introduction
Growing up is a universal experience, not just for us but also for technology. While mainstream smartphones have seen minimal innovation recently, foldable devices have been evolving significantly over the past few years and are finally starting to find their footing. They resemble young adults navigating their lives, whereas traditional “candybar” phones have largely reached their peak development—at least on the surface.
If we consider foldable phones as the children, companies like Samsung and Google represent the different parenting styles. Samsung has adopted a more adventurous approach, allowing its device to experiment freely, even if it results in a few mishaps along the way. In contrast, Google seems to have taken a more cautious route, carefully nurturing its product before introducing it to the market last year. And we can’t overlook the absence of Apple, which appears to be waiting for its foldable to reach full maturity before making a grand entrance.
In this context, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold presents itself as a well-developed young adult, ready to face the challenges ahead. While it might have been more fitting to label it the Pixel Fold 2 (as it’s only Google’s second foldable), I understand why the company prefers to associate it with the 9-series. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the entire Pixel 9 range feels polished and prepared to compete effectively—potentially winning over users in the process.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s second foldable has reached maturity, featuring upgraded hardware, enhanced cameras, and improved battery life. It just needs to resolve a few software issues to complete its evolution.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Superior camera quality compared to rivals
- Thinner and lighter than the previous version
- Operates at a cooler temperature than before
Cons
- Still on the pricey side
- Some software quirks remain
One of the standout features of the Pixel foldable is its aspect ratio. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which my colleague Sam Rutherford has likened to a slender baton, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold maintains a more traditional phone feel when closed. In fact, it aligns closely with the Pixel 9 series, as its 6.3-inch external display closely matches the size of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro.
However, due to the frame designed to accommodate the hinge for the flexible internal display, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold resembles the size of my iPhone 15 Pro Max. When I held both devices, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold felt a bit heavier, leading me to believe it was closer in weight to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I was mistaken—the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is actually 17 grams heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 36 grams more than the 15 Pro Max. Notably, at 257 grams (9.06 ounces), the Pixel foldable is 18 grams heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
While it may not be the lightest foldable available, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold certainly ranks among the thinnest. When opened, its thickness measures just 5.1mm (0.2 inches), compared to the slightly thicker Samsung Z Fold 6 at 5.6mm.
Numbers alone don’t provide the full picture. While compact dimensions look impressive on paper, the tactile experience of holding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a crucial aspect of its development. The previous model had a somewhat unfinished feel, reminiscent of a makeshift construction. This time, the device presents a more robust impression, thanks to its “aerospace-grade high-strength aluminum alloy” and “matte back with satin metal frame.” The external display and rear are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, enhancing its scratch resistance.
As is often the case with foldable devices, durability remains a concern that can only be assessed over time. The positive news is that Sam recently published a durability report after a year with the original Pixel Fold. The device not only endured the rigors of everyday use but also survived the challenges posed by an active toddler for an entire year.
A few final observations about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s design: If you’re right-handed, you may find the slightly curved bottom right corner (when folded) quite comfortable as it fits nicely in your palm. In contrast, left-handed users might not enjoy the sharper angle of the bottom left corner as much. I used the Fold with both hands and didn’t find it to be a significant drawback, but our videographer Hayato Huseman had concerns about its usability for left-handed individuals.
I also have a small issue with how difficult it can be to open the device without first using a fingernail to pry apart the two halves, although I anticipate this will become easier over time. A more noticeable annoyance is the slight creaking sound when I open the phone; however, this has improved as I’ve used it more. Occasionally, there’s a somewhat concerning rattle when I shake the Fold, which my friend Julian Chokkattu at Wired also noted, suggesting it may be a common issue rather than specific to our unit.
I reached out to Google to determine if this issue is limited to our review samples or if it’s more common. The company informed me that “this is expected behavior related to the telephoto camera’s VCM (voice coil motor). You may also notice this on the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL.” I should mention that I experience a similar (though less noticeable) sound when I shake my iPhone 15 Pro Max in the same manner, suggesting this could be a result of the optical image stabilization system in action.
A Tale of Two Pixel 9 Pro Fold Displays
Attention, aspect ratio enthusiasts—get ready for a deep dive into some fascinating numbers! While last year’s Pixel Fold featured a 5.8-inch external display with an unconventional 17.4:9 aspect ratio, this year’s model offers a more user-friendly design. It boasts the same 6.3-inch 20:9 screen as the regular Pixel 9, providing a more familiar size and shape. I do wish it had the sharper resolution of the Pro model, which offers a 1Hz refresh rate down to 1,080 x 2,424 and a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate like the base Pixel 9, but it’s not a major drawback.
Sam noted a slight adjustment in the Pixel Fold’s internal screen. The original model measured just under 5.875 inches wide when held in landscape orientation, and while the new Pixel Fold maintains the same width in that position, it measures 5.625 inches wide in portrait mode. This results in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s internal display having an almost square 1:1 aspect ratio, with a diagonal size of 8 inches, surpassing its predecessor’s 7.6-inch panel.
