After many rumors, Google came out with its first foldable phone in May last year, called the Google Pixel Fold. It was the result of a close collaboration between the internet search giant and Samsung, as the Pixel Fold's two displays and Tensor chipset are both made by Samsung.
Even though the original Pixel Fold was far from a serious Galaxy Z Fold 5 competitor, it signaled Google's seriousness for the foldable form factor, and gave Pixel fans hope that future iterations would be better. However, if this leaked Pixel Fold 2 picture is anything to go by, the company might find it difficult to get buyers for its new foldable.
First leaked Google Pixel Fold 2 image surfaces
The original Google Pixel Fold had a sleek design with a hinge that enabled the panels to fold completely flat. It was also thinner than Samsung's foldable at the time with a wider aspect ratio.
AndroidAuthority has received a heavily censored image of what's claimed to be a Google Pixel Fold 2. The exact dimensions aren't available, but it appears that the new device has a narrower cover screen than its predecessor. The inner screen's aspect ratio is likely smaller, meaning that Google has seemingly gone for a more squarish look, like the one we've seen on other foldables like the OnePlus Open.
What stands out the most in this image is the new camera island. It replaces the rather sleek camera bar of the original Pixel Fold. The new device appears to have four sensors but that's beside the point. It's the design of this camera island that looks completely out of symmetry with the overall design language of the device. One can imagine how many Pixel fans will recoil in horror when they see this for the first time.
The scribe does mention that the device seen in this image is likely an early prototype. Since the Pixel Fold 2 won't enter mass production for at least a few months, there's still a possibility that some design changes may be made, which should most certainly be done.
