Google Pixel Fold 2 first look leaked, shows compact design with a new camera island

HIGHLIGHTS

• Google Pixel Fold 2 is expected to launch later this year.
• Its design looks similar but is more compact, and features a new camera module.
• The Google Pixel Fold 2 is also reportedly skipping the Tensor G3 chipset, and going straight for the Tensor G4.

Google debuted its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, at its I/O conference last year. The first Pixel Fold launched in the US with the Tensor G2 chipset, a 7.6-inch display, and in a compact foldable design. We’re expecting the second-gen Google Pixel Fold 2 to launch later this year, and a new leak reveals what might be its design.

Google Pixel Fold 2 prototype spotted online

• The first-ever look at what could be the Pixel Fold 2 has been revealed, and there are some key design changes. The image, sharedby Android Authority, shows the Pixel Fold 2 opened but only the back panel, and cover screen are visible.
• According to this leak, the Pixel Fold 2’s cover screen looks narrower than the first-gen, and the overall form factor is also said to be similar to the OnePlus Open. The Pixel Fold 2 is also said to feature a more rounded inner and outer display, and also a more premium aluminum frame. In addition to a more compact design, the Pixel Fold 2 is also said to be pretty thin but the crease is still going to be noticeable.
• One major change in terms of design would be the rear camera design on the Pixel Fold 2. Instead of the long camera bar, the Pixel Fold 2 might opt for a rectangular-shaped camera module on the top-left corner. There are four sensors visible here that could include a primary wide-angle lens, an ultra wide-angle lens, and a periscope telephoto lens. The fourth one isn’t known yet but it could be the temperature sensor like the Pixel 8 Pro or some other sensor.
• This time, the Google Pixel Fold 2 will reportedly feature a display cutout in the top-right corner for the interior display. This is different than the inner screen camera that’s in the top bezel of the Pixel Fold.

Do note that this is the first look of the Pixel Fold 2, and that it’s still at the beginning of the Engineering Validation Test (EVT) stage of the product cycle. This means that the final design of the Pixel Fold 2 could still change from what it is now.

The Pixel Fold 2 is expected to launch alongside the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro later this year in October. This is reportedly due to the Pixel Fold 2 going for the Tensor G4 instead of the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 chipset. So we might not see a new Google foldable at I/O this year.