What you need a know

• Owners of the original Pixel Fold are having issues with their cover displays following a recent string of updates from Google.
• Users state their cover screens have become non-responsive (remain dark) once their device boots up, while others say an update forced a bootloop.
• One report says they encountered this issue after the May patch, which only offered a charging fix for every currently supported Pixel phone.

A few concerning reports have sprung up on Reddit about the O.G. Pixel Fold's recent display issues.

Reports started gaining traction on the PixelFold subreddit throughout the week, with one user saying their "cover screen is not displaying" (via Android Headlines). They add, "For the past few months, the cover screen would randomly go black and unresponsive. Sometimes it was the inner screen instead. Always random, always fixed by a reboot, so I never stressed about it." Things got worse this week, as the user states their first-gen Pixel Fold's battery ran dry, forcing them to charge.

Once the phone was charged, its cover display wouldn't illuminate. This blackout only concerns once the phone is fully booted. The user reports that starting their device brightens the cover to show the "G" logo, but nothing happens after. Another, more extensive report was highlighted by another user in this thread's comments. This user's issue is slightly different, but could be tied to a similar software issue. They state that following the April patch, their Pixel Fold was entrenched in a bootlop.

What's more, they can only get their phone to start if it's in "Tent Mode" (partially open). Their inner display will turn on as expected, but not their cover screen. Similar to the first report, the user says there is no damage on the cover display, pointing us again toward a software problem.

One user's comment says they started getting issues in May, but says others have encountered this way back in March. Right now, it looks like contacting Google's support is the only viable path forward if you're experiencing this issue.

Software-level

It's been a while since we've seen Pixel Fold issues so severe. There were early reports about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold that highlighted its 'sticky scrolling' issues. Users had a jarring experience, as their devices would stop scrolling after they removed their finger from the display. This isn't typically how screens work, as they're supposed to continue rolling out, especially if there's enough movement behind them.

It's a bit unsettling that these issues have (sort of) been a byproduct of the May security update. There were some display issues worked on by Google this month, but none for the Fold. That original model, as well as the subsequent one, received charging fixes. Something has clearly gone awry for Google's O.G. Fold, and users affected are forced to wait it out bitterly.

Android Central's Take

One of the most frustrating things is when there's an issue with no clear fix. A fix that the user can do in minutes and be done with. This issue seems like it lies within the phone's software, which means Google needs to fix it. Users should take this up with Google's support and offer as much information as possible. Even these Reddit reports could be good, too.

What you need to know

• Google Pixel shipments grew 25% in 2025, but the brand still trails far behind Apple and Samsung globally.
• Apple led global smartphone growth in 2025, boosted by strong iPhone sales and expansion in emerging markets.
• Samsung shipments grew year over year, but its global market share slipped as competition intensified.
• Smartphone shipments may decline in 2026 due to DRAM shortages and expected price hikes.

According to a new report, Google had a strong 2025, with Pixel sales growing by around 25%. Despite that growth, the data shows that the Pixel brand still trails well behind Apple and Samsung in overall shipments.

Counterpoint Research has released its global smartphone shipment report for 2025, stating that overall smartphone shipments grew 2% year over year compared to 2024. Apple emerged as the biggest beneficiary, with the report claiming the Cupertino company saw a 10% year-over-year increase in shipments, pushing its global market share to 20%.

The report attributes Apple's performance to a strong product mix from the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 lineup, along with increased traction in emerging and mid-sized markets. This growth came at the expense of some Android brands, as Samsung's market share slipped to 19% in 2025 from 20% in 2024, despite shipments growing by nearly 5% year over year.

A good year for Pixel, but still a long road ahead

Google, meanwhile, enjoyed a standout year. Driven by the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, Pixel shipments grew 25% in 2025 compared to the previous year. That said, Google still remains under the "Others" category in the report, a segment that actually saw its overall market share decline by 1%.

The report also notes that Nothing recorded strong momentum, with shipments increasing by nearly 31% in 2025, though it too remained part of the "Others" category. Among other Android brands, Xiaomi held onto the third spot with a 13% market share, while Vivo posted a modest 3% year-over-year increase in shipments.

Looking ahead, Counterpoint warns that overall smartphone shipments could decline in 2026 due to DRAM shortages and as chipmakers prioritize AI data centers over smartphones. Price hikes may also play a role, with Samsung reportedly considering increases for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series.

What you need to know

• Google is preparing to expand Quick Share and AirDrop interoperability beyond Pixel 10 to the Pixel 9 series.
• The feature was spotted in an Android Canary build, with Pixel 9 and 9 Pro firmware now including cross-sharing files.
• Although present in firmware, the feature is not active yet and may roll out via Android 16 QPR3 or Android 17.

Google has so far kept Quick Share interoperability with Apple's AirDrop exclusive to the Pixel 10 series, but it looks like the feature is now on its way to the Pixel 9 lineup.

Back in late 2025, Google announced that Quick Share would work with Apple's AirDrop. This allowed users to send and receive files between an iPhone and a Pixel 10 device using Android 16's native Quick Share feature without any workarounds. After keeping the feature exclusive to the Pixel 10 series for over a month, Google now seems to be expanding support to the Pixel 9 series.

Pixel 9 looks next in line for AirDrop support

Google released a new Android Canary build on January 8, 2026. While the update does not introduce many user-facing features, it adds the same system files that enabled Quick Share and AirDrop cross-sharing on the Pixel 10 series to the Pixel 9 firmware.

The change was first spotted by Android Authority, which reports that these files are not present on the mid-range Pixel 9a and are limited to the Pixel 9 and higher-end Pixel 9 Pro models.

The files are also missing from older Pixel models like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series. That does not necessarily mean those devices will never receive AirDrop and Quick Share interoperability, but it suggests Google is not ready to enable the feature on them just yet. Google has previously stated that support for older Pixel phones will arrive at a later date.

For now, the feature does not actually work on the Pixel 9 series despite the files being present, indicating Google still needs to enable the functionality on its end. It is possible the company is targeting a future Android 16 QPR3 update, or it could delay the feature until Android 17. We will share more details as they become available.

What you need to know

• Google acknowledges display faults in some Pixel 9 Pro units and offers free repairs for affected devices.
• Extended repair program covers Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL for three years post-purchase date.
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold also eligible for free replacements, but cracked displays may disqualify devices.

Google has confirmed display faults in select Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL units, launching a free three-year repair program. This move comes amid growing user complaints about flickering and vertical lines, highlighting ongoing quality concerns for the tech giant.

Google has now officially acknowledged that some of these units are faulty, and the company will offer an extended free repair program for them.

On a support page, Google notes that a limited number of Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL units may "experience issues that affect functionality of the device."

For affected units, the company is launching an extended repair program that covers these devices for three years after the original retail purchase date. If eligible, Google will repair your phone for free.

To qualify for the program, the device must show a vertical line on the display running from bottom to top. Google adds that the display flicker on Pixel 9 Pro models also qualifies.

As with normal warranties, Google states that cracked displays or devices with liquid damage aren't covered under this program. The program began yesterday (Dec. 8), and if you're affected, you can visit a Google walk-in center or an authorized service center.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold also gets an extended warranty program

Similarly, Google has also started an extended repair program for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the company says some units "may experience issues that affect device functionality."

Google is offering a similar extended warranty where users "may be eligible for a replacement at no charge." There's no clear reason yet for this program, and it doesn't appear to be tied to display faults like the Pixel 9 Pro models, so the exact cause remains unknown.

Still, if you're facing issues with your Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you might be eligible for a free replacement. You can check your eligibility using this link. It's worth noting that, like all Pixel phones, cracked displays or liquid damage may disqualify your device.

What you need to know

• Google has finally brought a foldable-optimized camera layout to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold after debuting it on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
• The updated Camera app allows scrolling through recent photos on the left while shooting with the familiar viewfinder on the right.
• The app update is now rolling out.

If you own a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you can now finally preview your photos on the left half of the screen while using the right half as the viewfinder.

While foldable phones offer plenty of great use-case scenarios, such as a bigger inner display for watching content and using two apps side by side so you don't have to switch between them repeatedly, I really appreciate it when apps are optimized for foldables from the start.

Most apps like Gmail, Maps, Evernote, and many others are optimized to take full advantage of the inner foldable display. Similarly, the camera app on many foldable phones, such as the Oppo Find N5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and even the Vivo X Fold 5, offers a feature that splits the camera into two halves, with the viewfinder on the right and previews of recent shots on the left.

While most foldable smartphone makers have offered this feature, Google surprisingly missed out. The company finally addressed this with the launch of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in August 2025, offering a similar feature. However, despite sharing much in common, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold kept this feature exclusive for several months.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold finally gets a proper camera split-view

Now, Google appears to be rolling out this feature to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As spotted by Android Authority, the Camera app now allows users to split the app into two halves, using one as a preview and the other as a viewfinder.

In the updated view, you can preview photos on the left half of the screen and scroll through them if you've taken multiple shots, while using the right side as the viewfinder. The right-side viewfinder mirrors the same camera layout seen on the vertical cover screen.

To enable this feature, you'll see a new button appear to the left of the shutter button, showing multiple tiles. To view all your photos, the Camera app also includes a handy Google Photos shortcut under the preview section on the left side.

The update seems to be rolling out to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold now, so you can check it out by updating the Camera app.

What you need to know

• Google confirms some Pixel 9 Pro units have display faults and starts a free extended repair program.
• Eligible Pixel 9 Pro devices show vertical lines or flickering issues that qualify for free repairs.
• Google has also launched a similar extended repair program for Pixel 9 Pro Fold due to reported issues.

It's been more than a year since the Pixel 9 series was introduced, and many users have been reporting display issues with their devices. Google has now officially acknowledged that some Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL units are faulty, and the company will offer an extended free repair program for them.

On a support page, Google notes that a limited number of Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL units may "experience issues that affect functionality of the device."

For affected units, the company is launching an extended repair program that covers these devices for three years after the original retail purchase date. If eligible, Google will repair your phone for free.

To qualify for the program, the device must show a vertical line on the display running from bottom to top. Google adds that the display flicker on Pixel 9 Pro models also qualifies.

As with normal warranties, Google states that cracked displays or devices with liquid damage aren't covered under this program. The program began yesterday (Dec. 8), and if you're affected, you can visit a Google walk-in center or an authorized service center.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold also gets an extended warranty program

Similarly, Google has also started an extended repair program for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the company says some units "may experience issues that affect device functionality."

Google is offering a similar extended warranty where users "may be eligible for a replacement at no charge." There's no clear reason yet for this program, and it doesn't appear to be tied to display faults like the Pixel 9 Pro models, so the exact cause remains unknown.

Still, if you're facing issues with your Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you might be eligible for a free replacement. You can check your eligibility using this link. It's worth noting that, like all Pixel phones, cracked displays or liquid damage may disqualify your device.

Why you can't use older cases with your Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google has made three foldables to date: the Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Each phone has its own unique dimensions, so you can't use any of the cases meant for a single model with another interchangeably.

It's understandable why a lot of people might wonder whether they can use their Pixel 9 Pro Fold case on the latest Pixel foldable. After all, they seem to share identical sizes and have the same dual-camera bars. However, Google tweaked the measurements a tad with the newest Pixel Fold iteration. Subtle changes in the camera bar placement and size, as well as the entire foldable phone itself, make it impossible to reuse last-gen cases on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Some Reddit users have reported that they were able to use Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases on their Pixel 10 Pro Fold units, but the fit isn't perfect. The camera bar and speaker alignments are off. This affects the drop-proofing added by a phone case, defeating the purpose of using a phone case in the first place.

