Pixel 9 Pro Fold Release date predictions, price, features, and news
What we know so far
Google entered the realm of foldable phones with the debut of the Google Pixel Fold during the summer of 2023. The model gained immense popularity, thanks to its distinctive form factor and surprisingly practical cover display.
Distinguishing itself as an industry frontrunner, this foldable device not only redefined the foldable game but also served as the perfect hardware platform for integrating Google's software features. This strategic integration comes with the possibility of exclusive updates in the pipeline, cementing the Google Pixel Fold's position as a serious player in the foldable smartphone landscape.
In a market saturated with an ever-growing number of foldable models, Google's deliberate move to make the Pixel Fold fresh and different capitalized big time. And to make things even more interesting, Google pulled an unexpected move, and now the successor is called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, appearing as a part of the Pixel 9 series.
Even though we're a couple of weeks away from the official unveiling of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold on August 13, we already know almost everything about Google's new foldable. The price of this redesigned device could be a bit high, starting at €1,899 and going over the €2,000 mark for the 512GB mode, but we're seeing this trend all over the foldable market. We expect the US prices to be a bit less steep, coming at $1,799 for the 256GB model and $1,919 for the larger storage option.
Google already teased the design in an official video, so we know what the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will look like, and it's a departure from the original Pixel Fold. The inner screen is now 8.02 inches, and the cover display is 6.29 inches. The aspect ratio is also different, we saw NCC certification images showing that the unfolded Pixel 9 Pro Fold is almost a perfect square.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will come equipped with the latest in-house developed Google silicon, the Tensor G4, and an upgrade in the RAM department. The original Pixel Fold featured 12GB of RAM, and everything points toward 16GB for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The camera system is shaping out to be a disappointment, as we're probably looking at a downgrade compared to the original Pixel Fold. The latest leaks mention a Samsung 3LU (1/3.2-inch) ultrawide camera instead of the old Sony IMX386 (1/2.8-inch). The old selfie cameras (Sony IMX355, 1/2.8-inch, and Samsung 3J1, 1/3-inch) also seem to have changed to the Samsung 3K1 (1/3.94-inch). The main camera remains shrouded in mystery.
Last but not least, the battery of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (or should we say "batteries") was already certified, so we know that this will be another downgrade compared to the original Pixel Fold. The total capacity is expected to be 4,560 mAh (the original Fold launched with a 4,727 mAh battery, marketed as a 4,800 mAh one).
As with any pre-release coverage, these details should be taken with a proverbial grain of salt, taking into account all the "if" and "when" variables, the elusive nature of most of the information, as well as the possibility of changes in the last minute.
With all that out of the way, it's time to get to it!
Jump to section:
Distinguishing itself as an industry frontrunner, this foldable device not only redefined the foldable game but also served as the perfect hardware platform for integrating Google's software features. This strategic integration comes with the possibility of exclusive updates in the pipeline, cementing the Google Pixel Fold's position as a serious player in the foldable smartphone landscape.
Even though we're a couple of weeks away from the official unveiling of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold on August 13, we already know almost everything about Google's new foldable. The price of this redesigned device could be a bit high, starting at €1,899 and going over the €2,000 mark for the 512GB mode, but we're seeing this trend all over the foldable market. We expect the US prices to be a bit less steep, coming at $1,799 for the 256GB model and $1,919 for the larger storage option.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will come equipped with the latest in-house developed Google silicon, the Tensor G4, and an upgrade in the RAM department. The original Pixel Fold featured 12GB of RAM, and everything points toward 16GB for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The camera system is shaping out to be a disappointment, as we're probably looking at a downgrade compared to the original Pixel Fold. The latest leaks mention a Samsung 3LU (1/3.2-inch) ultrawide camera instead of the old Sony IMX386 (1/2.8-inch). The old selfie cameras (Sony IMX355, 1/2.8-inch, and Samsung 3J1, 1/3-inch) also seem to have changed to the Samsung 3K1 (1/3.94-inch). The main camera remains shrouded in mystery.
As with any pre-release coverage, these details should be taken with a proverbial grain of salt, taking into account all the "if" and "when" variables, the elusive nature of most of the information, as well as the possibility of changes in the last minute.
With all that out of the way, it's time to get to it!
Jump to section:
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold release date
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold price
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold name
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold camera
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold storage
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold design
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold display
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold battery
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold features and software
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold hardware and specs
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold preliminary comparisons
- Should you wait for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold release date
- August 13, 2024
There was speculation that our first glimpse at the Google Pixel Fold 2 could be during Google's annual I/O conference in May 2024, but unfortunately this did not happen, as the company focused primarily on upcoming AI features instead. The original Pixel Fold launched on July 27, 2023, so it was reasonable to expect a similar date for the second iteration.
Google surprised everyone by announcing the next Made by Google event scheduled for August 13, 2024. We expect four models to be unveiled on that date, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold being now an integral part of the flagship lineup.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold price
- $1,799 for the 16/256GB model
- $1,919 for the 16/512GB model
Another quite speculative topic is the possible price of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We're going to play the guessing game once again, placing our bets and predictions based on the first Pixel Fold and the average price of foldable devices that have already launched and that we're expecting to launch next year.
