Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Long-Term Review: Still Worth It?

Imagine a phone so thin it rivals the latest iPad Pro, yet it's packed with Google's AI smarts and folds seamlessly in half. That’s the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—a cutting-edge device that redefines elegance and functionality in the foldable smartphone market. But does its second iteration live up to expectations? Let’s dive in and explore everything that makes this device stand out, from its impossibly slim design to its powerful AI integration.

Ultra-Slim Hardware That’s a Marvel of Engineering

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. At just 0.2 inches thick when opened, it’s one of the slimmest smartphones ever created, rivaling the thinness of the iPad Pro. Google achieved this feat with ingenious engineering, particularly the hinge mechanism. This hinge folds completely flat, ensuring smooth transitions between phone and tablet modes. It’s a small but impactful detail that enhances everyday usability.

Weighing in at 9.1 ounces, the device strikes a perfect balance between portability and durability. While it’s not the lightest foldable on the market, the weight distribution makes it feel sturdy and premium in hand. If you’ve ever struggled with a clunky foldable, you’ll appreciate the sleekness that Google has achieved here.

Stunning Dual Displays with Unmatched Brightness

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts two incredible OLED displays. The 6.3-inch external screen is ideal for quick tasks like checking notifications or scrolling through social media. Taller than last year’s Pixel Fold, it provides a better overall user experience. Meanwhile, unfolding the device reveals a gorgeous 8-inch OLED internal display, perfect for multitasking or immersive media consumption.

Both screens shine—literally—with peak brightness levels of up to 2,700 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The internal display features LTPO technology, dynamically adjusting the refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz based on your activity. This means buttery-smooth scrolling for social media and energy-efficient reading modes for articles. The external display offers a refresh rate range of 60Hz to 120Hz, ensuring more than enough flexibility for everyday tasks.

Camera Capabilities: Unique Features but Room for Improvement

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold sports a triple rear camera setup, featuring:

• 48MP wide lens for everyday shots

• 10.5MP ultra-wide lens for sweeping landscapes

• 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom

While capable, the camera system doesn’t quite measure up to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, both of which offer higher megapixel counts. This mismatch is one of the few drawbacks of this premium device. However, Google makes up for it with clever features like "Made You Look," which uses animations to grab attention for better group photos, and dual-screen preview, allowing you to frame shots like a pro with both internal and external displays.

Other highlights include macro mode for capturing intricate details and advanced computational photography powered by Google’s AI. While it lacks features like 8K video recording, the available 8K upscaling and exceptional image processing ensure your shots still shine.

AI Features Powered by Google Gemini

AI is the heart of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, driven by Google’s Gemini integration. From the moment you power up the device (complete with a Gemini-embedded boot logo), you’ll notice how deeply AI is embedded into its functionality. Here are some standout AI-powered features:

• Magic Eraser: Remove unwanted objects from photos with a single tap.

• Pixel Studio: Use generative AI to create original art or edit images with ease.

• AI-Powered Call Summaries: Transcribe and summarize calls for hassle-free note-taking.

• Screenshot Management: AI processes your screenshots to organize and make them searchable effortlessly.

These features simplify tasks, spark creativity, and make the Pixel 9 Pro Fold not just a phone but a powerful assistant in your pocket.

Battery Life and Charging: A Mixed Bag

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a battery life of 12-14 hours under normal use, which is respectable but falls short of Google’s 24-hour claim. For heavy users, expect 8-9 hours before needing a charge. The large 8-inch display and intensive tasks can drain power quickly, but Google’s smart power management helps extend usage.

Fast charging is a lifesaver here, taking the battery from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes and fully charging in about 105 minutes. However, the lack of compatibility with the Google Pixel Stand for wireless charging may disappoint some users.

Final Thoughts: A Leap Forward in Foldable Tech

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a stunning achievement, blending ultra-slim design with powerful AI features to create a foldable that feels like a genuine leap forward. From its bright, adaptive displays to its versatile camera features and AI-driven tools, this device redefines what a smartphone can do. However, at $1,800, it’s a significant investment, and areas like battery life and camera parity with the Pro lineup leave some room for improvement.

Still, if you’re looking for the ultimate fusion of sleek design and cutting-edge tech, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a strong contender.