The hopes for a Google Flip smartphone didn’t come to fruition last year or this year, as of October 2024, there's still no official word on it. However, the concept of a Google Pixel Flip hasn’t been entirely dismissed yet.
Rumors indicate that Google might be looking into creating a clamshell foldable similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series or Motorola's Razr. Interestingly, many Chinese companies began with book-style foldables before branching out into clamshell flip models. So, it wouldn’t be entirely shocking if Google opts to take this route.
We're always exploring different types of devices, different technologies, and it's really fascinating. We're definitely considering it.
– George Hwang, Google, May, 2023
Keeping all this in mind, we’ve compiled all the available information about Google's upcoming clamshell foldable into one convenient spot. We will keep you posted with regular updates on news, rumors, and everything buzzing around the web about it, so stay tuned!
Given the lack of detailed information and no previous versions to reference, all we can do is speculate for now. Google introduced its latest foldable phone alongside the Pixel 9 series in August 2024. The tech giant made its book-style foldable a part of the Pixel 9 series, naming it the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
So, if a Pixel Flip is in the cards, the announcement might happen along the next generation Pixel series. Regarding the timeline, earlier rumors, as shared by Android Central, suggest that the Pixel Flip could make its debut in 2025. Whether 2025 is indeed the year, we'll have to wait and see.
Device name
Announcement
Market release
Google Pixel Fold
May 10, 2023
June 27, 2023
Google Pixel Flip
August 2025*
2025*
*probable dates
Google Pixel Flip price
It's hard to say how much the Google Pixel Flip will cost right now, as it would be a new move for the tech giant. Our best estimate is based on observing current trends in the foldable phone market.
Since the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced similarly to its main rival, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, it wouldn’t be shocking if a clamshell foldable from Google is priced close to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6, which currently starts at $1,099.
If the trend of increasing smartphone prices persists in the coming years before the rumored release of the Google Pixel Flip, there's a possibility that the price could go even higher than $1000.
Google Pixel Flip name
We're calling it the Google Pixel Flip for now, but its official name is still a mystery. "Flip" seems like a reasonable guess, especially since Google named its book-style foldable the Pixel Fold.
Whether the clamshell foldable ends up being named Flip or Comet, or perhaps both for different purposes (public and internal naming), remains to be seen.
Google Pixel Flip camera
Just like everything else at this point, the camera setup of the upcoming Pixel Flip smartphone remains shrouded in mystery. It's plausible that the Pixel Flip might adopt a rear camera setup with one main wide shooter and an ultra-wide camera aligned in line next to each other, maintaining that distinct Pixel aesthetic.
However, it's still too early to provide more concrete details. One thing that seems likely, though, is the incorporation of AI camera features in any future Pixel phone, including a foldable one. Lately, Google is all about AI.
Pixel Flip storage
As of now, it's reasonable to anticipate a minimum of 8GB of RAM and a storage capacity of up to 512GB for the Pixel Flip. The landscape of the industry and technology is dynamic, so there's potential for even better specifications by the time the Pixel Flip is released.
Following the industry trend, including Google and other manufacturers, it's likely that different storage options will be available, each coming with its own pricing tier.
Google Pixel Flip design and display
When it comes to the design of a clamshell foldable smartphone, one thing is certain: it will resemble a clamshell foldable smartphone. Setting jokes aside, Google has maintained a consistent design approach for its Pixel smartphones over several generations. Drawing insights from the latest Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, we can anticipate a similar aesthetic.
This would likely involve a glossy back panel with a substantial cover screen. Google might position a camera visor either above or below the cover screen, with options to adopt the standard Pixel design or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold design for the cameras. A mockup from Caseology envisions the Pixel Flip with a Fold-like camera housing and a smaller bar-like cover screen.
Image Credit–Caseology
Expect the hinge for the display to be akin to the one used on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or at the very least, an upgraded iteration. Regarding the display itself, there's currently no information available. However, it's reasonable to anticipate at least a primary FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. In terms of size, if we take the Galaxy Z Flip 6 as the benchmark for comparison with a potential Pixel Flip, a similar 6.7-inch inner display could be expected.
Pixel Flip battery
The battery details for the Google Pixel Flip remain shrouded in mystery for now, too. Foldable smartphones, particularly clamshell foldables, aren't renowned for their extended battery life. Take Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Flip 6, for instance, equipped with a 4,000mAh battery that can get you through a day with regular usage, but not much beyond that.
The Motorola Razr Plus (2024) packs a similar 4,000mAh battery managing to last a day. Depending on when the Pixel Flip hits the market and the pace of technological advancements, we can anticipate a battery size in the range of 4,000mAh or potentially even better.
Pixel Flip performance and software
If Google continues with its Tensor line of chips, it's plausible that the Pixel Flip will operate on a future iteration. Currently, the latest Tensor chip is the G4, which introduces cutting-edge AI capabilities to the Pixel 9 series.
A next-generation Tensor chip would likely deliver performance on par with other clamshell foldables available in the market at the time. However, it might not reach the performance levels offered by Qualcomm's offerings, if historical trends are any indication.
While the Tensor G2 chip found in the Pixel Fold holds its own ground as a decent performer, it doesn't quite measure up to the prowess of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, powering the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5.
Regarding the software, it's almost a certainty that the Pixel Flip will come equipped with a future version of Android.
Should you wait for Pixel Flip?
With the information available so far, it's evident that details about the future Google Pixel Flip are still scarce. While the tech giant might be in the process of developing a clamshell foldable, it might not be the best idea to wait for it until we have more confirmations.
However, waiting for the Pixel Flip might be a good call if you're a devoted Pixel fan, committed to sticking with Pixel smartphones in the long run, and not in a hurry to get your hands on a clamshell foldable.
On the flip side, if you're eager to get your hands on a new foldable phone right away or in the near future, it's advisable not to wait for the Pixel Flip. There are excellent alternatives currently available, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Motorola Razr Plus (2024). Additionally, the Oppo Find N2 or the Find N3 are formidable options that shouldn't be overlooked.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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