A Google Pixel roadmap leak shows the next few years of hardware changes

The smartphone industry is in a strange place these days. Throughout 2022, we’ve seen bad news for manufacturers. Even as some Great Android phones hit the market, shipments continued to drop amid the economic turmoil and consumers stuck with older devices longer. These rough waters are bound to shake up plans for future devices, as we have Recently seen with Samsung plan to simulate Apple’s success in the end. It seems Samsung is not alone in this race to beat the iPhone. A possible leaked roadmap for Pixels through 2025 suggests that Google has some big ideas in store for its future phones.

people in Android Authority He posted a leaked copy of Google’s plans for the next three years of hardware, starting with two new devices in the early spring through the fall of 2025. As with any leak — especially one as remote as this one — it’s important to take all of this with a grain of salt. This roadmap shows the company looking to significantly expand its Pixel lineup, all while reducing its focus on lower-end and more expensive models. It’s definitely a gamble for Google, but if this report is true, we might be looking at a complete reinvention of its smartphones.

2023: Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel 8 series

Let’s start with 2023, which contains only a few surprises. Android Authority’s report begins with the Google I/O-timed launch of the Pixel 7a and pixel fold. This is in line with recent rumors of the company’s first-generation foldable, all while fitting the typical A-series time frame. Both phones have seen major leaks in recent months, with The Pixel 7a looks like a great replacement for its predecessor. Despite the rumor of adding wireless charging and a 90Hz display, expect the 7a to remain at $449 for another year.

As for the Fold, it appears that those reports of the $1,800 price were indeed correct. Expect to get excited about Google’s futuristic foldable — especially if you want to see more improvements down the road.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will hit shelves next fall, and while we don’t know many details, it looks like another generation of small changes to Google’s flagship series. Perhaps the only element of surprise is the Pixel 8’s smaller form factor; We have already seen Pixel 7 Slimming down from its predecessor, this will be another step in this small flagship trend. The Pixel 8 Pro will retain its larger size.

2024: Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 series of phones

are you still with us Cool, because it’s 2024 where things start to get complicated — and, in this writer’s opinion, a little murky. First, Google isn’t sure if it plans to launch the Pixel 8a (codenamed “akita”), or if it will move the lineup to a biannual release schedule. It’s our first sign of the company trying to reverse Apple’s strategy with the iPhone SE, and frankly, it’s a terrible plan.

By all accounts, the A series was a massive success for Google — in fact, it was the Pixel 3a that really got the company rolling. Falling back from this series to focus on more expensive flagships is sure to frustrate the dedicated fanbase of A-series buyers. The Pixel 8a launch is said to be about how the Pixel 7a sells, but if it appears in 2024, prepare to raise prices. Although this roadmap says nothing about the phone’s specifications, it will see a price hike of up to $500.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 series is set to expand. In addition to the regular Pixel 9 (there’s no codename on this one) and the Pixel 9 Pro (“komodo”), Google wants to launch a small version of the Pixel 9 Pro. At 6.3 inches, this model (codenamed “caiman”) will effectively be the size of the current Pixel 7, but with all the extras that often leave users opting for the larger model. It’s another Apple-inspired move, as Google looks to chase the success of phones like the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

Oh, and as for a potential foldable successor? Google does have a second-generation model in the works — no surprise there — but depending on how the Pixel Fold works in 2023, it could be canceled outright. Considering roughly how far the company’s first-generation devices have come And the At $1,800, it’s hard to see how the Pixel Fold is a sales success, but you never know. That’s a question about when the devices will finally hit store shelves.

2025: Pixel clamshell fold and Pixel 10 series

Finally, a sneak peek at what 2025 could look like. Of all the items in this report, it’s important to treat this lineup with the most scepticism. It’s been nearly three years in the making and presents two divergent paths the company must take, which means anything is possible.

In both scenarios, Google wants to launch four flagship phones, but what the lineup looks like depends on the possibility of another foldable. This time, it’s the Galaxy Z Flip-esque Pixel Fold, set to launch in the fall of 2025. That’s nearly six years after Samsung’s original clamshell device, giving one of Google’s competitors the chance to iterate on that concept for seven generations by the time this arrives.

It’s also in the air. If Google does indeed launch the Pixel Flip (for lack of a better codename), it will arrive powered by the standard Pixel 10 and two Pixel 10 Pros available in larger and smaller sizes. If the clamshell device is scrapped, it will be replaced by a larger standard Pixel 10 — think iPhone 14 Plus. It’s an odd move, given the recent hype surrounding how poorly Apple’s Mini sold. It’s rare to see anyone online claiming a Pixel 7 Pro-sized model without the telephoto lens and other Pro-exclusive features, but perhaps their position in the Android market might lead to a different outcome.

The 2025 could also carry another Pixel Fold successor, though again that depends on how well the first-generation unit performs.

Personally, I think that focusing on competing head-to-head with Apple using its competitor’s strategy would be a messy move. Google ranks far behind Apple and Samsung in sales – a Modern report It’s suggested that the company has sold fewer than 30 million Pixels since the original launched in 2016. It’s hard to see how flooding the market with more (and more expensive) devices would boost the numbers, even though there’s less competition on Android than ever. Anything is possible.

At the end of the day, the phone industry can change very quickly. We’re still in a recession, and many analysts expect it to develop into a full-blown recession next year. Focusing on launching more high-end phones can be risky — especially as consumers continue to hold onto their devices for longer periods of time. Ultimately, only time will tell how accurate this report is, but one thing is for sure. Either way, Google has big plans for the Pixel series; Don’t expect to see her appear in the cemetery anytime soon.