Google unveiled its second-generation foldable device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on Tuesday, following numerous leaks and teasers. This new model aims to disrupt the market with significant changes while maintaining the “small notebook” form factor of its predecessor. The device boasts a complete redesign, promising to be one of the world’s thinnest foldables without compromising on battery life or camera quality.
The naming convention has shifted, with the device now integrated into Google’s main smartphone lineup as the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” instead of “Pixel Fold 2”. At just 5.1 mm when unfolded, it approaches the dimensions of the world’s thinnest models, such as the Honor Magic V3 (4.4 mm) and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 (4.6 mm).
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a larger, wider body with straight sides and a rounded structure reminiscent of the standard Pixel 9. Notably, it eliminates the bezels on the internal display, adopting a design similar to competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open.
Google has significantly upgraded the displays. The external “Actua” OLED screen has grown to 6.24 inches (up from 5.8 inches), offering Full HD+ resolution (2424 x 1080 pixels), a 120 Hz variable refresh rate, HDR support with 2,400 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The internal “Super Actua OLED” foldable display has expanded from 7.6 to 8 inches, with a resolution of 2152 x 2076 pixels, 120 Hz variable refresh rate, and HDR10+ support with 2,400 nits peak brightness.
Powering the device is Google’s new Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. While it may not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Tensor G4 is expected to excel in daily use, particularly with Google’s AI-enhanced features.
The camera system appears largely unchanged on paper, featuring a redesigned rectangular array with a 48 MP main sensor (with OIS), a 10.5 MP ultrawide lens (127° field of view), and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and OIS. Dual 10 MP front-facing cameras handle selfies on both displays.
Despite a slight reduction in battery capacity to 4,650 mAh (down from 4,821 mAh), Google claims “more than 24 hours” of use on a single charge. The device supports 21W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
Additional features include 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, satellite connectivity, NFC, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (10 Gbps speed), stereo speakers, and IPX8 water resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14, which may introduce unique software features tailored for the foldable form factor.
Android 14 with new tricks
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with Android 14 instead of the newer Android 15. However, it includes some new and interesting features. One standout is Pixel Screenshots, which is similar to Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature but with a focus on privacy.
Google’s approach is optional and only affects screenshots you take. When enabled, your screenshots are saved in a separate app and analyzed by Google’s AI to help with searches. You can use simple phrases to find out when an image was taken or when a flight was scheduled. If you choose not to use this feature, your screenshots will still be saved, but you won’t get the advanced search capabilities.
Google is also addressing privacy concerns by not including automatic captures and processing everything locally with the Tensor G4 Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This local processing is similar to what Microsoft is doing but adds extra security.
Like other Pixel 9 devices, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will receive seven years of significant system and security updates, with support extending to Android 21 in 2031.
Everything that happened at the Made by Google 2024 event
Price and availability
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now available for pre-order in the US and other regions where the line is offered, with availability scheduled for September 4 and a suggested price starting at US$ 1,799.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: specifications
- Internal Screen: 8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED, 2152 x 2076 pixel resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ with 2,700 nits peak;
- External Display: 6.24-inch Actua OLED, 2424 x 1080 pixel resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR with 2,700 nits peak, Gorilla Glass Victus 2;
- Processor: Google Tensor G4;
- RAM: 16 GB;
- Internal storage: 256 GB or 512 GB;
- Rear camera: 48 MP (Main, f/1.7, Dual Pixel PDAF + Laser AF, OIS) + 10.5 MP (Ultrawide, f/2.2) + 10.8 MP; (Telephoto, f/3.1, 5x optical zoom, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS);
- Front camera: 10 MP (external, PDAF), 10 MP (internal);
- Dimensions: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm (open), 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm (closed);
- Weight: 258 grams;
- Battery: 4,650 mAh with 21 W fast charging;
- Extras: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, fingerprint reader on the side, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), stereo audio, IPX8 certification, Qi-standard wireless charging, UWB, Titan M2 chip for security;
- Available colors: Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (beige);
- Operating system: Android 14.
