Google's latest foldable smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, brings significant improvements over its predecessor while still leaving room for refinement. Starting at $1,799, this device aims to compete with other high-end foldables on the market.
Design and Display
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a slimmer and taller design compared to last year's model. When unfolded, it boasts an impressive 8-inch internal display, making it the largest foldable screen currently available. The device measures just 5.1mm thick when open, giving it a true tablet-like feel.
The outer display comes in at 6.3 inches, matching the size of standard flagship smartphones. Both screens utilize Google's Super Actua display technology, offering up to 2,700 nits of brightness - a substantial upgrade from the previous generation's 1,450 nits.
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| Comparing the sleek design of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold alongside its predecessor |
Performance
Powering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google's new Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM. This combination allows for smooth multitasking and handles demanding tasks like 4K video editing with ease. The device also excels at on-device AI processing, enabling features like image generation through Google's Gemini AI.
Camera System
Surprisingly, the camera hardware remains largely unchanged from the previous Pixel Fold. The main sensor is still 48MP, with 10.5MP ultrawide and telephoto lenses. While image quality is generally good, it falls short of the standard Pixel 9 Pro in terms of detail and color reproduction.
Google has added new software features to enhance the camera experience, including:
- Made You Look: Displays animations on the outer screen to capture attention for photos
- Add Me: Stitches two images together to include everyone in a group shot
- Video Boost: Enhances video quality (though details on this feature are limited)
Software and Multitasking
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android with Google's custom interface. While the large internal display is great for productivity, multitasking capabilities are somewhat limited. Users can only split-screen two apps at a time, falling behind competitors like Samsung that allow for three or more simultaneous apps.
Battery Life and Charging
A 4,650mAh battery powers the device, typically lasting through a full day of use with 18-20% remaining. This is an improvement over the previous model but still average by flagship standards.
Price and Availability
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 for the 256GB storage model. Some retailers are offering promotions, such as $350 gift cards with purchase.
Conclusion
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward for Google in the foldable market. Its thinner design, larger display, and improved performance make it a compelling option for tech enthusiasts. However, limitations in multitasking capabilities, lack of stylus support, and a camera system that doesn't quite match its Pro branding may give some potential buyers pause.
For those invested in the Google ecosystem and seeking a powerful, tablet-like experience in a smartphone form factor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is worth considering. However, shoppers should weigh its strengths against its premium price tag and compare it closely with competitors before making a decision.
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| Exploring the modern aesthetics and design options of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
