Google is shaking up the foldable phone market with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, set to release in September 2024. This new foldable brings significant improvements over the previous Pixel Fold, with notable enhancements in design, display, and internal specs.
One of the standout changes is the design overhaul. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold now features a new camera layout on the back, shifting from the original straight bar to a more modern rectangular camera island. The body has also been refined with a satin finish on the aluminum frame, making the device slimmer and lighter—earning it the title of the thinnest foldable in the U.S. right now.
On the display front, there are some big upgrades too. The outer screen is a 6.3-inch panel, much like the Pixel 9, with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The inner display has been expanded to 8 inches and uses Google’s “Super Actua Flex” tech, which cranks up the brightness to a peak of 2,700 nits, making it the brightest foldable screen on the U.S. market. The aspect ratio has also been tweaked, making the display taller and more squared, similar to what you’d find on other high-end foldables like the OnePlus Open.
Performance-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t disappoint. It’s powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, coupled with 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. Although the battery has a slightly smaller capacity of 4,650mAh, it still promises over 24 hours of use thanks to its energy-efficient design and Android 14 software. Google is also committing to seven years of software updates, which is great for longevity.
In terms of security, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold packs Google’s Titan M2 chip and comes with built-in Google VPN. It’s also loaded with AI-powered features like “Pixel Screenshots” and “Video Boost,” which take full advantage of the foldable’s large display.
The camera setup on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is another highlight. It includes a 48MP main sensor, a 10.5MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens. While it might not match the advanced cameras on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, it still delivers strong performance, with cool features like “Add Me” and “Made You Look” to enhance photos on the large foldable screen. Plus, you get dual 10MP selfie cameras on both the outer and inner displays for Face Unlock and video calls.
With all these upgrades, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is positioned as a premium option at $1,799. It’s available in Obsidian and Porcelain, and pre-orders are already open, so if you’re looking for cutting-edge tech wrapped in a sleek foldable design, this might be your next big purchase.