2020 Pixel 5 is going to be a foldable smartphone and there is no doubt about it. Google has been already working on prototype models before launching Pixel 3 in 2018.
It was believed that out of seven prototypes Google tested for Pixel 3 before launching, two were having foldable form factor. They were never supposed to get released as the search engine technology giant is still waiting for this tech to get matured.
Foldable Google Pixel 5 Smartphone
2019 has already seen the early versions of foldable display technology which made it to the consumers. Huawei Mate X and Samsung Galaxy Fold are already out there Motorola Razr is still running through the rumour mills. Oppo is another brand rumoured to release a foldable smartphone in 2019.
Picture Source: t3.com
These numbers are less but it initiates the beginning of foldable smartphone tech ready for the consumers. However, the fate of Samsung Galaxy Fold was not that good as it didn’t survive even a week before breaking up.
While the flagship smartphone pricing already crossing the 3 digit USD value, these foldable smartphones are likely to cost even more.
Why Foldable Smartphone in 2020?
One might have this question as we already have two smartphones released with foldable display technology and a few more in the lineup to join in near future, then why Google Pixel 5 will release in 2020?
Picture Source: theverge.com
Well, as you can understand from what happened with Galaxy Fold, the foldable smartphone technology is still not that ready. It has a lot of nuts and bolts to be fixed and matured for real consumer usage.
Keeping the current release cycle of Pixel handsets as the base, Foldable Pixel 5 is going to be available in the month of October 2020.
It gives Google and its manufacturing partners more than a year to work on this futuristic technology and make sure it not only survives the few weeks of thorough testing but becomes actually usable.
The technology officer at Google, Mario Queiroz already confirmed that they have been working on prototypes since the past couple of years.
Both LG and Samsung have invested over a decade into developing this technology and they both speculated 2020 to be the release date of the commercial version of this foldable display technology.
Of course, it’s not going to be just Google Pixel 5 with a foldable display in 2020, there will be flagships from Samsung, LG, Huawei and other dominating Chinese OEMs. Not to forget, Apple iPhone with foldable OLED will also be a reality.
Lenovo has recently released a video of world’s first foldable PC which is actually a tablet that functions as a laptop, thanks to the folding nature of the screen. But there is still no exact word on its release date.
Features of Foldable Google Pixel 5 2020
Let’s talk about what can be achieved with a foldable Pixel 5 in 2020.
#1 Pixel 5 Foldable Display
As the bezels shrink to a minimum, the display became the major real estate holder in a smartphone overall form factor. With an ability to get folded, n number of possibilities are opened which can be explored by the manufacturers.
Out of all we have seen so far, I’m personally a big fan of what Motorola is trying to come up with. Razr phones were a trend once and popular phones of their time. Not many efforts have been put to get that form factor back but with foldable display technology, a modern Razr smartphone can become reality.
I’m definite about Google not following that roadmap for its foldable Pixel 5 in 2020 as they will be picking up a traditional roadmap set by either Samsung or LG for them.
Most probably, Pixel 5 2020 will have a huge tablet form factor that will fold into a compact smartphone form. Take all the hints from Huawei Mate X which has done remarkable work not just outside but also inside.
#2 Foldable Google Pixel 5 Battery Life
There will be ample space available for the OEMs to fit in bigger batteries which will be needed to run bigger and much sharper screen (s).
There isn’t any technological advancement in the battery department as they can’t be folded or moulded in any way like the screens. It will leave Google and other OEMs to put in and connect two different batteries unless a major new technology advancement comes up which is highly unlikely.
#3 Google Pixel 5 Foldable Smartphone Thickness
This is where Apple is going to take a leap ahead than all other manufacturers as they have a thing with keeping the thickness of iPhones to a bare minimum.
There have been a good number of discussions on internet forums on keeping smartphones thick for the sake of putting better batteries but Apple has ignored that feedback till today.
Putting larger batteries and a bigger screen in a single smartphone which even gets to fold will come at the cost of thickness. I won’t be surprised if Apple doesn’t release a foldable iPhone in 2020 just because of this factor but Google won’t worry about it much.
So, Google Pixel 5 will be among the thickest Pixel phone you’ve used before.
#4 No Selfie camera setup?
Google has already mastered the rear camera with its Pixel lineup which is even the prime reason behind its sales number. With a foldable form factor, Google Pixel 5 in 2020 might not need a dedicated selfie camera as the rear camera sensor gets to capture from both ends.
This will be an option available to all OEMs and we have to wait to know what Google does. Maybe they will release the device with a traditional setup.
Over to you
For now, all these are speculation based on the rumours and leaks which has made it to the surface. Whether you believe them or not, the foldable Google Pixel 5 is coming in 2020 and it’s going to set a new definition for flagship lineup.
What do you think will be the most interesting use of a foldable Pixel smartphone? Do share it in the comment section and this coverage with your friends on social platforms.
