Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in for review

2024-09-09

It"s Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold time, folks! Google"s first foldable, the aptly named Pixel Fold was interesting for being first but ultimately proved too rare and slightly weird. Google"s second attempt - the Pixel 9 Pro Fold - could easily be your best choice of book-style foldable at the time of this article.

Despite its exorbitant price tag of €1,899, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at just 256GB and ships with only a USB cable. But that"s the accessory situation with the Galaxy Z Fold6 as well.

You can pick up this original case from Google for an extra €60.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold retail package and optional case Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold retail package and optional case
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold retail package and optional case

So what"s so good about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? In the hand, it"s very sturdy and fills you with the feel of robustness and good craftsmanship. It"s also nicely tout and flat - closing tightly and without a gap.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in for review

Inside, there"s hardly a noticeable crease in the folding screen. One thing that makes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold excellent for the category is its aspect ratios. The cover display is a 6.3-inch panel with a regular 20:9 aspect ratio. Inside is a large 8.0-inch unit with a 1:1 ratio that"s perfect for reading or viewing two apps side-by-side.

Great aspect ratios on both sides Great aspect ratios on both sides
Great aspect ratios on both sides

Google clearly saw Oppo"s Find N3 (globally known as the OnePlus Open) as a good blueprint for this type of device. Put side-by-side, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slightly taller and wider, and in the hand, it"s heftier as well.

The Pixel foldable against the fan-favorite Oppo Find N3 (OnePlus Open) The Pixel foldable against the fan-favorite Oppo Find N3 (OnePlus Open) The Pixel foldable against the fan-favorite Oppo Find N3 (OnePlus Open)
The Pixel foldable against the fan-favorite Oppo Find N3 (OnePlus Open)

Samsung"s Galaxy Z Fold6 is a bit infamous these days for its insistence on the narrower cover screen aspect ratio. It"s not as comfortable to use as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold but it does allow for a much smaller and lighter device - the Galaxy Z Fold6 is 18g lighter.

The Pixel foldable against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 The Pixel foldable against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 The Pixel foldable against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
The Pixel foldable against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Here"s a look at Google"s entire Pixel 9 lineup. Interestingly, apart from the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL, the rest of the series is 6.3-inch. From left to right we have the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in for review

We"ll take our time with this review as there"s a lot to go over, but expect a detailed comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold6 at some point too!

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold