The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the second-generation device in Google’s foldable phone series, following the debut of the original Google Pixel Fold in 2023. As foldable phones continue to evolve and capture the market’s attention, they represent a new frontier in smartphone design. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, like other foldable devices, offers a flexible, dual-display experience that allows users to switch between traditional and tablet-like modes with ease.
However, despite the growing interest in foldables, I initially had reservations about purchasing one. While the concept is undeniably innovative and fun, several practical concerns held me back. Let’s dive into the reasons why I was skeptical about foldable phones in general and how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold managed to both confirm and challenge some of my assumptions.
Initial Reservations About Foldable Phones: Why I Wasn’t Sold
Though foldable phones are all the rage, I’ve hesitated to jump on the trend for a few important reasons.
1. High Price With Compromised Camera Quality
First and foremost, foldable phones tend to come with a hefty price tag. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception, starting at $1,799, which places it firmly in the premium price range. When you’re spending this much on a smartphone, you expect top-tier performance across the board, but foldables often fall short when it comes to camera systems. Most foldable phones, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, feature camera setups that are inferior to those found in traditional mono-display flagship models. If you’re an avid photographer or someone who relies on your phone for capturing high-quality images, this could be a dealbreaker.
2. Durability Concerns: Are Foldables Too Fragile?
Another major concern is durability. Foldable phones, with their flexible displays, are inherently more fragile than standard smartphones. The hinge mechanism and foldable screen are prone to wear and tear, and it’s unclear whether they can stand the test of time. While Google has made efforts to improve the durability of its foldable line with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the jury is still out on whether this device can offer the long-term reliability consumers expect.
3. Battery Life Woes: Can Dual Displays Last the Day?
Lastly, I was skeptical about battery life. Foldable phones use dual-display technology, which generally requires more power. With two screens to power, I assumed that battery life would be a major issue, leaving users scrambling for a charger throughout the day.
However, to my surprise, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold completely debunked this concern.
A Pleasant Surprise: The Impressive Battery Life of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
While I expected foldable phones to suffer from poor battery life, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold proved me wrong. According to our in-depth testing, the device’s battery life is one of its standout features.
In a test where we played a continuous loop of TikTok videos with the display brightness set at 50%, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold managed to last an impressive 16 hours and 6 minutes on a single charge. For a dual-display device, this is remarkable and significantly better than many of its competitors.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: A Battery Life Showdown
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s battery life puts it ahead of its closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which lasted 12 hours and 44 minutes under similar conditions. This gives the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a notable 3 hours and 22 minutes of extra runtime over the Samsung foldable.
Here’s a closer look at how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold compares to other foldables in terms of battery performance:
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 16 hours and 6 minutes
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: 12 hours and 44 minutes
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: 12 hours and 13 minutes
Clearly, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is leading the pack when it comes to battery longevity. But what sacrifices did Google make to achieve this level of efficiency?
Performance Trade-Offs: The Price of Long Battery Life
While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels in battery life, it lags behind its competitors in terms of processing power and overall performance. The device is powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chip, which is designed to optimize energy efficiency. However, this focus on efficiency comes at a cost: raw processing power.
In our Geekbench 6 testing, which measures a device’s processor performance, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold scored 4,706 on the multi-core test. By comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, equipped with Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, scored 6,638. This significant difference in performance benchmarks highlights that Google has traded some speed and power to prioritize battery efficiency.
For most users, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s performance will be more than sufficient for everyday tasks, such as browsing, social media, streaming, and multitasking. However, for power users who rely on their phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running complex apps, the difference in processing power may be noticeable.
Display Quality: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Shining Feature
One area where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines is its display. The internal foldable screen has grown from 7.6 inches in the previous model to a whopping 8 inches in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This massive, high-resolution display offers a fantastic viewing experience for reading, streaming, and browsing.
Alex Perry, a tech reviewer from Mashable, was particularly impressed with the display, calling it “fantastic.” He praised the screen for its crisp visuals, vibrant colors, and smooth performance. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or reading ebooks, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s display is a joy to use.
“The internal Pixel 9 Pro Fold screen is absolutely massive, moving up from 7.6 inches to 8 inches, making it ideal for reading or watching things. Everything looks crisp, smooth, and colorful. It’s just fantastic,” Perry said in his review.
How the Pixel 9 Pro Fold Stacks Up Against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
When it comes to foldable phones, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s closest competitor is undoubtedly the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Both devices are high-end, premium foldables with similar form factors, but there are key differences that set them apart.
1. Battery Life Advantage
As mentioned earlier, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold outlasts the Galaxy Z Fold 6 by more than 3 hours in battery tests. If long battery life is a priority, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold clearly has the edge.
2. Size and Weight Comparison
While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slightly heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, weighing 0.64 ounces more, it manages to be slimmer. The Pixel has a height of 0.20 inches, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures 0.22 inches. This slight difference in dimensions gives the Pixel a sleeker profile, which may appeal to users looking for a more compact foldable.
3. Price Considerations
Price is always a major factor when choosing a new smartphone, especially in the premium segment. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799, making it $100 cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which starts at $1,899. For budget-conscious buyers, the Pixel’s lower price point could be a deciding factor, especially considering its competitive battery life and display.
Is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold Worth It?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a strong contender in the foldable phone market, offering impressive battery life, a stunning display, and a sleeker design compared to its closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, it does have its drawbacks, including a less powerful processor and a camera system that doesn’t quite match up to Google’s non-foldable models.
Ultimately, whether or not the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is worth it depends on your priorities. If you value battery life, display quality, and a more affordable price point, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a great choice. However, if you need top-tier performance and camera quality, you might want to consider other options.
For foldable enthusiasts who appreciate a balance between performance and energy efficiency, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivers a solid experience at a slightly more accessible price than its competitors.
