WORDS- ABHISHEK BAXI
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant evolution in Google’s foray into the foldable smartphone market, refining the design and functionality seen in its predecessors. This device offers a sleek, thin profile with a smooth matte glass back, exuding a sense of luxury and craftsmanship. The design balances the practicality of a traditional smartphone with the innovative foldable form factor, making it both functional and stylish. When closed, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold sports a 6.3-inch outer display, identical in size to the regular Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, which is perfect for one-handed use and everyday tasks. However, the true allure lies within its ability to open into an expansive 8-inch OLED inner screen, offering minimal bezels and vibrant visuals ideal for media consumption or multitasking.
Though a crease is visible, especially at angles, its impact on the viewing experience is minimal, showcasing Google’s improvement in display technology for foldables. The build quality of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is commendable; it feels robust, with a hinge mechanism that provides smooth operation and holds its position well at any angle. It’s also water-resistant, adding a layer of durability against splashes, though it lacks dust resistance. In terms of photography, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not disappoint, inheriting the robust camera system of its non-foldable siblings but with slightly downgraded sensors. Despite this, the camera performs admirably, delivering excellent color accuracy, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities. The inclusion of AI-driven photography features like ‘Add Me’ and ‘Reimagine’ further enhances its appeal for creative users. Performance-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Google’s latest Tensor chip, which, while not the most powerful in its class, ensures smooth operation for daily tasks and app usage, backed by 12GB of RAM.
Battery life is adequate for a day’s use with moderate activity, though the charging speeds could be better, capping at 21W wired and 7.5W wireless, which feels underwhelming for a device of its caliber. Running on Android 14 at launch (now updated to Android 15), the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers the clean, intuitive Android experience typical of Pixel devices. It’s accompanied by Google’s promise of seven years of updates, matching Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support. The software is enhanced with new AI features like Pixel Studio for image generation and an intelligent Weather app, enriching the user experience beyond hardware capabilities.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s high price point of B1,72,999 might raise eyebrows. While it justifies some of its cost through innovative design and high-quality materials, the foldable market’s inherent skepticism regarding durability and utility still looms large. This device is a compelling choice for Pixel enthusiasts or those intrigued by foldables, offering a near-perfect blend of functionality and style, but its price might limit its appeal to those less convinced of the foldable smartphone’s value proposition. In summary, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a beautifully engineered, well-thought-out foldable smartphone that largely achieves what it sets out to do. It’s a premium device that, despite its price, could be a delightful choice for tech enthusiasts and those deeply embedded in the Pixel ecosystem, looking for a new way to interact with their technology.
Pricing and Availability
Rs.1,72,999.
store.google.com
