Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Full Review

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold marks Google’s bold entry into the foldable smartphone market, blending the power of the Pixel series with the cutting-edge design of a folding screen. As the latest flagship device from Google, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold aims to offer the versatility of a foldable form factor while retaining the Pixel’s signature AI-driven software and computational photography. This review will explore the design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software features of this innovative device.

Design and Display

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a striking design that combines high-end materials with modern engineering. When folded, it resembles a sleek and compact smartphone, but upon unfolding, the device reveals a large, expansive 8.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering an immersive viewing experience. The foldable screen delivers vivid colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity, making it perfect for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. The exterior of the phone features a 6.4-inch OLED cover display that can be used for everyday tasks when the phone is folded, providing an excellent balance of portability and screen real estate. Both displays support HDR10+ for richer visuals.

The foldable hinge is engineered with durability in mind, offering a smooth and seamless folding mechanism. While it’s sturdy enough to withstand everyday use, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s hinge is slightly more flexible than some competing foldables, allowing it to be opened and closed with minimal effort. The device is built with premium materials, including a reinforced glass back and an aluminum frame, ensuring it feels solid and well-made. Additionally, the phone retains an IPX8 water resistance rating, making it more durable than many other foldables in its class.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, offering fast and efficient performance. Coupled with 12GB of RAM and options for 256GB or 512GB of storage, the device handles multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks with ease. The Tensor G3 chip excels in AI-driven functions like real-time language translation, enhanced voice commands, and camera processing. Whether you’re working on a split-screen task or watching high-resolution videos, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold provides a smooth and fluid experience across both its folded and unfolded modes.

Camera

The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is built to impress, continuing Google’s legacy of industry-leading computational photography. It features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens, offering a versatile range of photography options. Google’s advanced AI algorithms power features like Night Sight, Real Tone, and Magic Eraser, which deliver exceptional low-light performance and post-processing capabilities. The foldable design allows for more creative angles and flexibility, making it easier to capture unique shots. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports 4K video recording at 60fps and includes video stabilization features to ensure smooth footage.

Battery Life

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which delivers all-day performance in most use cases. The device supports 30W fast charging, allowing it to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes, and it also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories. The large battery is able to handle the power demands of the foldable screen, ensuring that the phone lasts through a full day of use, even with frequent switching between folded and unfolded modes.

Software and Features

Running on Android 14, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a clean, bloat-free software experience. It comes with all the exclusive Pixel features, including Google Assistant, Call Screening, Hold for Me, and Live Translate, which enhance the overall user experience. The foldable display allows for improved multitasking, with split-screen and floating window modes that let you run multiple apps simultaneously. As with other Pixel devices, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will receive software updates and security patches directly from Google for at least five years, ensuring long-term support.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an impressive entry into the foldable smartphone market, combining cutting-edge design, exceptional performance, and the powerful features of Google’s ecosystem. The foldable form factor adds a level of versatility not seen in traditional smartphones, making it ideal for multitaskers, content creators, and media consumers. With its robust camera system, AI-driven features, and long-term software support, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a compelling option for those looking to embrace the future of smartphones. While the foldable market is still evolving, Google has set a high standard for what a premium, foldable Android device can achieve.