Pixel 9 Pro Fold Intro
Now, Google is committing. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is coming out with the “regular” Pixel phones — it even has the Pro in the name — so it will feature the newest hardware and all the software tricks (take a shot every time you hear “AI”) as its 2024 siblings. Rumor is it will also grow a bit in size, so you get an even bigger main screen.
Table of Contents:
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Specs
Tensor — always the rebel
Let’s kick things off with the specs — what do we know so far?
| Specs | Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|
| Size and Weight | ~5.50 x 6.25 x 0.23 in (139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mm) ~240 g |
| Display | 8.02″ main screen OLED, 120 Hz 6.29″ cover screen OLED, 120 Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 |
| Software | Android 14 |
| Cameras | 64 MP main 12 MP ultra-wide 10.5 MP telephoto 9.5 MP front |
| Battery Size | 4,560 mAh |
| Charging Speeds | 30 W wired 15 W wireless |
| Prices | 16 GB / 256 GB for $1,799 |
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Design and Display
Bigger, better
As with the OG Pixel Fold, we expect the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to be big and wide on the outside — granting a nicely spaced display for dual-thumb typing. Rumors say it will be about 6.3 inches in size with a ratio of about 17.5:9 — almost back to the days of 16:9 screens, guys!
The camera bar on the back will be replaced by a new square shape on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold only — this much is known since Google teased it in their own event announcement.
The currently expected Pixel 9 Pro Fold colors are Hazel, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Rose
Once we open up the phone, we should be greeted by a new, 8.03″ display with a 6:5 aspect ratio — a clear growth from the 7.6-inch from last year’s model, with the same ratio. It’ll clearly be an OLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Outside, we will also get a 120 Hz OLED cover display. Peak brightness used to be 1,450 nits — which was already pretty good — but since that’s a new spec that manufacturers are competing over, we may see a slight bump to it.
We don’t foresee any under-screen scanners to be used here — Google will probably rely on the fingerprint reader embedded in the power switch yet another time. And facial unlocks, of course — thanks to advancements in machine learning, Google was able to make the simple selfie camera unlock so secure and reliable, that it has been approved to work with banking apps. That happened with the Pixel 8 phones last year, so we expect it to continue to be improved further with the new models.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Camera
Excuse me, I have “Pro” in my name
Since Google is clearly treating the next Fold as a “Pro” model, we figure it’s safe to assume it will have all — or most — of the bells and whistles for its camera. Rumors say 64 MP main sensor, 10.5 MP telephoto camera, 12 MP ultra-wide camera. So, off the bat, we can say the main and ultra-wide snappers will have some sort of upgrade. How much zoom will we be getting? Unknown thus far — we wonder if it will be identical to the Pixel 9 Pro.
Details on the selfie cameras are still fuzzy, but yes — we expect a selfie camera on the cover screen and one on the main display. No under-display shenanigans — these will probably be hole-punch style.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Performance & Benchmarks
Tensor smarts
By now, it’s an established trend that Google doesn’t chase the biggest and best benchmark numbers with its processors. The Tensor line of silicon is designed in-house by the search giant, and it’s made to work with the Pixel phones, enable their exclusive Google Assistant features, and support the AI tricks with Google Gemini.
Thus far, we haven’t been disappointed by the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 phones, nor the Tensor G2 in the Pixel Fold. So, we are not worried.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Software
Google’s Pixels come with close-to stock Android. Difference being is that the Google Assistant gets extra features — like Guide My Call, where you don’t need to listen to the full automated message in a robo support line — the Pixel will tell you which numbers you need to press to proceed to the relevant menu. Or Call Screening, where the Assistant will pick up the phone for you, ask what the call is about, and relay via text — you choose whether you want to answer or go to voicemail after that.
Advanced features in Google Photos also first launch on Pixels — or remain exclusive to them. Like the Magic Editor in the past or, more recently, the Video Booster feature, which is currently exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro.
As far as the UI goes — it’s good ol’ Android. Colorful, simple, snappy, big buttons, bold colors. Of course, we will have AI wallpaper generators — can’t be seen wearing the same wallpaper two days in a row!
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Battery
Bigger phone, smaller battery?
The reports are a bit confusing here — as we said, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to be bigger than its predecessor. Yet, apparently, the battery will shrink a bit. Now, it will have a 4,560 mAh cell, as opposed to the 4,821 mAh from before.
Of course, we are in no rush to make a big deal out of that. The new Tensor G4 may be more energy-efficient. We’ll be taking the Pixel 9 Pro Fold through its paces for sure. It’s worth noting that its “reduced” battery is still bigger than the 4,400 mAh cell inside a Galaxy Z Fold 6.
No reports on any super-fast charging — expectations are set for 30 W wired charging, 15 W wireless. We don’t know whether we should expect Qi2 (with magnetic ring) on it just yet.
Well… at this point, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is literally right behind the corner. There’s very little reason to go out and buy a Pixel Fold right now. And, if you happen to be underwhelmed by the improvements and upgrades — go out and buy an OG Pixel Fold at a clearance price!