Credit must go to Samsung for pioneering and popularizing foldable smartphones. Initially, many were skeptical about the design – including me – when the first Galaxy Fold launched in 2019. It was the Galaxy Flip, which came out a year later, that truly made me appreciate foldable devices.
When Google released the Pixel Fold in 2023, it quickly became my top choice among foldables. Google showed how minor adjustments to the aspect ratio could make the device more practical. Despite the advanced technology, I found it also served as an excellent e-reader.
The Pixel Fold was a strong competitor, rivaled only by the OnePlus Open, in my view. The introduction of these devices, along with those from companies like Oppo, has enhanced competition in the foldable market. This competition has driven innovation and ensured Samsung doesn’t become complacent.
By the time Google announced the Fold’s successor, they were confident enough to incorporate it into their flagship lineup. Instead of introducing a series of Pixel Fold models, Google unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as a premium counterpart to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. However, this distinction is mostly just marketing and doesn’t significantly impact consumers.
What truly matters is that the Fold has returned, and it’s both larger and better. Initially, the larger size concerned me since I appreciated the original Pixel Fold’s more manageable design compared to Samsung’s. But it seems inevitable that foldables, like other smartphones, follow the trend of larger screens.
Thankfully, Google has increased the screen size without making the phone too bulky. The front display has grown from 5.8 to 6.3 inches, almost reaching edge to edge. This should be more than sufficient for everyday tasks.
The most impressive change is the inner display, which has expanded from 7.6 to a full 8 inches, featuring a 120Hz AMOLED screen. To put it in perspective, it’s only slightly smaller than the iPad mini’s screen. When unfolded, it effectively becomes a tablet. Google has also nailed the aspect ratio, allowing users to switch from tasks like email to watching movies seamlessly.
While the Pixel 9 Fold has increased in size, it’s actually lighter, dropping from 283 to 257 grams. However, this weight reduction comes with a slightly smaller battery, decreasing from 4,821 to 4,605 mAh. Google mitigates this by using a more power-efficient SoC, upgrading from the Pixel Tensor G2 to the G4. Despite the $1,000 price gap between the Pixel 9 and the 9 Fold, they share the same chip.
One significant advantage of the Fold over the regular Pixel is its impressive triple-camera system. I’ve even used it for product photography on the site, and it’s that good. For instance, all the images in the Snap Spectacles article were captured using the Fold.
While the camera specs haven’t changed much from the original Pixel Fold—remaining at 48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto—Google continues refining its image processing, resulting in better overall quality.
The Pixel 9 Fold had big shoes to fill after the success of its predecessor, and it delivers as a worthy successor, standing among the best foldable phones available.