Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold price in Kenya is Ksh 210,000. The Pixel Fold has an 8.0-inch foldable screen and a smaller 6.3-inch outer screen with an LTPO OLED panel on both screens and a 120Hz refresh rate, while the cover display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and the inner display has Ultra-Thin Glass with a protective plastic layer. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by the latest Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) processor with Mali-G715 MC7 GPU. The phone has up to 16GB RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, and runs on Android 14, with up to 7 major Android upgrades.

It has a triple rear camera setup consisting of 48MP+10.8MP+10.5MP. At the front end, a 10MP wide camera and 10MP cover camera offer options when taking selfie shots and videos. Powering the foldable smartphone is a 4650mAh battery, coming with 21W wired and 7.5W wireless charging options. Buy the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at Phoneplace Kenya, available in Obsidian and Porcelain premium colorways.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold USPs

The new Fold smartphone by Google has several unique selling points (USPs) that make it stand out in the foldable phone market:

• A Large, immersive Display: It features an 8-inch main display, which is the largest in its class, providing an immersive viewing experience.
• Durable Design: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a more durable re-design compared to its predecessor, making it more robust for everyday use. The aluminum frame, Victus 2 Glass protection IPX8 water-resistant rating, and better hinge development give better assurance of durability.
• Advanced AI Features: It includes advanced AI features like Pixel Studio, Add Me, and Gemini Live, enhancing user experience with smarter functionalities.
• Camera Upgrades: While the camera improvements are minor, they still offer better performance than the previous model.
• Comfortable Form Factor: The device is remarkably light and thin (weighs 257g and measures 5.1mm thick when unfolded), making it comfortable to hold and use.
• Performance: Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and up to 16GB of RAM, it offers significant speed and power efficiency improvements.
• Improved Battery Life: The battery life has been extended, allowing for longer usage without frequent charging. Pixel 9 Pro Fold battery is at 4,650mAh, offering 16 hours of typical use.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Features, Technical Specifications, and Price in Kenya

Brand	Google
Model Name	Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Build and Physical Attributes	Size:  Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm Folded: 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm Weight: 257 g (9.07 oz) Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame IPX8 water resistant Colorways: Obsidian, Porcelain
Display	Main Display  Type: Foldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak) Size: 8.0 inches, 207.4 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 2076 x 2152 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~373 ppi density) Cover display OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 422 ppi 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)
Camera Set Up	Main Camera 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0″, 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm (telephoto), 1/3.2″, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 127˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.4″, PDAF Features: Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS Selfie Camera Single: 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94″, PDAF Cover camera: Single: 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94″, PDAF Features: HDR, panorama Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Platform and Phone Performance	OS: Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) CPU: Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) GPU: Mali-G715 MC7
Storage Specs	Internal Memory: 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM UFS 3.1 Card Slot: not supported
Multimedia	3.5mm jack port: not supported FM Radio: Not supported Loudspeakers: Yes, with stereo speakers
Connectivity	SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G Bands: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G Network Speed: HSPA, LTE (CA), 5G
Communications	WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE, apt-X HD Positioning: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC NFC: Yes Radio: No USB: USB Type-C 3.2
Sensors and Features	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer Ultra-wideband (UWB) support Satellite SOS service Circle to Search
Battery	Type: 4650 mAh, non-removable Charging 21W wired 7.5W wireless

Detailed Product Description

Google invested heavily in R&D, innovation, and technology to develop their second foldable phone Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Fold came after Google’s first fold device, the Pixel Fold was released back on 27 June 2023. Pixel Fold 9 Pro Fold is much improved with new features and improved performance, as Google pushes to dominate the high-end market and leadership in innovation.

What is all the buzz with Google’s new foldable, flagship smartphone?

Design and Build

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has undergone a significant redesign compared to its predecessor, the Pixel Fold.  It is thinner and lighter than the previous model, making it more comfortable to hold and use. The device uses high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The sides are flat but rounded, enhancing grip and comfort. Display-wise, it features a larger 6.3-inch cover screen, similar to the regular Pixel 9, which makes it more practical for everyday use when folded. The hinge has been strengthened, contributing to a more robust and reliable folding mechanism. Despite being lighter, it remains one of the heaviest foldables at 257g. comparatively, the Pixel Fold weighed 286g, the Galaxy Fold 6 weighs 239g, and the OnePlus V Fold 5G weighs 238g.

Design Improvements

• Practicality: The new design is more practical, resembling a regular smartphone when closed, which is a departure from the passport-like shape of the Pixel Fold.
• Comfort: The changes in dimensions and weight distribution make Pixel 9 Pro Fold one of the most comfortable foldable to use, easily rivaling Galaxy Fold 6.

