The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been available for a couple of months, and its performance, design, and overall experience have left a lasting impression. This foldable device marks a significant improvement over its predecessor and has established itself as a top contender in the foldable smartphone market. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, from design and display to battery life, camera performance, and software experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold showcases a major leap in design, shedding the large bezels of its predecessor for a sleeker look. The flat and matte side rails enhance its aesthetic appeal, giving it a premium feel. The change from the previous passport-style form factor to a more standard phone size form factor was a thoughtful decision by Google. This transition aligns well with users’ expectations for a device that resembles a standard phone when folded.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved. The hinge design, while functional, does stick out slightly. It resembles the LG V50’s dual-screen case from a few years ago. Although this does not significantly affect the usability, a slimmer hinge would make the phone look even more seamless when closed. The camera unit design also deviates from the usual Pixel camera bar, featuring an elongated rounded rectangle instead. While it minimizes wobbling when placed flat, the iconic camera bar design would have been more visually consistent with other Pixel devices.
Additionally, some users have reported cracks on the back panel without any apparent cause. Fortunately, Google’s customer service was responsive, offering a free replacement under warranty. This incident highlights potential durability issues, but Google’s proactive support is commendable.
Display Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features two displays: the cover display and the inner foldable screen. Both screens deliver excellent performance, offering smooth 120Hz refresh rates. The brightness levels are impressive, with a peak of 1600 nits in high-brightness mode and up to 2700 nits for HDR content. This ensures clear visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
One common concern with foldable displays is the crease. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold‘s crease is noticeable but not overly distracting. It is not the most subtle crease on a foldable, yet it does not interfere with the overall viewing experience. However, an area that needs improvement is the minimum brightness level. The screens do not dim as much as other devices, even with the “Extra Dim” feature enabled. This appears to be a bug introduced with the Android 15 update, and a fix is anticipated in future software updates.
Fingerprint Sensor and Haptics
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor is both fast and reliable. However, the setup process can be cumbersome, as it requires users to place their fingers in various positions, which can be challenging given the sensor’s placement. It is worth noting that Google allows more fingerprints to be added on this device compared to in-display fingerprint sensors, possibly due to the hardware differences.
The haptics are decent but fall short compared to other flagship Pixel devices. While they provide good feedback, they do not feel as refined as those found in competitors like the Oppo Find N3.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a 4650mAh battery. Despite being slightly smaller than the batteries in the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, it delivers reliable performance. The device manages to last a full day of usage without significant issues, even with its power-hungry foldable display.
However, the wireless charging experience is not as seamless. The wireless charging coils are positioned lower in the phone, making it incompatible with many standard wireless chargers, including Google’s own Pixel Stand. This is a surprising oversight, given the premium nature of the device. Users may need to purchase specific chargers, such as the SwansOut wireless charger available on Amazon, to ensure proper charging.
Camera Performance
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a versatile camera setup, though it slightly lags behind the flagship Pixel phones in terms of performance. Nonetheless, it is one of the best camera systems available on foldable devices. The photo quality benefits greatly from Google’s advanced post-processing algorithms, making it a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts.
While the main camera performs exceptionally well, the selfie cameras present some quirks. The preview quality of selfies appears poor initially, but the final processed images turn out to be much better. This suggests a software issue rather than a hardware flaw, which could be fixed with future updates. Additionally, Google’s “Made You Look” feature, designed to improve eye contact in photos, uses the lower-quality selfie camera instead of the main camera. This results in lower-quality images, making the feature less appealing.
Software Experience
The software experience on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a major highlight. Google has made significant strides in optimizing the Android experience for foldable devices. The interface feels smooth, and the transition between the cover display and the inner display is seamless. The Pixel launcher adapts well to the foldable format, although it could benefit from more customization options.
One notable issue is the lack of a one-handed mode, which would be beneficial given the large size of the unfolded screen. Additionally, users have reported occasional glitches with widgets and icons when switching between displays, especially when using Tasker-based workarounds for custom launcher setups. Despite these minor issues, the software experience remains one of the best among foldable devices.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a well-rounded foldable smartphone that excels in design, display quality, and software experience. While there are areas that could be refined, such as the hinge design, camera unit aesthetics, and wireless charging compatibility, the device offers a compelling package for users seeking a premium foldable phone.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out not only as one of the best foldable devices but also as a strong contender among flagship smartphones. With its powerful camera system, reliable battery life, and polished software, it provides an excellent user experience. As Google continues to refine its foldable lineup, future iterations are likely to address the current shortcomings, making the Pixel fold series even more appealing to a broader audience.
