Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Expectations, rumors, and ongoing Pixel 9 Pro XL wireless charging issues
Key Points:
- Google is sticking with the foldable form factor, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold rumored for a 2025 release.
- The Pixel 9 Pro XL faces wireless charging problems, even on Google’s own Pixel Stand.
- The Tensor G5 chip might bring significant improvements, potentially addressing performance concerns.
Google has continued its venture into foldable smartphones, despite the Pixel Fold’s underwhelming performance in 2023. The company’s latest iteration, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, showcases a more contemporary design and shares the same powerful chipset as the rest of the Pixel 9 series, avoiding the feature limitations that plagued its predecessor.
Looking ahead, attention is turning toward the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is expected to be released in early September 2025. However, it’s possible that the launch could be delayed until October, depending on Google’s scheduling decisions.
Rumors are circulating about the specifications of the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, particularly regarding the Tensor G5 chip. Unlike the incremental improvements from the G3 to the G4, the G5 is expected to offer significant enhancements, including better AI performance. One notable rumor suggests that Google might shift from Samsung to TSMC for manufacturing, potentially solving overheating issues and improving efficiency with TSMC’s 3nm process.
Design-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold marked a significant shift from its predecessor, adopting a more modern look similar to other leading foldables. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in camera quality. With a starting price of $1,799, users expect a no-compromise flagship experience, yet the Pixel 9 Pro Fold falls short compared to its slab counterparts, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL.
In addition to design and performance upgrades, there’s hope that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will include stylus support, a feature that Samsung integrated into its foldables after three generations. Moreover, addressing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) issues should be a priority, as many users are sensitive to screen flickering, which can cause discomfort.
Another interesting possibility is the introduction of a Pixel Flip, a foldable phone that could appeal to users who prefer a more compact, flip-style design over book-like foldables. This would not only diversify Google’s foldable lineup but also enhance its competitiveness in the market.
Meanwhile, early buyers of the Pixel 9 Pro XL have encountered wireless charging issues, even when using Google’s Pixel Stand. Reports from users indicate that charging often starts normally but fails after a short period. Although Google has not officially acknowledged the problem, it appears to be a known bug, possibly related to software rather than hardware.
If you’re experiencing wireless charging problems with your Pixel 9 Pro XL or any other Pixel 9 series device, you may want to stay tuned for updates from Google as they work on resolving these issues.