Building on the learnings from their first foldable, Google returned to the burgeoning market in September 2024 with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Explicitly branded as part of the “Pro” tier alongside the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, this second-generation foldable aimed to deliver a more polished, powerful, and intelligent experience, integrating the new Tensor G4 chip and its associated Gemini AI features into a remarkably thinner and refined design. It maintained the premium $1799 starting price of its predecessor.
Design: Thinner, Flatter, Sleeker
The most immediate improvements were physical:
- Significantly Thinner: Google shaved considerable thickness off the device. When open, it measured a remarkably slim 5.1mm, and folded, it was 10.5mm – a noticeable reduction making it feel less bulky and more like a regular phone when closed.
- Redesigned Hinge: A new multi-alloy steel hinge mechanism was engineered to be more durable, offer a satisfying snap when closing, and crucially, allow the phone to open completely flat (addressing a minor gripe with the original Fold).
- Pixel 9 Pro Aesthetics: It adopted the design language of the Pixel 9 Pro series, featuring flatter sides, more rounded corners, and the new camera “pill” design on the back (adapted to sit within the back panel rather than spanning edge-to-edge).
- Premium Build: Retained high-end materials with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the outer screen and back, a polished aluminum frame, and IPX8 water resistance. It launched in Obsidian and Porcelain colors.
- Improved Displays: The outer screen grew to 6.3 inches with a standard 20:9 aspect ratio (similar to the Pixel 9 Pro), making it feel even more like a traditional smartphone when closed. The inner folding display expanded to a large 8.0 inches and featured reduced bezels compared to the original Fold. Both OLED screens were significantly brighter (up to 2700 nits peak) and offered smooth 120Hz refresh rates (LTPO 1-120Hz on the inner display).
- Biometrics: Featured a side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the power button and added secure (Class 3) Face Unlock.
Hardware: Tensor G4 Power and Pro Specs
As a “Pro” model, the 9 Pro Fold received flagship-level internals:
- Google Tensor G4: Equipped with the same powerful Tensor G4 chip found in the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, delivering enhanced performance, efficiency, and significantly boosted on-device AI capabilities through Gemini Nano.
- Upgraded RAM: Featured 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, providing ample headroom for multitasking, especially across split screens.
- Storage: Offered in 256GB and 512GB UFS 3.1 configurations.
- Battery & Charging: Housed a 4650mAh battery. While slightly smaller capacity than the original Fold, the efficiency gains of Tensor G4 aimed for comparable endurance. Supported wired charging up to 30W and Qi wireless charging.
- Security: Included the integrated Titan M2 security chip.
Cameras: Versatile Triple System with AI Smarts
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasted a capable triple rear camera system, leveraging Tensor G4 for advanced processing:
- Rear Cameras: A 48MP main camera (f/1.7, OIS) was joined by a 10.8MP ultrawide (123° FOV) and a 10.8MP telephoto lens providing 5x optical zoom with OIS. While potentially using similar sensor hardware to the original Fold due to thinness constraints, the image processing powered by Tensor G4 delivered excellent results.
- Selfie Cameras: Featured 10MP cameras on both the outer and inner displays.
- Full Gemini AI Suite: Benefited from the entire suite of Pixel 9 AI camera and editing features: Best Take, Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Pixel Studio, Add Me, Video Boost, Night Sight Video, Pro Controls, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, and more.
- Foldable Modes: Continued to offer unique shooting modes like Rear Camera Selfie and Tabletop mode.
Software: Android 15 Optimized for Folding + 7 Years Support
Running the latest Android version (likely launching with or quickly updating to Android 15) optimized for foldables, the 9 Pro Fold delivered a smooth multitasking experience with features like the taskbar and split-screen enhancements. The biggest software news was the commitment:
- Seven Years of Updates: Like the rest of the Pixel 9 series, the 9 Pro Fold received Google’s industry-leading promise of seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (support until September 2031).
Reception and Legacy: A Major Step Forward for Google Foldables
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was generally reviewed very positively, seen as a significant improvement over the first generation. The much thinner and lighter design, refined hinge, brighter and larger displays, powerful Tensor G4 performance, wealth of AI features, and the 7-year update commitment were major highlights. It proved Google could quickly iterate and create a highly competitive premium foldable.
While the high price remained a barrier, and inherent foldable durability questions lingered, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold established itself as a top contender, offering a compelling alternative with its unique aspect ratio, powerful AI capabilities, and excellent software experience.