Purchasing a case along with your new phone is the best way to go, but sometimes shipments don't arrive in time. Thus, you should only resort to using an incompatible case as a temporary solution while you wait for your Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold case to be delivered.

Poor fit and lack of impact resistance aside, another issue with using a Pixel 9 Pro Fold case is that you miss out on Pixelsnap compatibility. Now that magnetic Qi2 is natively available on the Pixel 10 series, you need to get a compatible case to make sure your Qi2/Pixelsnap accessories work with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold case that you choose.

If you're unsure about the right case for you, I have written a helpful buying guide about the best Pixel 10 Pro Fold cases available.

What you need to know

• Google became the fastest growing premium smartphone brand with 105% YoY growth in early 2025.
• Apple leads the premium market with 62% share, despite only a 3% YoY growth.
• Foldable smartphones remain niche, while 80% of high-end sales focus on GenAI capabilities.

New data suggests that more people are spending on premium smartphones as their sales have shot up by 8% YoY in the first half of 2025, according to Counterpoint Research's new report.

The research firm says that this high shift was brought in by "strong premiumization,” meaning premium devices have become easily available thanks to increased financing options and expanded trade-in programs.

What's more interesting is that while all the brands showed an uptick in sales, Google outshone as the fasted growing premium smartphone brand seeing 105% YoY growth. The report suggests that its sales basically doubled since last year, as more people are opting to buy the Pixel 9 series.

Google has been pushing into new markets and ramping up marketing for the Pixel phones. The company has been leaning into making these devices stand out by focusing on its AI features and super clean software, rather than just talking about specs, which has really worked in the tech giant's favor.

That said, Apple continued to reign as the largest brand during H1, despite only seeing a 3% YoY growth, it took up 62% of the overall premium smartphone market. While Samsung took the 2nd spot, on the list, seeing a 7% growth, thanks to the AI-powered Galaxy S25 series, which seems to have outdone its predecessor (20% market space).

"Going forward, the Z Fold 7 is also expected to perform better than its predecessor owing to significantly upgraded hardware," Counterpoint added.

Speaking of Huawei that secured third place; the brand is consistently keeping iPhones at bay in China, due to uniquely designed phones like the tri-folding Mate XT , seeing a 24% growth YoY, despite only taking 8% of the share in the market.

Xiaomi also grew in the premium smartphone market in China. The company is pushing its premium strategy not just with its smartphones but with all its products, including electric vehicles (EVs), and smart home devices (IoT), which is keeping the company's spot in the top five.

Additionally the firm adds that foldables still remain a "niche," as few people are reaching for it due to its unique form factor. That said, Counterpoint notes that 80% of high-end smartphone sales were for devices with GenAI.

If you had told me three years ago that not only would Google release a foldable, but that it's now set to release its third iteration, I would've chuckled. Yet, here we are, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold set to arrive in October, a couple of months after its non-foldable counterparts.

After the original Pixel Fold, Google surprised many and released the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, introducing an all-new design that was both sleek, modern, and incredibly thin. With the major redesign out of the way, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold focuses more on the minutiae, making a few seemingly iterative tweaks.

With that in mind, you're likely wondering whether to buy the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or opt for something else. We're here to provide a bit more insight into the reasons why or why not you should upgrade to Google's latest foldable.

Why you should buy a Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Let's address the biggest reason why you should upgrade to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold out of the way: it's the only foldable phone with an IP68 rating. Although many other foldables have an IP rating, many of them are capped at IP48, while others still don't offer any type of dust protection.

That's not to say that you should immediately take your foldable to the beach or toss it in a bucket of water. But considering that durability is one of the biggest sticking points for those considering foldables, the IP68 rating goes a long way.

Beyond that, the next biggest reason to buy the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is all about performance. Google did an admirable job with the Tensor G4, despite benchmarks putting it far behind the competition. Even still, the 9 Pro Fold barely skipped a beat, even with all of the various Gemini additions that were introduced.

While the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't quite match up with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Google says it provides more than a 30% boost to CPU performance over the G4. Perhaps more importantly, the G5 improves on-device AI performance by approximately 60%, giving Gemini ample room to grow.

And then there are several minor details that might be enough to help sway you to join the foldable lifestyle. This includes features like Pixelsnap, which finally brings Qi2 and MagSafe accessories without requiring adapters or unique cases. Google also managed to incorporate a larger battery, claiming that the 10 Pro Fold can last up to 30 hours on a single charge.

Additionally, Google implemented these various improvements without increasing the price. The base model is still priced at $1,799 for 256GB of storage, and a 1TB option is now available if you want to turn the 10 Pro Fold into a do-it-all phone.

Why you shouldn't buy a Pixel 10 Pro Fold

It's difficult to find too many flaws with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but there are a few frustrations and omissions. Most notable is the camera hardware, which doesn't use the same sensors as the Pixel 10 Pro, a phone that costs $800 less.

Google seems okay with leaving any improvements to the software, with on-device processing doing more of the heavy lifting compared to the non-foldable Pixel 10s. Of the three rear cameras, Google technically did upgrade the main wide-angle lens.

However, it's only using a newer 48MP sensor, while the telephoto and ultrawide cameras remain unchanged. I have no doubt that it'll still take fantastic pictures, but with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 now sharing the same primary camera sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google's decision is disappointing.

Lastly, $1800 for a foldable phone is still a tough pill to swallow. Especially when viewed from the perspective of the general consumer.

You walk into a store and see the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its all-new and sleek design, upgraded cameras, and packed with features that you'll never even realize are there. Then, you look the other direction and see the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which has a fresh coat of paint, but looks pretty similar to last year's model.

There's a $200 difference between the two, and in a vacuum, ignoring budget constraints, I'd have to guess that more people will reach for the Fold 7. Perhaps it would be different if Google even dropped the price by $100, narrowing its margins for a year, just to attract more people into the Pixel ecosystem.

Some understand the hidden costs that go into the creation of a smartphone. The rest either don't know or don't care and just see what looks like an iPhone-like release cycle with seemingly minimal upgrades.

Trying to decide? Go with your gut

One thing that's throwing a wrench into the decision to buy the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is that it's not available yet and won't be until October 9. Google says this is due to "supply chain issues," and while it will still arrive ahead of the 2025 holiday frenzy, that doesn't help those who want to upgrade now.

You can already walk into basically any carrier store or Best Buy and walk out with a Fold 7. Apple just announced its next event, presumably where the iPhone 17 series will be introduced, and there's a good chance it'll be released before the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, too.

That's to say, if you had your heart set on picking up the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, I'd say just wait out the FOMO storm. At least on paper, the improvements look to be well worth it, and if you were on the fence, there's nothing wrong with testing the Fold 7 waters to see how you like it. There's always a return window in case you change your mind.

Personally, I'm waiting until the 10 Pro Fold is released before using my personal upgrade.

It's been a couple of days since Google officially revealed its entire flagship lineup in the Pixel 10 series. However, it did so in a way that was less of a spectacle and felt more like a morning talk show. Sure, part of the reason it felt like that was because Jimmy Fallon was the host, but that was really how the overall structure of the "event" felt.

There are two things that Google proved during the event. The first of which is that it's clear Google is doing whatever it can to appeal to a wider audience, beyond just releasing cutesy commercials when new phones are announced. The second, might not be as obvious to some, but host Jimmy Fallon proved that the world is ready (and longing) for a foldable iPhone.

Is this a new Google?

The new format of the Pixel 10 launch event was Google's attempt at getting more consumers excited about the latest phones and features. Traditionally, these kinds of launch events are structured without much wiggle room, and maybe sometimes come with a "skit" designed to inform, excite, and showcase. Instead, we were greeted with a surprise early embargo drop, subsequently followed by Google doing its best impression of "The Tonight Show."

What really drove the point home for me was the actual product showcase portion, where Adrienne Lofton, VP of Global Consumer Marketing at Google, gave us the "CliffNotes" of the new Pixel lineup. It almost felt like one of those morning talk show kitchen segments, with Lofton talking about everything that Google's been cooking up. Google took the idea of a morning talk show and turned it into a device launch, complete with special guests, mini-skits, and a couple of interviews.

Fallon and Lofton played off each other quite well, even when the "A Word" was mentioned regarding Pixelsnap. This is pretty uncommon, and I can't imagine anyone from Samsung or Apple, besides Craig Federighi, even entertaining the idea of participating in something like it. That's to say, kudos to Google for stepping outside of the box, because despite how cringey some of the jokes were, the almost hour and a half long show flew by.

The foldable demand is there, just hiding

With all of that, there was one particular moment that stood out to me, and that's when the Pixel 10 Pro Fold was being shown off. I don't know if it was genuine or not, but Fallon seemed more excited about the Fold than anything else found in the smorgasbord on the table in front of him. For about 30 seconds, it appeared as though he just zoned out while doing nothing but opening and closing the Fold.

Then Lofton went on to talk about how the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first foldable equipped with an IP68 rating, which prompted a bit of forced excitement from Fallon. Without skipping a beat, the very next topic was about Pixelsnap, and how it works "perfectly fine with your Apple MagSafe accessories," to which Fallon responded with "You said the 'A' word." After that, the pair spoke briefly about RCS, which naturally included mentioning the whole Green Bubbles vs. Blue Bubbles trope.

Of the almost 17-minute segment, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold got about two minutes of the spotlight. While the Fold made sporadic appearances throughout the entire event, it was nothing like the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup and Pixel Watch 4.

That, along with Fallon's aforementioned excitement, feigned or otherwise, just drove home the point that foldable phones are still viewed as second-class citizens, albeit more expensive ones. Sadly, I think that will continue to be the case until Apple makes its long-awaited arrival with a foldable iPhone.

A storm might be brewing

Recent headlines might suggest otherwise, with a Canalys report (via CNBC) sharing that Samsung has seen a surge in market share from 23% to 31% between Q2 2024 and Q2 2025. Another report from Counterpoint Research says foldable phone sales "are growing rapidly, especially for book-type foldables" in Europe.

Notably, Samsung shared that both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 demolished pre-order records, "outpacing last year's models by over 25%." The company also revealed that the Fold 7 specifically "is selling nearly 50% faster than the one before it."

Meanwhile, Apple's market share has dropped from 56% to 49% over the time frame. Which, paired with Siri basically being the laughing stock of on-device assistants, doesn't bode well for a company that has been regarded as the "best" for years. Of course, this is just a relatively small sample size, and it's worth noting that Apple's next iPhone isn't expected to launch until next month.

This could result in Apple deciding to move up its internal timeline and release a foldable phone to compete with the likes of Samsung, Google, and Motorola. Last month, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claimed that Apple will introduce "its first foldable iPhone at the end of next year." Gurman goes on to say that instead of offering its take on a flip-style foldable, we should be seeing something more along the lines of the Z Fold 7, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, etc.

Between the foldable market rebounding in a big way at the same time that Apple is seemingly struggling, we could be in store for the perfect storm that takes the form factor into the mainstream. And not just as a footnote.

Over the past six months, I've bounced from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the Z Fold 7, and am now using the Oppo Find N5. It's been a blast being able to use all of these different foldable phones, but I've recently found myself missing the 9 Pro Fold and growing impatient for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

There are a lot of factors at play when it comes to picking what phone my SIM card goes into, but towards the tail end of my time with the Fold 7, I started missing the Pixel. Don't get me wrong, the Fold 7 is everything that I was hoping the Fold 6 would have been, besides the S Pen being put to rest.

