Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review

Introduction and specs

The original Pixel Fold wasn't exactly the success Google was hoping for. It had its upsides, but the device wasn't well-received by the consumers. However, the company hopes to turn things around with the second iteration of the foldable, named Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Even the name change suggests Google has taken a different route this year.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't just a full-fledged member of the Pixel 9 family this year, but it's also a big improvement over its predecessor. It has bigger and better displays, on the inside and outside, it has two generations newer chipset, updated camera hardware and, since this is a software-oriented company, the newer Pixel has a few tricks up its sleeve. They can't be conveyed through a spec sheet, though.

Moreover, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is marketed to have the biggest display on a phone. Standing at 8.0" when unfolded, the 9 Pro Fold edges out other phones like the Honor Magic V3 and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4. Still, the vivo X Fold3 Pro has a tad bigger display at 8.03".

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs at a glance:

• Body: 155.2x150.2x5.1mm, 257g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IPX8 water resistant.
• Display: 8.00" Foldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak), 2076x2152px resolution, 9.33:9 aspect ratio, 373ppi; Cover display:, OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 422 ppi, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak).
• Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm): Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MC7.
• Memory: 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm, 1/3.2", dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 127˚, 1/3.4", PDAF.
• Front camera: Wide (main): 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm, 1/3.94", PDAF; Wide (main): 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm, 1/3.94", PDAF;
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 4650mAh; 21W wired, 7.5W wireless.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.3, aptX HD; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, Satellite SOS service, Circle to Search.

It looks as if Google has an entirely new approach with the form factor this year. The increase in display size has resulted in different aspect ratios too. Now, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a more familiar aspect ratio on both screens and feels like a normal smartphone when folded. Last year's Pixel was boxy and more compact.

Perhaps not all will like the change, as the original Pixel Fold had that unique feel. It was just more compact than the rest. Still, the newer Pixel was able to shave off a few grams, so it's lighter now and it's noticeably thinner too.

Despite the thinner body, the new Fold houses a proper triple-camera setup - 48MP main camera, 10.8MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and 10.5MP ultrawide unit. It also gets a pair of updated selfie cameras. It's a Pixel phone, after all, and users are looking for that excellent camera experience.

But how good is the camera experience, and how does the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold stack against more established foldables on the market? Let's find out.

Unboxing the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in a rather modest package, containing only some user manuals and a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. The appropriate charger is not included.

You should look for at least 21W Power Delivery 3.0 charger if you don't have one already.