The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: A Significant Leap from the Original Pixel Fold

Google recently unveiled its second generation foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. How does it compare to the original Pixel Fold? Let’s dive into the specs and features to see what Google has improved and what remains the same. Remember, specs only tell part of the story—real-world performance and user experience are crucial too.

Pricing: Holding Steady 💵

No Price Increase

Interestingly, Google has kept the price of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold the same as its first-generation foldable, starting at $1,800. Despite the many upgrades and improvements, users won’t have to pay extra for this cutting-edge technology.

Display: Bigger and Brighter 📱

Cover Screen Enhancements

– Original Pixel Fold: 5.8-inch OLED, 60 – 120Hz refresh rate, 2092 x 1080 pixel resolution at 4 8 PPI, Gorilla Glass Victus
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 6.3-inch OLED, 60 – 120Hz refresh rate, 2424 x 1080 pixel resolution at 422 PPI, Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Internal Screen Upgrades

– Original Pixel Fold: 7.6-inch OLED, 120Hz variable refresh rate, 2208 x 1840 pixel resolution at 380 PPI
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 8-inch OLED, 120Hz variable refresh rate, 2152 x 2076 pixel resolution at 373 PPI

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts an all-around larger and brighter display. With peak brightness up to 2,700 nits, you can expect better visibility even in direct sunlight. The cover screen now offers a 6.3-inch OLED display with a slightly higher resolution, enhancing your experience when the device is folded.

Durability: Tougher Than Ever 🛡

– Original Fold: Gorilla Glass Victus, IPX8 rating
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IPX8 rating

The new Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2, promising better durability. It maintains the IPX8 water resistance rating, so accidental spills and splashes won’t be a problem.

Form Factor: Slim and Lightweight 📐

Thinner Dimensions

– Original Pixel Fold: 12.1 mm closed, 5.8 mm open, 283 grams
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 10.16 mm closed, 5.1 mm open, 257 grams

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slimmer when both closed and open. At just 10.16 mm thick when closed, it’s the thinnest bookstyle foldable available in the US. It’s also lighter, weighing only 257 grams compared to 283 grams for the original Pixel Fold.

Performance: A New Level 🏎

Hardware and Software

– Original Pixel Fold: Tensor G2 chip, 12 GB RAM, Android 13
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Tensor G4 chip, 16 GB RAM, Android 14

Google’s new Tensor G4 chip powers the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, combined with 16 GB of RAM for better multitasking and efficiency. Running on Android 14, it also promises 7 years of OS and security updates, future-proofing your device.

Storage and Connectivity: Options Galore 📂

Internal Storage Options

– Both devices offer 256 GB and 512 GB storage options.

Satellite Connectivity

– Exclusive to Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Satellite connectivity for emergency services

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with satellite connectivity, a lifesaving feature in emergencies when regular cell signals are unavailable.

AI Integration: Smarter Than Ever 🤖

AI-Powered Features

– Exclusive to Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Access to Gemini AI, AI Photo and Video editing features
– Gemini Live: A conversational AI that requires a subscription but offers a free year of Google One AI premium for Pro Fold users.

Google’s new AI app, Pixel Screenshots, uses Gemini to extract information from old screenshots. The Reimagine feature lets you transform photos by simply entering a prompt. AI also enhances video quality, especially in low light or at night.

Camera: Capturing Every Moment 📸

Comparative Camera Specs

– Original Pixel Fold: 48 MP wide (f1.7), 10.8 MP telephoto (f3.05), 10.8 MP ultrawide (f2.2), 9.5 MP Cover (f2.2), 8 MP Inner (f2)
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 48 MP wide (f1.7), 10.8 MP telephoto (f3.1), 10.5 MP ultrawide (f2.2), 10 MP Cover (f2.2), 10 MP Inner (f2.2)

Both foldables feature a triple camera system with similar specs. However, the advanced AI features like the Made You Look animation on the cover screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold adds a fun element to taking photos, especially with kids.

Battery Life and Charging: Power to Last 🔋

– Original Pixel Fold: 4,821 mAh battery, 30W wired fast charging
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 4,650 mAh battery, 45W wired fast charging

Despite having a slightly smaller battery, the Pixel 9 Pro benefits from the more power-efficient Tensor G4 chip. We’ll have to wait and see how this impacts real-world battery performance.

Color Options: Style Choices 🎨

– Both models are available in Obsidian and Porcelain.

Hex-code colors are retained, allowing users to choose between Obsidian and Porcelain. Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are already available, with shipping expected in the coming weeks.

Conclusion: A Promising Upgrade 🎉

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shows significant improvements over its predecessor in almost every category—from display size and brightness to AI capabilities and overall performance. While it retains the same price point, the upgrades make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and productivity aficionados. Keep an eye on further reviews to get a complete picture of this foldable’s real-world performance.

How do you feel about the updates to Google’s Pixel foldable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.