{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
There are some unusual omissions on this system in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional. The outside display screen (the one you will use probably the most), doesn’t feature LTPO technology, which permits the show to dynamically ratchet from 1 to 120 Hz. This can be a extra battery-efficient course of, however as an alternative, the Fold will solely go from 60 to 120 Hz. That is nitpicky, however once more, you are spending $1,800 solely to seek out this flagship function isn’t obtainable. (It is obtainable on the inside display screen.)
On different Pixel telephones, you possibly can prime up different gadgets—like your earbuds’ charging case—wirelessly with a function known as Battery Share. I’ve by no means felt the necessity to use this function, nevertheless it’s not obtainable on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Additionally, some digital camera options do not exist, like Cinematic Blur, which provides a portrait mode impact to your movies. Oh, and do not forget this system is rated IPX8, so it is superb to submerge it in a pool, however watch out with mud (keep away from the seaside!).
Probably the most annoying flub is wi-fi charging. It is supported on this system, nevertheless it does not work with Google’s very personal Pixel Stand Gen 2 wireless charger as a result of the coils don’t align. (Google says the Pixel Stand is discontinued however … it is nonetheless promoting the charger on its storefront.) Curiously sufficient, I attempted to see if wi-fi charging labored on a number of different charging stands I had mendacity round and the reply was no. Nicely, kind of. It really works on some if you happen to put the cellphone in panorama orientation, however not if you happen to place it in portrait on a stand. You may be higher off utilizing a charging pad that sits flat.
Total, the digital camera system is comparable however not similar to the Pixel 9 Professional, and whereas the outcomes are usually nice, I’ve seen photographs from the ultrawide and telephoto cameras are noticeably not as sharp in low-light circumstances in comparison with the cheaper sibling. I additionally don’t love the truth that the selfie digital camera on this cellphone does not function autofocus. It is good which you can take selfies with the superior rear cameras, however generally you do not need to unfold the entire thing, after which your picture is not as sharp as what you get with the Pixel 9 Professional.
It is these kinds of little issues that add as much as make the Pixel 9 Professional Fold really feel a bit … bizarre. It does its job nicely if a mini pill is what you need—I desire utilizing it over the Galaxy Z Fold 6—however Google must work on its function parity in order that you do not really feel such as you’re lacking out on the most recent and biggest when you might have the corporate’s costliest piece of {hardware} in your fingers.
