-life image. You can check out those images at the very end of this section. First and foremost, Google will change the aspect ratios of the displays quite a bit, and therefore the layout of the phone too. The Pixel Fold 2 will be considerably taller and narrower when folded. It will be a lot more similar to the OnePlus Open and many other foldables in that regard. The Pixel Fold, as many of you know, was quite short and wide, as Google was aiming for a more landscape-orientated foldable when unfolded.
What that being said, the bezels will be much thinner on this model too. The original Pixel Fold had rather chunky bezels around the main display. This one will change that quite a bit, though it will also have a punch hole on both of its displays. The Pixel Fold included the selfie camera inside its bezels when it comes to the main panel, which is changing here. That camera will sit in the top-right corner of the main display. It will be centered on the cover display.
The camera island will be different
The sides of the phone will be mostly flat, but they will curve towards the sides, for comfort’s sake. The hinge will be hidden when the phone is unfolded, while the rear camera island is changing too. It will be taller this time around, and also narrower. It will be located in the top-left corner of the phone’s backside, while it was moved more towards the middle on the PIxel Fold. We have to say that this camera layout does look a bit odd, though. There are two pill-shaped cutouts for the cameras, basically.
It may initially seem like there are four cameras on the back, but chances are we’re looking at three of them. An LED flash is also included in the camera island, and that camera island does protrude quite a bit. A fingerprint scanner will likely remain included within the power/lock key on the right-hand side. The phone’s corners are rounded quite a bit, while the device seems to be made out of metal and glass, just like its predecessor. We do hope it will be a lot lighter than its predecessor. The Pixel Fold was a heavy, heavy device, even by foldable standards. Based on the CAD-based renders, the PIxel Fold 2 will measure 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.27mm when unfolded. We don’t have the information about its dimensions when folded, though.
CAD-based renders:
Real-life image:
What specs will the Google Pixel Fold 2 have?
The Google Pixel Fold 2 specifications are still a mystery, well, most of them, at least. The Google Pixel Fold launched with the Google Tensor G2 chip. So, the Pixel Fold 2 should come with the Tensor G3, right? Well, it all depends on when Google ends up launching the phone. It would perhaps be a better idea to wait until the fall and include the Tensor G4 processor, the same chip that is expected in the Pixel 9 series. If Google ends up including the Tensor G3, the Pixel Fold 2 will quickly get outdated compared to its Pixel 9 siblings. One rumor even indicated that the Tensor G4 will be included.
What about the rest of the specs? Well, none of those leaked just yet. The device will likely include 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, though, and arrive with more than one storage option. So we may end up seeing 256GB and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage flavors, perhaps even a 1TB model. We are also expecting a larger battery to be included in the package. The original model had a 4,821mAh battery, a slight increase is expected. Well, unless Google plans to use a silicon-carbon battery, in which case we may see a 5,000mAh unit. We are not expecting major charging speed increases, but both wired and wireless charging are expected. Let’s hope Qi2 charging will also be supported.
It will feature larger displays
Considering the phone’s dimensions, based on CAD renders, the device will also get a larger display. The original model had a 7.6-inch main display, this one could go all the way up to a 7.9 or 8-inch main panel. The outer display will also be larger, we’re expecting it to be larger than 6 inches, perhaps a 6.4 or a 6.5-inch panel. Both of those displays will be LTPO AMOLED panels, and both will offer a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Let’s hope that the crease on the main display will be less noticeable this time around. That was not one of the Pixel Fold’s strong suits.
Android 14 will come pre-installed on the device, while you will also get a set of stereo speakers. We’re expecting some sort of an IP rating here. The Pixel Fold offered an iPX8 rating, so that’s the bare minimum that is expected on the PIxel Fold 2. The device will also offer eSIM support, in addition to supporting a regular nano SIM card. At least two color options will be available, but we’re still not sure what those will be.
Should you wait to buy the Google Pixel Fold 2?
Should you wait to buy the Pixel Fold 2 instead of getting the Pixel Fold now? Well, probably, especially if Google launches the successor in May. The second-gen Pixel Fold will be a huge improvement based on what we’ve seen thus far. The sheer design and build quality are expected to get a considerable boost, so… waiting a bit to see what the phone will deliver may not be such a bad idea. The Pixel Fold is definitely not cheap, and its successor won’t be either, so you may as well hold onto your money for a bit longer. The expectations are high for the Pixel Fold 2, so let’s hope that the phone will deliver.
