Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 256GB - Obsidian

A truly pocket computer. It immediately gives you that premium feeling once you have it in your hands, cold shiny metal and the weight reminds you that you are holding a cutting-edge computer the world can offer. The weight does add in your favour when clicking pictures as every click is a steady shot.The folding feature is where it truly shines, the gorgeous dynamic 120Hz screen is excellent for viewing photos or any fast-moving images such as games and films. I tried the fast charging and yes, it is quick, it does make your phone warm when it's supercharging but not super-hot!The camera specially for night photography is pretty good, Google managed to cramp a periscope 5X lens which is pretty cutting-edge judging by the thickness of the two thin folds.The front ... MoreA truly pocket computer. It immediately gives you that premium feeling once you have it in your hands, cold shiny metal and the weight reminds you that you are holding a cutting-edge computer the world can offer. The weight does add in your favour when clicking pictures as every click is a steady shot.The folding feature is where it truly shines, the gorgeous dynamic 120Hz screen is excellent for viewing photos or any fast-moving images such as games and films. I tried the fast charging and yes, it is quick, it does make your phone warm when it's supercharging but not super-hot!The camera specially for night photography is pretty good, Google managed to cramp a periscope 5X lens which is pretty cutting-edge judging by the thickness of the two thin folds.The front screen is very clear in proper daylight, and the internal screen although readable is not designed I would say for outdoor gaming.Everything appears to be super smooth with Android 14. Oh, and you also get lifetime free Google VPN access for being a Pixel customer from Google.Plus, you also get the standard AI-related software gimmicks with photography which is the same for all the Pixel 9 models.

Pixel 9 Pro fold has all the Ai you could possibly ever need and the 16gb of RAM with new Tensor G4 chip provides plenty of power to perform nearly any task you ask of it. The Pixel user experience is why I keep buying the Pixel series phones. They work well, and often what does not work completely. Is quickly fixed. The Pro 9 Fold is no different. It has the thin compact size your pocket wants, coupled with the ability to unfold and reveal a glorious 8 inch tablet that will spoil you for other flat phones. And with Gemini baked in. Google might have given us a reason to pay monthly subscription fees to have AI in our lives. This is my 3rd Pixel Phone. Read on to see how my first week of use changed how you too may fall victim to the charms and magic of the new ... MorePixel 9 Pro fold has all the Ai you could possibly ever need and the 16gb of RAM with new Tensor G4 chip provides plenty of power to perform nearly any task you ask of it. The Pixel user experience is why I keep buying the Pixel series phones. They work well, and often what does not work completely. Is quickly fixed. The Pro 9 Fold is no different. It has the thin compact size your pocket wants, coupled with the ability to unfold and reveal a glorious 8 inch tablet that will spoil you for other flat phones. And with Gemini baked in. Google might have given us a reason to pay monthly subscription fees to have AI in our lives. This is my 3rd Pixel Phone. Read on to see how my first week of use changed how you too may fall victim to the charms and magic of the new Pixel Pro 9 Fold.Pros:All the same great Pixel 9 Pro (XL) features for 2024Pixels class leading camerasSplit screening appsGemini AdvancedPremium build qualityVapor Chamber cooling7 years of updatesIPx8 waterproofing (the 8 means the best waterproofing available)Satellite SOSBeyond bright screens for true direct sun viewingCons:PriceIPx8 = No dust rating (the x means no dust rating)No SD card expansion slot, get the biggest storage optionDoes not charge on Pixels most recent Qi charger, Pixel 2 Charger StandFolding phones:Folding phones that work on US networks, and especially Verizon networks (I use Visible), do come with a hefty price tag. Luckily there might still be incentives and deals to help ease the wallet pain. This is my first Pixel Fold and it has spoiled me for ever using a typical non-folding phone again. Pulling double duty as a typical phone for all common uses you need a smartphone for, like quick replies to texts or social media and of course phone calls. The outer screen is as good and likely better than any phone currently available, no compromises here. The true treasure is the unfolding of the inner screen. It's amazing to have so much portable screen available wherever and whenever you need a bit more screen without the hassle of a tablet and bag to carry it all. Granted the Fold does not solve everything to completely eliminate all other devices. But you can certainly leave them home far more than you use too, and do not worry about the crease many want you to think it is an issue. Its nearly invisible and you just don't notice it when editing content, browsing, watching videos or general use. With folding, you do lose under screen fingerprint unlock on both screens. Folding phones revert back to