The best way I can describe is to say that the Z Fold 7 is the "work" phone, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the "home" phone. However, the Fold 7 or Find N5 are the phones that I gravitate towards when it comes to tinkering with Switch emulation or trying to see what Windows games I can get running in Winlator.

If the leaks and rumors are true, I'm really hoping that will no longer be the case.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't need a flashy design

On the outside, the leaks point to Google playing it "safe" with the design this year, and that's probably not a bad move, especially with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. I'm sure Google will throw some new and flashy colors at us, with the vibrant ones being relegated to the regular Pixel 10 phones and showing signs of running out of ink on the Pro models.

But that's not where the excitement comes in for me, although I do love it when Google makes a green or orange phone. Instead, my excitement lies with the expected introduction of the Tensor G5 with the Pixel 10 series.

Google's taking the leap

Until now, Google's Tensor chip has been manufactured by Samsung, and while it's been a good run, it hasn't been great. The problem has been that the Tensor processor lags at least a generation or two behind what Qualcomm and MediaTek release. And for the most part, it's been fine, as the Tensor G4 was the best iteration yet, but between the Gemini improvements and general Android upgrades, Google needs to turn things up a notch.

Google reportedly did just that for the Tensor G5 by making the switch from Samsung to TSMC. According to some leaked benchmarks, the Tensor G5, which appears to be built on a 3nm process (the Tensor G4 was a 4nm chip), could be more than 30% faster than its predecessor. Those are the kinds of improvements we were hoping to see last year, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Admittedly, this doesn't mean that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be able to go toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, or even the regular 8 Elite for that matter. But it doesn't need to, at least not yet, because it's also rumored that the G5 is Google's first "fully in-house made processor."

That's an important point because it's also what Apple and Samsung do with their respective processors, and it just so happens that Google is now relying on the same company that Apple does to produce its processors.

What's it all mean?

So why does it matter, and what does it mean? Well, nothing really, at least if you're upgrading from the Pixel 9. But as we saw with the addition of the Linux terminal with the March 2025 Feature Drop, Google has something planned for the future, and it's probably going to be big. So, having complete control over the design and manufacturing should give Google all of the tools it needs to truly blend the hardware and the software.

And that's without even talking about what Google might have in store for the future of Gemini. I wouldn't be surprised if we were also introduced to a new Gemini model, with "nano-banana" and references to "GEM_PIX" making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter). So when you consider what Google was able to do with the Tensor G4 for Gemini, having more control from top to bottom, along with better general performance, should mean that the sky is the limit.

One thing, though...

With all of that being said, there is one thing that I'm worried about with the Tensor G5, and that's gaming performance, specifically with regard to emulation. My concern is that even with the aforementioned improvements, emulating higher-end systems with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's massive screen will result in disappointment.

What I'm hoping for is that even if the Tensor G5 trails behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite on paper, it will close the gap in a massive way. Then Google takes what it's learned from this go 'round, and puts Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple on notice with the Tensor G6. But until then, I'll just keep watching the clock tick until next week's announcement.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming Pixel 10 refresh, check out our Ultimate Guide.

The unveiling of the Google Pixel 10 series is less than a week away now, and like most other Google device launches, the leaky faucet is now in full hose mode. All the secrets Google is likely trying to hold close to its proverbial chest are being pried away and revealed ahead of the announcement, and that includes one big surprise for the company's third-generation foldable: a new hinge.

But this isn't just any normal folding phone hinge, if we can even call that normal. It's rumored to be a fully dust-resistant hinge, something the industry at large has struggled to figure out. We first saw this leak appear in late June, noting that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold would be IP68 water and dust-resistant, marking a first for any foldable phone.

This comes on the heels of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's release, which didn't move the needle for dust resistance at all, packing in the same IP48 rating as the Fold 6. For note, the 4 in the IP48 rating means that the device is dust resistant down to 1mm particles, which is good enough for most things, as JerryRigEverything's video shows (timestamp 6 minutes).

But I expected the first fully dust-resistant hinge to come from the Honor Magic V5, or a company like Oppo or Vivo. Definitely not Google, as the company is rarely among the hardware engineering elite. After all, the Pixel 9 unabashedly looked like an iPhone, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold hardly stood out among a crowd of far more unique foldable phones.

What's in a foldable hinge

Nearly every foldable phone on the market uses a different kind of hinge. While all early foldables used gears, most recent foldable phones have switched to a gearless system. While gears make it easy to lock the hinge in place, they also provide a point that allows dust to enter or, at the very least, a point of failure if dust were to ever get inside the hinge.

Since the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung has been using gearless hinges. They're interlocking metal parts that slide together and stay open via cleverly designed angles. You can see them in action in JerryRigEverything's Z Fold 4 video (timestamp 9 minutes), and Google has been using gearless hinges in its Pixel Fold phones for the last two years, as well.

But Pixels aren't historically known for their durability or long-term use. From overheating processors to problems with warranty claims and even parts falling off, Google doesn't exactly have a great name in this area. Again, as JerryRigEverything's Pixel 9 Pro Fold video (timestamp 6 minutes) shows, Google has work to do on durability when compared to the competition.

So, how in the world is it that Google will supposedly be the one with the first dustproof hinge? The "6" in that rumored IP68 rating means the hinge is completely sealed off from dust of any type or size, which means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's hinge is going to be as airtight as the International Space Station.

Hyperbole aside, that takes a lot of bespoke engineering hours to accomplish and, again, is something that not even Huawei, Honor, Vivo, Oppo, or Samsung have been able to accomplish with all the money they've dumped into foldable phone R&D over the years. I'm not saying it's out of the realm of possibility at all, but I certainly didn't expect it from Google's Pixel engineering team, which is only on its third generation foldable product.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold durability is just part of the picture

But let's be fair to Google, it looks like the Pixel 10 is going to bring Google into an entirely new realm of engineering excellence. The new Tensor G5 processor rumored to be inside the Pixel 10 is now supposedly made by TSMC, the Taiwanese manufacturing giant that makes the best chips in the world.

Previously, Google used Samsung Semiconductor for all its Tensor chips, the same company that makes Exynos chips, and that should tell you everything you need to know.

Google's tease of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't exactly reveal much about its hinge, but it does focus on the fact that this is a folding phone and seems to suggest that something new and exciting is happening with its folding nature.

If Google is able to deliver a foldable phone with IP68 ingress protection, it'll cement the idea that the Pixel 10 series is on another plane of existence from the rest of the Pixel series, and that's good for Google's Pixel division all around.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming phones, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Time flies when you're having fun, right? Well, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold made me realize that Google's taking the foldable form-factor seriously, even if it hasn't dipped its toes into the flip-style yet. So with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold around the corner, it's a good time to reflect before I need to decide whether to upgrade or not.

Since its release, I've basically been going back and forth between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6. On a few rare occasions, I just tossed a spare SIM into one of them, ditched my iPhone, and just carried two foldables for a couple of days. It's not something I really recommend, but as long as your pockets are big enough and you're wearing a belt, it's manageable.

The hardware holds up

Until the original Pixel Fold was finally unveiled, I had been clamoring for Google to join the parade before it was too late. Then the Pixel Fold landed, and while I was elated to see my wishes become reality, I came to the realization that Google might not be cut out for this kind of hardware.

Then came the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and to this day, I'm still flabbergasted by the stark difference between the two phones. In my initial impressions piece, I said that Google "really went for the 'Pixel 5 to Pixel 6' upgrade path, and if it weren't for the 'G' on the back, I'd go so far as to say these were made by completely different companies." That sentiment still rings true today.

Sure, the phone is still slippier than I would like, but that's been remedied with the Thinborne MagSafe case. It adds hardly any extra thickness to the phone, but gives me MagSafe support, something that I'm hoping will actually end up in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Besides that, I really haven't had much to complain about with the design. The cover screen is the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro, giving me a slab phone for one-handed use, but with the obvious benefit of unfolding into a Pixel Tablet Mini.

Where the software falls short

As for the software, I would be lying if I weren't a bit worried about how Google planned to combat the ongoing headaches when using apps on foldable phones. Samsung manages to clear some of the hurdles by including the "Multi-window" option to "force" apps into working via the Labs Settings.

Instead, Google took a different approach, which also played a major role in the overall design. When using two apps in split-screen portrait mode, the aspect ratio is practically identical to that of a traditional smartphone, meaning that it's basically like having an app open on two phones and holding them side-by-side. It's an ingenious solution to a seemingly unsolvable problem, given the sheer number of Android apps out there.

However, that solution immediately falls apart as soon as you want to add a third app into the mix. With the Galaxy Z Fold, you can have three apps in split-screen, along with a few more in Pop-up View. OnePlus and Oppo have the Open Canvas, allowing you to have apps open, move them off-screen a bit, and then tap the edge of the app to bring it into focus.

With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, once you pick the two apps you want to use, that's all you've got. A common example for me was having two apps open and then needing to grab something from my password manager. Instead of being able to just have the app open in a floating window so I can grab what I need without leaving the app pair, the third app just takes over as the primary.

It's more of an annoyance than anything else, but I can't help but wonder why Google hasn't added some type of implementation. I understand the desire to stand out and offer a different experience, but when every other foldable phone lets you open a floating window, it just feels like poor execution.

My favorite feature of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold

What isn't poor execution is how invaluable the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's camera has been. No, it's not quite on the same level as the Pixel 9 Pro XL or Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of hardware, but that's not my point.

Google's "Made You Look" feature has become so important that my wife gets annoyed whenever she asks if I'm using the "Google Fold" and I regretfully inform her if I'm not. Our son is now almost 18 months old and is still distracted by everything and anything around him, unless he can hear Ms. Rachel.

However, once I take out the phone and turn on Made You Look, that's where his attention immediately goes. And if I turn on the sound so he can hear the various noises from the different animals, good luck getting him to pay attention to anything else for a few minutes. But more often than not, that's plenty of time to snap some shots when he'd otherwise be trying to run away to plot his revenge.

I've been able to take some absolutely incredible and adorable pictures of him, and it wouldn't have been possible without the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Looking Ahead

Obviously, I've rather enjoyed having the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by my side, and honestly, ever since sending it off to a colleague for additional testing, I miss having it. In addition to what I've already covered, I want to experiment with Google's new Canary Release Channel and see how far I can go in creating a Linux desktop environment on the phone.

If the Pixel 10 event wasn't right around the corner, I'd probably be very tempted to try and get another Pixel 9 Pro Fold, if not just for the Made You Look feature. But before we know it, Google will have unveiled the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and I don't want to waste an upgrade on my account beforehand.

That said, even if it weren't for the tsunami of leaks in recent days, leaving little to the imagination with Google's next foldable, I might have considered using the upgrade anyway.

I've already written about whether you should wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and even with the leaks, my feelings remain the same. But while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have more features and a better camera, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will probably be my next daily carry, just as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold usurped the Z Fold 6.

For more news and information on Google's upcoming Pixel 10 refresh, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google's newest smartphone lineup is set to be revealed in just a few weeks, but you don't need to wait to find an excellent Pixel 9 Pro Fold deal. As part of its Back To School sale event, Best Buy is slashing a whopping $500 off the Pixel foldable, no strings attached. You can also score an additional $100 discount when you activate through Verizon or AT&T, plus there's some credit up for grabs if you trade in an old or broken phone. 

