Key points
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the largest foldable display.
- Impressive battery life despite slim design and smaller battery.
- Solid performance with Google’s Tensor G4 chip and 16GB RAM.
- The camera quality is great but doesn’t surpass the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a true game-changer in the foldable smartphone market. With its massive display, powerful performance, and refined design, this second-gen foldable is a giant leap forward.
Whether you’re a foldable phone enthusiast or considering making the switch, this device is hard to ignore. In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Google’s latest foldable and why it’s currently the best foldable on the market.
REVIEW: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, amazing foldable, but the XL stole my heart
My full review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now live on techAU.https://t.co/rNlqSXNNS0 pic.twitter.com/A4Y2p4xPHT
— techAU (@techAU) September 15, 2024
Best Foldable Display Ever
One of the standout features of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its enormous 8-inch foldable display, which is the largest of any foldable phone currently available.
Not only is it large, but it’s also 80% brighter than the previous generation, delivering crystal-clear visuals even in bright sunlight. This is a major improvement over the first Pixel Fold, which was plagued by reflection issues.
When folded, the device has a 6.3-inch front display that feels like using a regular flagship phone. The 20:9 aspect ratio makes it practical and user-friendly, a significant improvement over the original Fold’s awkward proportions.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold successfully balances the convenience of a normal phone with the extra real estate of a foldable screen, making it incredibly versatile.
Performance and Battery Life
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM. While the Tensor G4 may not be the most powerful chip on the market, it provides excellent performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
Thanks to the improved vapor chamber, the phone stays cool even during long gaming sessions, something that couldn’t be said about the original Pixel Fold.
Battery life is another area where the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels. Despite having a slightly smaller 4650mAh battery, Google has optimized power efficiency to ensure you can get through a full day of use.
On average, the phone lasts around 18 hours on a single charge, making it one of the better foldable devices in terms of battery performance.
However, Google’s decision to stick with 21W wired charging might be a drawback for some users, especially when competitors like OnePlus offer much faster charging speeds.
Design and Usability
Compared to the first Pixel Fold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is lighter, slimmer, and more comfortable to use. Weighing 257g and measuring 10.5mm thick, this foldable feels more like a regular smartphone when folded, eliminating the bulkiness that foldable phones are known for.
The hinge has also been redesigned for better durability and smoother folding, and the reduced bezels give the screen a more immersive feel.
One of the biggest advantages of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its usability when folded. The front screen is fully functional, so you can use the phone like any other flagship.
But when you need that extra screen space for gaming, multitasking, or watching videos, the foldable 8-inch display offers a unique experience unmatched by any other phone on the market.
Camera Setup
The camera setup on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is solid but doesn’t reach the heights of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It retains the 48MP main camera, 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10.5MP ultra-wide lens from the original Pixel Fold.
While these cameras still deliver excellent photo quality, it would have been nice to see an upgrade in the sensor department.
Google’s AI-driven photography features are still one of the best in the business. Features like Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and optical image stabilization make this a versatile camera system.
Whether you’re capturing low-light photos or removing unwanted objects from a shot, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold does a great job, though it still faces some competition from the likes of Samsung and OnePlus.
Final Thoughts
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the most refined foldable on the market right now. With its large, bright display, powerful performance, and sleek design, it is miles ahead of its predecessor and other foldable competitors.
While it’s not perfect—its camera setup could be better, and faster charging would be nice—it’s still the best foldable option available. If you’re in the market for a high-end foldable, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold should be at the top of your list.
