No matter what system you might be taking into account — each current-gen foldable delivers a compromised enjoy. You are buying and selling a thinner, lighter, extra rugged system for one thing heavier, bulkier, and way more fragile, all within the title of gaining an enormous show able to becoming on your pocket. For a choose crew of Android customers, it is a worthy sacrifice. Positive, you might be paying double what maximum flagships value, however you might be combining two system categories into one, and it is onerous to position a ticket on that stage of comfort.
With the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, Google does not need you to think about foldables as a compromised enjoy — “Professional” is correct there within the title. And, to the corporate’s credit score, this system is leaps and limits forward of its predecessor, with obtrusive enhancements regardless of the place you glance. However if you are caught wobbling between this foldable and a extra usual flagship smartphone, you’ll want to make a couple of sacrifices to earn its 8-inch show.
Group of workers select Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold Google’s second-gen foldable is a large bounce ahead in comparison to the unique Pixel Fold. With a thinner chassis, two super shows, and a few actual instrument improvements, that is the foldable we was hoping would arrive remaining yr. It is simply too dangerous it can not reside as much as the “Professional” in its name — or the multitasking abilities noticed on different foldables, for that subject.ProsGreat new designThinnest foldable but within the USExcellent major displayGoogle’s foldable enjoy is far better ConsMissing a few of the ones “Professional” featuresCamera is solely okayWireless charging is a stunning headacheFalls in need of OnePlus and Samsung’s multitasking abilities
Availability, community, and specifications
Outdoor america? You could in fact have the ability to purchase Google’s new foldable
Closing yr’s Pixel Fold may’ve been charitably described as a restricted liberate, handiest launching in 4 areas general. This time round, it is arriving in a ton of latest territories. You’ll be able to in finding the Pixel 9 Professional Fold in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Eire, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and america. It is not as huge of a succeed in because the mainline Pixels, however it is higher than remaining yr.
In america, you’ll purchase the Pixel 9 Professional Fold thru Verizon and T-Cellular beginning at $1,800, in addition to unlocked thru outlets like Amazon, Highest Purchase, and Google’s personal retailer entrance. It will have to toughen all 3 nationwide carriers in addition to their respective MVNOs, although AT&T customers have discovered 5G problems with the system. It is value noting that AT&T opted out of sporting this telephone in its shops, although that does not give an explanation for why Google’s newest foldable is having issues connecting to 5G networks. Regardless, if you are an AT&T person, it is one thing to remember.
Specs SoC Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 safety coprocessor Show sort Outer: Actua (OLED) with 2,700-nit height brightness | Internal: Tremendous Actua (LTPO OLED) with 2,700-nit height brightness Show dimensions Outer: 6.3″ | Internal: 8.0″ Show answer Outer: 1080 x 2424 (422 PPI) | Internal: 2076 x 2152 (373 PPI) RAM 16GB Garage 256GB / 512GB Battery 4,650mAh Rate velocity 21W stressed, 7.5W wi-fi Rate choices USB-C, Qi wi-fi charging Ports USB-C 3.2 SIM toughen Twin SIM (unmarried nano SIM and eSIM) Working Device Ships with Android 14 Entrance digicam 10MP (twin PD binning), ƒ/2.2 aperture, 87° box of view Rear digicam 48MP, f/1.7 major; 10.5MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide; 10.8MP, f/3.1 5x telephoto Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Google Solid, ultra-wideband (UWB), twin band GPS, 5G mmWave + Sub 6GHz Bluetooth 5.3 Dimensions Folded: 6.1″ x 3.0″ x 0.4″ | Spread out: 6.1″ x 5.9″ x 0.2″ Weight 257g IP Score IPX8 Colours Obsidian, Porcelain Worth $1,799 Extend
Design and show
A multi-generational bounce in simply over a yr
In a global the place maximum smartphone producers are sticking to equivalent designs for 3 generations (or extra, in Samsung’s case), the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is a rarity. Positioned subsequent to its direct predecessor, Google’s newest foldable seems find it irresistible’s from a completely other corporate; handiest the ‘G’ at the again provides it away. New form, dimension, hinge, and digicam bump — this does not really feel like a Pixel Fold 2, which is more than likely why Google made up our minds to move in a unique route in regards to the title.