Even with the $500 discount, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will still set you back $1,299, but it's nevertheless a historic price drop on one of the best foldable phones that money can buy.. at least until the 2025 version gets its big reveal on August 20th. 

• Best Buy's Back To School sale is live — see the full list of deals

Released almost exactly a year ago today, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues to impress with two gorgeous 120Hz OLED displays, a sturdy folding hinge, and all of those fancy AI-boosted software features that have been dominating the headlines lately. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also boasts some impressively long-lasting battery life alongside 16GB of RAM as standard. Furthermore, the foldable is powered by the same Tensor G4 chipset that drives the rest of the Pixel 9 series, and you'll also get the same seven years of guaranteed OS and security support. 

The trade-offs include some relatively disappointing camera tech (it's passable, but nothing amazing) and a lack of stylus support. These wouldn't be major issues on a different phone, but at this price I want to be blown away, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold just isn't as performant as we wanted in those regards. 

With the imminent arrival of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold on August 20th (not to mention the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 from Samsung), last year's model could easily go overlooked. But if you enjoy the Pixel ecosystem and you're trying to get into foldable phones, this Best Buy deal presents a unique opportunity. After all, it's not like we expect the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to be that different from its predecessor, so why not go last-gen and save some serious cash in the process?

Let's be real: foldable phones are expensive, and every time a new model gets announced, the first question on everyone's lips is "will the last-gen device finally get a price drop?". With the arrival of the next Google Pixel foldable swiftly approaching, there is speculation abound, and many folks are wondering what this means for last year's pricey Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 

While we don't have a lot of official information about the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold just yet, we know that it's most likely going to be announced during a Made by Google event on August 20th. This means that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is about to be marked as last-gen, but does that mean it's going to get cheaper? One can only speculate, but I've been working in this industry long enough that I can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect in the coming weeks. Let's discuss. 

What we know

Like I mentioned above, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is likely to be revealed during an announcement event on August 20th with a keynote address scheduled for 10am PT. 

Alongside the foldable, we're also set to get a first look at the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, plus Google is expected to announce the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2A. Some rumors have even suggested that the company will be formally announcing the release of its long-teased AR smart glasses, but the validity of that rumor is far from certain. 

As for specs, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to feature a 6.4-inch OLED cover display with an 8-inch OLED inner display. Both screens are expected to boast 3,000 nits of peak brightness, plus Google is reportedly working on a new-and-improved hinge that should make the phone a bit thinner and nicer to hold. Considering the ultra-sleek new design found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (the Fold's biggest competitor), this is probably a smart move on Google's part. 

Under the hood, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to sport the same Tensor G5 chipset that the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro/10 Pro XL will use, plus rumors have suggested that the phone will feature an upgraded 5,015mAh battery. You'll also get 16GB of RAM as standard and storage variants up to 1TB. We're also expecting the foldable phone to come with IP68 ingress protection, which would be an industry first!

So what about the price? Well, looking at the competition, it's worth mentioning that both of Samsung's new foldable phones received considerable price increases, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 clocking in at a ridiculous $1,999.99. Last year's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, had a starting price of $1,799.99.

Will Google follow the way of its competitors and up the price of the Pixel 10 series? It's hard to know for sure, but at least one rumor has suggested that Google might actually decrease the starting price of its flagship foldable by $200. Only time will tell, but I wouldn't start celebrating just yet. 

Will the Pixel 9 Pro Fold get a price drop?

Now for the million-dollar question: will the Pixel 9 Pro Fold finally get cheaper when the next generation arrives? Since there's no way to know for certain, we have to look at the past to make an educated guess.

The phone that came before the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was simply called the Pixel Fold. This foldable dropped in 2023 with a $1,799 price tag, and although it's a little hard to find nowadays, you can actually buy the Google Pixel Fold for as little as $989.99 nowadays through stores like Amazon and Best Buy. But of course, this is nearly three years after the device's launch, and I'm guessing you'd rather not wait that long to pick up the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Instead, I'd recommend waiting for a major sale event, like Back to School 2025 or the upcoming Black Friday sales. By that time, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be considered last-gen, but most stores will still have stock that they're looking to ditch. After all, at this very moment you can get $500 off the phone at Best Buy, and the Pixel 10 version hasn't even been announced yet. Give it a few more weeks and I wouldn't be surprised if last year's foldable dropped to $1,000 or less. 

Google is expected to launch the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in a few weeks at its upcoming Made By Google event, and there seems to be a lot more riding on the success of this model. Following Samsung’s impressive Galaxy Z Fold 7, it feels like many people want the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to match its wow factor of “look how thin I am!” However, I really don’t think Google needs to worry about (or should even be thinking about) Samsung when it comes to its own foldables.

These days, my focus has been primarily on smaller flip phone foldables, such as the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Z Flip. However, my time with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold showed me a whole new world and gave me an appreciation for larger-screened foldable phones. It’s slim, stylish, performs well, and is overall a fun device to use for anyone who prefers these types of foldables.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is not likely to be much different from its predecessor as far as design goes, and following my experience with the 9 Pro Fold, this is perfectly fine, even if the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is arguably the more exciting phone. Here's why I don't think Google has to worry about Samsung.

This battle for thinnest foldable is silly

Let me just start by saying that this battle for who has the thinnest foldable phone is kind of ridiculous. Samsung and Honor have been battling it out to the point where it basically comes down to measuring technique. Meanwhile, both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5 are as thin or thinner than some high-end flagship smartphones.

The difference in thickness between these two phones seems minuscule, especially with their large camera housings, and it makes Honor look a little ridiculous that it’s fighting so hard to retain its crown.

Then there’s the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It may not hold the crown for thinnest foldable in 2025, but it’s still pretty thin. In fact, Google touted it as the “thinnest foldable available,” with the caveat that it was only referring to phones in America. That’s nothing to sneeze at and still an impressive feat for a second-generation foldable.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to have a nearly identical design, save for some changes in thickness and weight, and even some new color options. According to leaks, the foldable will measure roughly 5.2mm thick when unfolded, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 5.1mm. That’s a difference of .1mm when unfolded (roughly .3mm when folded), which, for a phone as large as this, seems hardly worth crying over.

If the Pixel 10 Pro Fold dimensions are to be believed, the phone would be roughly 2mm thicker than the Z Fold 7, but still about 2mm thinner than the outgoing Galaxy Z Fold 6. That still feels like a win to me, especially when you consider that Samsung’s phone still has a smaller battery than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or its closest rival, the Honor Magic V5 with its massive 5,820mAh battery.

Not to mention everything else that Google may be packing into this phone.

The upgrades that matter

We’re just weeks away from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launch, so there are plenty of leaks and rumors to go by, many of which seem pretty credible. Thus, we have a pretty good idea of what we can expect from Google’s next foldable, which may appear visually similar to its predecessor. It may not be a significant upgrade, but the biggest changes are expected to happen internally, and more than justify any potential increase in thickness when compared to the 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The first of those changes is a rumored increase in battery capacity. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold already has a larger battery than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 4,650mAh (versus 4,400mAh), but it’s rumored that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will squeeze in a 5,015mAh battery. That’s a difference of nearly 600mAh compared to Samsung’s foldable, and I’m frankly okay with a slightly thicker phone if it means I can get more battery life.

I wasn’t a fan of Samsung giving the Galaxy S25 Edge a smaller battery than the base Galaxy S25 to achieve its level of thinness. To me, shaving off a few millimeters doesn’t mean anything if you have to sacrifice a larger battery, particularly in a day and age when smartphones are doing so much more and demand more power. Sure, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold probably won’t win any thinness competitions, but the trade-off may be well worth it.

We’ve also seen leaks indicating that the Pixel 10 series may be the first Android flagship phones to support built-in Qi2 magnetic charging. We’ve seen an image of what appears to be a base Pixel 10 with a “Pixelsnap” accessory, indicating that a separate case may not be necessary. While we haven’t seen this on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, we can probably assume that this will also be included on the foldable, as it would be a pretty odd omission.

Adding Qi2 magnets to a phone likely requires quite a bit of internal reworking, so a bit of added thickness is likely one trade-off to adding a more convenient charging method. Another benefit to this is that it may increase wireless charging speeds from 8W on the 9 Pro Fold to a more respectable 15W.

Lastly, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to be the first foldable with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. This could be the result of an improved hinge, making it more durable than the competition. I don’t know about you, but a more durable foldable sounds pretty good to me.

Thinner vs. cheaper

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is no doubt an impressive phone, but all those upgrades come at a price. The Fold received its first price increase in years, bringing the price back up to $2,000. Granted, $1,799 was already a pretty penny to pay for a phone, and $2,000 is more than I pay for rent in Seattle, WA. Sure, you can chalk it up to “it’s just a $200 difference,” but think of what you could get for that $200, such as a Galaxy Z Fold 7 case, screen protector, and/or some other accessory.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to launch at the same $1,799 price tag as its predecessor. With that, you’ll likely get a more capable processor, faster and more convenient charging, a larger battery, and more. All of that in a phone that will probably be relatively thin and potentially more durable.

If Google keeps the $1,799 price, then it’s already won in my eyes. The price of foldables is a major barrier for many consumers, and increasing the price doesn’t seem like the best way to attract more customers towards buying their first foldables. Sure, preorders of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are up, which is an impressive feat, but I imagine many of those are not first-time foldable owners, and you’d be hard-pressed to convince me to pay that much for a phone.

Yes $1,799 is still a lot of money, but it’s much more palatable when you’re still getting a good phone that does pretty much everything you need it to do. And when the options for foldable phones in the United States are still quite limited, consumers will have to decide between the cheaper phone and the thinner one. I know which one I want.

I’m excited for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 may be expensive, but it finally makes Samsung’s foldables exciting again. As for Google, I believe that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was its Galaxy Z Fold 7 moment, as it was a major departure from the original Pixel Fold and showed that Google is serious about the foldable space. It’s quite all right if the company takes a year to refine what’s already a great phone.

This may be Samsung’s year to take the foldable spotlight, but that doesn’t mean the Pixel 10 Pro Fold won’t be an exciting phone in its own right.

One of my biggest complaints about Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup since the Fold 4 has been its cameras. When you're paying this much for a phone, you expect it to be amongst the best, and that simply hasn't been the case. Samsung went back to the drawing board with the Galaxy Fold 7, in more ways than one, but finally swapped out the 50MP wide-angle lens in favor of a 200MP sensor.

So what better way to find out whether the Galaxy Z Fold 7's camera is actually better than by comparing it to a bunch of other phones? But, I didn't just pick any phones; specifically, we have the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

For the sake of transparency, all of the pictures were taken using the default settings, and none of the photos included have been edited.

Battle of the foldables

Although I prefer Samsung's "kitchen sink" approach in terms of software features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been my phone of choice for quite a while. Sadly, it fell short of the Fold 7 in the above comparison, as the setting sun was just too much for it to handle. As a result, the picture is more blown out, with the picture having a kind of orange tint.

The Fold 6 did better than I expected, as you can still tell that the sky is blue and there isn't a weird tint overlay. On the downside, it looks like the Fold 6 would be perfect for Director J.J. Abrams with its lens flare. Not only do we get one that spans the edges of the image from the sun, but there are some smaller flares from the sun's reflection in the water.

