Google has taken a bold step forward with its latest offering, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Building on the foundations of its predecessor, the Pixel Fold, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold promises to deliver a refined and superior foldable experience.

At first glance, it’s clear that Google has learned from its previous attempts. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slimmer, lighter, and more refined in every aspect. The first thing you’ll notice is the size and weight reduction. The device is significantly thinner when unfolded, at just 5.1 mm, and weighs 257 grams—making it much more comfortable to hold and use compared to the original Pixel Fold. The foldable also ditches the thick bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience on its new 8-inch flexible OLED internal screen.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a triumph in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The device features a blend of premium materials, including recycled aluminum, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the external display, and a multi-alloy steel hinge that feels solid and robust.

The hinge mechanism has been completely re-engineered to ensure that the device folds flat without gaps, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor.

Moreover, Google has made the Pixel 9 Pro Fold incredibly slim, with the unfolded device measuring just 5.1 mm in thickness. This is an impressive feat, especially considering the Pixel Fold’s original thickness.

The folded Pixel 9 Pro Fold is only 2 mm thicker than the standard Pixel 9, making it one of the thinnest foldables on the market.

Display and Performance

When it comes to the display, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t disappoint. The 6.3-inch OLED cover screen is borrowed from the Pixel 9, offering a high-resolution 1080 x 2424 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Once unfolded, the internal 8-inch flexible LTPO OLED display shines with a resolution of 2076 x 2152 and a variable refresh rate that ranges from 1 to 120Hz, providing a fluid and responsive experience.

The internal display also benefits from Google’s Actua technology, which delivers bright, vibrant colors with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. The crease, often a point of contention with foldables, is barely noticeable, making the viewing experience almost seamless.

Powering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the new Google Tensor G4 chipset, designed to handle everything from high-end gaming to AI-powered tasks with ease. Paired with 16GB of RAM, the device is more than capable of handling multitasking and demanding applications. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB, ensuring there’s plenty of room for all your apps, photos, and videos.

Camera Capabilities

On the camera front, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a versatile array of lenses. The main camera features a 48MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, ensuring sharp, detailed photos in a variety of lighting conditions.

The 10.5MP ultra-wide camera offers a 127-degree field of view, perfect for landscape shots and group photos. The 10.8MP telephoto lens, with its 5x optical zoom, allows for crisp, close-up shots without sacrificing quality.

The front and inner cameras are both 10MP, making video calls and selfies a breeze, whether the device is folded or unfolded. Google’s innovative camera features, such as ‘Add Me’ and ‘Made You Look’, take advantage of the foldable form factor, offering fun and functional photography options that are sure to delight users.

Battery Life and Charging

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s battery is slightly smaller than its predecessor at 4,650mAh, Google claims the device can last up to 25 hours on a single charge, thanks to the efficiency of the Tensor G4 chip. The device supports 45W wired charging via USB-C 3.2, as well as Qi wireless charging, providing multiple options for keeping your phone powered throughout the day.

Software and Features

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14, with a promise of seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates.

This long-term support is a significant commitment from Google, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date and secure well into the future. The foldable also includes Face Unlock, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and dual-SIM support with both nano SIM and eSIM options.

Final Thoughts

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a major leap forward in foldable smartphone technology. Its refined design, powerful performance, and innovative features make it a standout in the market.

At $1,799 (around PHP 101,000), it’s a premium device that justifies its price tag with top-tier specifications and a polished user experience. Whether you’re a foldable enthusiast or a newcomer to the form factor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is worth considering.