the possibly more reliable side power button with fingerprint unlock. Although, face unlock is extremely good.MAJOR TIP! Be sure to toggle off "Skip Lock Screen" (type the quote in the settings search bar and enter your pin) if you want the always on display to show the content of notifications when you lift or tap phone. If engaged the notifications will only show icons, not content.Physical dimension:There is 3 Pro Pixel phones this year. The Fold is nearly the same size and thickness as the smaller Pixel 9 Pro. And I could not be happier with both the Folds new smaller candy bar dimensions and how ultra thin it is when unfolded. When folded it is a bit heavier than its siblings. Unfolded it oddly seems lighter, I guess because the mass is distributed. And if you never tried a folding phone. It folds a bit like a stiff laptop. It holds the angle from flat to closed of where you fold it to. And folding flat is great, but the camera bump will cause wobble if laid on table for use, some cases might change that. Overall, it has that heft of quality if you now what I mean, but by no means too heavy. Folded closed it is easy to keep a good grip and unfolded just feels nice in hand, not too slippery. I do hope Bellroy Pro 9 Fold leather cases arrive soon . The nice rounded edges are likely designed to help with accidental drops. I don't want to ever find out how my personal phone handles a drop without a nice case installed. Plastic cases at launch were not my cup of tea given the ultra premium build quality of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.Cameras:While there is no hiding that some of the Fold cameras have a small compromise in megapixel count to the other Pixel 9 Pro phones. Worry not, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the best cameras in this segment too. I included some pics of deer in my yard (one Reimagined). And at 50+ feet away, and reduced daylight of evening. The 5x zoom and non-zoom pics all look amazing. Day or night, Google engineers squeezed magic into every Pixel phone and the Fold is no different. An expert might see the difference between phone cameras. I doubt normal humans will see it. And with all the great AI enhanced tech added this year like Auto Frame, Add Me, Reimagine, Zoom Enhance, and the even better Magic Editor that can even help remove distracting audio from videos. Your photos and videos will look awesome. It Is The Reason You Buy Pixel Pro Phones. And if still not sure. The Fold gets many of its very own exclusive camera features. The big one for families will be "Made You Look" where the front screen will show one of four cute animations (audio and video) to get the attention and smiles of even the most stubborn subjects; babies, pets and grumpy uncle Ted. Then there is all the additional ways to take a better selfie while using the better main cameras. You can use the front screen aimed at you to easily see yourself on a big screen and snap that highest resolution shot of yourself. If not using "Ad Me" photo feature, where you take the original picture, then someone else holds the camera while you pose like you were in the 1st photo you just took. So it hopefully looks like a 3rd person took a photo of everyone. The Fold can be set in a 90 degree angle Tabletop Mode (think laptop shape) and the phone can be set down on a shelf or bench to take a timer group shot so no one is left out. No more strangers being asked to hold your flat phone.Audio:The phone sounds great in calls with "Clear Calling" working to improve audio for both ends of the call. And with a speaker on top of the front screen and speaker on bottom of the back camera half. Audio is clear, crisp, and loud when needed. It sadly will muffle the lower speaker if you set phone down or rest it on your chest for couch/bed viewing sessions. The Fold does have the most recent Bluetooth to transfer audio to the latest buds or speakers.Battery:The specs show a smaller battery than the previous model. Don't worry. Short of having the screen on full time and figuring out world peace. Typical use got me well into the second day with 3+ hours of screen on use and battery to spare according to the battery app (pic included). Your use will vary greatly with how much battery you do or don't have during a given day. Tensor G4 chip is clearly far more efficient at battery saving. Just make sure to have a good higher wattage charger brick when you do need to top off the battery. Only a charge cable is included. Also know the Pixel 2 stand charger many loyal Pixel owners already own. Does not work as the power coil of the Fold is lower than other Pixels. There are great 3D printed options to doctor this issue that raise the Fold higher on the stand. That will be for you to find or do as it won't be advisable to share here. Just know, at launch there is probably only one stand on the market that lines up correctly. You might know which One,plus its out of stock currently. You may have to settle on laying it flat on a 15w Qi charger till a better charger comes to market. Or plug the usb-c cable in.New Features/Gemini:Many of the new Gemini and AI features work well and have been covered by many. Time will only make these better if you don't fancy any of them right now. Definitely give the Magic Editor a try. "Reimagine" is