Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Google’s Pixel smartphones have made huge strides over the past year. First, the Pixel 6 series brought critical and commercial success, something the company desperately needed after the relative commercial failures of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4. Then the Pixel 7 series showed more critical acclaim and from what we can. Tell the continuation of the sales success of the Pixel 6 line.
Now the question is, what can we expect from Google in 2023 and beyond? Thanks to an unknown but reliable source Android Authority. Google is only revealing the major changes it might make to the Pixel series in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
While we have thoroughly researched this information, please note that this roadmap is not set in stone. Our source said that some aspects of the plan have been finalized but others are up in the air. As we walk you through the Google Pixel roadmap, we acknowledge the potential of each detail.
Google Pixel series in 2023
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Next year will see minor changes to the Pixel lineup. Two Pixel phones — dubbed “Lynx” and “Felix” — will launch around Google I/O in April or May, our source has confirmed. These two phones have already been released, the “Lynx” Pixel 7a and the “Felix” Pixel Fold (which is also called the Pixel Notepad, although the Pixel Fold is likely to be launched).
Our source confirmed that Google will set the same price for the Pixel 7a, which means that the US retail price will be equivalent to the Pixel 6a at $449. Earlier leaks claimed that the 7a will feature several improvements over its predecessor, including wireless charging and a 90Hz refresh rate. However, our source has not confirmed these features.
The biggest Google news in 2023 will be the launch of the first foldable Pixel.
Later in 2023, Google will launch two new phones in its flagship series, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Our source confirmed that there won’t be too many significant changes for these phones compared to the Pixel 7 series. However, one notable change is the reduction of the Pixel 8 (dubbed “shiba”), which means a smaller display and an overall slimmer look. However, the “husky” – aka the Pixel 8 Pro – will have the same display and overall dimensions as the Pixel 7 Pro.
Finally, the original name of the silicon with the Pixel 8 series is “Zuma”. Google will definitely market this as Tensor G3.
Pixel series in 2024: more Pro, less A?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
With the launch of the Pixel Fold and an earlier launch for the Pixel 7a, 2023 looks set to be no different this year. But 2024 will see some significant changes in the Google Pixel roadmap.
Google Pixel 8a
First, there’s the Pixel 8a plan, which is codenamed “Akita.” However, the plan may be canceled based on the sales of the Pixel 7a. According to our sources, Google is considering moving away from the annual series of phone calls and instead launching them every two years. This brings the series closer to Apple’s iPhone SE series, which launches every few years and remains active on store shelves.
Depending on the commercial success of the Pixel 7a (or not), Google could go for a two-year Series A.
Of course, if the company moves away from annual launches, we think the name of the phone could (and should) change. However, our source did not mention the name change and only used code names.
When the Pixel 8a — or whatever it’s called — launches, it will get a price hike to $499. However, the fate of this phone depends entirely on the performance of the Pixel 7a in the market.
Pixel 9 series
In the year By the end of 2024, Google will launch the Pixel 9 series. However, this series, for the first time, will have three devices according to our source.
The first will be the vanilla Google Pixel 9, which will likely be the same size and overall form factor as the Pixel 8 (which is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7, remember). Also, the expected Pixel 9 Pro – codenamed “Comodo” – will have a screen size in the 6.7-inch realm. Then, there will be a second pro-level model named “Cayman”. This phone will have all the features of the 6.7-inch model of the Pro-level, but will shrink it down to a 6.3-inch design.
The Pixel 9 series may have a third phone: a smaller pro-level model.
Our source likened this strategy to the launch of Apple’s iPhone. The Pixel 9 is the same as the iPhone 14, and the 6.3-inch “Cayman” will be the same as the iPhone 14 Pro. The 6.7-inch “Comodo” will be bigger than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
When asked how likely this is, our source confirmed that it is definitely happening. Google wants to emulate Apple’s successful size strategy, which means it needs a pro-level phone that isn’t as big as the Pixel 7 Pro. Pricing, naming and availability are all up in the air, but the goal of three phones is set in stone.
All three of these phones should see the debut of the Tensor G4, which has been dubbed the “redondo”.
Bending forward
Finally, there is a plan for a follow-up turn in 2024. However, not much is known at this time. Google may be waiting to see consumer reaction to the first Fold — aka “Felix” — before revealing too much about follow-up plans.
Pixel series in 2025: two possible strategies
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
As we push into 2025, Google says it’s looking at several options for its Pixel roadmap, which will have a big impact on the success or failure of its 2023 and 2024 plans.
First, Google is toying with the idea of having a foldable phone to compete with the Galaxy Z Flip series. If it goes this way, a fall 2025 launch of the main Pixel series will include a foldable, non-folding vanilla model (we’re guessing it’ll be the base Pixel 10) and then two pro-level iterations. One is small and the other is big.
Google is thinking that the clamshell could fold by 2025, but it has another alternative strategy.
But if Google abandons the flip device, it will go ahead with four non-folding phones. That would be the vanilla model in small and large sizes and the Pro model in small and large sizes. Again, this fits directly into Apple’s current iPhone strategy.
Finally, the fate of any Pixel Fold successors in 2025 still depends on market reception in 2023.
Google Pixel Roadmap Leak: Our Thoughts
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
The information we get from this source means a lot to us. Pretty much every company is chasing Apple’s non-folding smartphone success and strategy and Samsung’s foldable success. It’s another thing to know that Google is using both companies as templates for future products.
The question we have is whether Google is too late to the party. In the year A 2022 launch of the Pixel Fold is a good move given that there is no global competition in the foldable segment, but the first shot at a flip-style phone seems to be delayed until 2024. Keep in mind that Samsung sells Galaxy Z Flip phones at a 3:1 ratio over the Galaxy Z Fold. Google should follow the flip market sooner rather than later.
Similarly, to match Apple’s approach, Google should have more palm-friendly pro-level phones available in 2023, not 2024. By then, Apple’s strategy may have changed. After all, the “mini” iPhone series wasn’t a huge success, and it looks like the iPhone 14 Plus will see a similar fate. If Google wants to chase Apple, it needs to be faster than this.
Regardless, we are very excited about this news. The more compact Pixel 9 Pro looks perfect to us, and the Pixel Fold looks gorgeous. Moving the series to a two-year schedule also makes a lot of sense.
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how Google’s final Pixel roadmap performs against the data we have.