Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: Twice as Nice, High Price Leave a comment

There are some unusual omissions on this gadget in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional. The outside display screen (the one you may use probably the most), doesn’t characteristic LTPO expertise, which permits the show to dynamically ratchet from 1 to 120 Hz. It is a extra battery-efficient course of, however as a substitute, the Fold will solely go from 60 to 120 Hz. That is nitpicky, however once more, you are spending $1,800 solely to seek out this flagship characteristic just isn’t obtainable. (It is obtainable on the interior display screen.)

On different Pixel telephones, you may prime up different gadgets—like your earbuds’ charging case—wirelessly with a characteristic known as Battery Share. I’ve by no means felt the necessity to use this characteristic, but it surely’s not obtainable on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Additionally, some digicam options do not exist, like Cinematic Blur, which provides a portrait mode impact to your movies. Oh, and do not forget this gadget is rated IPX8, so it is advantageous to submerge it in a pool, however watch out with mud (keep away from the seaside!).

Probably the most annoying flub is wi-fi charging. It is supported on this gadget, but it surely does not work with Google’s very personal Pixel Stand Gen 2 wireless charger as a result of the coils don’t align. (Google says the Pixel Stand is discontinued however … it is nonetheless promoting the charger on its storefront.) Curiously sufficient, I attempted to see if wi-fi charging labored on just a few different charging stands I had mendacity round and the reply was no. Properly, kind of. It really works on some should you put the cellphone in panorama orientation, however not should you place it in portrait on a stand. You will be higher off utilizing a charging pad that sits flat.

General, the digicam system is analogous however not similar to the Pixel 9 Professional, and whereas the outcomes are usually nice, I’ve observed pictures from the ultrawide and telephoto cameras are noticeably not as sharp in low-light situations in comparison with the cheaper sibling. I additionally do not like the truth that the selfie digicam on this cellphone does not characteristic autofocus. It is good you could take selfies with the superior rear cameras, however generally you do not wish to unfold the entire thing, after which your picture is not as sharp as what you get with the Pixel 9 Professional.

It is some of these little issues that add as much as make the Pixel 9 Professional Fold really feel a bit … bizarre. It does its job nicely if a mini pill is what you need—I choose utilizing it over the Galaxy Z Fold 6—however Google must work on its characteristic parity in order that you do not really feel such as you’re lacking out on the most recent and biggest when you could have the corporate’s costliest piece of {hardware} in your palms.