Pixel Fold: first images of the prototype reveal a radically different design

As you can see in the image above, the original Pixel Fold had a radically different camera housing. Instead of the sleek, pill-shaped case, we got a straight, rectangular channel with all the sensors arranged side by side. Additionally, the actual sensors were also different. For starters, the main sensor was a 12 MP Sony IMX363 (compared to 48 MP Sony IMX787 on the Pixel Fold), an 8 MP Sony IMX355 external selfie camera (compared to 11 MP IMX 3J1) and the telephoto lens was completely absent. Other changes were much more subtle, like a Tensor G1 SoC instead of the Tensor G2, and a slightly smaller exterior display. Additionally, it would support pen input like the Galaxy Z Fold5.

While it was smart for Google to polish its foldable for another year, it has a number of design flaws, particularly in terms of durability. Our in-depth review highlighted some flaws with the ambient light sensor and thermal throttling under heavy loads. The Tensor G4-powered Pixel Fold 2 (aka the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) is expected to bring another massive design overhaul with a colossal 8.02-inch display. Whether or not it will come with the Pixel 9 Pro’s new camera sensors is a mystery that will be revealed when it launches on August 13.