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s redesign focuses on improving usability and comfort, making it a strong contender in the foldable phone market.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Display

As a foldable device, it has a dual display.

Interior Display

It features an 8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels. This display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR 10+, and can reach a peak brightness of 2700 nits. The massive, immersive, tablet-like display provides a tablet-like experience as you browse the internet, navigate through the apps, and play your favorite games. Comparatively, Galaxy Fold 6 offers a 7.6-inch display, which is lesser compared to the larger and more immersive OLED display on Google’s foldable flagship device.

External Display

When folded, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a 6.3-inch cover display, which is as impressive as the main display. The external screen makes it convenient for quick tasks without unfolding the device. With a similar size and specs and most smartphones available today, the OLED display is characterized by:

• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR
• Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Resolution: 1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 422 ppi
• Brightness: 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)

When in transit or busy running through your tasks, the 6.3-inch folded phone works just fine enabling you to pick up, make calls, effectively communicate, and even browse through the internet. Unfolding the device provides even a bigger screen and the freedom to do more on a split screen.

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold holds up with its improved design, making it more comfortable to use compared to its predecessor, the Pixel Fold. The hinge mechanism has also been enhanced, allowing the device to unfold completely flat. Complete with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IPX8 water-resistant rating, durability is guaranteed as you explore the uniqueness this premium foldable phone offers.

Performance

OS

The handset runs on Android 14, with up to 7 major Android upgrades. It is powered by Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) chipset. Enjoy great features and apps on the Google ecosystem, with readily available Android upgrades (an advantage you only enjoy with Google handsets).

Chipset

Google Tensor G4 chipset, built on a 4-nanometer process, is an improvement to the Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on Pixel Fold. It delivers better performance, among other characteristics that define it

• High Performance and Efficiency: It features an 8-core CPU configuration with 1 Cortex-X4 core at 3.1 GHz, 3 Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6 GHz, and 4 Cortex-A520 cores at 1.92 GHz. This setup provides a balanced mix of high performance and energy efficiency.
• Graphics: It includes the Mali-G715 MP7 GPU, which enhances gaming and graphical performance.
• Enhanced AI and Machine Learning: The chipset integrates a 3^rd Gen Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), which significantly boosts AI and machine learning capabilities.
• Connectivity: The Tensor G4 supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication. Thus you enjoy faster and more efficient connectivity and communications with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold powered on.
• Multimedia: It supports 8K video capture at 30 FPS and 4K video capture at 120 FPS, making it ideal for high-resolution video recording and playback.
• Power Efficiency: With up to 20% improved power efficiency compared to the G2 processor, the Tensor G4 is designed to extend battery life for various everyday tasks
• Security: Leveraging Google’s in-house security features, the Tensor G4 enhances device security and privacy.

Storage

Notably, the device does not support additional memory. The 256GB 16GB RAM / 512GB 16GB RAM are quite sufficient for efficient operations, and meeting your storage needs.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold Camera Set up

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an advanced camera setup to deliver high-quality photos and videos. Google left nothing to chance when it came to creating a versatile and enhanced camera that meets users’ demands.

Rear Cameras

• Main Camera: 48MP wide-angle lens
• Ultrawide Camera: 10.5MP with Macro Focus support
• Telephoto Camera: 10.8MP with 5x optical zoom and up to 20x AI-powered Super Res digital zoom

The rear camera’s key features include Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, and Zoom Enhance for the best photography experience. Besides, you can record 4K, 1080p videos with the gyro-EIS, OIS ensuring you capture stable, quality images as you record.

Front Cameras

• Selfie Cameras: 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94″, PDAF

Identical on both the folded and unfolded screens, capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second

Key Features

• Macro Focus: Available on the ultrawide camera for detailed close-up shots
• AI Enhancements: Improved photo and video quality with AI-powered features

Connectivity and Communications Support

Connectivity Features

• 5G Support: This is a 5G-enabled handset. Powered by Tensor G4 chipset, Google’s new Fold flagship provides fast GSM connectivity (HSPA, LTE (CA), 5G) for fast uploading/downloading of large files. Supporting twin SIM Cards, you have options depending on your network carrier to connect with the rest of the world.
• Wi-Fi 6E: Enhanced Wi-Fi performance with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard.
• Bluetooth 5.3: Improved connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3, offering better range and lower power consumption.
• NFC: For contactless payments and quick data transfers.
• USB-C 3.2: Fast data transfer and charging via the USB-C 3.2 port.

