Google’s new Pixel 9 series is hot off the presses and the devices have been making waves in the relatively brief time that they’ve been official. One notable thing this year is that Google chose to launch its foldable alongside its other flagships, which wasn’t its strategy with the first foldable.
To integrate the new foldable into its Pixel 9 lineup more seamlessly, Google rejected the Pixel Fold 2 name and decided to name the new smartphone the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The new name pulls it closer to the rest of the devices, but I really don’t think that name is fitting, and here’s why.
Google’s Idea Is To Show Its New Foldable Is A Device For Power Users
This year, Google has added an additional member to its flagship bar phones, with a new Pixel 9 Pro XL (though only new in name, as it is more a direct successor to the Pixel 8 Pro; the small Pro model is more unique). This means there are two regular Pro models, and for the most part, they match each other on the spec sheet, except for the categories where a bigger phone wins, like screen size and battery capacity.
So, when Google decided that its second attempt at a foldable would be called the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I think I could understand what they were going for. It is sort of meant to be the foldable form for Pro-seeking users. The problem is, I don’t think that the device expresses that concept beyond being expensive and a relatively new mobile form factor.
However, The Pixel 9 Pro Fold Lacks On Its Spec Sheet Compared To The Other Pro Models
Here’s the problem, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold would have likely been better served if it was simply called the Pixel 9 Fold. When you put it right beside the other Pro models, its shortcomings are extremely evident, especially in the camera department.
When you trawl through the spec sheet, you’ll likely find yourself fine with how the foldable compares to the regular Pixel 9 Pro. They have similar battery sizes, but for some reason, the foldable has slower wired (21W vs 27W) and slower wireless (21W vs 7.5W) charging. With the way the current foldable market is, a $1,799 device needs to do better than that. That’s slow even by Samsung standards.
However, you’re going to find the most disappointing differences in the cameras. In fact, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s cameras seem to be inferior to the vanilla Pixel 9 beyond the fact it gets a telephoto.
Some Camera Features Also Don’t Show Up On The Foldable
With how intensely the software and AI were a part of Google’s presentation this year, it’s a little disappointing too that certain camera features don’t make it to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. For instance, you don’t get 8K upscaling or Super Res Zoom, and the weaker cameras are likely to blame.
As much as it is the most expensive device in the new lineup, you really shouldn’t consider it to be close to the best snapper in the group. If you can do without a telephoto, you’d even be better off with a regular Pixel 9 for the best photo quality. The best part is there are some really succulent deals available for the entire lineup.
The Pixel 9 Fold Would Have Been A More Forgiving Title
Again, I understand what Google was going for with its new naming scheme, but it honestly doesn’t befit the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and some folks will likely end up with the device thinking that it offers the very best out of the current lineup when that certainly isn’t the case. Nobody wants to pay $1,799 for a device that cranks out worse pictures.