Honestly, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 just wins by default here. Nothing stands out in terms of negative effects, and it was able to avoid the pitfalls of the other two. But there also isn't much helping it stand out otherwise.

• Winner: Galaxy Fold 7

This was also one of the tougher comparisons to pick a winner for. All three phones were to 5x zoom, which means that Samsung's Fold 6 and Fold 7 are at the mercy of digital zoom, with this being one of the defaults of the Pixel.

I quickly counted out the Fold 6 as the AI "smooth over" effect is apparent in the text of the building. Even with the image colors looking pretty true-to-life, the obvious AI boost compared to the other two was the deciding factor.

I've looked at these pictures longer than any others in this comparison, and I'm still not sure either the Fold 7 or 9 Pro Fold is better than the other. There is a bit of a tint on the front of the building from the setting sun, but it's not far off from the way it looked to the naked eye.

Meanwhile, the Fold 7 produced a cooler image with just a slight tint on the white letters. Both phones do a good job of preserving textures and clarity, leaving the rest to each phone's color profile. Which means, both phones are the winners here.

• Winner: Tie between Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Last up, I maxed out the image resolution for all three phones, then zoomed in as far as I could to the sign you see in the image above. This gave me a good idea of which phone leaned more heavily on processing, versus just taking the picture.

At first glance, it might seem like the Fold 6 is the best, simply based on the brighter image that was produced. The Fold 7 was the next brightest, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold being the darkest of the bunch.

While that might be enough for some people, the real story is told when you look more closely at the sign itself. Despite producing the brightest picture, it also has the most AI artifacting of the bunch. It's almost like the phone was trying to put an overlay of the letters, but was off-center by a bit.

The Fold 7 did a pretty good job overall, as the sign is still legible, but it does look like Samsung's smooth-over processing got the best of the hardware. As for the Pixel, well, it got everything right, even if the phone didn't manage to capture as much light as its counterparts.

• Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Below, you'll find a few more side-by-side comparisons if you want a few other examples of how these foldable phones stack up.

Foldable vs. Slabs

In an effort to "put my money where my mouth is," the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max joined the other phones on this adventure. These are still two of the best camera phones that money can buy, even if you broaden the scope beyond the confines of North America.

With this first test, I was a bit surprised to find that I preferred the Fold 7 out of the three. Usually, I lean more towards cooler-toned pictures, but both the iPhone and S25 Ultra ended up as backups for the next Abrams film.

Curiously, instead of the "linear" lens flare found in the S25 Ultra's picture, the iPhone produced a lone dot off to the bottom left, along with a cluster right behind where the sun reflects off of the water. I don't know why this happened or what explanation there could be, but even with its darker tones, the Fold 7 was my favorite here.

• Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 7

This was almost another "too close to call" comparison, but not because of the S25 Ultra. This time, it was between the iPhone and the Fold 7, as these two phones produced a bit more detail compared to the S25 Ultra. I honestly didn't even notice it at first, until I looked at the base for the sundial.

Yet again, there's just a bit too much of a smoothing effect going on with the S25 Ultra, which is definitely not something that I expected. To be fair, the same effect seems to be applied with the Fold 7, but to a lesser degree. Meanwhile, you can see a lot of the blemishes and wear from the iPhone's picture, resulting in a more true-to-life image.

• Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

In the same way that I did in the previous section, I cranked up the image resolution and zoomed in on the sign. Surprisingly enough, the Galaxy S25 Ultra ultimately won out over the Fold 7 and iPhone because of the amount of image detail overall.

Admittedly, I think if I were basing this solely on being able to read the text on the sign, the iPhone would probably squeak ahead, but not by much. The S25 Ultra gave me a picture that was almost exactly what I was seeing in front of me in terms of the color tones, as seen in the grass.

The slight hint of AI enhancement on the sign is what dragged the Fold 7 down, but I'd probably put it in a 2nd-place tie with the iPhone as the rest of the picture looks pretty darn good.

• Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Here are a few more comparisons if you want to see how well the Fold 7 fared against the S25 Ultra and 16 Pro Max.

Is there a winner?

Not to be cheesy, but yes, there is a winner. And no, it's not a phone. WE are the winners, as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might not be the best, but this comparison proved to me that it can at least keep up with the best.

After years of harping on the idea of having inferior cameras in more expensive hardware, Samsung finally listened. So far, the Galaxy Fold 7 has proven to be quite impressive, and I have to imagine that future software updates will make it even better.

Not to mention that I didn't even mess around with Camera Assistant via Good Lock. With that alone, I feel pretty confident that I could end up with pictures as good as the flagship slab phones, just with a bit of editing. And that alone is enough of a reason to explain why I'm excited about Samsung's latest foldable.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is here, and it's a highly-anticipated foldable for 2025. The market for large foldable phones is booming now that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 put a strong foot forward, plus all the innovations ongoing overseas. The question now is, how does the Pixel 10 Pro Fold stack up against the existing Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was a solid phone, and it still is, but it also lacked some key features that made it a bit too expensive to consider. The lukewarm processor performance, underwhelming cameras, and the fact that it only has an IPX8 rating are a few drawbacks to choosing the older model. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold addresses all these shortcomings, and a few more.

Here's everything you need to know if you're considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or the Pixel 10 Pro Fold — or are thinking about an upgrade.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Design and display

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't change much in terms of design, and to some, Google might not have done enough. The design highlights are a slimmer hinge assembly, smaller cover screen bezel, and improved durability. The outer display on the 10 Pro Fold is slightly larger at 6.4 inches, but the phone retains its overall footprint. As such, the aspect ratio will feel pretty similar to that of a traditional Pixel phone.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold weighs a hefty 257 grams and is 10.5mm thick when folded. The design and ergonomics were very good, but there's no escaping that weight. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a new hinge design, although this hasn't resulted in a weight reduction. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is actually heavier and thicker than its predecessor, weighing 258 grams and measuring 10.8mm thick.

This could be a dealbreaker for foldable fans looking at the thin-and-light Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with envy, wondering why Google's foldables are still heavyweights.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 6.3-inch Full-HD+ outer OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,700 nits of peak brightness. This brightness level is higher on the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold, maxing out at 3,000 nits. The folding display mostly stays the same as the one on the 9 Pro Fold, which is an 8-inch LTPO OLED with the same brightness level as the outer screen.

The major design upgrade here is actually something you can't see — the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's durability. It's now certified for IP68 protection against dust and water ingress. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's IPX8 rating makes clear that it has zero dust protection, meaning particles can enter in the hinge, potentially causing damage. Not only is IP68 a big change, it's also an industry-first for a foldable sold in North America.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Hardware and specs

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 for the 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You can configure it to have up to 1TB in storage, which of course will push the price point beyond $2,000. This is the first time we've seen a 1TB configuration available, as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was only configurable up to 512GB.

The big change is the shift to the new Tensor G5 SoC. The chip is using a smaller 3nm process node and is made by TSMC rather than Samsung. We're hoping this should finally put to rest the overheating and poor raw performance that have been plaguing Pixels for years, but we'll need to test the Pixel 10 Pro Fold for ourselves before we can be sure. For now, we know that Google is making big claims about Tensor G5 improvements.

It's claimed to have a CPU that's 34% faster on average compared to the Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Specifically for AI tasks, the tensor processing unit (TPU) is up to 60% more powerful. Overall, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will perform better than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold on a consistent basis thanks to these hardware changes.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold gets big boost in battery capacity, up to 5,015mAh, making it the largest battery yet in a Pixel foldable. The budget Pixel 9a still beats it by a small margin though, thanks to its 5,100mAh battery. The phone also comes with inbuilt magnets for Qi2 charging and connection with new "Pixelsnap" accessories. It'll improve wireless charging speeds to 15W across the board with any Qi2-certified charger.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 4,650mAh battery, and it delivered above-average battery life for a folding phone in our tensing. With the power-efficiency enhancements to Tensor G5 and a larger battery, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could easily have the best battery life of any Pixel yet.

The cameras on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold were disappointing since they were mostly the same sensors lifted from the Pixel Fold, with the only tweaks being software-related. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold continues this trend, as you get the same 48MP main camera, 10.8MP telephoto camera, and 10.5MP ultrawide camera as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The 5x optical zoom level is still competitive in 2025, but the resolution and sensor hardware could be improved.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Software

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold ships with Android 16, just like the rest of the 10 series. Along with this, the 10 Pro Fold will also get seven years of software updates, which include OS upgrades and security patches. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold launched with Android 14 and will be getting the same number of years of updates, but the 10 Pro Fold should outlast the 9 Pro Fold by two Android versions.

There are also exclusive AI features offered with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, like Magic Cue and Camera Coach. Magic Cue tries to lend a helping hand before you even need to ask, surfacing bits of information needed to complete your task. For example, it might show you travel details and confirmation numbers when you're on the phone with your airline. Meanwhile, Camera Coach will give you situational tips to help you get the perfect shot.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold debuted new features like Add Me and Video Boost, which will come to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold too, along with the new exclusives.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Which one should you buy?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold picks up right where the 9 Pro Fold left off, automatically making it the one to pick over the 9 Pro Fold. Since Google managed to keep the pricing the same, the 10 Pro Fold is even more attractive than last year's model, and potentially even more than the very expensive Galaxy Z Fold 7.

While the upgrades might not look like much, they're impactful. They directly address shortcomings we've identified with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The newer version is more powerful and more durable, with more battery life and faster magnetic Qi2 charging.

I don't see any reason to get the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in 2025 now that the new model is out. If you already own one and are not happy with the cameras or need better dust protection, you should think about trading it in for the newer model if you're getting a good deal.

After Google surprised us all with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the company proved that it was capable of releasing a foldable worthy of being ranked among the best. With the next Made by Google event set for August 20 and Galaxy Unpacked behind us, our attention now turns to see what the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will offer.

Of course, this won't be the only device announced at the event, as Google's entire flagship phone lineup is likely to see a refresh. And perhaps we'll even see a new Pixel Watch along with some new smart home hardware. Given that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has arrived, it begs the question of whether you should wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or not.

What changes do we expect for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold?

Before we can make a suggestion, one way or another, we need to put the cards out on the table. Thankfully, leaks and rumors have given us a pretty good indication of what to expect, provided that they ring true. With that, here's a quick rundown of what the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to bring:

• Slightly larger and brighter cover display (6.3-inch/2,700 nits vs. 6.4-inch/3,000 nits).
• The inner screen remains the same, with a potential bump in peak brightness.
• Google Tensor G5 replaces the Tensor G4, potentially with 16GB of RAM.
• Battery size rumored to increase to ~5,000mAh, and leaks suggest Qi2 compatibility with faster 15W wireless charging.
• It could be the first foldable with an IP68 rating.
• Minimal, if any, camera hardware changes are rumored.

If the rumors prove true, we're in store for three major upgrades with the Pixel 10 Fold. And at least one of them comes as a huge surprise, especially given the recent slew of new foldable phones that have been released from Samsung, Honor, and Vivo.

3 reasons to wait

The first of which is the most obvious, with Google expected to introduce its Tensor G5. This will be the first Tensor chip to come from the TSMC factory, as opposed to previous generations that Samsung built.

The G5 is also likely to be built on the 3nm process, introducing a wave of performance, efficiency, and AI improvements over the Tensor G4. According to leaked Geekbench results, we're likely looking at performance in line with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. And while that might sound disappointing, it's a massive step up from the Tensor G4, which even fell short of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 from 2023.

