For years, Google‘s foldable smartphone ambitions have been met with a lukewarm reception. The original Pixel Fold, while a solid device, fell short of delivering the flagship experience many expected from a $1,799 smartphone. However, a recent leak suggests that Google may be gearing up to shake up the foldable landscape with the launch of the Pixel 9 series later this year, including a device dubbed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

The leak and lineup rumors

The rumor mill started churning when an alleged “Google insider” spoke to the team at Android Authority, divulging details about Google’s upcoming smartphone lineup. According to the source, the Pixel 9 series could consist of four distinct models: the base Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, a new Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the highly anticipated Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

While specific details about each device’s specifications and features remain scarce, the mere existence of four models in the same lineup suggests that Google is aiming to deliver consistent performance across the board – a significant development for Pixel Fold enthusiasts who have been yearning for a true flagship experience.

The Pixel Fold’s shortcomings and redemption hopes

The original Pixel Fold, while a solid smartphone, was marred by several shortcomings that hindered its flagship aspirations. The Tensor G2 chipset, powering both the Pixel Fold and the Pixel 7 series, proved to be a letdown, offering decent but unspectacular performance. Additionally, devices equipped with the Tensor G2 were plagued by poor battery life and a tendency to run unusually hot – a concerning issue for a device that commanded a premium price tag of $1,799 in the United States.

It was widely assumed that the Pixel Fold 2 would address these issues by adopting the Tensor G3 chipset, promising improved performance and battery life. However, the wait for Google’s next foldable offering has been longer than anticipated, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of a true flagship contender.

Potential hardware and design rumors

While the leak remained tight-lipped about the specific hardware specifications, previous rumors have suggested that the upcoming Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, could be powered by an expected Tensor G4 chipset. This system-on-chip (SoC) is reportedly slated for use in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro models, making it a logical choice for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as well.

On the design front, Android Authority claims to have seen renders of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which they describe as visually similar to the other three models in the lineup. However, the publication refrained from sharing these renders, instead opting to share an image from a late February leak, which at the time was referred to as the Pixel Fold 2.

The naming conundrum

Interestingly, the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” moniker itself may not be set in stone. According to Android Authority, the name change from the previously rumored “Fold 2” to the current title is a recent development, suggesting that the branding could be a placeholder until a final, official name is decided upon.

The waiting game and Google I/O 2024

While leaks and rumors can be exciting, it’s important to approach them with a degree of skepticism. As with any unconfirmed information, the details surrounding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and its siblings could change as we inch closer to their official unveiling.

Fortunately, the wait for official information may not be too long. With Google I/O 2024 rapidly approaching, set to commence in approximately a month, tech enthusiasts can expect to catch a glimpse of the Pixel 8a and potentially a tantalizing teaser for the new Pixel 9 series.