Communication Support

• Satellite Connectivity: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes support for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), enabling satellite-based communication for emergencies.
• Dual SIM: Supports both physical SIM and eSIM, allowing for flexibility in managing multiple phone numbers.
• VoLTE and VoWiFi: Voice over LTE and Voice over Wi-Fi for clearer calls and better coverage.
• Loudspeaker: yes, with stereo speakers.

Circle to Search

The Circle to Search feature on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold  Helps you to innovatively search for information directly from your screen without switching apps.

• AI Integration: The feature leverages Google’s advanced AI and machine learning capabilities to provide relevant search results, making it easier to identify items, get more details, or even shop for similar products.
• Multisearch: You can combine text and image searches to ask more complex questions about what you see on your screen.
• Convenience: This feature is designed to enhance your browsing experience by allowing you to stay within the app you are using while still accessing Google’s powerful search capabilities.

Additional Features

• Google Tensor G4 Chip: The latest Tensor G4 chip enhances connectivity and communication capabilities with advanced AI features.
• Enhanced Security: Built-in Titan M2 security chip for better protection of your data.
• Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
• Ultra-wideband (UWB) support

Overall, these features make the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a versatile device for staying connected, whether you are at home, in the office, or on the road.

Battery and Power Management

Battery Capacity and Life

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a 4,650mAh battery with over 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. It easily outperforms competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which lasts nearly 13 hours on typical use and about 10 hours and 35 minutes with continuous web surfing over 5G. The OnePlus Open, which lasts around 11 hours and 31 minutes.

Charging

The device supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. It offers 2 options:

• 21W wired charging
• 5W wireless charging.

Power Management

Extreme Battery Saver Mode: This mode can extend battery life up to 72 hours by limiting background activity and reducing performance.

Power Efficiency: The Tensor G4 chipset enhances power efficiency, contributing to longer battery life and better overall performance.

Thermal Management: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs cooler than the Pixel Fold, which helps maintain performance and battery health over time.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Pros and Cons

Pros

• Durable Design for everyday use
• Design and Build: THE Fold is lighter and thinner but bigger in display than its predecessor, which is significant as Google improves on the design and build. It is now more comfortable to hold and use
• Larger Display: The 8-inch main display is one of the largest in the foldable market, offering an immersive viewing experience. Comparatively, Pixel Fold measured 7.6 inches when unfolded and 5.8 inches when folded.
• Advanced AI Features like Pixel Studio, Add Me, and Gemini Live enhance user experience with smarter functionalities.
• Camera Upgrades: The camera now offers better performance than the previous model with the latest improvements.
• Performance: Powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and up to 16GB of RAM, it offers significant speed and power efficiency improvements.
• Improved battery life and recharging mechanisms (wired and wireless).

Cons

• Underwhelming Performance: The Tensor G4 chipset, while improved, still falls short compared to some competitors. Comparatively, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on Galaxy Fold 6 offers far better top-tier performance and efficiency when put to task than the G4.
• Minor Camera Improvements: The camera upgrades are not as significant as expected.
• Charging Speed: It charges slower than the Pixel Fold.
• Price: At over Kes 200,000, it is still a costly smartphone, with many alternative foldable, flippable, and high-end phones readily available.
• Visible Crease: The foldable screen still has a visible crease, which is a turn-off for some users.
• Software Glitches: Some minor software issues on the device need ironing out for perfect performance.

Verdict

This is a smartphone with a high price, but is it worth it? Definitely. Google has shown commitment to improvement and embracing technological advancements to launch their latest flagship foldable phone, after the launch of Pixel Fold in June 2023.  Pixel 9 Pro Fold ticks every box on the checklist when it comes to design features, performance, integration of AI, and battery powering mechanism. A better hinge, larger immersive display, and advanced AI Integration make the foldable phone as desirable as it should be. Certainly, it goes pound for pound with its arch-rival, the Galaxy Fold6, which is a heavy hitter and favorite for the top spot in the foldable phones category.

The otherwise superfluous handset is slighted by the Tensor G4 chipset which falls short of the robust, versatile performance of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The cameras have been slightly improved (no major changes), the foldable crease is still visible, and limitations to usability within the Google eco-system.

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a strong contender in the foldable phone market. Undoubtably, it offers a blend of innovative features and, refined design, besides an immersive, large,8-inch OLED display. If you love the Google Eco-system and look forward to benefiting from Google’s support system, it is time to upgrade.

Alternative Foldable Smartphones

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
• Tecno Phantom V Fold
• Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold 5G
• OnePlus V Fold 5G
• OnePlus One