Google 'Pixel Fold' release date, design: First 3D renders leak ahead of rumored launch in Q2 2023

Google’s unannounced foldable smartphone is officially back in the rumor mill with the release of its first alleged 3D renders, along with other details. The device, dubbed “Pixel Fold,” is expected to launch in early 2023.

Established leaker Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech released a series of 3D renders that they “digitally recreated” based on images and “other stuff” from his sources. The Pixel Fold is expected to be made of metal and glass, and a source reportedly emphasized that the device is going to be heavy. Although, the leak did not provide the phone’s specific dimensions and weight.

From Front Page Tech

It is hard to miss the Pixel Fold’s camera bar. Its design is not identical to the Pixel 6 and 7 generations, but the layout is mostly similar. A bulky island houses three cameras, an LED flash, and what appears to be a microphone.

The same report said the Pixel Fold would be available in Chalk (white) and Obsidian (black). It remains to be seen if Google will offer more color options once the device enters the market.

Front Page Tech did not have information on the technical specifications of the Pixel Fold, except for its selfie cameras. The prototype seen in the renders has two front-facing 9.5MP sensors. One of them would be placed in a hole-punch cutout in the cover display, which looks quite identical to Pixel smartphone screens. The main display, according to the recreated renders, would have thick bezels large enough to hide the second 9.5MP selfie camera on the upper-right corner of the screen.

It was also noted that the device in the renders is what has been referred to as a “passport” in earlier reports. As for its official name, Prosser said “Pixel Fold” is still “to be confirmed,” but it appears to be what Google employees have been calling the device.

Unlike the Pixel 7 generation, however, it appears that the Pixel Fold will not sport an under-display biometric sensor. Prosser said the foldable phone’s side-mounted power button would also function as a fingerprint scanner.

Prosser has previously made accurate reports on the release dates of upcoming Pixel products. And for the Pixel Fold, his sources said it is slated to launch in May 2023 alongside the Pixel Tablet. That means the foldable phone could be one of the highlights at the next Google I/O conference.

Like other foldable phones, the Pixel Fold will not come cheap. It is rumored to launch with a $1,799 price tag.

Photo by Thai Nguyen on Unsplash