Description
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: A Revolutionary Foldable Experience
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the latest foldable addition to Google’s lineup, offering cutting-edge technology and a unique form factor designed for both productivity and entertainment. Officially announced on August 13, 2024, and released shortly after on September 4, 2024, this device takes the foldable phone experience to new heights with its impressive hardware and software integration. Let’s dive into what makes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stand out.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs and price in Kenya
Category | Details |
---|---|
Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Launch | Announced: 2024, August 13 Released: 2024, September 04 |
Body | Dimensions: Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm Folded: 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm Weight: 257 g (9.07 oz) Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame IPX8 water resistant |
SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
Display | Type: Foldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)
Size: 8.0 inches, 207.4 cm² (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 2076 x 2152 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~373 ppi density) Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, HDRCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 422 ppi, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak) |
Platform | OS: Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) |
CPU | Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) |
GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 |
Memory | Card Slot: No
Internal: 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera | Triple: 48 MP, f/1.7 (wide), 10.8 MP, f/3.1 (telephoto, 5x optical zoom), 10.5 MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide)
Features: Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS |
Selfie Camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 (wide),
Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2 (wide) Features: HDR, panorama Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers 3.5mm jack: No |
Comms | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD Positioning: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC NFC: Yes Radio: No USB: USB Type-C 3.2 |
Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer Ultra Wideband (UWB) support Satellite SOS service Circle to Search |
Battery | Type: 4650 mAh
Charging: 21W wired, 7.5W wireless, Bypass charging (w/ “Limit to 80%” option enabled) |
Miscellaneous | Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain
Models: GGH2X, GC15S SAR EU: 0.98 W/kg (head), 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Price | KSh 185,000 |
Tests | Performance: AnTuTu: 1222228 (v10)
GeekBench: 4783 (v6) 3DMark: 2620 (Wild Life Extreme) |
Design and Build
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts an elegant and premium design. When unfolded, it features a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), a plastic front, and a glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2). The aluminum frame adds to its premium feel, while the device’s IPX8 water resistance ensures durability against water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
- Unfolded dimensions: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm
- Folded dimensions: 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm
The foldable design offers a compact profile when closed and a large screen when open, perfect for multitasking, watching videos, and gaming. The device feels solid in hand and is a delight to use, although it’s a bit heavy, weighing around 250g.
Display
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its 8.0-inch foldable LTPO OLED display with a stunning 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The display is incredibly bright, capable of reaching 2700 nits peak brightness — making it perfect for outdoor use. The 2076 x 2152 pixels resolution with a 1:1 aspect ratio offers an immersive experience, whether you’re watching HDR content or gaming. The foldable design allows the screen to seamlessly fold without sacrificing quality, providing a smooth and vibrant display.
The cover display when folded is also impressive. It features a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering HDR support and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. With a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels (422 ppi), the cover screen offers an excellent experience for quick tasks without needing to unfold the device.
Performance
Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset (built on the 4nm process), the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers powerful performance. The octa-core CPU, with a combination of a 3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 core and Mali-G715 MC7 GPU, ensures smooth multitasking and impressive gaming performance. With 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, you can expect fast, lag-free operation, whether you’re switching between apps or handling resource-intensive tasks.
The Google Tensor G4 also brings advanced AI and machine learning capabilities to the table, enhancing features such as image processing, voice recognition, and real-time translations.
Camera
Google has long been known for its exceptional camera software, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues this tradition. It features a triple-camera setup that delivers fantastic results across different use cases:
- 48 MP wide lens with dual pixel PDAF and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
- 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and OIS
- 10.5 MP ultrawide lens with a 127˚ field of view
The camera system can record 4K video at 24/30/60fps and 1080p video at 24/30/60/120/240fps, with 10-bit HDR support for vibrant, detailed videos. The multi-zone laser AF and Ultra-HDR features improve low-light performance and dynamic range. Zoom Enhance and Best Take features also ensure the best results in challenging conditions.
For selfies, the 10 MP front camera delivers crisp, clear photos with fast autofocus and great detail.
Battery and Charging
The 4650 mAh battery on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold provides enough power for a full day of usage, even with the large display and demanding tasks. It supports 21W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging, allowing for a quick recharge when needed.
Software
Running on Android 14 and upgradable to Android 15, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a clean and optimized software experience. As with all Pixel devices, the software is free from bloatware and is tailored for the best performance with the hardware. The device is also promised up to 7 major Android upgrades, ensuring longevity and timely updates.
Additional Features
- Sensors: In addition to the usual set of sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, allowing for precise location tracking and interactions with compatible devices.
- Satellite SOS: A life-saving feature that enables you to send emergency messages when you’re off the grid.
- Fingerprint (side-mounted): Provides quick and secure unlocking.
- Circle to Search: A new feature that allows users to search for information by circling text or images with the device.
Price in Kenya
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced at KSh 185,000 in Kenya, which is competitive for a flagship foldable phone with these premium features.
Pros:
- Stunning 8.0-inch foldable LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful Google Tensor G4 chipset with 16GB of RAM
- Excellent camera setup with 5x optical zoom and 4K video recording
- IPX8 water resistance
- Up to 7 major Android upgrades
- Satellite SOS and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support
Cons:
- Heavier than typical smartphones due to the foldable design
- 4650 mAh battery might be slightly underwhelming for some users given the large display
- Expensive for budget-conscious buyers
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a game-changer in the foldable phone market. With its sleek design, powerful performance, exceptional camera capabilities, and innovative features, it’s perfect for tech enthusiasts and power users who want the best of both worlds — a compact phone that unfolds into a massive screen for productivity and entertainment. If you’re looking for a premium foldable experience and can justify the price, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a fantastic choice.
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