The Google Pixel Fold was a significant step for Google into the foldable smartphone market, but it did not quite capture the top position among its competitors. Fast forward 15 months, and Google has introduced its second foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This new model aims to address the shortcomings of the original Fold, which struggled with performance and lacked many of the features now expected in foldable devices. In this comprehensive review, we will explore everything you need to know about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, from its design and hardware to its camera capabilities and overall performance.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Design and Display
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features sleek dimensions, measuring 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.11 mm when folded and 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm when unfolded. The outer display is a vibrant 6.24-inch FHD+ OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This robust cover screen is safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it durable for everyday use.
When unfolded, the device reveals an impressive 8-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2075 x 2152 pixels and the same 120Hz refresh rate. This large display is designed for an immersive experience, whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web.
In terms of design, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a taller and narrower profile compared to its predecessor, making it more comfortable to hold. However, some users might find the new camera module design less appealing than that of the original Pixel Fold. The bottom of the device houses the USB Type-C port, speaker grille, and SIM card slot, while the overall build quality feels premium and robust.
Advanced Hardware for Enhanced Performance
At the heart of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the powerful Tensor G4 processor, an octa-core SoC that boasts a 1+3+4 core configuration. This includes a high-performance Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.1 GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores running at 2.4 GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 1.95 GHz. This new chip claims to deliver approximately 10% increased performance compared to the previous Tensor G3.
The improvements in performance are even more pronounced when compared to the original Pixel Fold, which utilized the Tensor G2. Users can expect an overall performance boost of around 30%, making the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a more capable device for demanding tasks.
For storage and memory, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports UFS 4.0 storage technology and LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring fast data access and efficient multitasking capabilities.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Camera Capabilities
The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a 48 MP wide IMX787 sensor, which is somewhat surprising given that Google has opted for the newer IMX858 sensor in the Pixel 9 series. Nonetheless, this half-inch sensor comes with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), helping to produce sharp and clear images.
In addition to the primary camera, the device features a 10.5 MP ultrawide camera and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens, also equipped with OIS. Both the inner and cover display selfie cameras utilize the same Samsung 3K1 10 MP sensors, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls.
Software and User Experience
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14 right out of the box, promising users a smooth and intuitive experience. Like its Pixel 8 and 9 counterparts, it will receive seven major Android updates and feature drops, ensuring longevity and a consistent user experience over the years.
An unfortunate aspect of this release is its omission of Android 15 at launch. However, users can expect to receive Android 15 shortly after the release, bringing exciting features tailored for foldable devices.
Moreover, the 9 Pro Fold incorporates on-device AI capabilities powered by Gemini Nano, allowing for functionalities such as Image to Text, Pixel Screenshots, and Pixel Studio for enhanced productivity.
Battery Life and Connectivity Features
Powering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a robust 4,560 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the 4,821 mAh battery found in its predecessor. However, Google has significantly improved the charging speed, now supporting 45W fast charging—double the speed of the previous model. Additionally, it offers 15W wireless charging capabilities.
For connectivity, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes advanced features such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and an Ultra-wideband chip for enhanced performance. The USB 3.2 Type-C port also supports display output, making it a versatile option for various connectivity needs.
Available Colors and Pricing Structure
Consumers can choose between two elegant colors for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Porcelain and Obsidian. The device is available in two storage options: 16 GB + 256 GB and 16 GB + 512 GB, catering to different user needs.
The starting price for the base variant is $1799, while the more spacious 512 GB model comes at a higher price of $1,919. If you are contemplating an upgrade from the original Pixel Fold, it's worth checking out the comparative features between the two devices.
In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold aims to provide an enhanced user experience, addressing the shortcomings found in its predecessor. With its sleek design, advanced hardware, and powerful camera capabilities, it positions itself as a worthy contender in the foldable smartphone market. We invite you to share your thoughts on this new foldable device in the comments below!