Whilst I might’ve liked to look no less than any other technology’s value of enhancements to the unique Pixel Fold design, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold feels so excellent that I’ve a troublesome time being too disappointed over any neglected alternative. Google has successfully taken the entirety that made remaining yr’s OnePlus Open my favourite foldable and crafted a very good piece of {hardware}. The entirety from the side ratio to the body to the hinge feels acquainted, and I do not believe that is this kind of horrible factor.
The result’s a foldable that looks like a large bounce ahead, as though Google jumped from first-gen to fifth-gen {hardware}. Whilst the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is not as much as the thinness requirements set through Honor or Xiaomi in China and Europe, it’s the slimmest foldable US consumers like myself should purchase these days. At 10.5mm, the very first thing you’ll be able to realize about this system is most probably the very last thing others will realize. For the primary time since I began reviewing foldables, folks round me had been shocked once I printed the system I used to be the usage of wasn’t an ordinary smartphone.
Whilst I doubt Google will take care of this lead for lengthy, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold delivers some actual force for Samsung and OnePlus to catch up — and, confidently, surpass — the rather slender chassis used right here. Make no mistake, this new design in point of fact does affect how you utilize the telephone. Even in comparison to the 11.7mm OnePlus Open, I am a lot more more likely to really feel comfy slipping this telephone in my pocket. It now not looks like a compromise, which is not one thing I may say about older (or, truthfully, latest) Samsung foldables.
Hanging thinness apart, there may be lots to like about this design. The left-side border would possibly strike some as uncomfortable, however I preferred the way it gave my hand some house to leisure when the usage of the duvet show. The matte body and again glass is precisely what I have been inquiring for on Google’s different Professional-series telephones — handiest the hinge will select up fingerprints and dirt all through common use. And whilst the digicam bump is lacking the manner of its slab siblings, it does a forged task preventing the telephone from wobbling an excessive amount of, irrespective of whether or not it is folded. You’ll be able to’t say the similar for Samsung’s gadgets.
This shot makes the crease glance a lot worse than it’s in particular person, I swear.
In contrast to remaining yr, the reward does not forestall while you unfurl the display. Whilst I nonetheless choose the anti-glare end at the OnePlus Open, Google’s new 8-inch, near-1:1 show has entirely stuck as much as the contest. It is vibrant and now not specifically reflective, which makes it completely usable outdoor, and the brand new side ratio feels a lot more comfy in my arms. The crease remains to be noticeable, however not more so than on different trendy folding telephones. Plus, Google’s new hinge permits the show to fold flat each time, no more effort required. It is a night-and-day comparability subsequent to the unique Fold.
I am much less enthused concerning the outer show. It is completely fantastic, the usage of the similar panel we praised at the common Pixel 9. However that is an $800 smartphone, and that is an $1,800 foldable. For that value, I simply be expecting a bit of extra. Positioned subsequent to the Tremendous Actua show at the Pixel 9 Professional, which may well be my favourite display on any smartphone thus far, the usual Actua panel right here pales compared.
In the end, a handy guide a rough phrase on weight. At 257 grams, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the OnePlus Open. However in contrast to with the unique Pixel Fold — which weighed a whopping 283 grams — this by no means in point of fact troubled me. Sure, it is heavy, however now not such a lot that I felt slowed down when retaining the telephone or sporting it in my pocket. I am nonetheless hoping Google manages to deliver the burden down in no matter comes subsequent for this collection, however for now, it is completely serviceable.
