Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: An epic display of Google AI

14 August 2024

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in Obsidian and Porcelain

The new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is finally here, the first of Google’s foldable phones to reach Australia. Sporting a premium and sleek look, along with new in-built Gemini AI features¹, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is certainly a worthwhile phone to consider, especially if you’re after a big display and multitasking capabilities.

We were able to get our hands on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to test out and here’s a few of our first impressions.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Key unique features

Processor: Google Tensor G4
Cameras: 48MP (wide), 10.5MP (ultrawide), 10.8MP (telephoto), 10MP (cover), 10MP (selfie)
Display: 6.1-inches Actua² (cover display), 8-inches Super Actua Flex² (unfolded display)
Folded dimensions: 77.1mm (w) x 155.2mm (h) x 10.5mm (d)
Unfolded dimensions: 150.2mm (w) x 155.2mm (h) x 5.5mm (d)
Battery: 4,650mAh (Typical)³

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold utilises all of the latest Pixel technology to deliver a powerful and immersive mobile experience. Not only is it the thinnest foldable phone currently in the market[1] ⁴, but it also features the new Google Tensor G4 chip that’s future-proof for AI. It boasts a substantial 4,650mAh (Typical)³ battery life and a triple rear camera system that can help you capture all your favourite memories in high resolution.

Of course, we can’t forget the AI features built into the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In addition to the editing and assistant tools released back on the Google Pixel 8 Series, there are also a few new and innovative AI features that are worth noting on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Two people using in the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in Obsidian

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Gemini, the new built-in Google AI assistant which sports a variety of useful and unique features that can help improve your everyday mobile experience.

Some of the Google AI highlights on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold include:

Use Gemini to summarise your unread messages in Gmail. This feature shortens your emails into digestible tid-bits of information
Circle to Search⁵ which allows you to circle anything on your screen and get instant search results (provided you are connected to the internet), without switching apps.

Pixel Screenshots helps you save info you want to remember later, so you can find what you need, right when you need it.

You can buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold on an eligible SIM plan with Optus and enjoy interest free payments using Optus Pay over 12, 24, or 36 months.

Buy Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Person holding Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold folded showcasing cover display

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: Cameras

Triple rear camera system (48MP, 10.5MP, 10.8MP)
AI-powered editing tools

Not only does the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold sport an advanced triple rear camera system, but it also has higher-resolution selfie cameras⁷ and new innovative AI features⁸ to support all your photography and videography needs.

Alongside a main 48MP wide rear camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom, getting super sharp and detailed close-up shots even when you’re far away. You can also shoot dramatic wide-angle images with Macro Focus on the 10.5MP ultrawide and enjoy vibrant low-light photos with the main camera’s super-fast f/1.7 aperture and Night Sight.

Exclusive to the Google Pixel 9 Pro series is Video Boost, which transforms shaky and dim footage into vibrant and clear recordings so you can enjoy upgrading your videos to pro-level quality. The Pixel 9 Fold’s design also means you can take photos hands-free by simply folding the phone so it stands on its own, and even boost your selfie game with front screen previews.

Magic Editor has also been improved with new AI-powered tools such as Add Me (where you can add a person into group shots in a realistic composite photo)⁹ and Reimagine (where you reimagine photos just by typing what you want to see into a new generated image)⁹. These features make post-production on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold quick and easy and can help you create the perfect pictures to share with your loved ones.

Person using the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in Obsidian unfolded

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: Performance

Google Tensor G4
4,650mAh (Typical) battery capacity³
16GB RAM

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses the new Google Tensor G4 chipset which not only is Google’s most advanced processor yet, but also houses incredible AI capabilities. Compared to the previous Google Tensor G3, the new chipset is 17% faster with app launches and 20% faster with web browsing, meaning you can enjoy performing basic tasks on your Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold quicker than ever before. The 16GB RAM also means you can split screen and multitask comfortably on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, such as browsing and watching videos at the same time.