The original Pixel Fold was priced at $1,799 at launch, which was in line with other similar devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold. We don't expect huge deviations from that price for the Pixel Fold 2, even though the widespread adoption of more and more foldable devices might lower the price a bit.
A recent leak from the French site Dealabs Magazine speculated that the European prices for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be as follows: €1,899 (~$2,065) for the 256GB model and €2,029 (~$2,207) for the 512 GB model in France. If we apply the conversion and the taxes, this brings the US prices to $1,799 for the base model and around $1,919 for the bigger storage option, just like the prices of the original Pixel Fold.
Of course, the price of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be a subject to change, especially if you're willing to trade-in your old device or your contract is running out and you need a new one. We don't have deals for a device that's not official but we can extrapolate based on the deals and promos we saw when the original Pixel Fold launched. Both Verizon and AT&T offered a big trade-in discount for the Pixel Fold, up to $800 with the eligible trade-in device. Google also normally accepts trade-in via its online store and the original Pixel Fold received up to $450 off its price with a trade-in. You will most likely be able to get the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a plan for around $49/mo for 36 months both on Verizon and AT&T.
We didn't expect any surprises when it comes to the actual name of the device, but Google proved us wrong! The company decided to integrate its foldable into the regular flagship series, and now the Pixel Fold 2 is known as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The device will launch alongside the other three models from the Pixel 9 series lineup, the vanilla Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold name
We didn't expect any surprises when it comes to the actual name of the device, but Google proved us wrong! The company decided to integrate its foldable into the regular flagship series, and now the Pixel Fold 2 is known as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The device will launch alongside the other three models from the Pixel 9 series lineup, the vanilla Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold camera
Regarding the camera system of the Pixel Fold 2, there's not much info at the moment.
Here's what the original Pixel has in terms of cameras:
There's a leak, coming from Android Authority speaks about a downgrade of the ultrawide camera in comparison to the old model. According to the guys, the sensor under the ultrawide camera will be swapped for a Samsung 3LU (1/3.2-inch) replacing the old Sony IMX386 (1/2.8-inch). The leak continues to describe the selfie cameras on the cover screen and the main screen. Both have been changed to the Samsung 3K1 (1/3.94-inch) replacing the previous (Sony IMX355, 1/2.8-inch, and Samsung 3J1, 1/3-inch) ones.
- Main camera — 48MP
- Ultra-wide camera — 10.8MP
- 5x telephoto camera — 10.8MP
- Cover-display selfie camera — 9.5MP
- Inner display selfie camera — 8MP
There's a leak, coming from Android Authority speaks about a downgrade of the ultrawide camera in comparison to the old model. According to the guys, the sensor under the ultrawide camera will be swapped for a Samsung 3LU (1/3.2-inch) replacing the old Sony IMX386 (1/2.8-inch). The leak continues to describe the selfie cameras on the cover screen and the main screen. Both have been changed to the Samsung 3K1 (1/3.94-inch) replacing the previous (Sony IMX355, 1/2.8-inch, and Samsung 3J1, 1/3-inch) ones.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold storage
The original Pixel Fold launched in two memory configurations: 12/256GB and 12/512GB. We don't have anything concrete at the moment, but leaks and rumors suggest we're about to get the same two storage combinations. There were some rumors about a 1TB model so we can't exclude that possibility but as it stands now, it's not very likely.
Google Pixel Fold 2 expected storage capacity:
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1TB (not likely)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold design
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in it's glory (courtesy of Google)
Probably the most interesting part of the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold (and any new foldable phone, for that matter) is its design. We had many leaks and even some hands-on photos, showing the new foldable, but Google being Google decided to end this and tease the phone prematurely in a YouTube video. You can read about the previous leaks below, but it's all ancient history now, as we know exactly what the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold will look like.
A leaked hands-on photo, first reported by Android Authority, shows what seems to be the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold . And there's a completely different camera bump design. The Camera bar seems to be gone, replaced by a much more traditional, square-ish camera island, protruding quite far from the body of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold .
The leaked image also portraits a much narrower cover screen, and a design much similar to the Galaxy Fold lineup. Another leak from OnLeaks corroborates the aforementioned rumor about the design. We got some renders, showing the same camera design, and the narrower cover screen,
The aforementioned hints include a different display size and aspect ratio for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We'll talk about that in the display part of this article, but any change in display dimensions is bound to bring a design change as well, as modern smartphones have more or less 90% screens when looked at from the front.
The aforementioned hints include a different display size and aspect ratio for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We'll talk about that in the display part of this article, but any change in display dimensions is bound to bring a design change as well, as modern smartphones have more or less 90% screens when looked at from the front.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold display
The original Pixel Fold has a 7.6-inch main display with a peculiar 6:5 aspect ratio and a 5.8-inch cover screen, which comes at 17.4:9 as far as aspect ratio goes. According to industry specialist Ross Young, Google is set to increase the display size of its next-generation devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The latest leak, posted by Ross on X (formerly Twitter), says that "The leaks on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Pixel Fold 2) don't have the display sizes right. 8.02" for the foldable display and 6.29" for the cover display. Panel production starts in April! It is coming."
