Source: Google might change the Pixel Fold 2 chip to Tensor G4 and increase RAM

Edgar Cervantes / Android AuthorityTL;DR According to the source, Google is testing the Pixel Fold 2 with the Tensor G4 chip and 16GB of RAM. No Pixel phone has been released with 16GB of RAM before. If this happens, the Pixel Fold 2 could launch alongside the Pixel 9 series instead of its usual mid-year launch at I/O. 2023 witnessed the introduction of new foldable phones and phone lines. Google joined the foldable market with the release of the Pixel Fold in May, powered by the company’s Tensor G2 chipset. The follow-up, the Pixel Fold 2, is expected to be released this year, but there have been few updates compared to the other three Pixel devices expected to launch (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 8a). However, a source has revealed more details about the upcoming Pixel Fold 2 to Android Authority. Skipping Tensor G3 for 2024 models? A source, who requested to remain anonymous, disclosed that Google has been testing the Pixel Fold 2 for several months. Previous prototypes of the foldable phone featured the Google Tensor G3 chipset, codenamed “zuma”, but the most recent prototypes have been switched to the rumored Tensor G4 chipset, codenamed “zumapro.” This change in development suggests that Google might ship the Pixel Fold 2 with the Tensor G4 chipset instead of the Tensor G3, although it’s not certain. In fact, the initial version of the Pixel Tablet was equipped with the first-generation Google Tensor chipset, but the tablet ultimately shipped with Google’s second-generation Tensor G2 chip instead. The tablet’s codename was also altered during development to reflect this change, from “tangor” to “tangorpro,” so it’s possible that the same could happen with the Pixel Fold 2 (currently codenamed “comet”). The Pixel Fold 2 may switch its chipset, potentially requiring a change to its launch schedule. If Google is changing the chipset, it might also replace the new foldable phone upon its release. The original Pixel Fold was announced in May 2023 at Google I/O, so it would make sense if its successor also launched at the same event. However, the plans might change if the Pixel Fold 2 and Tensor G4 are included, since Google typically debuts all the new Tensor chipsets at its fall events. If Google intends to launch the Pixel Fold 2 at this year’s I/O, it is unlikely that it will include the new Tensor G4. However, if I/O comes and goes without the Pixel Fold 2 launch, then skipping the Tensor G3 is possible. We’ve been informed that the Pixel Fold 2 is in the early stages of Engineering Validation Testing (EVT), which means it’s far from Mass Production (MP). The usual process involves: prototype > EVT > DVT > PVT > MP, so considering the current stage of the device, it seems unlikely that it will be ready for the expected launch at I/O 2024 in May. What can the Tensor G4 upgrade bring? Although the full specifications of the upcoming chipset are unknown, it is expected to be a slight improvement over last year’s Tensor G3 (hence the internal name of “zumapro” versus “zuma”). While the exact configuration is not yet known, the Tensor G4 is anticipated to feature a mix of Arm’s Cortex-X4, A720, and A520 CPU cores. The chipset is said to be manufactured by Samsung instead of TSMC, although Google is reportedly planning to switch to TSMC for the production of the Tensor G5. One of the main drawbacks of the original Pixel Fold was the underpowered Tensor G2, instead of the Tensor G3. Pixel Fold 2: The new Pixel RAM king?Rita El Khoury / Android Authority In addition to the new chipset, our source revealed that the latest Pixel Fold 2 prototypes have 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, an increase from last year’s 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The upgrade to 16GB of RAM is significant as it would be the first time Google has shipped a smartphone with more than 12GB of RAM. This increase in RAM aligns with Google’s plan to introduce more AI tools as part of its new AI assistant, Pixie. Regarding the storage, the switch to UFS 4.0 should reduce download times for memory files, beneficial for tasks such as downloading programs and games. There may be additional storage changes, which will be confirmed upon the phone’s release. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com. You can choose to remain anonymous or receive credit for the information. Comments

Author: OpenAI