This change doesn’t significantly enhance the experience when viewing widescreen content; in fact, Sam would describe it as a “very tiny downgrade” in that context. The new screen dimensions are likely to have a more noticeable impact during gaming and multitasking rather than video playback. This adjustment seems primarily aimed at improving compatibility, as I still encountered empty spaces on either side of videos (in both portrait and landscape modes) when watching YouTube clips in full screen.
It’s worth noting that the internal display does indeed support a refresh rate down to 1Hz, but it has a lower pixel density due to its 2,076 x 2,152 resolution. I didn’t find either display particularly impressive; they felt quite functional. Both can achieve up to 2,700 nits of peak brightness, making them readable in direct sunlight. However, the front screen can reach 1,800 nits with HDR, while the internal display maxes out at 1,600 nits with HDR.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Cameras and Photography Features
Google’s first foldable already outperformed Samsung’s latest models with its superior optical zoom, sharper images, and better low-light capabilities. While it’s somewhat disappointing that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t include many hardware enhancements, its camera performance still surpasses that of the Z Fold 6. In fact, Sam claims that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts the best cameras available on any foldable device in the US.
When it comes to actual photography, the Pixel consistently outperformed the Z Fold 6, with Sam even stating that it’s “generally a tier level higher.” The colors are more vibrant and accurate, and the telephoto capabilities provide a significant improvement in zoomed-in images—this is before even utilizing Google’s Zoom Enhance software. Given that Samsung has been using the same main camera sensor for the past three years, this disparity isn’t surprising; however, it’s unfortunate for those who spent $1,900 on the Z Fold 6 to have to settle for inferior specifications. It’s particularly odd, considering Samsung’s main sensor boasts a higher resolution at 50MP.
Additionally, Google’s primary hardware upgrade has given the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a distinct advantage, as its ultra-wide camera can also function as a macro shooter, enhancing close-up photography compared to Samsung’s offerings. Furthermore, Google remains a leader in low-light photography, delivering sharper, more vibrant, and better-exposed images than the Z Fold 6.
Performance and in use
Neither Sam nor I have had the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for more than a week, so it’s a bit premature to discuss long-term performance and daily use. However, we’ve both noticed that the new Fold operates smoothly and remains cool, much like the other Pixel 9 Pros. This is largely attributed to the Tensor G4 processor and the built-in vapor chamber. Perhaps I just haven’t had the device long enough, but it never became overly warm.
I enjoyed watching YouTube while having Threads open on the internal screen, and the larger display made it easier to examine Instagram photos. I do wish more apps were optimized for the larger format, as some of my recent favorites, like Fruit Merge, don’t utilize the full width and instead sit centered with empty bars on either side.
It’s also odd that flexing the screen, which is meant to automatically switch compatible apps into a split layout, only functions in landscape mode. For instance, if you open YouTube, bend the Pixel 9 Pro Fold slightly, and orient it so the rear camera is in the top left corner, the video will occupy the top half of the display, while the bottom half contains the title, description, comments, and related videos.
This layout is intuitive and works well in landscape orientation, where the video is propped up for easier viewing. However, I wish there was a similar setup for portrait mode that would allow the comments to occupy the right half of the screen instead of the awkward narrow column they currently use.
Sam, drawing from his experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, finds Samsung’s taskbar “a touch better for power users,” as it can be set to remain visible regardless of the app in use. This feature facilitates launching apps in split-screen mode and switching between tasks. Additionally, it’s important to note that Google does not support stylus input, unlike Samsung, which offers this functionality along with the handy DeX multitasking interface. The Pixel Fold lacks such an interface that allows apps to appear in floating windows, although I do appreciate that compatible apps can display extra columns or sidebars on the larger screen.
Still, these are relatively minor issues that could likely be addressed with future software updates. If you’re not a power user or looking to use a stylus with your foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a strong contender compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Battery Life
The Pixel 9 series has consistently performed well in our video rundown battery tests, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception. When using just the external display, the Fold lasted 27 hours and 9 minutes, which is comparable to the standard Pixel 9. When operating on the internal screen, it lasted 23 hours and 22 minutes, which is impressive given the larger size.
These figures are about two to three hours longer than those of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which achieved 25 hours and 19 minutes when folded and 20 hours and 7 minutes when opened. The new Pixel Fold also outperformed its predecessor and the OnePlus Open, neither of which surpassed the 20-hour mark in our tests.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward in the foldable smartphone market, combining a refined design, impressive camera capabilities, and strong battery life. While it may not introduce groundbreaking hardware upgrades, its overall performance and user experience make it a compelling choice for those looking for a foldable device.
Despite some minor software quirks and the lack of stylus support, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels in areas such as photography and multitasking, making it a solid contender against competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 6. For users who prioritize a smooth experience and superior camera performance over power-user features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an excellent option worth considering.
As it continues to mature with software updates, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could become an even more well-rounded device, solidifying its place in the growing foldable market.