The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a natural evolution of last year’s Pixel Fold, not just because it’s getting a number and “Pro” in its name. It’s a transformation because Google is implementing a lot of what both Samsung and OnePlus have done well with their foldable in a slightly bigger frame. Still, I’m unsure if it has enough in the software or hardware departments to stand out just yet.
At first glance, the $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a far slimmer device than last year’s. It ditched the rounded corners and boosted the size from a 5.8-inch exterior screen to a 6.3-inch Actua display. It’s the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro but slightly thicker. The Fold has gone from a 7.6-inch unfolded display to a full 8-inches display. It’s a broader phone than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, even after the Korean Android competitor squared up its flagship foldable.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Design
It Has a Bigger Screen, but It Still Lacks Floating Windows
When I picked up the latest Pixel Fold, a few other things immediately jumped out. It’s lighter, much lighter than before. The hinge action is far smoother than last year’s device. It wants to spring open once it reaches a certain threshold, much like the excellent OnePlus Open. Google has completely redesigned the hinge, which has reduced those mammoth Pixel Fold bezels by a considerable degree.
It feels like the phone Google should have released the first time. There’s still a noticeable crease, but it feels less noticeable than last time. Despite the size bump, Google’s not winning in dust resistance. The new phone is rated IPX 8 for water resistance up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, but it has less stated dust resistance than the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
On the software side, we’re still a few iterations behind. Samsung’s foldables let you create floating windows you can shove around the bigger interior screen. Google’s Fold sequel still limits users to split screen. It’s not a huge deal, especially since I dislike manipulating tiny windows with thick fingers. Google says it’s worked with other app makers to make them far easier to read on split view, but we’ll have to test more apps for ourselves.
There’s one sizable improvement. Now, you can pin the taskbar to the bottom of the exterior screen. This is a very nice feature for those who want as much of a Windows-like experience on an Android device.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro Sports a More Impressive Camera Array Than the Fold
Google kept its last Pixel Fold separate from its numbered Pixel phone series. It seems like it will be an alternative to the Mountain View company’s regular cellular slate. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold differs greatly from the Pixel 9 Pro in many ways. Yeah, it has more screen space, but its camera array is less capable than the latest Google flagship.
You’ll notice a square camera bump on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold instead of the usual pill-shaped camera bar. The new Fold includes a 48 MP wide, a 10.5 MP ultrawide, and a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto lens. The 9 Pro carries a 50 MP wide and a massive 48 MP ultrawide with the company’s “Macro Focus” lens and a 48 MP 5x telephoto. The 9 Pro Fold will be a worse shooter than its cheaper cousin without all that foldable capabilities. Google said it limited the Fold’s cameras to save on weight and size.
To compensate for those concessions, the Pro 9 Fold has a few extra features, including one that makes taking photos of easily distracted children easier. It’s called Made You Look, and essentially, the phone will display a silly, kid-friendly animation on the front screen that distracts me as much as it does toddlers.
Otherwise, you get other Pixel 9 additions, like the handy Add Me. The feature is an addition to the Magic Editor suite that lets you take a photo, hand it off, and jump into the frame. It is far easier to work all of Google’s AI photo apparatus with an 8-inch screen than with something smaller. Plus, I was surprised at how well this worked, making it appear like both were in the frame at the same time. I can imagine this will let you avoid awkward moments when you don’t want to ask strangers to take photos of your whole family while on vacation.
Buy Google Pixel 9 Fold Pro at Best Buy
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