Different {hardware} and what is within the field
Throw us a bone case, Google
As I discussed, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold’s redesigned hinge feels super. It hits 180 levels each time with out fail however may be able to preventing at round 150 levels prior to the burden of the 2 facets in the end snaps it open. Opening the telephone calls for a bit of extra force than I would like, thank you to a couple extra-strong magnets, however I am nitpicking — Google in point of fact nailed it this yr.
Nearly the entirety I preferred concerning the Pixel 9 Professional’s {hardware} extends to this system. Haptics really feel excellent, buttons are clicky and responsive — and, bonus, a lot much less wiggly than on that telephone — and the embedded fingerprint sensor at the energy button is fast and correct. Like maximum foldables, I want Google would succeed in for progressed mud resistance, however I am glad to look IPX8 certification right here. I walked thru a couple of rain showers all through my assessment duration with out a care on the planet.
The Pixel 9 Professional Fold’s bottom-and-top-firing audio system are completely fantastic — loud sufficient for YouTube movies or podcasts, no less than — however I want they sounded a bit of bit higher. Google hasn’t utterly nailed its speaker high quality in comparison to, say, the iPhone, and on an $1,800 foldable this is, partly, designed with media intake in thoughts, I used to be hoping for a bit of extra. Even worse, although, is their placement. Since they are smack-dab in the midst of the body, rotating the Fold on its aspect approach you might be certain to hide one (or each) of the speaker grills along with your arms.
I responded a large number of questions on this telephone’s {hardware} in a Q&A previous to this assessment’s newsletter, so test that out under if you are fascinated with one thing I am not in particular referencing right here. Should you did not get your query in, stay an eye fixed out for long term calls to motion referring to upcoming gadgets — it is one thing we plan on doing for long term flagship critiques transferring ahead!
Throughout the field, you’ll be able to in finding the telephone, a charging cable, a SIM instrument, and the standard bureaucracy. I do know I am a damaged report at this level, however for $1,800, Google will have to be offering one among its first-party circumstances free of charge with each acquire, even simply as an choice at checkout. Those are pricey telephones with minimum third-party case choices, and turning in some coverage is best than not anything. If the rest, it would in fact save Google from having to fix damaged Folds down the street.
Tool and function
Higher than prior to, however nonetheless in the back of the contest
If the Pixel Fold’s {hardware} used to be unsuitable, its instrument used to be its Achilles heel. Restrictive multitasking and lacking options did not evaluate neatly to the contest—and that used to be in a pre-OnePlus Open international, which revolutionized how I feel split-screen on foldables will have to paintings. So, if Google has mounted the Pixel 9 Professional Fold’s {hardware}, has it additionally mounted the instrument?
Sure, and in addition no. It is a difficult solution.
In large part talking, that is nonetheless the similar enjoy that at first shipped with the Pixel Fold. You are restricted to 2 side-by-side home windows — plus a PIP window for video, if you want — in comparison to the mosaic format of Open Canvas or One UI’s overwhelming grid of little apps. However Google has progressed a couple of components, and whilst I am not positive it is going to please each street warrior, it does really feel extra similar to the contest than prior to.
App pairs are the massive exchange this time round. It is coming to the unique Pixel Fold as a part of Android 15, however Google backported the characteristic to this system forward of its drawing close improve. You’ll be able to save any two apps as an app pair, pinning them to your own home display or dock as an simply obtainable shortcut. It is a small development, however with this kind of restricted multitasking framework at play right here, you have to bringing the Pixel 9 Professional Fold as much as par with its fellow foldables.
This telephone additionally advantages from updates Google dropped at the unique Pixel Fold during the last fifteen months, like the facility to temporarily transition from the primary show to the duvet display with a handy guide a rough swipe. The taskbar can now be pinned inside of apps to steer clear of repeatedly swiping as much as in finding it. Apps can also be pressured to modify form and dimension in settings (thus heading off the black borders that plagued the unique Fold). And there are extra tactics than ever to choose an app for split-screen mode, simply by tapping its icon anyplace inside of Android.
