Photography: Julian Chokkattu
There are some odd omissions on this device compared to the Pixel 9 Pro. The outer display (the one you’ll use the most) does not feature LTPO technology, which allows the display to dynamically scale from 1 to 120Hz. This is a more battery-saving process, but instead the Fold will only go from 60 to 120Hz. This is nitpicking, but again, you’re spending $1,800 only to find out that this flagship feature isn’t available. is (Available on the inner screen.)
On other Pixel phones, you can charge other devices (like your earbuds’ charging case) wirelessly with a feature called Battery Share. I’ve never felt the need to use this feature, but it’s not available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, some camera features are missing, like Cinematic Blur, which adds a portrait mode effect to your videos. Oh, and don’t forget that this device is IPX8-rated, so it’s okay to dunk it in a pool, but be careful of dust (avoid the beach!).
The most annoying issue is wireless charging. This device supports it, but it doesn’t work with Google’s own. Pixel Stand Gen 2 Wireless Charger because the coils don’t line up. (Google says the Pixel Stand is discontinued but… it’s still selling the charger on its store.) Interestingly, I tried to see if wireless charging worked on some other charging stands I had lying around and the answer was no. Well, sort of. It works on some if you put the phone in landscape orientation, but not if you put it upright on a stand. You’re better off using a charging pad that lays flat.
Overall, the camera system is similar, but not identical, to the Pixel 9 Pro, and while the results are generally great, I did notice that images from the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras aren’t as sharp in low-light compared to its cheaper sibling. I also don’t like the fact that the selfie camera on this phone doesn’t have autofocus. It’s nice that you can take selfies with the top rear cameras, but sometimes you don’t want to unfold the entire device, and then your photo just isn’t as sharp as the one you get with the Pixel 9 Pro.
It’s these kinds of little things that add up to make the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feel a little… odd. It does its job well if you want a mini tablet (I’d rather use that over the Galaxy Z Fold 6), but Google needs to work on feature parity so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the latest and greatest when you get your hands on the company’s most expensive device.
