Foldable Google Pixel phone tipped to launch later this year

Rumours around the first foldable Google Pixel smartphone have been in circulation for quite a while. We also saw reports claiming that the company has cancelled the foldable device but according to Ross Young, analyst and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), Google’s first foldable Pixel smartphone is likely to launch later this year. As per Tweet by Young, Google’s foldable Pixel will start panel production in Q3 of 2022. He also mentioned that the tech giant will launch the device in Q4 of 2022.

When it comes to the specs of the smartphone, Young claims that the device will feature a display with refresh rate of 120Hz, similar to the foldable smartphones by Samsung. He also believes that Google’s upcoming foldable smartphone may be smaller than the current generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. As per previous reports, Google is reportedly planning to add a pair of under-display selfie cameras along with a few sensors under the screen. As per patent application discovered by LetsGoDigital, the tech giant is planning to incorporate Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 like under-display camera on its smartphone. Although the patent does not reveal the exact technology that the company is planning to use, it is rumoured that Google will pair an emissive display with a small non-emissive selfie camera cut-out that will allow light to reach the camera sensor.

Samsung also uses this technology with its OLED panels. The non-emissive part in the screen is hidden as it radiates the light from the emissive part. It is worth noting that the technology from Google was reportedly invented by Sangmoo Choi and it is in conflict with older Samsung patents. The reason for the similar technology may be Sangmoo as he had also worked with Samsung a few years ago. The Korean giant first filed for an under-display camera patent back in 2017. The company later used the technology in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 that was launched last year.

Google also filed a patent for an under-display camera technology back in May 2021. But that technology is quite expensive and would have raised the price of the smartphones significantly. However, the technology in the latest patent application is expected to be cost-effective for Google.

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