Google Pixel Flip: Leaks, rumors, and what we want to see

Foldables are all the fashion in 2023, with firms like Google launching their first and others like Motorola introducing very spectacular follow-ups that might give even Samsung a run for its cash. And whereas giant book-style foldables just like the Pixel Fold are positively cool, it is the flip-style ones which can be actually shifting models.That’s why when Google launched the Pixel Fold this 12 months, it left some Pixel followers eager for a clamshell foldable various from the corporate. After all, a Google Pixel Flip would make sense if Google actually desires to promote extra models whereas easing shoppers into the thought and dealing the nostalgia angle.That stated, a Pixel Flip is not fully off the desk, and Google might have one in growth. So what will we find out about this elusive Pixel Flip, and will it’s definitely worth the wait?Google Pixel Flip: Price and availability(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Admittedly, there have not been many rumors concerning the Pixel Flip. However, a supply informed Android Authority about Google’s alleged smartphone roadmap for the subsequent a number of years and that we would count on a doable Pixel Flip launch someday in 2025. That means we’ve a few generations of Pixel Folds earlier than Google offers us a less expensive possibility.According to the publication, this might launch within the fall of that 12 months, alongside just a few different non-folding fashions and doubtlessly a successor to the Pixel Fold. This might imply Google might shift its foldable launch window to fall versus summer time, which is when the primary Fold launched.By this time, it might hopefully make monetary sense for Google to launch a Pixel Flip. When requested why the corporate did not launch one alongside the Pixel Fold, a spokesperson informed Android Central, “The technology to develop foldables comes with a notable cost – and we have not hit our long-term price targets yet.”As for value, it is unclear how Google would value the Pixel Flip. Given the Pixel Fold prices as a lot because the Galaxy Z Fold 5, it is secure to imagine Google would value it on the upper finish, probably $999. That would match different high-end clamshell foldables offered at the moment, just like the Galaxy Z Flip 5.Google Pixel Flip: Design(Image credit score: Android Central)Google has caught to the same design for its Pixel smartphones for a few generations now and is rumored to retain this design language with the Pixel 8 collection. It’s not clear how a lot that may change within the subsequent couple of years, however for now, our speculations are purely based mostly on the present Pixel design and a mixture of current clamshell foldables.That would imply a shiny pack panel with a big cowl display just like the Motorola Razr Plus. Google might place a digicam visor above or beneath the quilt display, though it might go together with the usual Pixel design (proven on the prime of the article) or the Pixel Fold design for the cameras (above). It most likely will not be as boxy because the Z Flip collection since Google tends to go for extra curved designs.Caseology, which makes a few of the greatest Pixel Fold instances, additionally has a mockup of the Pixel Flip, which reveals a Fold-like digicam housing and a smaller bar-like cowl display. This may very well be a singular take, though it might really feel restricted in comparison with the continued pattern we’re seeing with this foldable fashion.Mockup of a Pixel Flip posted by Caseology (Image credit score: Caseology)Other design thrives might embrace a number of coloration choices, a taller facet ratio, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The hinge for the show would possible be just like the one used on the Pixel Fold, or a minimum of some upgraded type of it. We additionally count on some type of water resistance.Google Pixel Flip: Specs(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Assuming Google sticks with its Tensor line of chips, the Pixel Flip will possible run on some future model, most likely a Tensor G5 of some type. This would most likely present the Pixel Flip with comparable efficiency to different clamshell foldables available in the market on the time, though it could not match as much as Qualcomm’s choices if historical past is something to go by.For now, we are able to count on 8GB of RAM, as much as 512GB of storage, and a major FHD+ OLED show with a refresh fee of 120Hz. The cowl display will most likely have a decrease refresh fee, which might rely on how huge Google desires to go.Batteries are tough with clamshell foldables since OEMs have to stay two batteries into the telephones. Unfortunately, battery life is not sometimes phenomenal on these units, which does not bode nicely for shoppers hoping for a long-lasting Pixel Flip.Google additionally does not push the envelope with regards to charging, so we are able to most likely count on comparable speeds to the Galaxy Z Flip collection.Google Pixel Flip: CamerasIf there’s one factor that is fairly constant about Pixel smartphones, it is that they’ve phenomenal cameras. Even if the {hardware} is not nice, Google’s computational pictures greater than makes up for it, though the identical cannot be stated for video on Pixels.Good pictures is not one thing clamshell foldables are recognized for, and corporations typically accept dual-camera setups with respectable picture high quality at greatest. A Pixel Flip might flip the script on that narrative since it might have the total energy of Tensor behind it. And even when Google sticks with a twin digicam setup, it might make the most of its Super Res Zoom to boost zoomed-in pictures and make up for the shortage of a telephoto digicam.Google Pixel Flip: What we need to see(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)So far, we have gone over a few of the prospects with regards to a possible Google Pixel Flip. It’s not confirmed to be within the works, however Google could be foolish to not think about it. That stated, if Google does launch a Pixel Flip, listed below are a few of the issues we might like to see:A better cowl displayGoogle has factor going with the At a Glance widget on its Pixel telephones, and the corporate might take that even additional if it supplied a Pixel Flip. Cover screens are nice for glanceable info and fast interactions, and Google might actually benefit from this by actually leaning into At a Glance.But past that, we might hope Google takes a web page from Motorola’s guide and simply lets us use apps on the quilt display out of the field. No leaping by means of hoops like on the Galaxy Z Flip 5.Dust resistanceRight now, mud resistance is a rarity on foldable telephones, however Motorola appears to have managed to get it on the Razr Plus. Google already has the water resistance factor down with the Pixel Fold, however hopefully, it may take it a step additional with mud resistance, too. Samsung stated this was one thing it was engaged on for its foldables, so maybe Google can get some pointers.Better camerasYes, Google has nice digicam software program that normally does the brunt of the work, however Google has an opportunity to essentially get forward of the competitors by specializing in digicam high quality. After all, flip-style foldables are marketed towards the kind of shoppers who prefer to publish on TikTok since they permit customers to seize pictures and movies of themselves with out a tripod. However, none of that issues if the digicam does not seize good pictures or video.Do one thing about TensorGoogle’s Tensor chip is an okay chip, however it simply does not examine to Qualcomm’s flagship chipsets on competing telephones. Performance is missing, and customers complain about thermal administration, battery drain, and the modem. Let’s face it, Tensor may very well be rather a lot higher, and Google must determine one thing out if it desires to promote its foldables.With the Pixel Flip allegedly years away, hopefully, it will give Google sufficient time to get its act collectively and provides us a Tensor chip that we’ll love. That stated, we can’t maintain our breath.