a lot of fun to play with and you might need to learn how to take a better pictures that lends itself to have more background to play with. Reimagine can make your day in the park, very convincing that it was instead a day at the beach, mountains or maybe Paris. Ooh La La indeed. Your imagination can run wild here. It will change photos forever. Then there is "Auto Frame" to help us less than perfect photogs get more interesting professional shots by better framing pictures. It works well, but might change the feeling in the picture you wanted. Its good though.Another must try and might be Google Ai's best ambassador, Gemini Advanced (Gemini app, button at the lower right gets you there ). It is free to many for a year, but will be a subscription after free trial is up. Oversimplified, it lets you have a conversation in real time with one of a few male/female voice options for Ai. A real conversation with the ability to gain knowledge, be silly and perhaps be entertained, and Gemini does not get bothered if you interrupt. Chatty people with no friends available can talk to Gemini and have a transcript when the conversation ends. It is an absolute must try. Its far more useful than the text only chatbots many have already tried. I dare say this might be worth the subscription price once the trial ends. Older folks will love it.What is new and exclusive to the Fold that stood out to me and will be used daily... Split Screen. My favorite everyday feature of the Fold so far. Split Screen simply takes two apps and runs them side by side. Split screen even offers to save your favorite app combos to open together as a shortcut. I used a Google keep shopping list on the left half of the screen and my grocery store app on the right to see the current coupons/deals. Far easier then constantly gesturing between the 2 apps before the Fold. Or simply browse the internet on one half while scrolling through social media next to it. See it all at the same time. It works with most apps.The more I use the P9P Fold. The more I like it. Google has really dialed the new Pixel 9 series in.

Foldables used to be a novelty. They have since evolved and become a more accepted segment of smartphones. While the basic concept may appear the same, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold cleverly sets itself apart from the competition with its unique set of features you may have not initially realized you needed.As packaged:• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold• USB-C Cable• Sim Removal Tool• Support/Warranty BookletMy Obsidian Black Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shipped with 256GB of storage and a stunning 16GB RAM; multitasking is effortless! It is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 processor. Tasks were accomplished moderately quickly with no signs of lag in my experience. Booting is literally instantaneous compared to other Android devices with a “phone starting” phase in the boot ... MoreFoldables used to be a novelty. They have since evolved and become a more accepted segment of smartphones. While the basic concept may appear the same, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold cleverly sets itself apart from the competition with its unique set of features you may have not initially realized you needed.As packaged:• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold• USB-C Cable• Sim Removal Tool• Support/Warranty BookletMy Obsidian Black Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shipped with 256GB of storage and a stunning 16GB RAM; multitasking is effortless! It is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 processor. Tasks were accomplished moderately quickly with no signs of lag in my experience. Booting is literally instantaneous compared to other Android devices with a “phone starting” phase in the boot sequence.It is hard not to notice how incredibly thin the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is, especially when unfolded. Each half is just about 0.2 inches thick, 3 inches wide and 6.1 inches tall making the device very portable when folded. It weighs about 258g and sports a 6.3-inch external display and a massive 8-inch internal display. Both displays are OLED ensuring deep blacks and stunning contrasts; they are also bright maxing out brightness at about 2700 nits. The external display is capable of 1080 x 2424 resolution while the inner maxes out at 2076 x 2152. While both displays are capable of a 120Hz refresh rate (for smoothness), it must be noted that the inner can vary from 1Hz thru 120Hz with the external capable of either 60Hz or 120Hz. Naturally, it may be desirable to maintain the 120Hz refresh rate for the displays but it is good to know what options they offer with regards to their variability. Power saving modes, for example, typically reduce the refresh rate to help conserve energy. To ensure durability, the external display is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass although an additional screen protector would not hurt in my opinion. Ultra Thin Glass is employed for the inner display.The hinge mechanism on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is composed of a multi-alloy steel. It is satisfying to open and close. When closed, both halves of the device fold perfectly on top