Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 9, 2024 7:28 am GMT
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has sparked considerable interest in the realm of foldable smartphones. After utilizing it for a week, it’s clear that Google has learned from its earlier foray into foldables, presenting a device that merges innovation with practicality. However, the question remains: does it live up to expectations?
Starting at $1,899, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold occupies a premium price bracket, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. While this price point might deter some, there are compelling features that make it a noteworthy investment. Its book-like design and an impressive 8-inch unfoldable display are ideal for activities such as streaming and multitasking.
Users appreciate the Pixel Fold’s portable design, especially considering the 6.3-inch outer display, which offers the familiarity of a standard smartphone. This significant size difference compared to the Samsung Z Fold 6, which sports a thinner cover screen, has been a strong selling point for many. This makes typing and managing tasks much more enjoyable, particularly for those with larger fingers.
Camera technology is another strong aspect of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Featuring wide-angle, ultra-wide, and a 5x telephoto lens, it captures stunning images that stand toe-to-toe with competition. However, those hoping for a significant upgrade from its predecessor might find the camera specs and capabilities largely unchanged. While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold maintains the same camera sensors as before, it still delivers some of the best photo quality in the foldable market, though it falls behind the latest Pixel 9 Pro series in detail and color richness.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold shines. It’s powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, ensuring smooth operations even while running multiple apps. The device excels under various conditions, with a bright screen that can reach 2,700 nits, making it usable in direct sunlight—a major improvement over the previous model.
Yet, it’s essential to address some drawbacks. The audio output from the speakers leaves much to be desired, making it less than ideal for enjoying music or video content without headphones. Furthermore, the placement of the inner selfie camera can be cumbersome during video calls, detracting from the overall experience.
Google has embedded some intriguing AI features into the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel Screenshots app, for instance, enables users to extract pertinent information from screenshots quickly. Such features might not be groundbreaking, but they showcase the potential for enhancing user experience through advanced technology.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while impressive, isn’t without its quirks. Many users may wish for improved multitasking capabilities, as Google limits split-screen usage to just two apps. This is a notable shortfall compared to competitors like Samsung, which have more flexible multitasking options.
the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a robust foldable option that combines a sleek design with powerful features. While it may not be perfect, particularly when weighing audio performance and camera enhancements, it stands as a strong contender in the foldable smartphone arena. If you’re attracted to the unique design and functionality of foldables and don’t mind investing in premium technology, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes highly recommended. For those looking to explore more about the evolution of foldable devices, insights can be found on platforms like TechRadar and ZDNet.
As foldable phones keep getting better, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is leading the way for new ideas and fun experiences in the smartphone world.
