Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – An impressive foldable, yet the XL captures my attention more
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Review of Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: An Impressive Foldable Facing Strong Competition from the XL
Quick Overview
- Design: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold showcases a sophisticated foldable design, featuring a nearly uninterrupted display when opened and a sleek form when closed.
- Performance: Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, this device operates fluidly with numerous applications running simultaneously, although support for dual-screen apps remains somewhat limited.
- Camera: The trio of rear cameras captures remarkable images and videos, closely matching the capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- Battery Life: The battery endures for over 24 hours, but utilizing the foldable screen may lead to quicker depletion. Wireless charging is notably slower when compared to wired rapid charging.
- Price: Priced from A$2,699, positioning it as a premium choice for early adopters interested in foldable technology.
Design
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a testament to contemporary engineering. At merely 2mm thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro XL when folded, it presents a slender and stylish silhouette. Upon unfolding, it reveals a generous 150.2mm wide display, nearly double that of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 76.6mm screen. This added display area, combined with its 2076 x 2152 resolution, provides a near-tablet experience on the go.
For those keen on multitasking, the large screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is perfect for running two applications side by side – a real advantage for efficiency, gaming, and content viewing. The foldable display feels robust, and the hinge mechanism ensures both sections of the phone align neatly when folded, blocking dust or debris from entering. Even with the foldable design, the crease is hardly perceptible during regular usage, unless observed at an angle or when gliding your finger across the surface.
Performance
Driven by Google’s Tensor G4 processor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold navigates the dual-screen experience effortlessly. I tested numerous apps running concurrently, and the device performed without lag or slowness. The multitasking capability allows for screen splitting and simultaneous app usage, enhancing productivity, though the app-switching interface could be improved. You can establish app pairs for quick access, but altering which app occupies which screen side necessitates a new pairing process, which is somewhat cumbersome.
The gadget transitions between folded and unfolded modes seamlessly. Closing the phone turns off the internal display, while the external screen activates immediately, ensuring you maintain your position across applications.
Features
Camera System
The pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera configuration is uncompromised by its foldable design. It includes a triple rear camera setup featuring:
– **Wide Camera:** A 48 MP sensor with Quad PD, an ƒ/1.7 aperture, and an 82° field of view for clear landscape photography.
– **Ultrawide Camera:** A 10.5 MP sensor with a 127° field of view and Dual PD autofocus, great for capturing wide-angle images.
– **Telephoto Camera:** A 10.8 MP sensor enabling up to 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 20x, perfect for taking pictures of distant objects.
The front camera, a 10 MP Dual PD sensor, ensures clear and sharp selfies and video calls. However, the panorama mode could be improved, showing noticeable stitching artifacts, particularly along straight edges like fences.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts over 24 hours of battery life with regular usage, though this is significantly influenced by how extensively the foldable screen is used. The 4,650 mAh battery is satisfactory, yet it tends to deplete faster when the device is open, given its dual displays. Wireless charging is an option, but it is relatively slow, thus for quick recharges, Google’s 45W USB-C charger is recommended.
Dual-SIM Support
As with other Pixel devices, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports dual SIMs (one physical SIM and one eSIM). However, a dual eSIM option would have been beneficial, allowing for additional internal space potentially allocated for an increased battery capacity.
Challenges and Potential
Although the Pixel 9 Pro Fold shines in numerous aspects, it still has opportunities for enhancement. App developers must provide better support for foldable displays. Regrettably, certain Google applications, such as Gmail and Calendar, do not yet fully exploit the dual screens, whereas third-party applications like Microsoft Office do. This is a significant oversight, particularly since Google oversees both the hardware and software ecosystems.
Additionally, the absence of filters or classifications within the Play Store to assist users in finding apps optimized for foldable displays is a missed opportunity. Such a feature would have greatly enhanced user experience with foldables.
Pricing and Availability
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not budget-friendly, starting at A$2,699 for the 256GB variant and reaching A$2,899 for the 512GB model. For those seeking a premium device that can serve as both a phone and a tablet, it may justify the investment. However, this cost might deter all but the most passionate tech aficionados or professionals who can rationalize the expense through heightened productivity.
The device comes in two shades: Porcelain and Obsidian. It’s advisable to purchase a protective case for such an expensive device, with Google’s official case priced at an additional A$79.99.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a remarkable advancement in technology that hints at the future of foldable smartphones. With its expansive, seamless display, robust performance, and impressive camera system, it serves as a versatile device that can function as both a phone and a tablet. Nevertheless, the steep price and limited app support for dual screens might give some prospective buyers reason to hesitate.
For those seeking a foldable in 2024, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold ranks among the top choices available, but be aware that the software experience has still room to evolve. Android 15 may resolve several of the current limitations, turning it into a more enticing purchase down the road.
Ultimately, if tablet functionality is not a necessity, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might prove to be a more favorable option, providing a more polished experience at a more reasonable price.
Summary
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivers a near-tablet experience in a sleek, foldable format, backed by the Tensor G4 chipset. Its camera capabilities are strong, and it performs smoothly even with multiple applications in use. However, dual-screen app support is still lacking, and the cost is steep. If you’re in need of a foldable for both work and leisure, it stands out as a worthy consideration; however, for most users, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers a comparable experience at a more budget-friendly price.