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UPDATE (October 18, 2024): Android 15 has started rolling out to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and a number of other Pixel phones. Along with it, the Pixel Feature Drop for October 2024 is coming. Read more about that at the end of the article.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the only foldable smartphone that Google announced as part of the Pixel 9 series. It’s a direct successor to the Pixel Fold which arrived last year. It took Google over a year to deliver this model, and it’s considerably different than the Pixel Fold. It’s also worth noting that this is the second-gen foldable from Google. This one is more in line with the competition available in the market.
Google has decided to change the aspect ratio of the displays here, and thus the phone’s dimensions altogether. The design has been changed too, including the camera island on the back. If you’d like to know more about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and hopefully try to decide whether it’s worth buying, well… perhaps we can help. You’ll find a lot of information about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold below.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with two displays, of course. The main one is an 8-inch Super Actual Flex Display. This is an LTPO panel, and its refresh rate goes from 1 to 120Hz. The resolution here is 2076 x 2152, and it’s an OLED panel, of course. Ultra Thin Glass is laid on top of it, and the peak brightness is 2,700 nits. This display has HDR support. The cover display measures 6.3 inches, and it’s an Actua Display. That panel supports refresh rates from 60 to 120Hz, and it has an aspect ratio of 20:9. The resolution here is 2424 x 1080. This panel’s brightness also goes up to 2,700 nits, and the panel is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone’s cover display does support HDR content too.
The Tensor G4 is Google’s brand new chip
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is fueled by the Google Tensor G4 processor, the same chip that fuels the entire Pixel 9 series. The Titan M2 coprocessor is a part of the offering too. Google included 16GB of RAM inside of this phone. When storage is concerned, you can choose between 256GB and 512GB, though that will depend on your region. A 4,650mAh battery sits inside of this phone. Google says that fast charging is supported, and the same goes for wireless charging. The company did not detail how fast it is, however. Google is recommending you use its 45W charger, though that charger is not included in the box. Reverse wireless charging is not supported.
Three rear & two front-facing cameras
This handset has three cameras on the back, and two selfie cameras too. The main camera on the phone is a 48-megapixel wide camera (f/1.7 aperture, 82-degree FoV, 1/2-inch sensor size, OIS, EIS). The second camera on the back is a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide unit (f/2.2 aperture, 127-degree FoV, 1/3.4-inch sensor size). The third camera on the back is a 10.8-megapixel shooter (f/3.1 aperture, 23-degree FoV, 1/3.2-inch sensor size, 5x optical zoom, Super Res Zoom up to 20x, OIS, EIS). The two selfie cameras are identical. We’re looking at 10-megapixel units (f/2.2 aperture, 87-degree FoV).
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is IPX8 certified for water resistance. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sits on the back of the phone. Google also says that it has a “fingerprint-resistant coating”. Android 14 comes pre-installed on the phone, but Android 15 is right around the corner. The company is also promising 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. Bluetooth 5.3 is supported here, as is Wi-Fi 7. A nano SIM card slot is included, while eSIM is also supported. The phone includes stereo speakers and three microphones. A fingerprint scanner is a part of the package, while facial scanning is supported.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold measures 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm when unfolded. When folded, it measures 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5mm. The device weighs 257 grams.
How much does the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold cost?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes 16GB of RAM and is available in two storage options. Those interested can choose between 256GB and 512GB storage options. The phone’s price starts at $1,799. So, the price tag remains unchanged compared to last year’s model. Do note that the availability of different storage models and their price tags may vary from market to market.
When will the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold become available?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will become available to purchase in stores on September 4. It’s coming after the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL which are scheduled to arrive on August 22. The Pixel 9 Pro is coming in September, but the date is unknown.
Where can I buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
You’ll be able to buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold at all of the usual places, except for AT&T. That goes for both the carriers and the retailers. Google will be selling the Pixel 9 Pro Fold directly, but you’ll also be able to get it via retailers and carriers. We’ll be including some links for the best-known stores to get the phone below, as they become available, of course.
– Google Store
– Amazon
– Best Buy
– Verizon
– T-Mobile
What carriers does it work on?
Much like its siblings, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will work on all US carriers. That includes AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and all of their MVNOs too. The Pixel 8 series had such support, and so does the Pixel 9 series in its entirety.
What colors does the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold come in?
Unlike its siblings, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in only two color options. All the other variants are available in four colors. The company’s second-gen foldable arrived in Obsidian and Porcelain colors. In other words, those are black and white colors.
What countries will the Pixel 9 Pro Fold be available in, officially?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will not be available in as many countries as its siblings. Still, it will officially be available across several continents, and a number of countries. Here’s a full list:
North America: US, Canada
EMEA: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway,
Switzerland, Sweden, UK
APAC: Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan
What new upgrades and/or notable features does the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offer?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the company’s second-gen foldable. This is a direct successor to the Pixel Fold, a device that launched last year. It’s considerably different than the Pixel Fold in terms of design, size, and aspect ratio. It does have a lot to offer, so let’s see what are its main selling points and what upgrades it delivers.