So, while it might seem disappointing that the Tensor G5 won't be able to match up with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, this is still an incredible upgrade over the previous iteration. Plus, the improved efficiency will pair quite nicely with the rumored battery upgrade for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Battery life wasn't awful on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold; in fact, I'd say it was pretty darn good for a foldable phone. Apparently, Google still wasn't satisfied, and it appears as though the 10 Pro Fold could be equipped with a 5,015mAh cell.

This marks about a 7% increase over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and is almost 14% larger than that of the 4,400mAh battery in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It still doesn't quite match up to the Honor Magic V5 (6,100mAh), Vivo X Fold 5 (6,000mAh), or Oppo Find N5 (5,600mAh), but those all use the new silicon-carbon battery technology, whereas Google has stuck with a traditional Li-Po battery.

However, the last major upgrade rumored for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is arguably the most important and impressive of the bunch. Recent rumors claim that Google's next foldable will be the first foldable phone to feature an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

Up to this point, the best we've seen is an IP48 rating for the Fold 7 and Razr Ultra 2025. Before that, the "standard" for foldable phones was an IPX8 rating, meaning that there was no dust protection. However, if Google can pull this off, we'd finally have a foldable phone that is fully protected against dust, managing to get in and wreak havoc.

And as a result, it might pave the way for more people to consider foldable phones in the future. One of the primary concerns with these devices is durability, and an IP68 rating would definitely help in a big way to ease those concerns.

One reason why you might want to stand pat

Google set a massive bar with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, not only for itself but also for the competition, as it was drastically different from the original Pixel Fold. However, those hoping for a similar shift with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be disappointed as indications are that the 9 Pro Fold and 10 Pro Fold look almost identical.

That extends to the camera hardware, as it appears there may not be many meaningful changes on this front. For anyone looking for major camera upgrades, you might be disappointed.

This is the same complaint that I had with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which didn't share the same sensors as the 9 Pro XL. At the time, Google said this was due to trying to keep the Fold as thin as possible. While rumors suggest the Pixel 10 Pro series won't be seeing any upgrades either, I would've expected at least one of the cameras to be upgraded on the Fold.

One more thing

There's one more important factor to consider if you're trying to decide if you should wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold: price. The newly-launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 is $2,000, and rumors suggest price increases are coming to much of the Pixel 10 lineup.

However, those same rumors also claim that Google is considering dropping the price for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The current iteration retails for $1,799, but is often on sale for much less. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could come in at $1,599, matching that of the Honor Magic V5's price if you were to import one.

Provided that the price reduction comes to fruition, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is going to be even more enticing than before. Better performance, bigger battery, lower price, AND an IP68 rating? Yeah, I would definitely wait just a little bit longer for Google's official unveiling of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

What you need to know

• Google's latest software update for Pixel phones (Pixel 6a to Pixel 9 series) is now rolling out, featuring the newest security patch and bug fixes.
• The update addresses issues like smoother visual experiences in Android Auto and improves Wi-Fi connectivity stability.
• The firmware also includes rollout for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Tablet.

Google has started rolling out the traditional monthly software update for its Pixel phones. The July update has started rolling out to users from Tuesday (July 8), which includes the latest security patch and a couple of bug fixes and improvements.

The latest firmware comes with a BP2A.250705.008 version number, and the supported Pixel phones range from Pixel 6a all the way up to the recent Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Plus, the Pixel Tablet as well.

Some of the aforementioned devices have gained fixes that would improve smoother visual experiences in apps like Android Auto. And, Wi-Fi connectivity stability and performance in certain conditions are also addressed with the latest firmware.

Android 16 and Pixel 10 series incoming

On the other hand, Google is prepping for Android 16 stable release, likely coming this fall, and the search giant has recently rolled out Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 — a follow-up to the more recent QPR1 Beta 2. It came in as an incremental update that featured some minor issues that beta testers were facing.

These issues comprise problems like the "approve" button not popping up in the Device Admin settings, and lock screen sounds playing even when disabled. These seem to have been fixed with the latest beta. Alongside the fixes, the beta 2.1 has also brought in the latest June security devices for the Pixel 6a and above, including the Pixel 9 series.

Users have to remember that it is still the beta release, and some bugs may still persist — all of which are likely covered by the time Google comes with the stable Android 16 release, which may be right alongside the Pixel 10 series models.

The lineup seems to be solid again this time with models including Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• A recent report by CounterPoint Research indicated that Google's latest foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, seems to be pushing sales for the company in Europe by 265%.
• Samsung still takes first place; however, it saw a 24% dip in sales, while Motorola overtook Honor to become the second-largest smartphone vendor in Europe.
• The overall foldable market in Europe grew by only 4% in Q1, accounting for 1.5% of the total smartphone sales in the region.
• Google, TECNO, and Xiaomi saw growth in this segment following the launch of their new devices.

Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold has pushed the tech giant to become one of Europe's fastest-growing foldables, according to a new report by CounterPoint Research. The firm released a comprehensive report discussing the region's foldable scene.

It stated that the overall foldable market experienced only a 4% growth this quarter, accounting for 1.5% of total smartphone sales in Europe. CounterPoint Research's associate director, Jan Stryjak, said that this could be a worrying sign, as foldables are still very expensive and may hinder increased adoption.

"Despite all the attention new foldable devices receive, they are still too expensive for mass-market appeal. Further, most consumers are still not sure what a foldable phone is for, and many still have concerns about the durability and longevity of the devices," Stryjak added.

Breaking things down, CounterPoint Research noted that despite Samsung leading the table, it saw a 24% drop in sales in Q1 this year. This decrease in sales can be attributed to waning interest in Samsung's phones, which have failed to compete with other popular models on the market.

Meanwhile, Motorola overtook Honor for second place and saw a 58% increase in sales this quarter, thanks to the Motorola Razr 2024 series.

The firm notes that Google, TECNO, and Xiaomi all "saw robust growth over the year following the launches of some impressive devices, some also at more attractive price points."

TECNO and Google became the fastest-growing foldable OEMs, with 336% and 265% growth, respectively, contributing 8% to the overall foldable market. While Google's growth was attributed to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, TECNO saw a boost thanks to its relatively affordable Phantom V Fold 2.

On the other end, OPPO saw the highest percentage (63%) of decline in sales, and accounted for only 4% of overall sales in the segment.

The firm also suggested that Samsung needs to get more innovative if it wants to appeal to consumers in this specific segment. It states that "Samsung has taken note, teasing the launch of an Ultra variant of its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 series. This will hopefully give the segment the shot in the arm it needs," Stryjak added.

Samsung is expected to launch the next line of foldables sometime in July this year, and recent rumors indicate that the next Unpacked event will be held in New York.

For more news and information on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.

If you're in need of a good Google Pixel phone deal and you want to be on the cutting edge of foldable technology, I've got some good news. Right now, you can get 17% off the expensive Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold during Amazon's Memorial Day sale, marking a $300 discount on the $1,000-plus phone. That's the same discount that the premium foldable received during the Black Friday sales last fall!

We loved the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold upon its release, especially because of its vivid, good-looking, 8-inch AMOLED display, its range of cameras, and its impressive battery life. The only major problem we had with the phone was its price, but thanks to this Memorial Day discount, purchasing the 9 Pro Fold is a much easier pill to swallow.

• Amazon just launched its Memorial Day sale early — I found the 20 deals that no Android user should miss

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a good deal on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold; you want a large, bright foldable display; battery life is a major selling point for you when it comes to buying a phone.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a phone that supports the use of a stylus; you'd rather go with something that has a sub-$1,000 price point; you don't want a foldable phone.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a powerful, AI-boosted foldable phone that's received high marks all across the board, despite the high price tag. Nevertheless, users love the Fold's 8-inch AMOLED Super Actua Flex display, its impressively long battery life, and the wide range of Pixel features.

With such a large screen, this Pixel's inclusion of split-screen multitasking was also a major plus, though we would have liked to see it released with support for a stylus. Nonetheless, it also sports a pretty great suite of cameras, Gemini Advanced AI features with a Google One Premium plan, and it's the thinnest foldable phone out there, much to the delight of those who like a lightweight device. It's worth noting that support for wireless charging stands is hit or miss with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and that it's still pretty expensive, even with $300 off.

Still, if you're a Pixel fan who's been waiting for the right opportunity to try a foldable, this could be the deal for you.

Even before the dust had settled from the Google I/O 2025 Keynote, I discovered that I could download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta, before stable Android 16 even hits phones. I was actually kind of surprised, simply because there's usually a delay between the end of the event and when the servers go live. Thankfully, that wasn't the case this time around, even if the download itself took quite a while.

Even after Material 3 Expressive was announced during The Android Show, I didn't really have any feelings one way or another. Sure, it was cool to see Google making massive improvements, but I just figured it would result in subtle tweaks to the UI.

Boy, was I wrong.

Big changes (and some bugs) right out of the gate

It doesn't take long to see any changes, as they're immediately apparent right when the phone finishes rebooting. Upon noticing that, I did something that I haven't done in a couple of years: I stopped doing what I was doing and explored the software.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 feels almost completely different from the Android 16 Beta 4.1 build that I was using prior. For one, I'm a big fan of the font change. There's just something about it that's nice to look at, and it fits well with the rest of the interface.

Customization is front and center, and it all starts with the Wallpaper & Style settings. This interface has received a much-needed facelift, and Google absolutely nailed it.

It didn't take long to be reminded that I was using beta software, as I've already encountered a couple of bugs.

The first is that I seem to be missing a couple of the Home Screen layout options. I can only choose either "Small" or "Medium," but I am apparently missing "Large" and "XL." The other bug that I found was when I was trying to pick a wallpaper from a Google Photos album.

Several times, I would pick a wallpaper and decide against it only after seeing the preview. And while it technically took me to the previous page, the Photo Picker and "Wallpaper" screens would get combined. Instead of messing around with it more, I just ended up going into the Photos app and setting the wallpaper from there.

No Desktop Mode (yet), but there's something else

Next, I jumped into the Settings app, as one does, to try and see if Desktop Mode was available. However, I was immediately thrown off by the colorful icons that now appear alongside each of the primary settings pages. No, it's not a big deal, but it was unexpected and something else I would rather enjoy.

Unfortunately, my hopes for Desktop Mode with QPR1 Beta 1 were dashed. After double-checking the Developer Options and coming up empty, I decided to just plug the Pixel 9 Pro Fold into an external monitor. Sadly, all I had was the option to mirror the screen, which is the same behavior as previous Android builds.

While disappointing, another surprise greeted me when I opened the app switcher. Each app has its own label in the top left corner of the preview window, but when you tap that, you're presented with a drop-down context menu.

From here, you have a few options, such as using it in split screen mode, taking a screenshot, or selecting objects and text to copy, share, save, or look up with Google Lens. It's yet again, another one of those changes that I didn't expect, but am happy to see.

More surprises

I spent a little while longer diving through menus and seeing what looked different, what was new. At one point, I accidentally activated Gemini, only to be greeted with two new buttons above the Gemini bar — Share screen with Live and Ask about screen.

You just have to grant access to either "Share entire screen" or "Share one app". Once granted, you'll see a menu appear at the top of the screen that looks like you're on a phone call. But from here, just start asking questions, and Gemini will help you out.

Lastly, I noticed that the Quick Tiles in the Notification Shade were also updated, but it turns out there's more to it. Android Central managing editor Derrek Lee informed me that the Tiles are resizable, so you can have four toggles in a row instead of just two. That's something he's very excited about.

