Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the second iteration of their foldable phone, feels like the device the original Pixel Fold should have been. With noticeable design improvements, enhanced functionality, and all the 2024-standard upgrades like a new processor and AI features, this new foldable is a major step forward.

The most striking change is in the design. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold departs from the passport-style fold of its predecessor, offering a slimmer, more practical design. When closed, it looks and feels more like a traditional phone, thanks to the larger 6.3-inch cover screen, making it easier to use for everyday tasks. This shift makes it far more user-friendly than the original Pixel Fold.

Google has wisely drawn from the success of its Pixel phone lineup to create the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which now competes more directly with seasoned foldable players like Samsung. At a steep $1,799 price, however, it still doesn’t address the issue of cost, a common pain point for foldables. Moreover, while the hardware has evolved significantly, the software experience still lags behind Samsung’s offerings. For nearly $2,000, users expect top-notch hardware and software.

I’ve only had the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a few days, but it already feels like a significant improvement. More time with the device will reveal further details, but for now, it’s a clear step forward for Google’s foldable lineup.

Design and Usability: A Major Leap

Google didn’t just make iterative changes to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold; it’s practically a new device. The 6.3-inch cover display now matches the size of the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, addressing the smaller, wider screen issue of the first Pixel Fold. This makes the phone more practical to use when closed, which is how I primarily use foldables. While the massive internal screen stands out for gaming and entertainment, the external display is essential for daily tasks like messaging and photography.

At 9.1 ounces, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noticeably lighter than the previous model, making it easier to handle. The internal 8-inch screen is brighter and slightly larger than the original, creating a more immersive experience. Google has slimmed down the bezels, enhancing the overall look and making the crease less noticeable.

Compared to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels bulkier but more immersive due to its screen size. Design matters more with foldables than regular phones, and Google is finally heading in the right direction with this one.

Camera: Great for a Foldable

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t quite match the camera performance of the Pixel 9 Pro, it’s still impressive for a foldable. The foldable features a 48-megapixel main camera, 10.5-megapixel ultrawide, and 10.8-megapixel telephoto, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s more powerful specs. For casual users, the difference is minor, but photography enthusiasts may notice softer details, especially in ultrawide and selfie shots.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Google’s foldable performs better in certain lighting conditions, especially with its main camera. While Samsung offers more powerful zoom capabilities, Google’s images at 20x zoom were cleaner and crisper.

Software: Room for Improvement

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold handles multitasking well with its split-screen mode, allowing apps to run side by side. While this feature works smoothly for everyday tasks like dragging files between Google Drive and Gmail, it could still use more foldable-specific software improvements. For example, apps don’t always take full advantage of the screen when the phone is folded halfway, which is something Samsung has mastered with their foldables.

Gaming on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold shows promise, with a handful of games optimized for its larger display, but more widespread support is needed to make this a standout feature.

Performance and Battery Life

The 4,650-mAh battery has proven to last more than a day with moderate usage, but like most foldables, battery life will vary depending on how much you’re using its larger screen for intensive tasks like video calls or gaming.

The Tensor chip offers smooth performance, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures a fluid user experience, though it’s not the most powerful processor on the market.

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a testament to how much a second-gen device can improve. With a refined design, capable cameras, and practical hardware, this foldable phone is a big leap over the original. However, while the hardware feels polished, Google still has room to grow in optimizing the software experience for foldables.

For those willing to spend on a foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold finally feels like a serious contender—just don’t expect perfection.