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Google boarded the foldable smartphone bandwagon by launching the Pixel Fold at the I/O event 2023. By then, major brands like Samsung had already released multiple generations of their foldable smartphones. Although Google was late to the party, it already had a foldable phone in the pipeline since 2019.
The first-gen Google foldable smartphone was allegedly in active development under the codename “Passport” in 2020 and “Pipit” in 2022. Unfortunately, the first Google foldable prototype never saw the light of the day. However, nearly a year after the Pixel Fold’s launch, alleged photos of the canceled Google Pixel Fold prototype have appeared online.
The canceled Google Pixel Fold prototype had a familiar design
The photos of the alleged first-generation Google Pixel Fold prototype first appeared in an XDA forum thread last month. The original images have since been deleted. However, Android Authority managed to get copies of the images. Furthermore, the source claims that these images are indeed of the canceled Google Pixel Fold prototype. These photos are of the prototype, which was in development under the codename “Pipit” (Passport earlier).
The leaked images show that the first-generation Google Pixel Fold smartphone’s prototype had a familiar design. It appears to be eerily similar to the final Pixel Fold. The major difference between their design is a Pixel 6-like seamless glass bar running through the entire width of the prototype offering. The final product sports a smaller camera module made of polished metal, just like the Pixel 7 Pro.
Apart from the aforementioned differences, the Pipit prototype is almost similar to the final product. It has a similar aspect ratio, frame, and hinge design. Although it’s not visible in the images, the prototype model even had a matte back glass like the final phone. There appears to be a skin applied to the back of the prototype version.
Notably, the source claims that the Pipit foldable prototype even had support for a stylus. If launched, it would’ve arrived with the first-gen Tensor chipset, two 12MP primary Sony cameras, and an 8MP selfie snapper. Furthermore, the report suggests that the Pipit prototype had a smaller display at 66 x 128mm as compared to 67 x 130mm on the final Pixel Fold.
The Pixel Fold 2 is likely launching on August 13 alongside the Pixel 9 series
Google is now all set to host its annual “Made by Google” event on August 13. At the event, the company is expected to introduce a couple of new Pixel 9 series flagships. In addition, the Mountain View-based tech giant could also unveil the Pixel Fold 2 at the same event. Some reports suggest that the second-gen foldable offering from Google could be called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold instead.
Recently, a few leaked case render images suggested that the Pixel Fold 2 will be taller and narrower than the first-gen model when folded. The device will sport a much different primary camera island at the rear. It will be placed in the top-left corner of the handset’s backside as compared to the middle on the Pixel Fold.
The rumor mill indicates that the Pixel Fold 2 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It could be offered with up to 16GB of RAM and the upgraded UFS 4.0 faster storage solution. The new foldable is also expected to flaunt some AI-powered camera enhancements and more. We can expect official details about the phone in a matter of weeks, so stay tuned.
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