On August 13, 2024, Google unveiled its latest marvel in the world of foldable smartphones – the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This device represents a significant leap forward in foldable technology, offering a seamless blend of smartphone and tablet functionality in a sleek, premium package. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and software features to help you decide if this cutting-edge device is worth its premium price tag.
Design: Thin is In
A New Standard for Foldable Aesthetics
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold sets a new benchmark for foldable design with its incredibly slim profile. At just 10.5mm thick when closed, it’s one of the thinnest foldable phones on the market. This svelte design makes it feel much more like a traditional smartphone when folded, addressing one of the main criticisms of earlier foldable devices.
The phone’s exterior exudes premium quality, with a clean and professional look available in two color options: Obsidian and Porcelain. While some may find these color choices a bit conservative, they lend the device a sophisticated appearance suitable for both personal and professional settings.
Durability Concerns
Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is their most durable foldable yet. However, it’s worth noting that during the review process, one unit experienced an issue with the inner display developing a black splotch after cleaning with a lens wipe. While this appears to be an isolated incident, it does raise some questions about the long-term durability of the device.
Display: Double the Pleasure
Cover Display: Perfectly Normal
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch cover display that’s identical to the one found on the standard Pixel 9. This “normal” sized external screen is a significant advantage, as it allows users to comfortably use the device as a regular smartphone without always needing to unfold it.
Inner Display: Go Big or Go Home
When unfolded, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold reveals its piece de resistance – an impressive 8-inch inner display. This expansive screen offers more real estate than even the iPad mini, making it perfect for productivity tasks, media consumption, and creative work.
The inner display boasts some impressive specs:
- Resolution: 2076 x 2152 pixels
- Refresh rate: 1-120Hz (adaptive)
- Peak brightness: 2,700 nits
These specifications ensure that content looks crisp, smooth, and vibrant in any lighting condition.
Performance: Powered by Tensor G4
AI at the Core
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s custom Tensor G4 chipset, paired with a generous 16GB of RAM. While it may not top the benchmark charts compared to some competitors, the Tensor G4 is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, which are central to many of the Pixel’s standout features.
Real-World Performance
In day-to-day use, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold handles multitasking, app switching, and even demanding games with ease. The combination of the Tensor G4 and ample RAM ensures a smooth and responsive experience, whether you’re using the cover display or the large inner screen.
Camera System: Compact but Capable
Triple Lens Setup
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a triple camera system:
- 48MP main camera
- 10.8MP 5x telephoto zoom
- 10.5MP ultrawide
While these specs may seem less impressive than those found on the Pixel 9 Pro, Google’s computational photography prowess helps to bridge the gap.
Imaging Performance
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold produces excellent photos in various conditions. Highlights include:
- Impressive macro capabilities
- Stunning night panoramas
- Versatile 5x optical zoom
Video performance is also solid, with 4K recording capabilities and the option to use Video Boost for enhanced quality (though this feature can be a bit finicky to activate).
Software: AI-Powered Innovation
Android 14 and Beyond
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14 out of the box and comes with the promise of seven years of OS updates and security patches. This commitment to long-term support is a significant selling point, especially for a device in this price range.
AI-Enhanced Features
Google’s AI prowess shines through in various software features:
- Pixel Studio: Create AI-generated images from text prompts
- Reimagine: Powerful photo editing tool for transforming images
- Advanced language translation utilizing both displays
These AI features are particularly impressive when used on the large inner display, showcasing the unique advantages of the foldable form factor.
Battery Life and Charging
All-Day Endurance
Despite having a smaller battery than other Pixel 9 models (4,650mAh), the Pixel 9 Pro Fold manages to deliver solid battery life. It outlasts some competing foldables, though heavy use of the large inner display can drain the battery more quickly.
Charging Speed Trade-Off
One disappointing aspect is the relatively slow 21W charging speed, which falls behind other premium smartphones. This means you’ll need to plan your charging sessions more carefully if you’re a heavy user.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly thin and pocketable design
- Massive 8-inch inner display
- Powerful AI features and photo editing tools
- Seven years of software support
- Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom
Cons:
- High price point
- Potential durability concerns
- Slower charging compared to competitors
- Camera hardware not as advanced as non-foldable Pixel 9 Pro
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward in the evolution of foldable smartphones. Its incredibly thin design, massive inner display, and powerful AI capabilities make it a compelling option for tech enthusiasts and productivity-focused users alike.
However, the high price tag and some lingering concerns about long-term durability mean it may not be the right choice for everyone. Those who value cutting-edge technology and are willing to invest in a device that blurs the line between smartphone and tablet will find much to love in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold showcases Google’s vision for the future of mobile computing – a future where our devices adapt to our needs, whether we’re quickly checking notifications or settling in for a long work session. While it may not be perfect, it’s an exciting glimpse into what’s possible when innovative hardware meets intelligent software.
