Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: A Familiar Twist on Foldables

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents Google’s second foray into foldable smartphones, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and foldable devices. After a month of testing, it’s clear that while this device is a leap forward in the foldable market, it still has its share of challenges. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold merges the familiarity of a conventional smartphone with the novelty of a foldable, making it an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts and early adopters.

At first glance, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold seems to hit the mark with its hardware. Google’s design choices have moved the foldable experience closer to that of a traditional phone, a significant shift from previous foldable models. The device comes in two storage options: 256 GB for $1,799 and 512 GB for $1,919, positioning it at the premium end of the market. This price point surpasses both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, reflecting the advanced technology and high production costs associated with foldables.

The standout feature of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its ability to blend seamlessly into the typical smartphone experience. The outer screen, measuring 6.3 inches with a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, mirrors that of the Pixel 9. The design of the outer screen eliminates visual cues that hint at the device’s foldable nature when closed. It feels like a regular phone, albeit with a slight increase in weight and bulk due to the hinge.

The true innovation unfolds when you open the device. The inner screen, equivalent to two Pixel 9 screens side by side, offers a vast display area. While the experience isn’t pixel-perfect, it achieves a balance between usability and practicality. The interface supports split-screen multitasking, allowing users to view and interact with two apps simultaneously. However, the lack of a floating window option for multitasking limits flexibility compared to other foldables.

Despite the advancements, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s performance as a tablet-like device leaves room for improvement. Android apps, which are often optimized for traditional smartphones or tablets, struggle with the unique screen size and aspect ratio of foldables. Information-based apps like email clients or calendars that typically display a scrolling list on smartphones face issues when stretched across the wide, unfolded screen. The result can be a cumbersome user experience, with content either sprawling awkwardly or not leveraging the available screen space effectively.

Microsoft’s Android apps, including Outlook, adapt well to the unfolded display, reflecting their experience with dual-screen devices like the Surface Duo. In contrast, Gmail and other Google apps sometimes fail to deliver an optimal experience, stretching content awkwardly across the device’s width. Google has included a feature to adjust the app’s aspect ratio, offering options like full screen, 3:2 ratio, or half the screen. While this can help, it’s not a perfect solution and can lead to inconsistent experiences.

Some of Google’s apps, such as Calendar, display content effectively on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, particularly in views that benefit from a wider screen. Yet, even here, there are inconsistencies, such as the Calendar app placing entry details on the left, contrary to the typical right-side placement seen in other apps.

For third-party applications, the experience varies significantly. While some apps have adapted well to the foldable format, many struggle with screen real estate, resulting in a less-than-seamless experience. Google’s continued push for improved app support and developer engagement is crucial for the success of foldables, but progress has been uneven.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out as a foldable that could serve as a primary device for tech enthusiasts and professionals. It combines the best aspects of traditional and foldable phones, providing a functional smartphone experience when folded and a tablet-like interface when unfolded. However, the steep price tag and inconsistent software support mean it remains a niche product rather than a mainstream option.

In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a significant step forward for foldable technology, offering a blend of familiarity and innovation. While it excels in merging the foldable experience with the traditional smartphone format, it still grapples with software challenges and a high price point. As foldables continue to evolve, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold sets a high bar but also highlights areas needing improvement, particularly in app optimization and user interface consistency.