Google Pixel Fold
Leaks suggest Google's foldable Pixel could look like the Oppo Find N, pictured here.
What we're expecting: Google hasn't entered the foldable phone race yet, but that could change very soon. The search giant may release a foldable Pixel phone as early as June, according to 9to5Google and WinFuture.
Google's take on the foldable phone could look like the Oppo Find N, according to 9to5Google. YouTube personality Dave2D says he received a blank model showing what the rumored Pixel Fold's design could look like, and it kind of resembles Microsoft's Surface Duo.
Developer Kuba Wojciechowski also reportedly discovered clues in the Android 13 beta hinting at a possible foldable Pixel device. The code suggested the phone would have a main, telephoto and ultrawide camera just like most premium phones, along with the same inner selfie camera as the Pixel 6.
Why we're excited about it: We won't know anything for certain unless Google announces a foldable phone. But there are a couple of reasons why I'm excited about the idea of a Pixel Fold.
Google typically undercuts Samsung and other phone makers on price, meaning the Pixel Fold could end up being fairly affordable compared to competitors. Foldables are also still largely a novelty. They appeal to early adopters, but most people still don't really see the value in foldable phones just yet. Foldables phones are only expected to have accounted for 1.1% of the global smartphone market in 2022, according to The International Data Corporation's estimate.
Since Google operates Android and has a history of coming up with unique features for its regular Pixel phones, I'm hoping it'll do the same for a Pixel Fold. With its current Pixel devices, Google has added helpful features like the ability to sharpen photos that are out of focus and have Google Assistant wait on hold for you. If it does release a foldable, I'd like to see it follow the same approach and develop creative, useful features that take advantage of a foldable screen.