The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is undeniably a statement piece in the world of foldable phones, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and aesthetic appeal. However, it also comes with a hefty price tag of Rs 1,72,999, which places it firmly in the luxury category. This foldable device is Google's latest attempt to enter the highly competitive market of foldable smartphones, a market that has been primarily dominated by Samsung. While Samsung has been experimenting with foldable phones for years, it wasn’t until recently that foldable phones started to become more practical and less gimmicky.
One of the main attractions of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is how sleek and slim it is, despite being packed with top-tier hardware. The phone's build quality is impeccable, boasting a deep grey "obsidian" finish that gives it a premium feel. It’s not overly shiny, except the hinge, which is subtle and blends into the design seamlessly. The metal body feels robust, and the overall aesthetic is one of understated luxury.
At 257 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is relatively lightweight compared to other foldable phones in the market. For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs around 227 grams, so the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is only marginally heavier, which is impressive given its foldable nature. When folded, the device is just 10mm thick, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or bag. When unfolded, the phone becomes even more impressive, with its thickness reduced to just 5.1mm, turning it into an ultra-slim tablet-like device.
One of the key aspects of any foldable phone is how usable it is in both its folded and unfolded states. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google seems to have nailed this aspect. The outer display, which measures 6.3 inches, feels almost identical to a regular smartphone display, making it practical for everyday tasks such as checking messages, making calls, or browsing the web. The screen quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors and excellent brightness levels, making it a joy to use. The inner screen, when unfolded, measures 8 inches, offering a larger canvas for watching videos, playing games, or multitasking with two apps side by side.
That said, foldable screens are still in a developmental phase, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception. While the technology has come a long way, the inner screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still has some quirks. For one, the screen has a protective film that makes it more reflective than a typical smartphone display. This can be a bit annoying in bright sunlight or well-lit environments, despite the high brightness levels of the display. Another issue is the crease in the middle of the screen where the phone folds. Although the crease is less noticeable than in earlier foldable devices, it’s still present. You’ll only really notice it when viewing the screen from an angle, but it can be felt when you run your finger across the screen, which might bother some users, especially those who are perfectionists about display quality.
The hinge mechanism is another critical factor for foldable phones, and Google has done a commendable job with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The phone opens flat when unfolded, and when folded, the two halves come together without any significant gap between them. This makes the device feel solid and well-engineered. However, unfolding the phone can sometimes feel a bit tricky. There's no dedicated grip or alcove to help you pry the phone open, so it can take an extra second or two to unfold it, and you have to be careful to avoid dropping it during the process.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This is a powerful setup that ensures smooth performance, whether you’re using the outer screen in phone mode or the larger inner screen in tablet mode. There’s no lag when switching between apps or multitasking, and the phone handles graphically demanding games without any heating issues, which is a notable achievement for a foldable device.
The software experience on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is enhanced by Google’s Gemini AI. While some of the AI features may feel a bit unnecessary, others, like the Gemini Live feature that facilitates natural voice conversations, can feel almost magical. These AI-powered features add a layer of intelligence to the device, making it more than just another foldable phone.
Battery life is an area where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could use some improvement. The 4650mAh battery is smaller than what’s found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and with the larger foldable screen, the battery life can range between 12 to 14 hours, depending on how much you’re using the inner display. While the phone should last through a full day of regular use, power users might find themselves reaching for the charger by the end of the day.
The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is another area where compromises have been made, primarily due to the slim form factor. The main sensor is a 48-megapixel unit, smaller than the sensor found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. As a result, while the camera performs admirably in good lighting conditions, it struggles a bit in low-light scenarios, particularly when using the telephoto lens. That being said, the camera system is still versatile and capable, offering features like the ability to use the rear cameras for selfies, which results in much better quality self-portraits than what you’d typically get from a front-facing camera.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a fascinating and innovative device that showcases the potential of foldable phones. It’s practical, well-designed, and packed with high-end features, making it one of the best foldable phones you can buy in India. However, it’s also a device that caters to a niche audience. If you’re looking for exclusivity and are willing to pay a premium for a foldable phone that stands out from the crowd, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an excellent choice. But if you’re more concerned with overall performance and value for money, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might be a better option. Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a bold step forward in smartphone design, but it’s not quite perfect yet, especially for those who expect their devices to be free from any compromises.
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