Looking ahead to the Pixel 12? Early leak talks display upgrades and more
- A rumor claims the Pixel 12 series' model numbers appeared in an important database listing well ahead of its expected launch window in 2027.
- An interesting screen resolution upgrade could boost clarity and detail.
- The earliest rumor we covered came back in 2025 when the Pixel 12's codenames were discovered.
You've just ordered a Pixel 11 series phone. Congrats! But before it's even in your hands, here come the rumors about the next-gen Pixel 12 series, including its supposed model numbers and a potential upgrade. Away we go!
A post by OVR Plus highlights several "Google brand" devices in the GSMA database that reportedly represent the Pixel 12 series (via 9to5Google). The publication claims the database features model numbers GC0QU, GWU59, G7U1Y, and G4D5D. These supposedly align with the Pixel 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro XL, and 12 Pro Fold, respectively. The post states that Google has not only begun development for the Pixel 12, but it's doing so with Android 18.
This probably isn't too surprising. It feels pretty typical that Google would make a move like this, especially considering how much more quickly the company has been developing major Android OS upgrades these days.
Rumors continue, with speculation about a display upgrade. OVR Plus alleges that Google wants to increase the screen resolution for its Pixel 12 series. The Pixel 12 Pro Fold is reportedly increasing from 2076*2152 to 2296*2404. Elsewhere, it's been alleged that the Pixel 12 Pro XL could jump to 1344*2952. The Pixel 12 and 12 Pro would also see slight increases in resolution. As OVR Plus notes, an upgraded resolution would vastly improve the phone's image quality.
In short, it's a visual upgrade, meaning tomorrow's Pixel owners could see sharper, clearer, and more vibrant photos, videos, and more on their phones. These rumors are very early, despite how exciting some of this is. It's worth taking this with a grain of salt, as anything could change between now and August (potentially) when the next series debuts.
Earliest rumors were a year ago...
This may feel like a curveball, but this Pixel 12 rumor is the second we've seen. The first dates back to 2025 ... and yes, you read that correctly. In June 2025, a rumor about the Pixel 12 series codenames appeared. Of course, the Pixel 12 isn't expected to debut until 2027, but in 2025, the rumors couldn't wait. The following codenames were alleged: Galago, Sasquatch, Silverback, and Capuchin. These were reportedly for the Pixel 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro XL, and 12 Pro Fold.
So, since last year, we've expected the Pixel 12 series to remain similar to what we've received over the past few generations. Four models, and one of them is a foldable. What's new is the supposed screen resolution changes. Rumors are still incredibly light, as the series is months and months away (or years, if you saw that in 2025).
Android Central's TakeRumors are funny sometimes. For me, I'm waiting for a reason to switch to Google Pixel. It's not that I'm actively looking for a reason, though. I like the design of the phones, and Google genuinely has pretty neat features for its phones. Many are Pixel-exclusive, of course, as I've covered several in Pixel Drops. Guess we'll see, huh?