If you’re wondering whether the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is worth the hype, you’ve come to the right place. This review cuts straight to the chase: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is by far the best folding phone Google has made so far, thanks to a refined design, a bright and big inner screen, and improved usability. But, like all folding phones, it has its compromises—especially in camera quality and price.
In this article, you’ll get a clear, honest, and expert look at the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—from how it feels in your hand to the tech inside. Whether you’re a foldable phone fan or just fold-curious, this review will help you decide if spending nearly $1,800 is the right move.
What Makes the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Special?
Google has improved the Pixel Fold line in many ways. The main highlight is how much better it feels to use compared to the original Pixel Fold or even Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Here’s what stands out:
1. The Inner Screen Experience
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s inner screen is where the magic happens. It’s large and bright, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience for multitasking and media. You can comfortably run two apps side by side, which is great for productivity — say, checking maps while browsing a restaurant menu. The screen’s peak brightness hits 2,700 nits, making it easy to see even in bright daylight. That’s a big step up from last year’s Pixel Fold.
2. Outer Screen Feels Like a Normal Phone
Unlike many foldables, the outer display feels just like a regular smartphone screen. It’s a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a crisp 1080p resolution, bright enough to handle daily tasks without feeling cramped or awkward. This is a smart move by Google because it means when folded, your phone works just like a traditional device.
3. Lightweight and Comfortable Design
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is surprisingly light for a folding phone. Its improved hinge and slimmer design make it easier to carry and less bulky in your pocket or bag. Allison Johnson from The Verge notes it’s the first foldable that feels “almost normal” to use closed.
How Does the Pixel 9 Pro Fold Camera Stack Up?
One area where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t quite match up is in its camera hardware:
- It features a 48-megapixel main sensor, slightly less than the 50MP sensor on the regular Pixel 9.
- The telephoto lens is also weaker compared to the standard Pixel 9’s 5x zoom.
- Low-light photos tend to be softer on the Fold compared to the Pixel 9.
This isn’t surprising because folding phones must fit complex hinges and screens inside, leaving less room for advanced camera tech. So if photography is your priority, you might prefer the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro slab phones.
However, for everyday snaps, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s cameras are still solid and offer that signature Google photo quality.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold holds up well despite the large inner screen and multitasking capabilities. Allison Johnson reports comfortably making it through a full day, even with heavy use like GPS navigation and hotspot sharing. By bedtime, the battery typically still has about 40% left.
The phone runs smoothly, thanks to Google’s latest chipsets and optimised software. Multitasking on the big screen feels natural, and opening multiple Chrome tabs or switching between apps is fast and fluid.
Durability and Price: What You Should Know
Durability: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can survive being submerged in water. But dust or small particles entering the hinge could be a problem. Folding phones are generally more delicate than slab phones, so you should handle it with care.
Price: At $1098, this phone is pricey. It’s more than twice the cost of many flagship phones, and repairs could be costly. Google offers an extended care plan to protect your investment, which is worth considering.
Google’s AI Features in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s Pixel 9 series comes packed with AI-powered tools like Pixel Screenshots, Magic Editor in Google Photos, and more. These features help enhance photos, assist in editing, and make everyday tasks smoother. While these aren’t unique to the Fold, they add value to the overall experience.
Why Choose the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Here’s a quick summary of why the Pixel 9 Pro Fold might be right for you:
- You want a phone that folds but still feels almost like a normal smartphone when closed.
- You love having a big, bright screen for multitasking, reading, or watching videos on the go.
- You value Google’s software experience and the promise of seven years of OS updates.
- You don’t mind spending a premium for a cutting-edge, novel device.
- You’re OK with some tradeoffs, like camera quality and potential durability concerns.
Final Verdict: Is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold Worth It?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a remarkable step forward in folding phone design. It blends usability and portability better than most foldables on the market today. Its inner screen is a joy to use, and the outer screen no longer feels like a compromise.
That said, folding phones are still evolving. If you want the best cameras or the cheapest price, this isn’t the phone for you. But if you want an experience that’s genuinely enjoyable and don’t mind the investment, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the best folding phones you can buy in 2025.
FAQs About the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an IPX8 water resistance rating but lacks dust resistance in the hinge. Folding phones are generally less durable than traditional phones, so extra care is recommended.
Yes! You can run two apps side by side on the large inner screen, which makes multitasking smooth and productive, perfect for work or entertainment.
The Fold has a slightly lower-quality camera setup, with a 48MP main sensor versus 50MP on the Pixel 9 and a weaker telephoto lens. Photo quality is good but not as strong in low light.
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