A 12 months in the past, I by no means anticipated to put in writing this. Samsung had simply launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with iterative adjustments over the Z Fold 4, and Google’s first try at a folding telephone left quite a bit to be desired. Google had phenomenal software program options like Name Display screen and Reside Transcribe, however Samsung had a lot better {hardware}, the S-Pen, and unbelievable productiveness instruments.
Quick-forward a 12 months, and it’s a really totally different panorama. Samsung made additional iterations with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it’s an exceptional folding telephone. The shape issue and measurement are nice, particularly when utilizing two apps side-by-side on the principle show. It has an S-Pen, and I like utilizing mine. The issue is I can’t cease fascinated with the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
I like the common Google Pixel 9, and the expertise has made me genuinely enthusiastic about Google’s second folding act. The Pixel expertise is lastly premium, and the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is far more refined than the primary Pixel Fold. Awkward naming conference apart, Google’s second foldable appears to be like just like the foldable I’ve been ready for.
Google’s Pixel Fold sequel is a thriller
Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
Google used all of the suggestions for the Pixel Fold to enhance the Pixel 9 Professional Fold in each method. It’s thinner, lighter, and far more premium. I purchased the primary Pixel Fold, and it was rapidly relegated to the drawer — largely as a result of the {hardware} felt considerably behind the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold nearly actually gained’t face that very same destiny.
It weighs nearly an oz. lower than final 12 months’s Pixel Fold, and also you discover it as quickly as you decide it up. It’s the distinction between carrying a foldable telephone or an iPad mini; each could slot in a pocket, however the latter is considerably heavier. It’s additionally simply 5.1mm skinny on the thinnest level and feels unbelievable within the hand. It isn’t the thinnest foldable on the earth, however it’s the thinnest foldable obtainable within the U.S.
Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
The entrance show has been revamped as Samsung did between the primary and second generations of the Galaxy Z Fold. It’s now 0.5 inch greater at 6.3 inches and the identical measurement because the Pixel 9 Professional. The Pixel 9 Professional will probably be my telephone of the 12 months, and the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is similar telephone in a folding kind issue.
The primary show on the unique Pixel Fold left a lot to be desired, and the 8-inch show on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is considerably higher. It’s greater at 8 inches (versus 6.3), has a variable refresh price of 1Hz-120Hz, and is significantly brighter. From what we’ve seen up to now, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold display is gorgeous and one of many enhancements that I’m most enthusiastic about.
What concerning the cameras?
Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
I like my Galaxy Z Fold 6, however one space that leaves me wanting extra is the digital camera. It’s completely tremendous however not as succesful as different foldables. Contemplating the competitors, the digital camera must be considerably higher for $1,800.
Telephones just like the Xiaomi Combine Fold 4 and Honor Magic V3 show you possibly can have a skinny folding telephone with an awesome digital camera. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold makes use of the identical digital camera system as final 12 months and, sadly, lacks the upgraded selfie digital camera from the Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL. That stated, I’m nonetheless holding out hope.
The 48-megapixel huge sensor is paired with a ten.8MP telephoto sensor providing 5x optical zoom and a ten.5MP ultrawide digital camera. It’s the identical setup as final 12 months, however Google’s prowess is in its algorithms/picture processing, and former Pixel telephones have carried out magic with less-capable {hardware}.
Made You Look characteristic Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
I like the brand new Made You Look characteristic. Any new uncle or mum or dad will inform you that taking pictures of a younger little one is tough. My niece is 3 years outdated and digital camera shy when she notices. Smiley faces and cute animations on the entrance show are designed to make a toddler take a look at the digital camera, however very similar to the animations on the Motorola Razr Plus, it’ll make everybody snicker.
Add Me can also be a enjoyable method to categorical your self utilizing AI. It makes use of AI to help you in duplicating your self in a photograph or to seize everybody in a gaggle, together with the photographer. There’s nothing worse than a gaggle reminiscence that’s lacking somebody, and Add Me makes this simpler. Like different folding telephones, you can even simply use the entrance show to take selfies with the principle cameras.
A balanced mix of {hardware} and software program
Galaxy Z Fold 6 (left) and Pixel 9 Professional Fold Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
Google’s method to the Pixel 9 Professional Fold has been fairly simple: repair the issues from the primary era and add the mandatory {hardware} for a easy expertise. The Tensor G4 chip isn’t a lot totally different from the Tensor G3, however the bump to 16GB of RAM ought to make every little thing a lot smoother.
I’ve solely spent restricted time with the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, however it already felt snappier and extra responsive than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Like the remainder of the Pixel 9 vary, the Tensor G4 appears greater than succesful, and the vapor chamber in all however the non-Professional mannequin retains issues cool. The common Google Pixel 9 doesn’t have a vapor chamber, however it hasn’t overheated within the two weeks I’ve used it.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 (left) and Pixel 9 Professional Fold (proper) Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
A major concern with foldable telephones is their sturdiness. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is IP48 mud and waterproof, defending towards mud and small particles beneath the show. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold drops the mud portion to IPX8, however the thinner, extra compact hinge ought to present extra safety than final 12 months’s Pixel Fold.
The 4,650mAh battery contained in the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is 250mAh bigger than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, however I count on each to ship comparable battery life. This can be the place the Tensor G4 falls towards the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside Samsung’s foldable, however we’ll discover out within the full overview. 37W charging (with Google’s 45W charging brick) ought to imply a reasonably fast preliminary cost, however I’m not thrilled when the OnePlus Open can cost from 0% to 100% in an hour; I want each Samsung and Google hadn’t compromised on quick charging.
The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is the actual deal
Ajay Kumar / Digital Traits
That each one stated, I want the Pixel 9 Professional Fold had been higher in just a few areas. Sooner charging speeds, a lighter design, and fewer of a bezel on the aspect of the duvet show could be welcome enhancements. There are additionally just a few issues that I’ll miss concerning the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which can keep in my rotation.
The Pixel 9 Professional Fold lacks the S Pen, which is helpful for drawing, annotating, and signing. It isn’t as polished at multitasking, and though Samsung has partnered with Google to enhance this in Android, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a productiveness champion. One UI can also be way more customizable, permitting you to make the Galaxy Z Fold 6 your personal.
The Pixel 9 Professional Fold solves real-world issues, and I can’t look forward to mine to reach.
For 5 years, I’ve been ready for Google {hardware} to be ok to entice me to change. AI-powered real-time transcription within the voice recorder app is a blessing whenever you report from occasions as it’s quick sufficient to be a helpful fact-check. Name Screening might lastly be the reply to my spam name nightmare. These real-world advantages resolve each day issues for me, and I’ll lastly be capable to use them.
Fortunately, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold {hardware} is sweet sufficient to make me need to change, and the advantages of utilizing a Pixel telephone are the cherry on prime. I can’t look forward to mine to reach.
