Google's latest foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, represents a significant step forward from its predecessor but still has some areas that need refinement.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings several notable improvements over the original Pixel Fold:
- Slimmer and lighter design at 10.5mm thick when closed and 260g
- Improved hinge mechanism on par with competitors like Samsung and OnePlus
- Better thermal performance and build quality
- Larger 8-inch inner display that feels more expansive than the Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Decent battery life with around 5 hours of screen-on time
However, early hands-on impressions reveal some lingering issues:
- Still relatively heavy compared to non-folding phones, especially with a case
- Thick bezels and frame make it bulkier than some competing foldables
- Mediocre speaker quality that doesn't match the $1,799 price tag
- Camera performance that falls short of non-folding Pixel flagships, especially in low light
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold does shine in some areas like multitasking capabilities and Google's AI features. The Kindle app now properly supports dual-column reading on the inner display. USB-C video output is also supported.
Overall, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a marked improvement, it shows Google is still finding its footing in the foldable space. The hardware refinements are welcome, but at $1,799, some buyers may expect more polish in areas like the speakers and camera performance.
For Pixel Fold owners considering an upgrade, the improvements may be worth it if you can secure a good trade-in deal. However, those new to foldables may want to compare closely with competitors or wait to see how Google further refines the form factor in future iterations.
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| Comparison of Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold showcasing design improvements |
