The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, successor to the 2023 Google Pixel Fold, boasts a host of improvements beyond its longer name. But if you own the first version, you might wonder if the upgrades justify an upgrade. This article compares the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold with the Pixel Fold, revealing some surprises along the way.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Pixel Fold: Design
The most noticeable design difference is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s claim to the title of the thinnest foldable phone available. This slimmer profile makes it easier to slip into your pocket. It’s also noticeably smaller and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at a mere 257 grams, nearly 30 grams lighter than the original Pixel Fold. However, it’s worth noting that it’s still somewhat heavy and weighs more than its primary competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which tips the scales at 239 grams.
Many were concerned about the original Pixel Fold’s durability and longevity, especially considering its hefty price tag. Thankfully, early experiences with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold suggest Google has addressed these concerns. The phone feels more comfortable to use with one hand, has a better grip, and overall provides a more satisfying experience. Additionally, it avoids the awkwardly narrow and tall design of Samsung’s foldable phones when folded. Another impressive feat is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s thickness, which is comparable to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. As for color options, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold maintains the same palette as its predecessor, offering Obsidian and Porcelain choices.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Pixel Fold: Displays
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts larger and brighter displays, significantly enhancing the user experience, especially in tabletop mode for mobile gaming or movie watching. The cover display now measures 6.3 inches, while the internal display on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been bumped up to 8 inches from the previous 7.6 inches.
The cover display features a variable refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smoother visuals. It’s designed for tasks like checking notifications, answering calls, and quick interactions when the phone is folded. On the other hand, the 8-inch inner display incorporates a Super Actua Flex display with an LTPO panel for efficient power consumption. This display boasts a variable refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz, ensuring seamless scrolling and animations. It serves as the main display for immersive content consumption, multitasking, and productivity.
Despite the larger displays, the new phone remains smaller and more portable. Both displays on the new foldable are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced drop performance on rough surfaces like concrete compared to the previous Gorilla Glass Victus version.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Pixel Fold: Cameras
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold receives several camera upgrades, though perhaps not as many as expected considering the two-year gap between the models. Google’s latest foldable features a 48-megapixel wide camera and a 10.8MP telephoto camera. The Pixel Fold’s 10.8MP sensor has been replaced by an ultrawide camera with a 10.5MP PD sensor with autofocus. The newer phone includes 10MP front and 10MP inner cameras for the two selfie cameras, slightly better than the front-facing cameras on the previous model.
It’s difficult to definitively assess the differences between the camera systems on the two phones, beyond raw specs, without extensive hands-on tests. For now, it’s mostly educated guesses. However, we know the original Pixel Fold offered a commendable camera system, as all Pixels do, so we expect the same quality here.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Pixel Fold: Performance and Battery
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset, an upgrade from the previous model’s Google Tensor G2. The new chipset features eight cores with eight threads, a maximum clock frequency of 3.10 GHz, and 16GB of memory, while the Google Tensor G2 had eight cores with eight threads, a maximum clock frequency of 2.85 GHz, and supported 12GB of memory on the Pixel Fold.
Unfortunately, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, like its predecessor, only comes in 256GB or 512GB storage options. It’s 2024, and it’s high time foldable phones offered more onboard storage.
The thinner design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold means a smaller battery, resulting in a shorter time between charges. While both phones can last at least 24 hours before needing a recharge, the new phone’s more efficient chipset should deliver noticeable improvements in battery life. In terms of fast charging, the new phone supports 45-watt wired charging with compatible chargers and also features wireless charging. It’s important to note that we haven’t had enough time with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to confirm its battery performance. The original model’s slow wireless charging was underwhelming, so we hope this aspect has been improved.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Pixel Fold: Software and Updates
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to come pre-loaded with the latest Android 14 and is anticipated to support the upcoming Android 15, which is scheduled for release later this year. This phone will receive software updates and support from Google for an impressive seven years. The previous model launched with Android 13 and will only receive five years of OS software and updates.
Both foldable devices support a range of Google’s AI features, but the newer model is expected to have even more advanced features due to its updated specifications. For example, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers an advanced Magic Editor that allows users to modify elements within their images, such as removing objects, replacing the sky, or adjusting people’s poses. The new Add Me feature enables users to add themselves to a shot, even if they’re the ones taking the picture. With the Made You Look feature, the phone can play engaging sounds to capture children’s attention and encourage them to focus on the camera during a shot. Users can also expect an improved voice assistant on the new Google foldable, thanks to Google Gemini, enhanced text recognition, advanced call screening technology, and more.
Undeniably, there are significant differences on paper between both models regarding software. However, thorough testing will be required to determine whether these improvements are truly impressive. It’s without a doubt, though, that future features will bypass the Pixel Fold while being supported on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Pixel Fold: Should You Upgrade?
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a substantial advancement over its predecessor. Given its higher price, whether it’s worth upgrading primarily depends on your preference for a slightly improved camera system and larger displays. While improved internals are important, they may not be enough to warrant an upgrade. If you’re looking for a Google Pixel Fold with a more radical design and additional color options, it’s advisable to wait. Whether this means waiting another year or two is uncertain.
Lastly, let’s discuss AI. Google, Samsung, and Apple are fully committed to integrating AI into our daily lives through smart devices. While the original Pixel Fold has some AI support, it lacks the extent of AI features in the newer model. The gap between both models regarding AI capabilities will likely widen with software updates. Therefore, if you’re particularly interested in AI and want access to the latest and most excellent tools, upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and retiring your earlier model would be a sensible decision.
