The smartphone industry is in a strange situation these days. Throughout 2022, we’ve seen bad news for manufacturers. Even some excellent android phones in the market, shipments have continued to decline amid economic turmoil and consumers are holding on to older devices longer. These choppy waters are sure to upend plans for future devices, as we have recently seen with Samsung’s plan imitate Apple’s success in the high end. It looks like Samsung isn’t alone in this race to beat the iPhone. A leaked potential roadmap for Pixels through 2025 suggests Google has big ideas in store for its future phones.
The people at Android Authority released a leaked version of Google’s plans for the next three years of hardware, starting with two new devices for early spring and continuing through fall 2025. As with any leak – especially one as far back as this – here – it’s important to take all of this with a huge grain of salt. This roadmap shows that the company is looking to significantly expand its Pixel lineup, while focusing less on lower-end and more affordable models. It’s certainly a gamble for Google, but if this report is correct, we could be looking at a complete reinvention of its smartphones.
2023: Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold and the Pixel 8 series
Let’s start with 2023, however, which contains only a few surprises. Android Authority’s report begins with a Google I/O timed launch for the Pixel 7a and the Pixel folding. This is in line with recent rumors about the company’s first-gen foldable, while still sticking to the usual A-series schedule. Both phones have seen major leaks in recent months, with the The Pixel 7a seems like a great replacement for its predecessor. Despite the supposed addition of wireless charging and a 90Hz display, expect the 7a to stay at its $449 price tag for another year.
As for the Fold, it seems those reports of an $1,800 price tag were indeed true. Expect to shell out for Google’s futuristic foldable, especially if you want to see more upgrades 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 for Google’s flagship series. Perhaps the only element of surprise is a smaller form factor for the Pixel 8; we have already seen the Pixel 7 slim compared to its predecessor, and it would be another step in that little flagship direction. The Pixel 8 Pro would retain its larger size.
2024: Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9 series
Still with us? Great, because 2024 is when things start to get complicated – and, in this writer’s opinion, a little blurry. First, Google isn’t sure if it plans to launch a Pixel 8a (codenamed “akita”), or if it will move the lineup to a semi-annual release schedule. This is our first sign that the company is trying to mirror Apple’s strategy with the iPhone SE, and frankly, it’s a terrible plan.
By all accounts, the A-series was a huge success for Google — in fact, it was the Pixel 3a that really got the ball rolling for the company. Pulling out of that series to focus on more expensive flagships is sure to frustrate a dedicated fanbase of A-series buyers. Apparently a Pixel 8a launch depends on how the Pixel 7a sells, but if it makes an appearance in 2024, be prepared for a price hike. While this roadmap doesn’t detail anything about the specs of the phone, it would see a price hike of up to $500.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 series is expected to expand. In addition to a classic Pixel 9 (no code name on this) and the Pixel 9 Pro (“komodo”), Google wants to launch a small version of the Pixel 9 Pro. At 6.3″, this model (codenamed “caiman”) would 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 yet another inspired move. Apple, like Google, is looking to continue the success of phones like the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Oh, and what about a potential Fold successor? Google has a second-generation model in the pipeline — no surprises there — but depending on how the Pixel Fold performs in 2023, it could be scrapped altogether. Considering how the company’s first-gen hardware typically comes and the $1,800 price tag, it’s hard to see how the Pixel Fold will end up being a commercial success, but you never know. That’s a question to ask when the hardware finally hits store shelves.
2025: A clamshell Pixel Fold and the Pixel 10 series
Finally, a glimpse of what 2025 could look like. Of all the items in this report, it is important to approach this range with the most skepticism. It’s almost three years away and offers two divergent paths for the company, meaning anything is possible.
In both scenarios, Google wants to launch four flagship phones, but how the lineup will look depends on another foldable phone. This time it’s a Galaxy Z Flip-esque Pixel Fold, which is slated to launch in fall 2025. That’s nearly six years after Samsung’s original flip device, giving one Google rivals the ability to iterate on the concept for seven generations at the time. it happens.
It’s also in the air. If Google launches its Pixel Flip (for lack of a better codename), it will arrive backed by a 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 noise surrounding the poor sale of Apple’s Mini replacement. It’s rare to see someone online claiming a Pixel 7 Pro-sized model without the telephoto camera and other Pro-exclusive features, but perhaps their position in the Android market could lead to a different outcome.
2025 could also contain another Pixel Fold successor, but again, that depends on the performance of the first-gen unit.
Personally, I think the focus on directly competing with Apple using its rival’s strategy is bound to be a messy move. Google ranks far behind Apple and Samsung in terms of sales – a recent report suggested that the company had sold less 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, but with fewer Android competition than ever before, anything is possible.
Ultimately, the phone industry can change in no time. We are still in an economic downturn, with many analysts expecting to move into an outright recession next year. Focusing on releasing more premium phones could be risky, especially as consumers continue to hold on to their devices for longer periods of time. Ultimately, only time will tell how accurate this report is, but one thing is certain. Either way, Google has big plans for the Pixel series; don’t expect to see him appear in the graveyard anytime soon.
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