I did try to see if it would let me adjust the size of one toggle so it would span an entire row, but no dice. Seeing as this is just Beta 1, maybe Google will make that possible with a future update.

Unexpected feelings

Whenever a company releases a new software version, most of the time, I just keep an eye out for any feature additions or changes. That was the mindset that I went into I/O 2025 with, but as luck would have it, I'm coming out on the other side feeling completely different.

I think Google is making the right design choices, putting even more of a focus on personalizing your device. There's nothing more personal than your phone, and I'm happy to see Android 16 embrace that idea with Material 3 Expressive. Now, I just have to hope that Desktop Mode will show up sooner rather than later.

Foldable phones still come with a cool factor, even though they've become a staple of the Android smartphone world. It's easy to look at book-style foldables, like the Oppo Find N5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as the premium option, with clamshell foldables serving as the more affordable entry into the market. When I first got into the foldable space, that's exactly what I thought.

My first purchase was the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, and I quickly upgraded to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 as soon as I could afford it. Bigger must be better, and the more expensive one must be the best one, right? A few years later, after spending extended time with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 in my pocket, I can't believe how wrong I was.

No matter how much I want to love having a giant foldable in my pocket, I just don't end up using it. The cover screen gets used about 90% of the time, and the 10% that I use the large main screen ends up feeling like a chore. Neither option is as ergonomically sound as, say, using a clamshell foldable or a normal flagship.

All these experiences added up over years testing foldables. Eventually, they came to a head when I took my main SIM out of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (my then-daily driver) to test the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and the Pixel 9a. After a few weeks without the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I simply realized I didn't want to go back. Here's why.

Everything book-style foldables get wrong (and right)

It's objectively true that book-style foldables offer more screen real estate than typical flagships and clamshells. However, whether that extra space will be useful to you will depend on what exactly you plan to do with it. I hoped to use my assortment of large foldables — including two generations each of Galaxy Z Fold and Pixel Fold models — for superior media consumption. In theory, everything from movies to YouTube videos should pop.

This led to my biggest let-down of using foldables. Due to the widescreen nature of most long-form video, using a Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Galaxy Z Fold 6 didn't make my content that much larger, as you can see in the photo above. The average video on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold is just marginally bigger than what you'd get from a standard Pixel 9 Pro XL. Of course, you can crop in, but you'll lose a massive chunk of content — it becomes borderline unenjoyable.

So, the big-screen foldables weren't the content-consumption powerhouses I had hoped. What about other use cases that should benefit from a larger screen, like productivity and gaming? They were similarly underwhelming.

Both the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 suffered from odd aspect ratios and poor user interfaces, and typing is specifically difficult on the Pixel's wide form factor. Productivity apps aren't truly tapping into the big screens on large foldables, and Chrome still refuses to load many websites in true desktop mode. You could make the case that it should do this by default when the main screen is opened, like how it works on an iPad mini.

I will say that the excellent productivity feature on both the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is opening two apps in split-screen mode. You can do this on many Android phones, but doing so on a large foldable with the main screen open effectively gives you two separate windows the size of the cover screen. It's amazing for times when you need to view multiple screens or apps at the same time to work.

That said, gaming was largely disappointing for me for a few reasons. On a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it's clear that the Tensor G4 chip inside is holding the device back. Games like Fortnite, which can run on something as lowly as a Nintendo Switch, struggle to hit decent frame rates with subpar graphics. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a much better performer, but still requires a separate controller to be great.

Not for lack of trying, I can't find a "killer" feature" of big foldables that makes me want to carry one daily.

Book foldables are jacks of all trades, master of none

It's clear that book-style foldables, like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are what we call a "jack of all trades." They can be a normal phone when you need them to be, and a tablet when you want a bigger screen. They make calls, handle spreadsheets, take photos, and can even play some games.

However, they're not excellent at any of those things. After using both for months at a time, I'm convinced the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold — and big foldables in general — are jacks of all trades, but masters of none.

I've tried to make large foldables fit into my life and workflow for three full years, starting on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4's release date. Now, I'm certain that I would rather have the right device for the task at hand than one that tries to do it all in a way that's just fine.

You can buy a new Google Pixel 9, a new Pixel Tablet, and a new Steam Deck for the same price or less than a Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold at retail, and I'd absolutely choose those three excellent products over a foldable. While I might give clamshell foldables another shot in the near future, I think it's safe to say that I'm done using a book-style foldable as my daily driver.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was the first book-style foldable to try slimming down for the U.S. market, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 continues that trend. Samsung's latest foldable now weighs less than a typical flagship and is massively thinner than the prior generation. It's also equipped with a high-end Qualcomm chipset, a 200MP camera, and other perks.

It comes with a price hike, too, making the cheaper Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold potentially more attractive. Although the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is due to be replaced soon, it's still an excellent Android foldable that will only get more affordable with discounts and promotions. Let's dive in and see how these two phones compare!

For more news and information on Samsung’s latest foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Pricing and availability

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was revealed at a Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, making the flagship foldable official. It's available for pre-order starting now, and is looking at a July 25 release date later this month. Aside from new features, Samsung is also giving the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a price hike: it costs $1,999 in the U.S.

That's for the base model, which comes with 256GB of storage. You can upgrade to a 512GB or 1TB model at a higher price, and there are multiple colorways to choose from. Silver Shadow, Blue Shadow, and Jetblack are available wherever the phone is sold, whereas Mint is a Samsung online exclusive.

Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was released in Fall 2024 at a starting price of $1,799. You can get it in either 256GB or 512GB storage configurations, and in Porcelain or Obsidian colorways. We'll likely see more Pixel 9 Pro Fold deals and discounts as the phone gets older.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Design and hardware

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's design and displays might not look like a major visual departure from the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but there's more than meets the eye here. For starters, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers two new OLED panels that are bigger than those on the previous model. The main, foldable screen is an 8.-inch AMOLED 2X panel this year, with 2,600 nits of peak brightness. The cover screen is a wider, 6.5-inch display with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

It's also the thinnest Samsung foldable ever, measuring 8.9mm when folded. That's 26% slimmer than the prior generation, making it thinner than even the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which measures 10.5mm thick when shut. The standout feature here is really the phone's weight, though. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 weighs just 215 grams, and that's significantly lighter than the 257-gram Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features the same size inner screen — it's an OLED, LTPO panel supporting variable refresh rates between 1 and 120Hz. The panel is bright, supporting up to 2,700 nits peak brightness. On the outside, you get a similar 6.3-inch OLED cover screen, but this time with variable refresh rates ranging from 60 to 120Hz.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a sleek design with flat side rails and curved corners, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 7 retains its boxy, rectangular design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Hardware and specs

On the inside, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and 16GB of RAM. That's more memory than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers, as it sticks with 12GB. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset — the most powerful mobile platform for Android. That should ensure that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 handily beats the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in gaming and general performance.

Samsung didn't change the Galaxy Z Fold 7's charging or battery specifications, so there's still only a 4,400mAh capacity here. As a result, it tops out at a 25W wired charging speed. Both figures are less than what the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers, with 45W wired charging speeds and a 4,650mAh capacity.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Cameras

For the first time in a while, Samsung upgraded the main camera sensor on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It's the same 200MP main sensor found on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition launched in China and Korea. This will produce better photos, but it's joined by the same 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto lens as the current Galaxy Z Fold 6. The latter enables 3x optical zoom.

How does that stack up against the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cameras? Google's foldable device offers a 48MP primary camera, paired with a 10.5MP ultrawide lens and a 10.8MP telephoto lens. That telephoto lens notably offers 5x optical zoom, which is more than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to offer. While the 48MP primary camera may sound inferior to the 200MP camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, sensor size and other specifications will help determine which one is truly the best.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Which one should you buy?

Samsung built on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in several key areas with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making it a more well-rounded package. The phone includes a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, bigger main and cover screens, and a new main camera sensor. Now, it's the Galaxy Z Fold that's thinner than the Pixel Fold, where it was previously the other way around.

This phone is certainly better equipped to beat the Pixel 9 Pro Fold than its predecessor, but the price tag will give prospective buyers pause. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expensive, and people who'd rather save a few bucks can grab the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at prices that are easier to stomach.

For as long as I can remember, I've almost never left the house without having (at least) two phones on me. Part of that is just the nature of the beast when you write about smartphones for a living. However, I was dual-carrying phones long before I began writing full-time.

Occasionally, I would stick to just one phone, leaving the other behind, whether it was for a special occasion or just a quick trip to the store. However, after Apple had the "courage" to drop the SIM card tray, the days of popping out the SIM from one phone and using it in another have long been gone. And given the headaches that accompany trying to get my carrier to transfer an eSIM from one phone to another, I wasn't sure if I would ever return to being "normal."

All that changed after my 15-month-old son decided that he was going to take an opportunity to try out for the Orioles. One moment, I'm walking down the hallway with him in one arm and my iPhone in the other, to turn off the lights in his room. The next thing I know, my phone was a good ten feet away from me, face down, with my son nuzzling his head into my shoulder.

Just like that, I was making an appointment at Best Buy to put my AppleCare Plus subscription to use. The first hiccup was that I needed to leave my phone there overnight, which also meant that I couldn't approve any of the 2FA requests needed to access my Verizon account from another device. It didn't seem like that big of a deal, as the Verizon store was in the next shopping center.

Almost two hours later, I was finally able to leave Verizon with my phone number activated on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. In that time, the sales rep tried everything they could to get my eSIM transferred from the iPhone to the Fold 6. At one point, they even got their manager involved, only to come away empty-handed. It turns out that the only thing that worked was activating and inserting a physical SIM card.

Since then, I've been daily carrying just the Fold 6, and it's actually been a bit liberating. For one, my pockets are lighter, as I'm no longer carrying around an extra pound (literally 1.027 pounds). But there's also just something nice about not needing to worry about where I might have put one of my phones, or trying to decide which phone I should use to accomplish a certain task.

And while I do occasionally miss using my iPhone, it's been almost a month since "the incident," and I haven't felt the urge to actually go through another potential ordeal. I quite enjoy the idea of being able to just pop my SIM card out of the Fold 6 and into the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. There's no need to log into my Verizon account, get on the phone with customer service, or head into a local store. Whenever I'm ready to, it'll take maybe 5 minutes, and I'll be on my merry way.

I wish I could sit here and tell you what kind of problems prevented the eSIM from being activated on the Fold 6, but neither the Verizon rep nor their manager could figure it out. For all I know, it could have just been a random glitch that happened to occur at the right moment. Maybe it's the universe's way of telling me that I don't need an iPhone *he said, tongue in cheek.*

What's weird is that I haven't run into these kinds of problems when moving eSIMs from carriers like Mint Mobile or Visible to other devices. Instead, I only ever deal with issues when it comes to the Verizon eSIM housing my personal mobile number. This leads me to believe it's something on Verizon's end, which also wouldn't come as a shock given how difficult carriers have made it to switch devices.

No matter what the reason is, it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. This isn't a "redemption story" for eSIM, but instead just further proves that it's not as perfect a solution as we'd be led to believe. It's not like I was trying to activate an eSIM on the first phone to include support for the technology; it's a phone that not only costs an arm and a leg, but is also not even a year old yet.

While we regularly see many of the best Android phones follow in Apple's footsteps, this is one area that I'm thankful they haven't. And frankly, I hope the day of an eSIM-only Android phone never comes.

