A year after its first folding smartphone, Google is back with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. A completely redesigned device that corrects the flaws of its predecessor and establishes itself as a serious competitor in the foldable market. Here are our first impressions while waiting for the full test.
Google is entering the French foldable smartphone market with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Although this is the brand’s second foldable model worldwide, it is the first time that French consumers will have the opportunity to officially acquire a Google foldable smartphone. We were able to get our hands on this new device before its official release, here are our first impressions which focus on the design and format. As for the test, it is in progress, it requires a little time to carry out a complete review.
A newcomer on the French market
It’s important to note that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not Google’s first foldable smartphone. Last year, the Mountain View firm launched the Pixel Fold in some countries, but this model was never officially marketed in France. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold therefore represents both an evolution of Google’s initial concept and a first introduction to the French market.
This particularity gives the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a unique status: it benefits from the experience acquired by Google with its first model, while being a total discovery for the French public. The improvements made compared to the original Pixel Fold, which we were not able to test in France, are therefore all the more interesting to observe.
Features: A leap forward, but compromises on photography
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an 8-inch OLED main display (2076 x 2152 pixels) with an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz. The outer display measures 6.3 inches (1080 x 2424 pixels). Under the hood, we find Google’s new Tensor G4 chip, accompanied by 16 GB of RAM and 256 or 512 GB of storage.
On the photo side, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a triple rear module: a 48 MP main sensor (f/1.7), a 10.5 MP ultra wide-angle (f/2.2) and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
While these features mark a clear improvement over the original Pixel Fold, it’s a shame that Google didn’t equip its high-end foldable with the same photo sensors as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. A choice that could disappoint mobile photography enthusiasts (including me).
Design and ergonomics: the metamorphosis
This is probably the most striking aspect when you first pick up the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google has completely revised its copy. Exit the passport-shaped design of the first model, in place of a more elongated format that is closer to that of the OnePlus Open or the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 .
Folded, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold measures just 10.5mm thick, making it one of the thinnest foldables on the market (only the Magic V3 does better).
It’s barely thicker than a conventional smartphone, a technical feat that’s immediately felt in the hand. Unfolded, it’s an impressive 5.1mm thinness.
The work on the hinge is also remarkable. It now allows the phone to close perfectly flat, with no visible space between the two parts of the screen. The opening is fluid and inspires confidence, even if only a long-term test will allow us to judge its durability.
Couple that with an IPX8 rating (meaning the phone is water-resistant), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and a new hinge design that I’ve read is tighter and better prevents internal components from coming loose, and you’ve got a foldable phone that should be as safe to use as a regular phone.
The 6.3-inch outer screen offers excellent user comfort. Its longer ratio than that of the original Pixel Fold makes it more practical for one-handed use. As for the 8-inch inner screen, it stands out as the largest on the foldable market. An undeniable asset for multitasking and content consumption.
The camera module, housed in a large rounded rectangle, may seem a little imposing at first glance. However, it integrates well with the overall design of the device and gives it a distinctive visual identity.
At 257 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains a relatively heavy device. However, it is a nice improvement over the 283 grams of its predecessor. It is thus positioned between the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (239 g) and the OnePlus Open (245 g).
As a reminder, the main advantage of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its ability to switch from a classic smartphone to a mini-tablet in a single gesture. The 6.3-inch exterior screen allows traditional use for everyday tasks: checking messages, browsing social networks or taking quick photos.
Price and availability
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available for pre-order starting today at €1,899 for the 256GB version. Deliveries will begin on September 4, 2024. It is offered in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white).