Google’s newest flagship phones are the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 7 Probut a leaked roadmap gives us an idea of the tech giant’s Pixel plans for the next few years – until 2025. We’re going to see foldable phones, spec upgrades and more, it seems. he.
This fascinating look into the future is courtesy of Android Authority (opens in a new tab), but keep in mind that this is by no means official and it’s not impossible that Google will change its plans even if this report is currently accurate. Even the source itself says the roadmap is not set in stone.
With those caveats out of the way, we can dive in. Around Google IO 2023 time in April or May we apparently get the Folding Google Pixel (priced at $1,799, which is roughly £1,495 or AU$2,675) and the Google Pixel 7a (apparently the price corresponded to that of this year Google Pixel 6a at $449 / £399 / AU$749).
Until 2025
Further, we will have the Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro later in 2023. This roadmap suggests the Pixel 8 will be smaller than its direct predecessor, although the Pro model will match the Google Pixel 7 Pro in dimensions and display size. Both phones are said to be powered by the Tensor G3.
The year 2024 will apparently bring three Pixel 9 models running the Tensor G4, with two Pro editions: the existing 6.7-inch size and a new 6.3-inch size (to more closely match the Iphone Apple series). However, the launch of the Google Pixel 8a is dependent on sales of the Pixel 7a – Google could switch to a two-year cycle for the mid-range handset.
That takes us to 2025, and planning here is more fluid – a lot depends on how sales of the 2023 and 2024 phones go. Google could launch a foldable clamshell to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, the report says, it could expand the Pixel 10 lineup to four phones, and it could launch a Google Pixel Fold 2.
Analysis: after Apple and Samsung
As Android Authority also points out in its scoop report, Google is clearly looking to follow the lead of Apple and Samsung, the two phone makers that dominate US sales. By 2025, Google could have two foldable models (like Samsung) and four flagship phone models (like Apple).
Moving the Pixel A-series phones to a bi-annual launch would also fit Apple – that’s what happened with the iPhone SE. When power and performance aren’t as important, upgrades aren’t as urgent, and changing the cycle can help Google stick to a fixed price on these phones.
What remains to be seen is whether or not its increased Pixel efforts lead to increased hardware sales for Google. It has worked hard to grow its ecosystem of devices – we had the Pixel Watch launch this year, and next year we will have the Pixel tabletgiving consumers more hardware components that work together seamlessly.
Meanwhile, the main selling points of Pixel phones have remained the same for years: great photos and videos, and a clean, constantly updated version of Android. However, in the United States at least, Google still has to do something to people’s addiction to iMessage to get a substantial number of users to switch.
