Leaked Google Pixel roadmap for 2023 and beyond

Google’s Pixel smartphones have grown tremendously over the past year. First, the Pixel 6 series was a critical and commercial success. Just what the company desperately needed after the relative commercial failures of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4. After that, the Pixel 7 series received even more critical acclaim. This is a continuation of the successful sales of the Pixel 6 line.

The question is, what can we expect from Google in 2023 and beyond? Thanks to an anonymous but reliable source, android authority Get an exclusive look at the key changes Google will make to its Pixel series in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

We have reviewed this information thoroughly, but please note that this roadmap is not definitive. Certain aspects of the plan are clear, according to our sources, while others remain undecided.

Next year, we’ll see some changes to the Pixel lineup. Our sources have confirmed that two of his Pixel smartphones, codenamed “lynx” and “felix,” will launch around Google I/O in April or May. These two phones have already been leaked, with “lynx” referring to the Pixel 7a and “felix” referring to his Pixel Fold (which is also called the Pixel Notepad, but the Pixel Fold is the marketing name). may become).

Our sources have confirmed that Google will keep the same price as the Pixel 7a. That means the US retail price, which is comparable to the Pixel 6a, is $449. According to previous leaks, the 7a will get some upgrades over its predecessor, including wireless charging and a 90Hz refresh rate. However, no sources have confirmed these features.

In late 2023, Google will launch two new smartphones in its mainline series, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Our sources have confirmed that there aren’t that many significant changes to these phones compared to the Pixel 7 series. “shiba”). This means smaller displays and an overall smaller form factor. However, the “Husky” – aka the Pixel 8 Pro – will have the same display and general dimensions as the Pixel 7 Pro.

Finally, the codename for the silicon debuting in the Pixel 8 series is “zuma.” Google will almost certainly market this as Tensor G3.

Aside from the launch of the Pixel Fold and the pre-sale of the Pixel 7a, 2023 doesn’t look much different than this year. However, 2024 will see some significant changes to Google’s Pixel roadmap.

google pixel 8a

First, there are plans for the Pixel 8a, codenamed “akita.” However, the plans may be scrapped depending on how the Pixel 7a sells. Our sources say that Google is considering launching the A-series phones every other year (every two years) instead of his one-year launch. This makes the A series more in line with Apple’s iPhone SE series, which comes out every few years and remains in stores for all that time.

Of course, we believe the phone’s name could and should change if the company moves away from its annual launches. He used only his codename.

When the Pixel 8a (or whatever it’s called) goes on sale, the price will go up to $499. However, the fate of this phone is entirely dependent on his Pixel 7a’s performance in the market.

Pixel 9 series

In the fall of 2024, Google will launch the Pixel 9 series. However, the series will have three devices for the first time, according to sources.

The first is the regular Google Pixel 9, which will likely be the same size and general format as the Pixel 8 (remember, it’s slightly smaller than the Pixel 7). Also expected is his Pixel 9 Pro, codenamed “komodo,” with a screen size in the 6.7-inch realm. Then comes his second pro-level model, codenamed “Caiman.” This phone has all the pro-level features of the 6.7-inch model, but packed into a 6.3-inch design.

Our sources liken this strategy to Apple’s iPhone launch. The Pixel 9 is like the iPhone 14, and the 6.3-inch “Caiman” is like the iPhone 14 Pro. The 6.7 inch “komodo” is more consistent with the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

When asked how likely this is, the source stressed that this is definitely happening: Google wants to mimic Apple’s successful sizing strategy. That means you want a pro-level phone that isn’t as big as the Pixel 7 Pro. Pricing, naming and availability are all TBD, but the goal of the three phones is set.

All three of these phones should see the debut of the Tensor G4, known to be codenamed ‘redondo’.

foldable of the future

Finally, there is a follow-up folding plan in 2024. However, not much is known about this at the moment. It looks like Google will wait for consumer reaction to its first foldable device (aka “felix”) before getting specific about its plans for the future.

Google is weighing several options for its Pixel roadmap for 2025, sources say, which will be heavily influenced by the success or failure of its plans for 2023 and 2024.

First, Google is toying with the idea of ​​having a flip-style flip phone to compete with the Galaxy Z Flip series. Going this route, the fall 2025 launch of his main Pixel line will include a flip-style foldable, non-foldable vanilla model (which we speculate will be the base Pixel 10), and two Pro-level Includes iterations. One small, one large.

However, if Google ditched its flip-style devices, it would be moving forward with four non-foldable phones. Small and large Vanilla models and small and large Pro models. Again, this aligns directly with Apple’s current strategy for the iPhone.

Finally, the fate of the 2025 Pixel Fold successor still hinges on its 2023 market valuation.

The information we get from this source makes a lot of sense to us. Almost every company follows Apple’s non-foldable smartphone success and strategy and Samsung’s foldable success. It’s no surprise that Google is using both companies as templates for its future products.

But the question we have is whether it’s too late for Google to join the party. The Pixel Fold, which launches in 2022, would be a good move given the lack of international competition in the foldable segment, but a first shot at a flip-style phone that won’t launch until 2024 seems too late. Recall that Samsung sells more Galaxy Z Flip phones than Galaxy Z Fold phones at a 3:1 ratio. Google should hit the flip market sooner or later.

Similarly, Google’s attempt to match Apple’s approach to making a more palm-friendly pro-level phone should come in 2023, not 2024. By then, Apple’s strategy may have changed. In the end, the “mini” iPhone series was not a huge success, and the iPhone 14 Plus is likely to suffer a similar fate. If Google is going after Apple, it has to be faster than this.

Either way, we are very excited about this news. The more compact Pixel 9 Pro sounds perfect, but the Pixel Fold looks pretty cool. Moving the A-series to a biennial schedule also makes a lot of sense.

For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how Google’s final Pixel roadmap plays out compared to the information we have.