Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Best Foldable Smartphone?

Behold the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold smartphone! Is this the best foldable smartphone in 2024? It boasts one of the biggest displays available!

Hold onto your hats, Google Pixel lovers! Google has just dropped a bombshell in the world of smartphones with the unveiling of its latest marvel—the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This isn't just another phone, it's a technological tour de force that's set to redefine our expectations of what a foldable device can do. From its innovative design to its cutting-edge features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is poised to make waves in the smartphone market. This Google's newest foldable sensation has really turned heads and got my attention of course. Will it "out-fold" its rivals in this foldable space? Let's find out.

Unfolding Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Compact Yet Expansive

When it comes to foldable smartphones, size matters—but not in the way you might think. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold manages to pack a punch while maintaining a surprisingly compact form factor. Here's what makes it stand out:

When folded, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold sports a 6.3-inch screen, matching its non-foldable siblings in the Pixel 9 series. This means you get the best of both worlds—a standard-sized phone when you need it and a tablet-like experience when you want it. This size makes it an excellent fit for everyday use, while its larger, unfolded screen is perfect for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.

Thickness That Impresses

Despite its foldable nature, Google claims that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a "comparable thickness" to the 9 Pro when folded. This is a significant achievement in the world of foldables, where bulk has often been a drawback. Achieving this level of thinness without compromising on durability is a testament to Google's engineering prowess.

The "Largest Display on a Phone"

Unfold the device, and you're greeted with an impressive 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display. Google boldly claims this is the "largest display on a phone," setting a new standard for foldable screen real estate. The brilliant, expansive screen is perfect for everything from watching movies to tackling complex work tasks that benefit from a larger canvas. One of the standout features of Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its display which showcases seamless integration and minimal crease visibility, a common concern with foldable devices.

Under the Hood: Power Meets Innovation

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't just about its innovative form factor. It's packed with raw, cutting-edge technology that sets it apart from the crowd:

Tensor G4 Chipset

Like its Pixel 9 siblings, the Pro Fold runs on Google's latest Tensor G4 chipset, ensuring top-notch performance and AI capabilities. The G4 chipset leverages machine learning to enhance everything from battery efficiency to camera performance. This advanced chipset also enables real-time language translation and other AI-driven features, making the Pixel 9 Pro Fold not just a phone, but a smart assistant in your pocket.

16GB RAM Boost

With a whopping 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is ready to handle anything you throw at it, including unique features designed specifically for foldables. This generous amount of RAM ensures that even the most demanding applications run smoothly, offering a seamless user experience that is second to none. With a staggering 16GB of RAM, rest assured that Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be ideal for power users and gamers alike (like me 😁).

Foldable-Specific Features

Google has developed special features that take advantage of the device's unique form factor, including enhanced split-screen multitasking capabilities. Imagine working on a document on one side of the screen while referencing a webpage on the other—multitasking has never been so intuitive and efficient. Obviously, these foldable-specific features are designed to maximize productivity, making it easier than ever to juggle multiple tasks at once.

Innovative Features: More Than Just a Folding Phone

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't content with just being a foldable device. It brings some unique features to the table that set it apart from the competition:

Made You Look

This clever feature uses the outer screen to capture a baby's attention, making it easier for parents to snap that perfect photo. It's a simple yet ingenious use of the foldable form factor that could become a favorite among parents. The outer screen can display animated characters or colorful visuals that draw the child's gaze, ensuring that cherished moments are captured with ease. Interestingly, this feature is not only adorable but also genuinely useful for parents struggling to get their little ones to look at the camera. I am sure this will be super handy when I snap photos of my baby Jadiel.

Manual Camera Controls

In a surprising move, Google has included manual camera controls on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While Pixel phones have always excelled at point-and-shoot photography, this addition gives photography enthusiasts more control over their shots. You can now adjust settings like shutter speed, ISO, and focus manually, allowing for more creative freedom and precision. This addition transforms the Pixel 9 Pro Fold into a versatile tool for both casual and professional photographers. It is always better to have more options, right?

Camera Capabilities: Capturing Life in Detail

While Google hasn't officially listed the camera specs on its website, reports suggest an impressive setup:

• Main Camera: 48MP
• Wide-Angle: 10.5MP
• Telephoto: 10.8MP with 5x optical zoom
• Front-Facing Cameras: 10MP (on both main and secondary displays)

This configuration promises to deliver the high-quality photos and videos we've come to expect from Pixel devices, now with the added versatility of a foldable form factor. The combination of these camera sensors ensures that we can capture stunning images in a variety of situations, from wide scenic shots to detailed close-ups, making Pixel 9 Pro Fold more versatile.

Availability and Pricing: The Premium Experience

As with any cutting-edge technology, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a premium price tag:

• Price: US$1,799 (approximately RM8,000)
• Availability: Pre-orders are open in the US, Japan, and Europe
• Shipping: Expected to begin in September

Unfortunately, there's no word yet on Malaysian pricing or availability for markets outside these regions. This high price reflects the advanced technology and premium materials used in the device, but it may be a barrier for some potential buyers (like me 😅).

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Smartphones

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents more than just another entry in the foldable phone market. It's a statement of intent from Google, showcasing their vision for the future of smartphones. With its innovative design, powerful hardware, and unique features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is set to challenge our perceptions of what a phone can be.

While its high price point may put it out of reach for many consumers, the technologies and ideas introduced in this device are likely to trickle down to more affordable models in the future. As we eagerly await its release and real-world performance, one thing is clear: the era of foldable phones is here to stay, and Google is determined to be at the forefront of this exciting "foldable" new frontier. For more information, head over to Google's official website.