Honestly, Google, this might be the leakiest launch I’ve covered in my entire career covering consumer tech. As we get closer to the August 13 Google hardware launch date, it seems like there’s a leak a day. So far, we know about most of the products, their specs, and how they look. The only thing we don’t know for sure is pricing and speculation are all over the map. Today’s leak involves the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Watch 3.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
So, word on the street is that the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is going to be slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy X Fold 6. According to Android Headlines, Google’s upcoming foldable will be thinner than Samsung’s smartphone. This isn’t new territory for Google, as the 9 Pro Fold’s predecessor was one of the thinnest foldables in the U.S. However, the 9 Pro Fold is looking to be even thinner, with a thickness of 0.41 inches (10.5 millimeters) when folded and 0.2 inches (5.1 millimeters) unfolded. This could make it the thinnest foldable on the market when it launches; it’ll also be one of the heavier ones. Current reports show that the 9 Pro Fold’s weight comes in at 9.1 ounces (257 grams), which is approximately 10% lighter than its ancestor.
And if that wasn’t enough leaks, Steve Hemmerstoffer, a.k.a. OnLeaks and 91Mobiles, reports a set of leaked promotional photos. They show off the display size, a few AI features, and the phone’s U.S. pricing. Available in two configurations, the 256GB version of the smartphone will reportedly cost $1,799, while the 512GB model is set to be $1,919, both of which are pretty pricy options.
I’m curious about how much the new thinnest smartphone will affect durability, if at all. And while a thinner phone does sound appealing, I’m worried about the potential for dings and cracks.
Google Watch 3
The leaks don’t stop with the Fold; leaks and rumors are swirling around the Pixel Watch 3. The latest, again from Android Headlines, says that instead of one watch, there will be two, both of which will have thinner bezels. And those thinner bezels give the watches larger screens. According to the report, the 41mm watch’s face will be 10% bigger than the last generation. In addition to last year’s 41mm chronograph, Google is reportedly launching a 45mm watch. Other quality-of-life improvements include brighter screens and charging capabilities that are 20% faster than past watches.
If the leaks are to be believed, both watches boast 24 hours of battery life (always-on display enabled). The endurance jumps to 36 hours in a new Battery Saver mode. This leads to speculation that the watch won’t utilize the Wear OS’ “hybrid interface,” which is supposed to increase battery life significantly. In the case of the OnePlus Watch 2, whose battery life will reportedly last 100 hours.
I’ve owned the prior two iterations of the Google Watch 3, and I’m looking forward to potentially owning this watch. I’m never going to turn down a bigger screen or a bigger watch, period. And, of course, longer battery life is never going to get poo-pooed over here. I’m excited about the new fitness features like the new morning-based “Fitbit Brief,” which gives you a rundown of your current health and fitness info. I’m also looking forward to ultra-wideband support for better location tracking and Offline Google Maps ability, which can help me navigate the sprawling streets of New York. But are the new audio and haptic cues designed to enhance custom runs? As someone who hates to run, I can take it or leave it.