Why I’m glad a Pixel Ultra probably won’t happen after all

Late final yr, Android Authority spoke to an “anonymous but trustworthy source” that described Google’s roadmap via the subsequent three years. This supply basically refuted the rumor that Google will promote a Pixel Ultra sooner or later. Fans of telephones just like the Galaxy S22 Ultra could discover this disappointing, this leak proves that Google will play to its strengths by copying Apple’s playbook as an alternative of Samsung’s. And I solely want Google would begin mirroring the iPhone method in 2023 as an alternative of 2024.To briefly summarize the Android Authority (opens in new tab) supply’s claims:The Pixel Fold and 7a will arrive round Google I/O 2023 in May.A petite Pixel 8 and unchanged Pixel 8 Pro launch this fall as common.If the Pixel 7a does not promote, Google will skip the 8a and launch the funds cellphone each two years as an alternative.In 2024, Google will change to an Apple technique, promoting the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro together with a 6.3-inch Pro mannequin with the identical specs because the bigger Pro. It can also promote the Pixel Fold 2.In 2025, it could launch a sandwich-style foldable much like the Galaxy Z Flip collection, or promote two Pixel 10s and two Pixel 10 Pros with dimension as the one differentiator.Google will very probably deviate from the supply’s Pixel roadmap. Case in level, Google could have pushed the oft-delayed Pixel Fold from spring to fall 2023, in line with rumors from the previous few days. Google fortunately delays units for years if they don’t seem to be prepared and experiments with new designs based mostly on what resonates with customers. So none of that is sure.Android Authority’s supply says Google is dead-set on its Pixel plan to “mimic Apple’s successful sizing strategy” beginning with the Pixel 9.What I do discover most fascinating is that the supply gave no point out of a Pixel 8/9/10 Ultra. In mid-2022, the AOSP confirmed proof of a Pixel 7 Ultra (labeled ‘G10’) with related specs to the Pixel 7 Pro (or ‘P10’) however with a barely bigger show. This gadget clearly by no means arrived, and Google apparently has no plans to rival conventional large flagships just like the Galaxy S22 Ultra that horde the perfect shows and cameras.Instead, Google will promote one-handed Pro telephones with all the identical premium perks whereas promoting its present Pros as “Pro Max” telephones. That might not be what Google calls them, however the supply “emphatically” mentioned this may occur and that Google “wants to mimic Apple’s successful sizing strategy” with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro Max (no matter they find yourself being named).I’m much less eager about Google’s plan to promote a plus-sized base Pixel 10, given how the iPhone 14 Plus was an abject industrial failure. But for the Pro lineup, it makes good sense for Google to copy the technique.Copying Apple is not a nasty transfer for GoogleThe Google Pixel 7 Pro (left) and iPhone 14 Pro (proper) (Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)One of my favourite telephones of 2022 was the Galaxy S22 Plus because it gave a near-flagship expertise with out the behemoth curved design of the Ultra. But it wasn’t with out its flaws, primarily as a result of Samsung felt the necessity to deprive its center baby of sure issues so the Ultra may outshine it. I’d argue a $1,000 cellphone should not have simply 8GB of RAM and FHD decision, however giving it these options would make folks much less prone to upsell themselves to the Ultra for “just” $200 extra.That’s what makes Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro such a tempting choice, even with the mediocre battery life. Plenty of individuals will fortunately settle for a smaller display and shorter lifespan than the Pro Max for a top-tier one-handed cellphone as a result of they know Apple will not compel them to spend extra for another unique options or higher efficiency.While Google and Apple won’t ever see eye-to-eye on telephones — see their longstanding RCS feud for only one instance — I’m glad Google selected to emulate its rival quite than its shut companion, Samsung. Google can and may emulate Samsung for its foldables technique, however for conventional handsets, its $899 Pixel 7 Pro is already the perfect Android cellphone in our e-book for a whole bunch lower than the S22 Ultra. If Google wished to promote a Pixel 9 Ultra, how wouldn’t it high a 6.7-inch Pro cellphone with a QHD/120Hz show, 12GB of RAM, and Tensor-backed cameras?Unless Google begins overclocking its Tensor chips, it has few methods to make a Pixel Ultra stand out moreover costly upgrades or downgrading the wonderful Pro.As my colleague Harish Jonnalagadda mentioned in regards to the Tensor G2, Google is not enjoying the numbers recreation with its {hardware}. It fortunately makes use of older Cortex cores than you may discover within the newest Snapdragon chips, relying extra on its APU for demanding duties like picture processing. So an costly Ultra cellphone does not make sense until it begins utilizing overclocked or Tensor+ chips, or else downgrades the Pro one way or the other to make the Ultra look extra compelling.The identical applies to its cameras. Samsung offers the Galaxy S22 and S22+ the identical cameras, reserving the perfect decision and zoom for the Ultra. But Google gave its Pixel 7 and Pro the identical predominant, ultrawide, and selfie cameras, solely reserving the telephoto lens for the Pro. Neither have particularly highly effective sensors in comparison with most telephones since Google depends on Tensor AI to ship options like Photo Unblur and Super Res Zoom. If the Pixel 7 Pro competes with the S22 Ultra regardless of having inferior sensors, then a Pixel Ultra may ship some actually unimaginable outcomes, which is admittedly tempting. But taking that path would make it extra probably the opposite Pixel telephones would persist with older {hardware} to assist the Ultra stand out, hurting the Pro in the long term.Let the Pixel Fold be the Pixel ‘Ultra’If the leaked Google Pixel roadmap is correct, Pixel followers of the close to future will both have a variety of choices or a really slim listing, relying on how 2023 goes for Google. The 2024 Pixel Fold 2 and Pixel 8a, plus the 2025 Galaxy Z Flip-imitating sandwich foldable, would possibly by no means see the sunshine of day if the Pixel Fold and 7a fail to promote.Given Google has no obvious plans for a Pixel Ultra, we will solely hope that it lastly stops delaying its Pixel Fold and at last launches it this yr. Not many individuals will have the ability to afford it, given its alleged $1,800 price ticket. But if Google tempts present Pixel 6 and 7 house owners with enticing trade-in offers, many will swallow the price for the possibility at a top-tier gadget that beats the Pro with its distinctive design, even when it has the identical efficiency and cameras as different Google telephones.