The OnePlus Open confirmed me a brand new idea for a way smartphones will have to be used. Not anything concerning the Pixel 9 Professional Fold makes me really feel that method.
Those are all excellent adjustments, however in the event you’ve used a non-Google foldable, they are not anything new. Samsung has supported app pairs and perma-docks for ages, whilst the shortcut for swapping monitors is taken proper from the OnePlus Open. That isn’t essentially a foul factor — I am glad to look Google catching up with the contest — but it surely displays a loss of new concepts at the a part of the Pixel workforce. For example, I have been so scorching on Open Canvas for just about a yr as a result of I noticed a brand new idea for a way smartphones will have to be used for the primary time in ages. Not anything concerning the Pixel 9 Professional Fold makes me really feel that method.
In contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or OnePlus Open, the majority of the instrument enjoy in this telephone feels precisely find it irresistible does at the different Pixel 9s — handiest, you recognize, with a bigger show. That is sufficient to cement this as a forged, loyal foldable; I hardly transcend two home windows, even on gadgets that toughen extra. However if you are on the lookout for without equal productiveness system, simply know this would possibly now not scratch all your itches, and it may well be value taking a look to Google’s opponents for a extra distinctive, fully-featured folding telephone.
One fast be aware on app toughen for this show: like every foldables, what does and does not paintings neatly at the Pixel 9 Professional Fold goes to change between apps. I have had buggy stories with Spotify’s media participant, Pocket Casts thinks I am the usage of a panorama pill, and nearly each recreation I might need to play scales poorly (although, granted, I am not enjoying the arena’s most well liked titles; I do not fault Sq. Enix for now not updating Dragon Quest V for 2024 smartphones). Have in mind that you’re going to want to fall again at the quilt show for sure apps.
If you are fascinated with how the Pixel 9 Professional Fold exists out of doors of those big-screen customizations, I beg you to try my Pixel 9 Professional assessment. It dived deep into the state of Google’s smartphone pores and skin and, much more importantly, its AI prowess, each excellent and dangerous. I will be able to’t say my opinion on the rest there has modified a lot after a few weeks of the usage of this system.
So far as efficiency is going, I have been scorching at the not-so-hot Tensor G4 chip since first making an attempt it within the Pixel 9 Professional, however I have additionally been fearful to look how Google’s progressed potency and gear control would switch right into a foldable. Positive, this newest Tensor chip runs a hell of so much cooler than its predecessors — particularly in comparison to the Tensor G2 within the unique Pixel Fold — however with this kind of skinny chassis, I wasn’t counting at the Pixel 9 Professional Fold to stick cool underneath force.
And you recognize what? It is fantastic. It is not super — I would say the Qualcomm chips in OnePlus and Samsung gadgets keep cooler for longer sessions of time — however I used to be in a position to take the Pixel 9 Professional Fold out within the sunshine for long sessions of time with out a lot factor. It certainly were given heat — do not get me fallacious — however taking into account this chip is squeezed right into a 5.1mm body, I am pleasantly shocked. At no level did I want to depart this system on my kitchen counter for an hour to chill off, which is not one thing I may say about Google’s first Fold.
Differently, that is the very same chip you’ll be able to in finding in the remainder of the Pixel 9 lineup, for each excellent and dangerous. It is concurrently the most productive Tensor chip but and somewhat of a sadness, in particular in a sort issue like this. Google is hanging an enormous emphasis on on-device AI packages over, say, GPU efficiency, when this huge show is really begging for use for gaming at the move. However, nearly each recreation I attempted out in this telephone did not scale neatly on its near-1:1 show, so possibly it is a blessing in conceal.
Digicam
It is excellent, however I am not positive it is excellent sufficient
I’m going to bounce proper to the purpose: I do not believe the Pixel 9 Professional Fold’s digicam is worthy of the standard stamp of high quality we predict from Google. The corporate hasn’t modified a lot of the total {hardware} in comparison to remaining yr’s Pixel Fold. Each the primary and 5x telephoto lenses seem unchanged, although the ultrawide lens is far wider than prior to.
