Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: It highlights both the model and the premium nature of the device.

Unfolding the Future: A Glimpse into Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold

As the dust settles on Google’s latest product showcase, the spotlight shines brightly on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a device poised to redefine the boundaries of foldable smartphones. If you’re seeking a deep dive into this new foldable marvel, look no further than our hands-on review. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is more than just a name change from its predecessor; it’s a bold step forward, addressing past grievances and introducing some ground breaking enhancements.

At a time when every flagship smartphone must bring something extraordinary to the table, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold steps up with a wealth of AI-driven features, all powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chipset. This device is not just about the fold; it’s about the fusion of innovation and intelligence.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold at a Glance: Key Updates

• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold now stands tall within the Pixel 9 family, driven by the Tensor G4 system-on-chip, the same powerhouse found in Google’s latest lineup unveiled on August 13.
• The bezels around the primary display have been significantly trimmed, revealing an expansive 8-inch screen when the device is fully unfolded.
• The cover display has also grown, now measuring 6.3 inches, up from the Pixel Fold’s 5.8 inches.
• The re-engineered hinge contributes to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s svelte profile, making it just 5.1mm thick when open, a noticeable improvement over its predecessor.
• New AI features like Add Me for group photos, Call Notes for phone call transcription, and Pixel Screenshots for content searchability, push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.

Price and Availability:

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold enters the market with a price tag of $1,799/£1,749, matching the original Pixel Fold’s launch price. This comes on the heels of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 debut, which saw a $100 price increase. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Open remains the most affordable option among book-style foldables, retailing at $1,699. Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are live, with shipping set to begin on September 4.

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What’s New with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold:

Design takes center stage in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s evolution. Google has not only reinforced the hinge with stainless steel and an aluminum alloy cover but has also streamlined the device’s overall design. With dimensions of 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches, this iteration is marginally thinner than its predecessor—a small but significant change in the foldable phone arena.

One of the most glaring issues with the original Pixel Fold was its chunky bezels, which have been slimmed down in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This adjustment expands the interior display to 8 inches, up from 7.6 inches, and the aspect ratio of the cover display has also been modified for a sleeker appearance. The result is a larger, brighter screen, with Google claiming maximum brightness levels of up to 2,700 nits for both displays.

Beyond the physical upgrades, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s most significant leap is in its performance, thanks to the Tensor G4 chip. By aligning the release with the rest of the Pixel 9 series, Google has skipped over the Tensor G3, bringing its foldable up to date with its latest silicon. The Tensor G4 may not be a performance juggernaut, but it introduces a host of new AI features that elevate the user experience. These include searching screenshots by content and the ability to record and transcribe calls. With Gemini integrated into the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, users also gain access to a year’s subscription to Gemini Advanced, unlocking the full potential of Google’s AI capabilities.

Camera and AI Enhancements:

While the hardware upgrades to the camera system are minimal, with the ultrawide lens now featuring a 10.5MP sensor instead of the previous 10.8MP, Google’s focus has clearly shifted to software-driven photography enhancements. Features like Add Me allow users to seamlessly insert themselves into group photos, while Reimagine offers creative photo editing through text prompts. The Made You Look feature utilizes the cover display to capture children’s attention during photo sessions, making it easier to snap the perfect shot.

Running on Android 14 at launch, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is already promised an upgrade to Android 15 when it becomes available. Moreover, Google has extended its commitment to software and security updates, offering seven years of support, a notable increase from the original Pixel Fold’s three-year software and five-year security update guarantee.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Competitors:

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold inevitably invites comparisons with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the OnePlus Open, both of which cater to the high-end foldable market. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold now holds the title for the thinnest foldable, surpassing the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which measures 5.6mm when open. However, Samsung still has the edge in terms of weight, with the Z Fold 6 tipping the scales at 8.4 ounces.

When it comes to display size, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts the largest interior screen, outclassing the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 7.6-inch panel and the OnePlus Open’s 7.82-inch screen. The cover displays on all three devices are similarly sized, thanks to Google’s decision to extend the exterior panel on its new foldable.

Performance-wise, the Tensor G4 may not rival the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but the real showdown will be in the AI arena. Google’s AI-driven features, particularly in photography, will be pitted against Samsung’s, which leverages its dual screens for enhanced functionality.

Multitasking is another area of interest, especially when comparing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the OnePlus Open, which has set a high bar with its Open Canvas feature. Google’s foldable retains the familiar Split Screen mode, now enhanced to allow up to four concurrent video streams on YouTube, but how it handles multitasking across other apps remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts:

While our time with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been brief, it’s clear that Google has made significant strides since the original Pixel Fold. The design improvements alone are commendable, and the AI features promise to deliver a more intelligent and intuitive user experience. However, we’ll need to put the device through its paces, testing the cameras, performance, and displays, to render a final verdict. For now, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands as a promising contender in the ever-evolving foldable smartphone market.

Stay tuned for our in-depth review, but for an early look, check out our hands-on impressions of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.