of each other helping make the Pixel 9 Pro Fold very portable. Unfolding, the inner display opens up a full 180 degrees and masks the crease very well, in my opinion. Google states the hinge is covered by an” aerospace-grade high-strength aluminum alloy.” A silky matte Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is the material chosen for the back; the remaining device is a satin metal frame. There is a power/fingerprint sensor and a volume rocker on the right-hand of the device when opened. In my experience, the fingerprint sensor has been accurate every single time. The rear of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold houses three cameras: a 48MP wide, a 10.5MP ultrawide and a 10.8MP telephoto lens. Both the inner and outer displays have 10MP cameras. The only port on the device is a USB Type-C.For 5G connectivity, Pixel 9 Pro Fold is compatible with the 5G mmWave and Sub 6GHz Model GGH2X networks. It is also backwards compatible with most 4G LTE bands. All four GSM bands (850, 900, 1800 and 1900) are accessible. SIMs can either be a physical nano SIM or an electronic, eSIM. Satellite SOS is a new technology whereby users can communicate with first responders via satellites should they be outside cellular or Wi-Fi service coverage areas. There is an elaborate demo that simulates an off-grid scenario (cellular and Wi-Fi connections are actually suspended at some point during the demo); the lifesaving potential of this feature cannot be overemphasized. Wi-Fi 7 standard can be utilized provided there is access to the appropriate wireless router. Bluetooth version 5.3 with top notch encryption and energy efficiencies are packaged onboard for communication. A 4650 mAh battery powers the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In my daily use, it has made it through the day with significant browsing, moderate calling & texting all while serving as a mobile hotspot for another device. It is capable of both wireless and tethered fast charging via a compatible 45W USB-C charger. Similar to other manufacturers, Google does not provide a charging adapter. Although the camera array protrudes, I was still able to get my Pixel 9 Pro Fold to charge wirelessly in my car, suggesting a wide area of the device’s back is capable of charging it. Other manufacturer’s I have encountered typically concentrate the technology to the central area of the device’s back. To help deal with the rigors of daily life, the device has an IPX8 water resistance, which sadly implies it is neither waterproof nor dustproof.While the hardware specifications are impressive, Google’s own Android OS and its synergy with the hardware is, in my opinion, one of the greatest selling points of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google is renowned for data and thus does not come as a surprise the ease at which this data is made available to you. An example is a direct link to the street view of a contact address. My other Android devices would show the location in Google Maps but Google takes it a step further. Calling businesses via their contact numbers lists the business name in the call log. If a all you may remember about a song is how to hum it, Google will listen and identify for you. Being very familiar with data and the daily threats we face, Google provides a free VPN in selected countries. Google VPN hides/masks browsing data which can be particularly useful when connected to public Wi-Fi. It can also be enabled for your cellular provider if you so choose.Other foldables typically focus on the larger inner display when opened and expansive outcome. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out by actually utilizing all displays in the accomplishment of tasks such as those listed below:• Made You Look – External display captivates younger subjects (i.e. babies, toddlers etc.) with animation as their picture is taken• Rear Camera Selfie – A user is able to harness the rear cameras for selfies. The external display provides a preview• Dual Screen Preview – As a user prepares to take a picture, the subjects are able to see the preview on the external displayGoogle’s AI Gemini, already impressive, receives an update to an advanced version should you opt in for the trial. Inputs can be either text, speech or visual (picture). Responses are quick and conversational, at times even suggesting follow-up questions. Gmail storage sizes get upgraded to 2TB for the trial. Reimagine is a clever tool that also uses AI to edit pictures. It is powerful and can be fun, especially when altering scenes/scenarios. AI is used for processing camera images to enhance after capture. Night Sight is a feature that helps reduce the occurrence of grainy pictures due to low light. Add Me is another feature worth mentioning as two users are able to get a picture together by initially taking turns capturing each other which ultimately get stitched for the final image.In closing, Google is a good data curator and it thus comes as no surprise their devices would take advantage of this. The user’s needs are constantly anticipated so the needed task/data request can be effortlessly completed. With a promise of seven years of OS and security updates, there is no doubt the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will only get smarter.