Pixel Fold could use Google Tensor chip, hints Android 12 beta

Google recently announced its Tensor chip. The company hasn’t revealed any specifications of its chip.

Google Pixel Fold tipped to be powered by Google Tensor chip. (Google)

Google recently announced its Tensor chip when it took to Twitter to reveal the design of its upcoming Pixel 6 lineup. The company says that Tensor will place its Pixel 6 series next to the Android flagships in the market. Now, as per the rumours, the Pixel 6 won't be the only lineup to feature the new Google chip. According to a source code found in the Android 12 Beta, Pixel Fold could come with the latest SoC.

There were references to a device codenamed "Passport" in the android 12 Beta. It is likely that the codename belongs to the Pixel Fold. Moreover, Google is tipped to be readying its Pixel Fold for the end of year launch. As per a tweet by cstark27 (via FrontPageTech), there are references to four devices that make use of an unannounced Samsung Exynos modem. The model number of this modem is "g5123b," which also aligns with Samsung's most current processor, the "5123A.”

Out of these four devices, two of them referenced in the Android 12 Beta source code are "Oriole" and "Raven," which are the codenames for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. To recall, "Passport" has also been leaked previously, along with previous Android 12 beta and developer preview releases. If the rumours are to be believed the Passport device (Pixel Fold) will be powered by the Google Tensor chip. Samsung is rumoured to be the manufacturer of the Google Tensor chip. Hence, the modem details are likely to belong to the Pixel devices.

With the Tensor chip, Google is prepping its AI and ML to offer better image processing and more on-device capabilities. The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, is tipped to feature a 7.6-inch folding LTPO display technology from Samsung. It could offer a 120Hz refresh rate. There is no other concrete information related to the Pixel Fold as of now. However, it is likely to compete with the Galaxy Z Fold series.