The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has arrived, marking Google’s latest entry into the foldable phone market. As a second-generation device, it refines and builds on its predecessor, addressing key areas of concern while pushing the boundaries of what a folding phone can achieve. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stacks up.
Design: A Sleek and Practical Evolution
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s design is a testament to Google’s focus on refinement. It is thinner and adopts a modern squared-off shape, giving it a flagship feel. The sides feature a matte finish paired with a soft-touch back, enhancing grip and aesthetics. While the camera bump’s appearance sparked some chatter, it hasn’t been a significant hindrance in use.
One noticeable shift is the transition from a smaller “passport-style” form factor to a full-fledged flagship size. Closed, it houses a 6.3-inch 1080p, 120Hz AMOLED display—spacious yet manageable for one-handed use. Open it up, and you’re greeted with an 8-inch dynamic LTPO display boasting 2700 nits of brightness.
The bezels, now thinner and more even, provide a polished look, while the new hinge allows for smooth, flat unfolding. At just over 10mm thick when folded, it’s competitive with other foldables in terms of portability.
Performance: A Step Forward with Some Caveats
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Google’s Tensor chip, which, while not leading in raw power or efficiency, proves adequate for everyday tasks. However, power users may find its performance slightly underwhelming compared to other flagships.
Battery life is supported by a 4,650mAh cell, offering respectable endurance for a foldable. Charging, however, lags behind competitors, with slower speeds and limited compatibility with newer wireless charging standards like Qi2.
Display: A Bigger and Better Experience
The displays on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are one of its strongest selling points. The outer cover screen offers smooth 120Hz scrolling and excellent brightness for outdoor use, though it lacks LTPO technology, which would have improved efficiency for always-on functionality.
Inside, the 8-inch LTPO panel shines, literally and figuratively. Its tall aspect ratio is ideal for multitasking, making side-by-side apps or picture-in-picture viewing seamless. Whether reading, watching videos, or navigating Android’s two-column layouts, the larger screen delivers a premium experience.
Camera: A Slight Trade-Off
Camera performance is where compromises become evident. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features smaller sensors compared to the Pixel 9 series. While the image style—high contrast and excellent dynamic range—remains consistent, sharpness and low-light performance lag behind Google’s flagship slabs.
For most users, the camera will suffice, offering quality comparable to older Pixel flagships like the Pixel 7 Pro. However, avid photographers might find these limitations hard to ignore.
Software: The Pixel Edge
Where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines is its software. Powered by Android 14 (with Android 15 on the horizon), the device offers exclusive Pixel features like call screening, the Pixel weather app, and seamless multitasking.
Foldable-specific optimizations enhance the experience, with split-screen layouts and intuitive gestures tailored to the larger screen. Google’s promise of seven years of software updates ensures long-term support, making this device a sound investment for Pixel enthusiasts.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Foldable Space
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant leap for Google’s foldable ambitions. Its improved design, immersive displays, and stellar software make it a worthy contender in the competitive foldable market.
However, its underpowered chip, limited camera system, and high price tag ($1,800) may deter some buyers. For those seeking a folding phone with a refined Android experience, though, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a solid choice, demonstrating that Google is firmly committed to leading the way in foldable innovation.