Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold is arguably one of the most unexpected phone launches in recent history. Few anticipated that Google would be bold enough to introduce its most expensive hardware product in India, given the limited success of the Pixel line of smartphones. Launching its second-generation foldable is a daring move, as it allows Google to better compete in a market with only three other fold-style foldable phones.
However, it also comes with risks since Google's brand has struggled in India due to product quality issues, poor after-sales service, and limited distribution. Despite these challenges, Google has addressed many of these concerns and has launched the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in India at a price of Rs 1,72,999.
I've been using the phone for a day, and it has been a fascinating experience. It competes with three very impressive rivals, including Samsung's industry-leading Galaxy Z Fold 6. Here are five key things I discovered while testing the phone.
1. Design and Build
While this may be the slimmest foldable phone in India at 10.5mm, it also feels like the chunkiest due to its squared-off design. The hinge mechanism doubles as a massive bezel for the external display, and the borders surrounding the 6.3-inch screen are quite large, which isn't particularly attractive.
In use, it may be the slimmest foldable in India, but it feels hefty. Its weight of 257 grams adds to this perception, making it heavier than the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, the OnePlus Open, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
However, it should be noted that if one wants a phone that feels like a normal phone with regards to the external screen, then the Pixel 9 Pro Fold even outdoes the OnePlus Open and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro in this — its screen has the same aspect ratio and size as the Pixel 9 Pro and feels totally like a normal phone, though a bulky one.
2. Build Quality and Durability
The phone's bulky nature also contributes to a sense of solid construction. It feels like one of the best-built foldables on the market, certainly more so than the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, which feels cheaper in comparison.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an IPX8 water resistance rating, which is standard, and its hinge mechanism operates smoothly and feels sturdy, allowing the phone to be propped up at various angles. The crease on the screen is not very noticeable—less so than on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 but more prominent than on the OnePlus Open.
3. Battery Life & Call Quality
The phone features a 4,670mAh battery, which is smaller than what the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro offers. However, in the one day I have used the phone, the battery life has been impressive; I haven't fully drained the battery in 24 hours, and it remains at 20 per cent at the time of writing. This suggests it could last until the end of the day. The phone also never got too warm which tells me this phone has good thermals and a good modem as Samsung’s older modem was responsible for call drop issues. Call quality was excellent that too on a Vodafone SIM which also tells me the modem is not triggering any added battery drain.
4. User Experience and Performance
The user experience is delightful. Everything from the haptic feedback, which feels like the most tactile on any foldable yet, to the smoothness of the user interface, is impressive, which is expected as the phone is powered by Google's version of Android 14. Its multitasking system is intelligent, and there's no extra bloatware as seen on Samsung or Vivo phones. For non-gamers, this phone will feel like one of the fastest available.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also comes with a comprehensive suite of generative AI features, including Gemini Live, which is enabled with a one-year free subscription to Google's Gemini Advanced large language model. The AI capabilities are impressive, although they cannot handle some basic tasks, which can be frustrating.
Other features like Pixel Studio are fun to explore, but I miss the proofing and summarizing features in the Google keyboard. These features are available on Samsung and Microsoft keyboards and even on iPhone via Apple Intelligence. However, on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, these are not available unless you switch to the SwiftKey keyboard.
5. Camera Performance
The cameras are very good, arguably the second best in the foldable market after the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. I would rank them slightly above the OnePlus Open and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. While I need to test the cameras more extensively, they have performed well in dim lighting and for portraits.
Google has integrated generative AI features such as panorama shots that leverage night mode, enhanced zoom capabilities, an improved Magic Editor that allows for radical image transformations, and the "Add Me" function. The Pixel camera is not just reliable; it is engaging and fun.
Of course, it's hard to ignore the cost: Rs 1,72,999 for a 256GB phone, while the 512GB OnePlus Open is available for just over a lakh, powered by a potentially more well-rounded and performant chipset than the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. I will have more insights on this soon—stay tuned for the full review.
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