You can also use the phone for over 24 hours¹⁰, and up to 72 on Extreme Battery Saver mode¹⁰. Of course, this depends on the types of activities you’re performing on your phone, although an estimated 4,650mAh (Typical) battery capacity means you can expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to last at least a day’s use.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: Display

6.3-inch cover display²
8-inch main display²
2700 nits peak brightness¹¹

One of the biggest pros of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold that also separates it from other foldable phones currently in the market is its large cover display. Sized at 160mm or 6.3-inches, it’s practically the same size as most base phone displays, meaning you can use the Pixel 9 Pro Fold closed and still experience everything as intended with a normal aspect ratio (e.g. no warping in full screen videos or gaming).

Conversely, this means you can also unfold the phone to an immersive 204mm or 8-inches, one of the largest displays you can find on a phone to this day. While the squarish form factor means you might see some black bars when full-screening videos or playing mobile games, it’s likely these applications will configure the large screen size in the future and minimise the look of these black bars.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s front screen is an Actua display while its main display is Super Actua. This means both screens can stay bright even in direct sunlight, reaching peak brightness of 2700 nits¹¹. Not only that, but both displays are also made of smooth scratch-resistant matt glass, with an IPX8 rating for dust and water protection¹².

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: Design

Available in Porcelain and Obsidian

Not only does the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold boast an incredibly sleek and sophisticated design, but it’s also super durable. Only 5.5mm in depth, the slim design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold makes it convenient for you to carry in small bags and in your pocket, despite its large unfolded display.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available in Porcelain and Obsidian, so you can enjoy a lighter or darker colourway depending on your aesthetic preferences.

If you’re in the market for a foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold might just be the right one for you. Featuring large cover and main display screens, as well as an extensive line of Gemini AI tools to help boost your productivity and finish tasks with added convenience, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a great smartphone to support your everyday mobile experience.

Buy Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold on a plan with Optus today. The Google Pixel 9 Series succeeds the Google Pixel 8 , Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Google Pixel 8a, and was released on 14/08/24. Check out the rest of Google’s smartphones with Optus.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold disclaimers

Gemini mobile app is available for selected devices, languages and countries. Internet connection required. Check responses for accuracy.
Screen has rounded corners. When measured diagonally as a rectangle, external screen is 6.3 inches and internal screen is 8 inches (for Pixel 9 Pro Fold). Actual viewable area is less. Dimensions may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.
Estimate of typical capacity based on testing and expected cell behaviour.
Among foldable phones in markets where Pixel Fold is sold excluding those in SG, UK, DE, IE and FR.
Requires Internet connection and compatible devices, apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches.
Screen has rounded corners. When measured diagonally as a rectangle, external screen is 5.8 inches and internal screen is 7.6 inches (for Pixel Fold). Actual viewable area is less. Dimensions may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.
Compared to Google Pixel Fold.
Results may vary. Not available for all cameras, apps or modes.
Requires an Internet connection and compatible devices, apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches.
For 'over 24 hours': Estimated battery life based on testing using a median Pixel user battery usage profile across a mix of talk, data, standby and use of other features. For 'Up to 72 hours': Estimated battery life based on testing using a median Pixel user battery usage profile across a mix of talk, data, standby and use of limited other features that are default in Extreme Battery Saver mode (which disables various features, including 5G connectivity). For both claims: Battery testing conducted on a major US operator network in California in early 2024 on pre-production hardware and software using default settings, except that, for the 'up to 100 hours' claim only, Extreme Battery Saver mode was enabled. Tests began with phones fully charged. Battery life depends upon many factors, and usage of certain features will decrease battery life. Actual battery life may be lower.
HDR brightness measured at 100% on-pixel ratio. Peak brightness measured at 5% on-pixel ratio.
Designed to comply with dust and water protection rating IPX8 under IEC standard 60529 when each device leaves the factory, but the device is not waterproof or dustproof. The accessories are not water or dust resistant. Water resistance and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and will diminish or be lost over time due to normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly or damage. Phone is not drop/tumble proof and dropping your device may result in loss of water/dust resistance. Damage from drops, tumbles and other external forces are not covered under the Limited Warranty, and liquid damage voids the Limited Warranty, but you may still have certain rights available to you under applicable consumer law. See g.co/pixel/water for details.

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