In excellent lights (in particular outdoor), the primary 48MP sensor plays how you would normally be expecting from Pixel; you’ll completely get forged photographs out of this factor, and I feel it exceeds what I noticed from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 previous this summer season. Have a look at a few of these pattern photographs. They are now not dangerous!
However whenever you depart excellent lights, you’ll be able to begin to see symbol high quality dip right down to ranges we’ve not noticed for the reason that days of the Pixel 2 or Pixel 3 — no less than, to my eyes. Sure, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold captured some Instagram-worthy photographs all through a contemporary child bathe, however had that celebration taken position at evening, I more than likely would’ve introduced a unique telephone to seize pictures with, and that is the reason now not one thing you need to mention about an $1,800 system. Listed here are some not-so-great samples occupied with all 3 lenses in this telephone.
Google turns out to grasp that low-light could be a drawback. This telephone, for instance, is in point of fact reliant at the major lens in tricky eventualities. I have taken numerous 5x samples now not in fact captured with the telephoto lens right here, one thing you handiest know after the reality when digging in the course of the symbol’s metadata. I consider that the telephone is attempting to take advantage of a scenario, but it surely additionally ends up in blurry outtakes, or having to seize a subject matter for a moment (or 1/3, or fourth) time. Taking a photograph of a bonfire in my yard used to be a hell of a problem in some way that I have never felt in ages.
Extra samples.
None of this will have to be unexpected, in fact. I would argue no foldable maker — now not Google, now not Samsung, now not OnePlus — has entirely cracked find out how to send a flagship-worthy digicam in a tool like this. As corporations goal to ship thinner and thinner foldables, I am not positive we will have to be expecting this case to fortify. And for $1,800, it is any other issue you might be compromising on in comparison to the non-folding pageant.
For years, Google controlled to get very good efficiency out of historical sensors in the course of the magic of processing by myself. I would love to look the corporate rediscover that magic, reasonably than proceeding to lean into AI celebration methods like Recreate above all else. On the very least, Google, are we able to dial it again on erasing the distinction out of pictures? It is ok to have shadows in a photograph — they may be able to’t harm you.
Battery lifestyles and charging
This telephone in point of fact may’ve benefitted from some magnets
Possibly I simply have low expectancies for battery lifestyles on foldables, or possibly I exploit the duvet show greater than I understand, however I have been pleasantly shocked with the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. With a wholesome mix of the 2 shows, I normally hit 5 hours of screen-on time prior to achieving for a charger. That is more than likely at a 2:1 ratio in relation to the usage of the entrance display over the primary panel — it is simply extra comfy for scrolling thru social media or texting.
On a contemporary shuttle to Toronto, with the telephone working totally on cell information, I were given thru an afternoon full of occasions — a screening at TIFF, breakfast and dinner with buddies, all capped off with a live performance — with out an excessive amount of hassle. I did height up the telephone all through a handy guide a rough destroy at our resort, however with charging speeds like this, I handiest regained 6 or 7 p.c of my battery prior to we headed to Scotiabank Area.
And that brings me to my actual sticking level with this battery: charging. In all probability proceeding the rage of Google’s $1,800 “Professional” telephone feeling extra just like the $800 usual Pixel 9, I in point of fact want this telephone had sooner charging speeds. 27W is ok in a single day, however of the 4 gadgets, that is the person who will want to be crowned up probably the most, particularly if you are the usage of the primary show as, you recognize, your major show. However, this telephone will get beautiful considerably heat whilst charging, so possibly warmth dissipation used to be a priority.
Talking of charging, wi-fi charging is a large drawback in this telephone. On a slightly run-of-the-mill Spigen charging stand, the one method I may get the system to start out wirelessly powering up used to be through retaining it a few centimeter above the dock’s lip, looking ahead to the coils to acknowledge their alignment, after which gently hanging the system down in its resting spot.
