Hands-On Experience with Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: A Foldable Contender Stepping Up its Game
Let's dive into the world of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google's latest foray into the foldable realm, promising a sleeker, more refined device. At an affordable $1,800 price point, does it have what it takes to stand out from the crowd?
First impressions are undeniably positive. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a noticeably slimmer device compared to its predecessor, boasting a 6.3-inch Actua display on its exterior, a 0.7-inch larger screen. However, it remains similar in size to the Pixel 9 Pro, with a slightly thicker profile. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold sports a broader form factor, despite the Fold 6's squared-off design.
Design Redefined
While the design tweaks may seem subtle, there are a few standout features. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is indeed lighter and features a far smoother hinge action than its predecessor, reminiscent of the OnePlus Open's seamless opening mechanism. Google has redesigned the hinge, reducing the device's bulky bezels, giving it a more streamlined look. The noticeable crease from the last iteration feels less pronounced, and the device still presents a crease, albeit less noticeable.
Though the size has increased, Google hasn't made significant strides in dust resistance. The new Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rated IPX 8, meaning it's water-resistant for up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, but less dust-resistant than the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
The software side of the equation is still catching up. Samsung's foldables offer floating windows you can move around the larger interior screen, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is limited to split screens. Google claims it's been working with various app makers to make them easier to read in split-screen mode, but we'll have to test more applications to see the real-world benefits.
There is one notable improvement, though: you can now pin the taskbar to the bottom of the exterior screen. This feature is a welcome addition for those seeking a more Windows-like experience on an Android device.
Camera Improvements
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold carries a slightly less capable camera array compared to the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pro 9 Fold boasts a 48 MP wide lens, a 10.5 MP ultrawide, and a 10.8 MP 5x telephoto lens. In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro sports a 50 MP wide and a 48 MP ultrawide with the company's "Macro Focus" lens and a 48 MP 5x telephoto lens.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold makes up for some of these shortcomings with unique features like the "Made You Look" function, which displays a fun, kid-friendly animation on the front screen to help photograph subjects who tend to get easily distracted.
Other features like "Add Me" are similar to those on the Pixel 9 Pro, making it simple to join friends in photos using the Magic Editor suite. The large 8-inch screen displays Google's AI photo processing capabilities vividly, resulting in a more effortless user experience.
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Sources:1. https://www.businessinsider.com/google-pixel-9-fold-pro-specs-release-date-2023-12. https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-936827/3. https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_9_pro_fold-12646.php4. https://www.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-9-pro-fold5. https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-pixel-9-pro-fold/
- The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is being lauded for its slimmer design and larger exterior screen, offering a more refined experience compared to its predecessor.
- Surprisingly, Google hasn't made significant strides in dust resistance, with the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold rated IPX 8, less dust-resistant than the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
- Google has implemented a welcome addition to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, allowing users to pin the taskbar to the bottom of the exterior screen, creating a more Windows-like experience on an Android device.
- Reviewers are intrigued by the camera improvements in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, particularly the "Made You Look" function and the large 8-inch screen that displays Google's AI photo processing capabilities vividly.
