Rumors have been circulating for a long time about a folding smartphone being in development at Google. Moreover, some sources had predicted an release in 2021 (at the same time as the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro) of this folding smartphone.
But unfortunately (or not) this one did not happen. However, according to new information circulating on the web, Google has not abandoned the project. The “Pixel Fold” would still be in the pipes.
In an article published a few days ago, the MySmartPrice site indicates that it has discovered a benchmark for the future Google Pixel Fold, whose code name would be Pipit. This would suggest that the device’s launch is still on schedule and that it might even be imminent.
According to the article, Pipit would have an octa-core processor with a maximum clock speed of 2.8 GHz, while the GPU would be a Mali G78. Based on the data available on this benchmark, MySmartPrice states that the Pixel Fold should use the same Google Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Google would also have planned to provide this smartphone with a 12 GB RAM memory. And logically, it should come with Android 12 or even Android 12L, a set of features that Google is developing in order to optimize Android for tablets. and folding smartphones.
The right timing?
Of course, for the moment, all this information is still unofficial. For now, Google has not yet discussed the development of a folding smartphone.
However, if Google launches the Pixel Fold this first half of 2022, it would do so at a time when sales of this type of device are finally taking off.
Indeed, in 2021, Samsung finally saw its sales take off. Indeed, compared to 2020, shipments were four times higher. Moreover, predictions indicate that the market size for folding smartphones is expected to increase tenfold by 2023.
In other words, now is the right time for smartphone makers to get started. Among Samsung’s competitors, there are already Xiaomi, Oppo, and soon Honor. Will Google be part of it as well?
A Pixel Watch would also be on the program
In addition to the rumors about the Pixel Fold, sources also mention the Pixel Watch. This year, Google could finally launch its first connected watch.
This would benefit from the partnership between the Mountain View firm and Samsung. In 2021, the two companies have indeed decided to merge their Wear OS and Tizen platforms in order to combine the advantages (for example, the next connected watches should have better autonomy).
In addition, as Google has already finalized the acquisition of Fitbit, the firm will also have the possibility of integrating the products and services of this company into its future connected watch.