For now, these speculations remain unverified pending official confirmation from Google (and this won't happen before the actual announcement). They represent our only insight into what may be anticipated regarding the display features of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The transition to a taller cover display may not be everyone's cup of tea, considering the original Pixel Fold's distinct departure from conventional foldable designs.
The first Pixel Fold came with a 4,821mAh battery, which was pretty decent for a foldable, and given the fact that we might get a slight increase in display size and subsequently in the overall size of the device, we initially thought there might also be a bigger battery inside. Sadly, a new NCC certification proves otherwise.
For now, these speculations remain unverified pending official confirmation from Google (and this won't happen before the actual announcement). They represent our only insight into what may be anticipated regarding the display features of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The transition to a taller cover display may not be everyone's cup of tea, considering the original Pixel Fold's distinct departure from conventional foldable designs.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold battery
The first Pixel Fold came with a 4,821mAh battery, which was pretty decent for a foldable, and given the fact that we might get a slight increase in display size and subsequently in the overall size of the device, we initially thought there might also be a bigger battery inside. Sadly, a new NCC certification proves otherwise.
The NCC database (which is the Taiwanese version of the FCC) listed the disappointing battery size of 4560 mAh of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The device will rock two batteries - 1183mAh and 3377mAh - working together, as on most foldables. The current Pixel Fold comes with a 4821 mAh, so this is a downgrade compared to the previous generation.
The fast charging technology of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could see some upgrades in supported power. The original Pixel Fold charges at 21W max, which is rather slow, especially for such a big battery. We would like to see at least 30W or, why not, 66W of wired fast charging on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The NCC database lists 32.76W but it's an average number that can't tell us much about each individual model, so we'll have to wait and see.
Google already released a couple of interesting foldable-specific features with its Android 14 QPR earlier this year, including the ability to change the aspect ratio of different apps, a very handy feature in a big-screen device.
As for the OS itself, we expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to launch with Android 15 onboard. The good news is that Google will offer seven full years of software updates, as this seems to be the new norm after the launch of the Pixel 8 family. You can check out this article for every AI trick with the Pixel 9 series.
We expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to debut with the next-gen Tensor G4 onboard, as this will be the silicon in each and every Pixel 9 series device, according to the latest information. It's still early days but we have some leaked benchmarks showing roughly 15% increase in performance compared to the previous model. There's a change in the core configuration as well. The Tensor G4 consists of one Cortex-X4 (3.1 GHz) core, three Cortex-A720 (2.6 GHz), and four Cortex-A520 (1.95 GHz). That's one less medium A720 core compared to the G3.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features and software
Google already released a couple of interesting foldable-specific features with its Android 14 QPR earlier this year, including the ability to change the aspect ratio of different apps, a very handy feature in a big-screen device.
As for the OS itself, we expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to launch with Android 15 onboard. The good news is that Google will offer seven full years of software updates, as this seems to be the new norm after the launch of the Pixel 8 family. You can check out this article for every AI trick with the Pixel 9 series.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold hardware and specs
We expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to debut with the next-gen Tensor G4 onboard, as this will be the silicon in each and every Pixel 9 series device, according to the latest information. It's still early days but we have some leaked benchmarks showing roughly 15% increase in performance compared to the previous model. There's a change in the core configuration as well. The Tensor G4 consists of one Cortex-X4 (3.1 GHz) core, three Cortex-A720 (2.6 GHz), and four Cortex-A520 (1.95 GHz). That's one less medium A720 core compared to the G3.
As for the RAM capacity, 16GB should be absolutely enough, and that's what most of the latest leaks and rumors point toward. We don't think there will be any special gaming version with 24GB RAM or something like that.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold preliminary comparisons
Even though the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still under wraps in some super secret warehouse or laboratory, it's always useful to see how it will perform against the competitions. We've compiled a couple of preliminary comparisons just for you:
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs Pixel Fold: Rapid evolution? - we're comparing the new model to the old generation. Come and check out the level of innovation and evolution in the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, compared to the old Pixel Fold.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs OnePlus Open: The foldable market is becoming crowded - the OnePlus Open is regarded by many people as the best foldable out there. Could the Pixel 9 Pro Fold change this?
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: The feud of the tongue-twisters - Should you buy a foldable Pixel or go for the large non-folding model? Read on to find out!
Should I wait for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
You should wait for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold if you don't feel the original Pixel Fold satisfies your needs. If you want to wait a bit before hopping on that foldable train, the potential benefits might be huge. This is one of the areas where smartphones have evolved the most in the past couple of years, so by waiting for the Pixel Pro Fold, you might get better specs and a better user experience at a better price as well.
You should not wait for Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold if you want a foldable phone, and you want it right now! Obviously, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still a couple of weeks away from hitting stores and ending up in your hands. Your best bet is to pick another foldable phone that is currently available on the market. You should also check out our best foldable phones pick for additional information
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