Google I/O is less than a month away, and while we’re likely to hear all sorts of information about the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9 trio is unlikely to arrive this fall. Or should we say quartet, based on this week’s reports about the next-gen Pixel Fold successor? The latest leak about the Pixel Fold 2 reveals that the Pixel Fold 2 will officially join Google’s mainline series as the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” It is confirmed that he will join. Frankly, I can’t think of a worse way to promote a smartphone brand.
That’s a really terrible name
This year’s design changes don’t make much sense.
Source: Google
There are several reasons why I think this is a bad idea, but let’s start with the most obvious one. It’s very clunky. You could also argue that something like the “Pixel 9 Fold” would help make it clear to consumers that this foldable device is exactly the same as the Pixel 9. It just has a hinge. However, the issue has become much more complicated with Google’s decision to develop three standard smartphones this year, likely called the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
On some level, it makes sense that Google would try to apply additional language, since the Pixel Fold successor is likely to be more similar to the Pro-branded Pixel 9 model than entry-level hardware. It’s good. However, this actually doesn’t tell you much about what you can actually expect from the phone. Love it or hate it, foldable devices are a completely different experience than standard smartphones, and they’re being pursued by a more affluent demographic that only cares about productivity.
Leaked Pixel Fold 2 redesign sees Google sacrificing originality for a safe bet
It feels like all foldable devices are destined to follow in the footsteps of traditional smartphones
That being said, the feeling that this name feels awkward to write or speak is definitely subjective. But even if I can’t find anything wrong with the branding, I still think there are some major problems with this new name. As an example, the second-generation Pixel Fold leak reveals a device that looks nothing like the Pixel 9. Ironically, everything we’ve seen of Google’s three major smartphones this year suggests they’ll feature a Pixel Fold-style camera bar. It looks like the Fold 2 will do away with this completely in favor of a square camera module similar to his Qualcomm-powered Pixel of yesteryear.
If Google wants to integrate its foldable device with the Pixel 9, why resort to such a vastly different design language? Will there be an upgrade to camera hardware comparable to the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Software experience and internals What suggests that these phones are nearly identical apart from their chipsets? If the Pixel Fold 2 is designed as part of the Pixel 9 lineup, what is its position within the lineup? To make it more clear, we need to share some of our visual DNA.
4 Pixel 9s is too many to remember
Regular shoppers will get lost
This whole debacle also seems destined to cause consumer confusion. Google has already expanded its Pixel 9 lineup to three models, and rebranding the Pixel Fold 2 as part of that series is something to keep an eye on for phone buyers. I don’t think anyone would confuse a foldable with something else, but I think you’ll see a lot of people calling it this with some random permutation of salad-like brand names. The term “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” is so confusing that regular users don’t call it by its actual name. I still often hear people say things like “Pixel Pro 8.”
These rebrands come at a time when Google has an opportunity to make a big move in market share. Apple is adding RCS support this year to improve messaging between iOS and Android, which will probably make it easier for some iPhone users to leave the blue bubble behind. Samsung’s smartphone design is stuck in a rut, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to break out of it anytime soon. Google has an opportunity to capture an audience looking for something new, both in the US and internationally. These new names are not helping that goal.
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Until now, Google’s branding has been clean and accurate. The Pixel 8 Pro is for power users, the Pixel 8 is for average consumers, and the Pixel 8a is a more affordable way to access the same lineup for less upfront. The Pixel 9’s naming scheme seems destined to confuse those betting on Google jumping on board, whether it’s the Pixel 9 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
In other words, Google is not Apple. If you can’t remember the name of a phone when you go to your mobile phone company’s store, you’re not going to buy it.
If you want to change your brand, please try again
Just don’t confuse it too much
Truth be told, I don’t know why Google is considering such a clunky rebranding of its foldable devices. That may be to differentiate itself from Samsung, and I know Samsung was concerned about 2022. But if that’s the case, I’m not sure tying the foldable to a major phone series is a good idea. After all, anyone interested in a foldable phone will end up buying a foldable phone, regardless of whether it is directly linked to a major phone series or not. All Google is doing here is risking a lot of confusion with consumers with a lame name, and I don’t see what benefit it has.
google pixel fold
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Google’s first foldable model improves on Samsung’s model in many ways. For example, if you switch to a wider phone, the front screen will be more comfortable for everyday use, and the inner display will open up completely to watch videos. There are some first-generation issues in terms of hardware and software, but if you want his Pixel smartphone with the flexibility of a tablet, this is the one for you.