Daniel Bader (former EIC of AP, nonetheless very a lot my boss) has it even worse — his non-public unit assists in keeping sliding off the charging puck in a single day, which means he is woken as much as a half-charged telephone a couple of occasions. Those problems even prolong to Google’s personal charging dock, which is not supported through this telephone and has reputedly been discontinued within the wake of its release. If handiest there used to be a solution to ensure coil alignment problems were not an issue. Oh, neatly — possibly subsequent yr.
Pageant
In america, it is a three-horse race
I have many times discussed the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open all over this assessment, in large part as a result of the ones are the one choices to be had in america that do not require imports. Should you don’t seem to be bought at the Pixel 9 Professional Fold however you’re bought on a foldable, you might be more than likely going with this kind of two gadgets.
My select remains to be the OnePlus Open. In spite of being just about a yr previous, it has held up neatly as an implausible foldable. Even Tensor G4’s enhancements nonetheless can not compete with the easier battery lifestyles and gaming efficiency received through the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and with ultra-fast fast charging, you’ll get a complete battery in half-hour. The digicam, like every foldables, is a blended bag, although I moderately just like the Hasselblad colour tuning incorporated through OnePlus — it has got personality in some way the Pixel’s processing simply does not.
In the long run, although, the Open’s greatest energy is its value. You’ll be able to persistently in finding it for round $1,300, and that is the reason prior to trade-in provides. I additionally would not be shocked if an Open 2 seems within the coming months; we’ve got noticed rumors in the end get started to select up, pointing to an excellent thinner chassis than Google’s.
I am not an enormous fan of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, however I will be able to’t deny that Samsung’s big-screen enjoy is as robust as you’ll in finding available on the market at the moment. One UI provides energy customers the versatility they crave, making an allowance for home windows on home windows in Android — and that is the reason prior to you think about DeX mode. Whilst I want Samsung had accomplished extra with its {hardware} this technology, particularly for $1,900, the Z Fold 6 is ready so far as you’ll get from feeling like a beta tester on the planet of foldables. And for a large number of shoppers, that is valuable.
Will have to you purchase it?
There are two tactics of taking a look on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, relying on which a part of its title you center of attention on. Should you center of attention at the Fold, you might be in for a good time. Google has accomplished a very good task catching up with Samsung and OnePlus, even surpassing them in some an important tactics. I didn’t have a specifically excellent time the usage of the unique Pixel Fold as my day by day driving force, however the Pixel 9 Professional Fold would possibly’ve satisfied me I am a foldable fan in the end.
Alternatively, in the event you center of attention on the remainder of its title — Pixel 9 Professional — you may well be disenchanted. I feel Google made a reasonably large branding mistake looking to fold this into the remainder of its smartphone lineup. There is a explanation why Samsung assists in keeping the Galaxy Z-series break free the Galaxy S-series: expectancies. In many ways, this telephone has extra in not unusual with the usual Pixel 9, proper right down to an similar quilt show panel. And for $1,800, it may be onerous to simply accept the ones trade-offs.
We are getting nearer than ever to a compromise-free foldable enjoy (as long as you do not depend the associated fee tag as a compromise — it is not coming down anytime quickly). The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is not there but, in spite of the “Professional” in its name. So long as you might be comfy sacrificing some not unusual flagship components, Google’s new foldable is really value purchasing. However I will be able to’t lend a hand however really feel like one thing even higher is correct across the nook.
Group of workers select Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold Google’s foldable collection now has a brand new title! The successor to the 2023-released Pixel Fold is the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, beginning at $1,800. This yr’s foldable boasts a larger 8-inch Tremendous Actua internal show, paired with a 6.3-inch outer show. It’s powered through Google’s new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM, marking a far sooner, extra environment friendly system than its predecessor.
