I tried Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro foldable phone – it beats Samsung rival in three ways but the price is a big problem
GOOGLE has released its second foldable smartphone and it may well be my favourite yet.
The foldable market is still pretty slim with only a handful around from Google itself, as well as Samsung and OnePlus.
Then there’s the flip phone-style foldables which have gained a bit more traction, which Samsung and Motorola have led on.
Google’s latest attempt, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is a beefed up version of the Pixel 9 Pro we reviewed a couple of weeks ago.
But does the power of an 8-inch screen in my pocket make sense with the hefty price tag?
Read on below for The Sun’s full review.
- UK: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, £1,749 SIM-free from Carphone Warehouse – buy here
- US: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, $1,799 SIM-free from Best Buy – buy here
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Look and feel
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes a rather different design approach to the foldable which I have to say, I quite like.
With an aluminium frame and curved edges along one side, it feels really special, bold.
Both the outside cover display – measuring 6.3-inches – and the interior 8-inch folded display continues the curved trend too.
The big display looks gloriously bright when unfolded, ideal for those outdoor environments.
There’s a porcelain colour, which I’m reviewing, and obsidian, aka black.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a more traditional phone width when folded, unlike the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a thinner and longer form that’s slightly easier to hold.
But overall I prefer the design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
And crucially, I find that pesky crease along the middle a lot less noticeable than its Samsung rival too.
However, Samsung wins in the weight department, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold coming in at 257g compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 at 239g.
That said, I don’t find either horribly weighty to hold.
And the Pixel makes up for it by being thinner when folded and unfolded.
On the back you’ll find a bulky camera panel which bulges out quite a bit and the only downside to the aesthetics.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Performance and features
Like the other Pixel 9 models, the Pro Fold version features Google’s own Tensor chip which has had an upgrade.
And as we noted with the Pixel 9 Pro XL review, Google’s chip doesn’t match the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 which has the a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
Most people won’t notice the difference though – apps load smooth and speedy.
There’s a split screen mode so you can have two apps running at the same time – but Samsung’s device allows three.
The display is big, bright and beautiful, ideal for watching Netflix on your commute
The Google Pixel 9 series runs on the current Android 14 for now until Android 15 is released sometime soon.
As Google operates Android, you can bet the Pixel 9s will be first in line for the free update.
What is great about Pixels is the clean take on Android, with all the useful Google apps and no unnecessary clutter.
Google offers seven years of operating system and security updates, meaning all the Pixel 9s have great longevity.
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
Since the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates.
Google
For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support.
Google’s biggest new feature this year is, unsurprisingly, AI.
Top of the list is Gemini Live which takes over the Google Assistant with more fluid, human-like conversations, rather than robotic pre-programmed responses.
Gemini Live is available on other Android devices too, as part of a paid subscription – Pixel 9 Pro models get it free for a year.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Battery
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s battery is actually smaller than the other Pixel 9s.
However, the efficiency of the on-board tech keeps it running comfortably for the day after quite a bit of streaming, browsing and messaging.
If you can get past the price tag, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the way to go
It took me just over an hour to get a full charge on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold too – the tech is capped at 21W, slower than the other Pixels and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6.
You also don’t have reverse charging capabilities to help out friends who need a bit of emergency battery from you.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Camera
Google’s camera software has always been a winner and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no different.
You have features like Macro Focus, Night Sight, Long Exposure, Face Unblur and the new Add Me, which allows the person taking the photo to be magically added into a group photo (see results from our Pixel 9 Pro XL trial of Add Me in the video above).
Another nifty addition is Made You Look, which shows fun animations on the outside cover display designed to attract the attention of little ones so they look towards the camera.
The camera tech itself comes in the form of a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens, a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide lens.
These manage to take some great snaps in various lighting conditions, including pets with portrait mode.
Some example photos can be seen below.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Pros and cons
Pros:
- Sleek, eye-catching design
- Seven years of software updates
- Big, beautiful display
Cons:
- Bulky camera pill on the back
- Some advanced AI features require payment after a year
- Very pricey
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Conclusion
As foldables go, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is my favourite yet.
It may not match up to the power of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 but I love the slightly different design in a world when smartphones all look very samey.
The display is big, bright and beautiful, ideal for watching Netflix on your commute.
And some of the new AI features like Add Me and Made You Look solve real-life problems.
My only gripe is the price, from £1,749 / $1,799 which isn’t going to persuade people to give foldables a chance.
If you can get past the price tag, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the way to go.
Don’t forget, there are trade-in deals with your old phone that could help bring the price down.
Rating: 4.5/5
- UK: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, £1,749 SIM-free from Carphone Warehouse – buy here
- US: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, $1,799 SIM-free from Best Buy – buy here
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.