Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: Price, Specs, Design, Performance, Battery, Camera

Introduction: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has impressed users with its blend of innovation and usability. Google has moved on from the shortcomings of the first-generation Pixel Fold, launching a foldable phone that challenges its competitors like Samsung and OnePlus. Priced competitively, this foldable device has made significant improvements in design, battery life, and overall performance.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Price & Availability

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available at £1749/$1799 for the 256GB model and slightly more for the 512GB option. While that may sound expensive, it’s still lower than some competing models like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which launched at a higher price point.

Despite the steep price, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold justifies it with robust features, making it a serious contender in the foldable market. If you’re considering a foldable, this phone offers considerable value for the money.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: What’s New?

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has undergone a complete transformation from its predecessor. The most noticeable upgrades include a larger 8-inch internal screen, slimmer bezels, and a lighter, more portable design. Other notable improvements:

• Aspect Ratio: The 20:9 aspect ratio on the front display makes it more user-friendly compared to the squashed 17.4:9 ratio in the first-gen Fold.
• Processor: Upgraded from the Tensor G2 to Tensor G4, providing faster, more efficient performance.
• RAM: Increased to 16GB, making multitasking smoother.

Though the camera sensors and water resistance remain the same as the previous model, other areas like the display, design, and hinge mechanism have seen significant improvements.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Design & Displays

The 8-inch internal display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the largest in the market. This makes it ideal for multitasking and media consumption. The external display, at 6.3 inches, is highly functional, often used as a primary screen by users. The new hinge design allows the phone to fold flat, a much-needed improvement over its predecessor.

Google has also slimmed down the phone, making it easier to handle and pocket. The device feels much lighter compared to other foldables on the market, including its first-generation model.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Performance & Battery

The new Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM, provides sufficient power for gaming, multitasking, and daily tasks. Although the battery size (4650mAh) is slightly smaller than expected for a foldable, the efficient processor and cooling system help extend battery life.

In my two-week test, the phone lasted 18-hour days without needing a charge, even after intensive use like gaming. However, the 21W wired charging could use an upgrade, especially compared to competitors like OnePlus that offer 67W charging.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Software & Support

One standout feature of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its use of Google’s Gemini AI, which enhances user experiences like photography and messaging. The device comes with 7 years of security patches and software updates, ensuring longevity and future-proofing.

However, some advanced AI features are locked behind a paywall after the first year, potentially limiting the full functionality of the device unless you’re willing to subscribe.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Cameras

The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP optical zoom lens, and a 10.5MP wide-angle lens. While these are carried over from the original Fold, they still deliver excellent photo quality. The cameras perform exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, and features like Night Sight and optical image stabilization enhance overall usability.

The main camera remains the star performer, providing crisp, detailed images. The versatility of the camera system is an asset, especially for low-light photography and zoom shots.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold marks a significant leap in foldable phone technology. With a larger, brighter display, improved hinge mechanism, and upgraded performance, it stands tall against competitors like Samsung and OnePlus. While it’s not without its compromises, such as a visible crease in the fold and relatively slow charging, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable phone on the market today.

If you’re in the market for a foldable, and willing to spend, this phone deserves serious consideration. For those on a tighter budget, older models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or other alternatives like the Honor Magic V3 may offer good value.

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