Google is pulling out all the stops with the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, from its refreshed design and new name to expanding availability in India. At ₹1,72,999 (around $2,060) for the 256GB model, it’s the priciest foldable in the country, even more expensive than the OnePlus Open (₹1,49,999 / $1,780) with 1TB storage and 16GB RAM, which is ₹23,000 ($270) cheaper. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with the same storage, is also a bit more affordable at ₹1,64,999 ($1,940). Despite the high price, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold nearly nails the premium foldable experience.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Design and display
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noticeably bigger than last year’s Pixel Fold, but it feels surprisingly slim and comfortable to hold. The build quality is top-notch, featuring an “aerospace” metal frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the back and outer display, though the outer screen does attract fingerprints and is prone to scratches. It’s worth investing in a screen protector, as Google doesn’t include one in the box.
At 5.1mm thick and weighing 257 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slightly lighter and thinner than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open. I reviewed the Obsidian color, which looks great, though I personally prefer the white option.
The rear camera module has also been redesigned for a cleaner, minimalist look, with a new rectangular housing for the triple cameras. One notable change: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold omits the temperature sensor found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Performance and software
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold improves in design and display, but the overall user experience is similar to regular Pixel phones. The stock Android OS offers lots of customization, and you get perks like a free year of Gemini Advanced and 2TB cloud storage, along with seven years of updates.
Performance is smooth, with no major lags or heating issues. However, you’ll need to manually adjust some apps for full-screen use, and certain games may not be well-optimized. Still, for productivity-focused users, these are minor drawbacks, and Google could improve things with AI upscaling in the future.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Camera Overview
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera setup lags behind the Pixel 9 Pro XL in terms of megapixels, with a 10.8MP telephoto (5X optical zoom) and 10.5MP ultra-wide, compared to the 48MP sensors on the Pro models. It also features two 10MP selfie cameras with autofocus. However, Google’s strength lies in software, not hardware. Photos, whether in bright or low light, are vibrant with good contrast, minimal noise, and a natural depth of field, ideal for social media. The dynamic range can be inconsistent, but Google’s editing tools help balance this.
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The telephoto camera, while serviceable, lags behind competitors like Samsung and Vivo in terms of detail and color accuracy. Selfies, when viewed on the screen, may appear softer but are improved after taking the shot, thanks to Google’s Real Tone technology for better skin tones.
Comparison with Competitors
- Daylight: Pixel photos are vivid but lack the fine detail of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. The OnePlus Open is comparable to the Z Fold 6 but slightly lacks detail.
- Lowlight: All four foldables struggle with soft details in low light, but Google and Samsung are the best at color accuracy. Vivo brightens the image but loses some detail, while the OnePlus struggles with dynamic range.
- Ultra-Wide: All devices maintain a similar color science. Vivo produces the brightest output, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 does better with details.
- Telephoto: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers 5x optical zoom, but beyond that, images become unstable at 20x. The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro performs best in high zoom.
Portraits and Selfies
Portraits with human subjects highlight each phone’s strengths, and the Pixel excels in realistic skin tones.
Video
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold can shoot 4K at 60fps, with excellent color and stability, ideal for social media. Google also includes features like Audio Boost and Enhanced Editing for a more polished video experience.
AI Features
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold shines with AI-driven features like “Made You Look,” which uses animated characters to catch a child’s attention for photos, and “Magic Editor” for scene changes based on text prompts. The “Add Me” feature adds a fun touch to group photos.
In summary, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera isn’t the best in its class, it offers solid performance and unique AI enhancements that set it apart from competitors.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Battery and charging
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a slightly smaller 4,650mAh battery, down from the 4,821mAh in the original Pixel Fold, likely to keep the device thinner and lighter. Despite the smaller battery, it offers all-day usage with settings like 5G, Bluetooth, AOD, and 120Hz enabled. Turning off these features can extend battery life. The device also delivers solid performance in PC Mark battery tests.
Final Verdict
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a strong contender in the foldable market. With a larger display, extended OS updates, and innovative AI features, it shows promise for future iterations. The design, display, and software are top-notch, and the camera performance is solid, though it could use some improvements, particularly in the telephoto lens.
However, its high price may be a tough sell, especially in markets where Samsung and Apple dominate the ultra-premium segment. If you’re willing to splurge for a sleek foldable with pure Android and Google’s software magic, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t disappoint.
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Editor’s Rating: 8.2/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Premium, sleek design
- Impressive cover display with vibrant colors
- Fun AI camera features
- Seven years of OS updates
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Expensive
- Telephoto camera needs work
- Slow charging speed