The most powerful ‘Tensor’ chip yet
The Pixel 9 series includes the best chip Google has announced yet, the Tensor G4. That processor will offer 17% faster app launching and 20% faster web browsing. The company also says that the chip offers an industry-leading mobile output rate (45 tokens/second), and that it’s optimized to run Google’s most advanced AI model efficiently. The Titan coprocessor is included too, for security purposes.
Uneven bezels are thankfully gone
The Google Pixel Fold was the company’s first foldable handset. Its top and bottom bezels were noticeably thicker than the side bezels. That bothered quite a few people. Well, that is the case no more. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold falls in line with the competition, its bezels are uniform. We’re talking about the bezels on the main screen, just in case you didn’t pick up on that.
Thinner is better
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also considerably thinner than its predecessor. The Google Pixel Fold measured 12.1mm when folded, and 5.8mm when unfolded. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold measures 10.5mm when folded, and 5.1mm when unfolded. It’s a notable difference, especially when the device is folded. It’s still not in line with some competition from China, but still, this is great.
Lighter is better
Google’s new foldable is also lighter than its predecessor. It weighs 257 grams, compared to 283 grams of the Pixel Fold. That is a huge difference and something you will feel. When we consider how light some of the competitors are, however, it’s difficult to escape the feeling that Google could have done an even better job here.
7 years of updates
Much like its siblings, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be getting 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. 7 years of updates practice is something Google started last year, with the Pixel 8 phones.
Camera boost is in tow
With the Pixel 9 series, Google brought a number of improvements to the cameras. The company rebuilt the entire HDR pipeline and also improved Real Tone. Nighttime performance has been improved too, while Magic Editor brings two new features. Auto Frame can recompose shots for you, while Raimagine can reimagine entire photos through prompts if you need it to do that.
Same price tag
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold retains the same price tag as its predecessor. This phone’s starting price tag is $1,799, for the 256GB storage option. It’s a lot of money, but that’s the price you pay if you want a flagship device that also folds.
AI is the name of the game
Much like the other three Pixel 9 smartphones, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is getting the benefits of AI. The all-new Pixel Weather app will offer AI weather summaries, while Pixel Screenshots will utilize AI too. The Pixel Studio will rely on AI image generation, while Clear Calling will also be boosted by AI.
What cases are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Google is offering its silicone case for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. That case has been drop-tested, and it has a microfiber lining on the inside. It is priced at $49.99 on the Google Store, and it’s currently available to pre-order (at the time of writing this article. The case is available in Aloe, Obsidian, and Porcelain colors. All those colors are shown below, and you can grab the case from this link.
Should I buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Foldable smartphones are not for everyone, that’s for sure. If you do love them, however, and you waited for Google to get in line with most other OEMs with its foldable, this could be the device for you. It’s considerably different than the Pixel Fold, and it does have a lot to offer. It may not offer cameras that are as powerful as the ones on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, but other than that, this phone is in line with those devices. Our full review is coming.
Updated September 11, 2024: (September 2024 security update)
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now receiving a new update, along with its siblings. The phone is getting the September 2024 security patch. In addition to regular security update, one change specific to the Pixel 9 series is also rolling out. This update improves wireless stability and performance in certain conditions. The update is rolling out in stages, so it may not arrive straight away. Still, most of you probably already received it by now.
Updated September 25, 2024:
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold got durability tested by JerryRigEverything. The phone did not exactly shine in it, as it did snap in half towards the end. It seems like Google’s antenna placement caused that, or was at least one of the reasons why it happened. It’s difficult to fault the phone for this, as it’s a foldable device, but some of its competitors withstand that test without a problem, so… it’s up to you. Check out the entire video if you’re interested, there are plenty of tests included.
fIn addition to that durability test, a teardown also popped up. The teardown comes from iFixit. While we did not get an official rating, it was noted that it’s more difficult to repair than non-foldalbe phones, though that’s a given. It was also noted that removing the two-part battery is not a cakewalk, mainly due to useless battery removal tabs. The logic board also seems to be quite delicate.
Updated October 18, 2024: (Android 15 & Pixel Feature Drop)
Android 15 is rolling out to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, along with the latest Pixel Feature Drop. So, what’s new? Well, Google rolled out a new mode for taking pictures and videos, the Underwater Photography mode. You’ll need to get a waterproof case, but once you do, you’ll be able to take some nice pictures underwater. In addition to that, Theft Protection is a new suite of features included with the update. It’s meant to help protect your device, just in case it gets stolen.
Google improved Astrophotography on the phone, while it now also supports Night Sight for Instagram. You can take really nice low light photos directly from the Instagram app. Google started rolling out Audio Magic Eraser to its smartphones, though do note that the release is still limited to some markets when it comes to the Pixel 9 series. The Pixel Weather app got improved, and more. Click here if you’d like to know more about the updates.