Key Points:
- Early Look: The leaked prototype offers a glimpse into Google’s pre-Pixel Fold foldable project codenamed “pipit.”
- Pixel 6 Inspiration: Pipit sported a Pixel 6-esque camera bar and may have launched alongside the Pixel 6 series.
- Stylus Support Explored: Prototype testing hinted at potential stylus functionality for the Pixel Fold.
For foldable phone enthusiasts, Google’s Pixel Fold marked a significant entry into the market. However, a recent leak sheds light on an earlier iteration – a prototype codenamed “pipit” – that never saw the light of day. This unearthed device offers a fascinating peek into Google’s design and development process for its first foldable phone.
A Pixel 6 Sibling?
Reports in August 2020 hinted at Google’s development of a foldable called “passport,” initially slated for release alongside the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in late 2021. While “passport” faded away, references shifted to a new codename – “pipit.” This suggests Google might have explored different foldable concepts before converging on the final Pixel Fold design.
The leaked image showcases a striking resemblance between Pipit and the Pixel Fold. The most notable difference lies in the camera bar, mirroring the signature design element of the Pixel 6 series. This visual alignment strengthens the theory of a potential launch alongside the Pixel 6 lineup.
Camera Specs and Beyond
Previous reports in November 2021 suggested the Pixel Fold might have adopted older camera technology. The leaked information corroborates this, indicating Pipit would have likely utilized a 12.2-megapixel IMX363 sensor (present since Pixel 3) and a 12-megapixel IMX386 sensor (potentially for ultrawide, similar to Pixel 6). Interestingly, the leak confirms that Pipit retained the same internal foldable screen as the final Pixel Fold, codenamed “Felix.”
Another intriguing detail involves the exploration of stylus support for pipit. While the implementation remains unclear, prototypes hinted at Google considering this functionality for the Pixel Fold. However, concerns about potential durability implications might have ultimately led to its exclusion in the final product.
The leaked pipit prototype serves as a historical artifact, showcasing an alternative direction Google could have taken with its first foldable phone. The Pixel 6-inspired design and potential stylus support paint a picture of an intriguing device that never came to be. As technology and foldable phone design continue to evolve, it’s captivating to contemplate the “what ifs” of the Pixel Fold’s development journey.