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Foldable phones aren’t cheap. They’re among the most premium, most expensive phones you can buy. But if you’ll make use of all its features and want to flex to your friends that you have one, there are many good options to consider. Two are the OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Both are great foldables, but they differ in ways that could help you decide between them.

OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The design and basics

If you loved the OnePlus Open, you’ll be delighted with the OPPO Find N5, which serves as its successor. But before diving further into what makes this phone so great, it’s important to note the elephant in the room: it likely isn’t coming to North America. With that said, if you live elsewhere or can somehow get your hands on one, you’ll want to consider it.

Available in either black or a white pearlescent finish, it has a 6.62-inch outer screen that boasts 2,480 x 2,248-pixel resolution and an inner unfolded screen that’s a colossal 8.12 inches with 2,616 x 1,140-pixel resolution. The outer screen offers 2,100 nits peak brightness and 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and the inner 2,450 nits peak brightness and the same adaptive refresh rate.

But what really makes this foldable stand out is that it’s the thinnest foldable you can find today, measuring a mere 8.93mm when folded and 4.21mm when unfolded. In his review, Harish Jonnalagadda says that because it’s so thin, you almost forget it’s not a regular, non-foldable phone.

When it comes to the screen, he loves the color vibrancy, which boasts Dolby Vision and HDR10+, describing it as “among the best of any foldable I’ve used.” There’s also eye comfort tone to help reduce eye strain, especially in dark settings, along with 2,160PMW comfortable dimming for low-light environments. There’s even a bedtime mode that can reduce blue light.

Encased in an Armor Shield housing, the OPPO Find N5 has a nanocrystal glass outer screen and UTG on the inner screen with dual layers of anti-impact films. It opens and closes using a 3D-printed titanium alloy Flexion hinge with a reduced crease that is virtually imperceptible when the phone is unfolded, says Jonnalagadda. Speaking of folding and unfolding, it can lock at any angle between 50° and 150°, which is super convenient.

While, like most foldables, this phone isn’t rated for protection against dust, it does sport impressive water-resistant ratings, including IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9, the latter of which is the highest you can get to ensure durability against not only water submersion, but even high-pressure jets.

The OPPO Find N5 runs ColorOS, which is based on Android, and comes with only one storage option of 512GB. It has a massive 5,600mAh OPPO Silicon-carbon battery that affords all-day use. This can equate to up to 25 hours of continuous video streaming or 8.6 hours of Zoom meetings (though who wants to do that?).

In his tests, Jonnalagadda confirms that the OPPO Find N5 lasts longer than any other foldable phone he has tested to date, up to a full day even with heavy use. Thanks to ultra-fast 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging and incredibly speedy 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging (with compatible chargers), it’s back up and running in no time as well.

You’ll get five Android platform updates and six years of security updates, decent protection for your investment. Indeed, this phone doesn’t come cheap. Then again, no foldable does.

Now, let’s consider how the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which was introduced in September 2024, compares. It comes in the usual Google finish flavors, Obsidian and Porcelain. The outer screen measures a slightly smaller 6.3 inches with a lesser 2,424 x 1,080 resolution and a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. You’ll get up to 2,700 nits brightness, though.

The inner screen once unfolded is 8 inches, a smidge smaller, with a smaller 2,152 x 2,016 resolution, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and up to 2,900 nits brightness. So, while the screens on this phone aren’t as high resolution (though likely via an imperceptible difference), they are ultra vibrant and bright, by comparison.

What’s worth noting is that while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not as thin nor as lightweight as the OPPO Find N5, it’s really only a few hairs (millimeters) thicker when both folded and unfolded, so it’s not a completely night and day experience. This is still a really slim phone.

Constructed with a satin metal frame with matte glass and a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen, it also sports a durable hinge made of multi-alloy steel with an aerospace-grade high-strength aluminum alloy cover. In his review, Andrew Myrick says he finds the phone slippery to hold without a case. You’ll want one anyway, though he does admit that it’s stunning in the looks department.

There’s standard water-resistance protection with an IPX8 rating. That’s nothing to discount, but it isn’t quite as durable as the OPPO Find N5 in this department. The phone comes with the option of 256GB or 512GB storage.

In terms of the battery, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a smaller 4,650mAh battery, though Google still rates it as being able to last all day. You can also leverage Extreme Battery Saver mode to get up to 72 hours of use per charge. Once ready to charge, it is compatible with 45W USB-C charging (charger sold separately) as well as wireless charging through Qi. Myrick says battery life was better than he expected, and he loves the option for wireless charging when using a MagSafe case. Just make sure to find a case with the proper alignment, which rules out the Pixel Stand V2.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs Android 14 but it comes with seven years of OS and security updates, giving you even more peace of mind that you can use the phone for many years to come.

OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The specs

Let’s look at the specs of these two phones in a side-by-side comparison.

OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Usability and features

So, we have established that both these phones are beautifully designed with bright screens, wonderful folding capabilities, and ultra-thin designs. Now, it comes down to how they function with day-to-day use and what they can do.

The OPPO Find N5 runs on the ColorOS, which is based on Android 15. It also has a trinity engine and generous 16GB RAM, so it will keep up with all your multitasking needs, videos, gaming, and more. It uses a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and Jonnalagadda finds that it runs just as well as other premium phones that have this same processor. There was some throttling, however, so it doesn’t live up to the same thermal thresholds.

Phones nowadays are all about the AI experience, and the OPPO Find N5 delivers the full Google Gemini experience, with features like AI Translate, dual-screen interpreter, AI Assistant for documents, AI call summaries, and Circle to Search.

There are a few neat stand-out features with this phone. This includes a 360° surround, AI-driven adaptive antenna system that can apparently adjust the signal based on how you hold the phone. In comparing it to other phones he has recently tested, Jonnalagadda says the OPPO Fins N5 affords reliable connectivity, so perhaps this technology really does work.

By downloading the O+ Connect app to your Mac, you can also enable a Mac Remote feature. Once connected, use the phone to search, access, edit, and sync files on your Mac remotely. There are also useful features like split and boundless views. All your files are protected as well thanks to theft protection and delete file encryption.

Not surprisingly, the AI experience is top-notch with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Running Android 14 out of the box (though you can update to Android 15 now) with a Google Tensor 4 chip, it has the same 16GB RAM, which will delight heavy users and mobile gamers.

Google AI is fully integrated into the experience, from the Google AI assistant to features like summarizing e-mails, Circle to Search, Google Translate, and, of course, Google Gemini for assisting in just about anything you are doing, want to do, or are starting to plan to do. In fact, you can take the experience a step further since a purchase of the phone comes with a one-year subscription to Gemini Advanced to try out everything it has to offer.

The Google AI experience, Myrick notes, is virtually identical to what you’ll get in other new Pixel phones in terms of capabilities, features, and limitations. Indeed, it sort of works sometimes and doesn’t at others. But this is true for any phone with Gemini, not just this one.

There are some other unique features worth mentioning with this phone, too. Leverage the split screen feature to use two apps side by side. You can drag and drop items from one app to another. There’s also a feature that can automatically detect and filter spam calls. With the Titan M2 security chip and built-in VPN, you can also be assured that your personal data is protected.

OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: How do the camera compare?

Who doesn’t take photos from their phones nowadays? With foldable phones affording even more convenient ways to take images, essentially with their own built-in tripods, you’ll want to know which phone yields the better turnout.

The OPPO Find N5 has a camera system that was co-developed with Hasselblad, which already tells you that there are pretty solid cameras built into this device. This triple-camera system includes a 50MP HyperTone wide-angle lens with OIS, a 50MP Samsung telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and an 8MP wide-angle. For the front, it’s another 8MP camera.

Since the camera bump protrudes quite a bit from the back, Jonnalagadda says you will find that there’s a slight wobble when you try to take pics with the unfolded phone resting on a table or other flat surface.

Enjoy tons of AI camera shooting features, including AI telescope zoom, telephoto macro camera, LivePhoto, portrait mode, soft light portrait, and new film style. There’s even an option to add a personalized watermark to your images. For AI editing, use features like AI Clarity Enhancer, AI Eraser, AI Unblur, and AI Reflection Remover. With the FlexForm camera, you can use the rear cameras to take selfies from different angles, like a high-res selfie or waist-level framing.

Jonnalagadda was thoroughly impressed with the cameras in this phone, calling the images he was able to take in daylight “outstanding,” highlighting the wonderful dynamic range and white balance. They deliver natural colors with no aggressive smoothing or oversaturation. Even macro photos turned out great. The only weak point, he feels, is the wide-angle lens, though he admits it still takes decent photos.

The cameras in the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold are similar in comparison, based on specs. You get a 48MP main wide-angle camera along with a 10.5MP ultra-wide lens with Macro focus, 10.8MP rear, 10MP cover, and a 10MP camera inside. There’s also 5x telephoto zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom so you can get up close and personal with subjects that might be far away, from birds to your kid’s amazing goal at the soccer game.

Myrick finds that photos are hit-and-miss with the cameras in this phone, largely dependent on the scenario and conditions in which you’re trying to shoot.

Google really hits it out of the park with fun and useful photo features, though. There’s the option to use the rear camera for a front screen preview of an image you’re about to take. Parents will love Made You Look, which displays fun pics to make kids laugh or smile so you get the perfect shot. Myrick found that the feature works incredibly well, especially with his fidgety 8-month-old. Leverage tabletop mode to take timed group shots, timelapse, astro photos and more. You can even just say “Hey Google, take a photo” and it will.

The pièce de résistance is Add Me, which allows the photographer to add themselves to a group photo after the fact so that no one is left out. Best Take is another fan favorite, which allows you to combine the best expressions or backgrounds from various burst photos to save the, well, best take. Of course, you also get other great Pixel photo features you know and love from other Pixel devices, like Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, and more.

OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Which should you buy?

We’re not going to lie: when deciding between the OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it’s a tough decision. The one easy deciding factor could simply be availability. If you’re in North America and can’t get your hands on the OPPO Find N5, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a fine foldable that won’t disappoint, and your only choice between the two.

If you have the opportunity to buy either one, this is when it gets murkier. They are both great phones, but the OPPO Find N5 improves in virtually every department, from the screen sizes and resolution to the thinner and more durable design, the larger battery, infinitely faster charging, and better cameras. There’s just that one nagging annoyance that you might not be able to get it.

If you’re looking for the best foldable phone, there are other models to consider as well from Samsung, Motorola, and the aforementioned OnePlus Open which is available in North America. But between these two devices, the OPPO Find N5 is the choice to make if it’s available to you. If not, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still a great foldable with fun features and lots of AI goodies.

The good news is that since the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is guaranteed software support for so long, you can invest now. Once Google follows up with something vastly improved, you can get good trade-in or resale value for this one. Then, upgrade after having enjoyed the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to familiarize yourself with the world of foldable phones.

What you need to know

• Google is likely to reintroduce the “Battery Health” settings page with Android 16 for Pixel devices.
• The page displays battery condition, and capacity, and provides tips for extending battery lifespan.
• Google is also tipped to be working on a new feature for Pixel phones that will recalibrate battery measurements over weeks.

Android 16 beta 2 was released late last week for Pixel device owners, which has been a significant update over the first one, with upgrades to the camera and media settings. New findings now reveal that Google is probably bringing the long-awaited “Battery health” settings page again with the latest beta.

As spotted by 9to5Google and their APK Insights of the Settings Services app bearing version 1.1.0.717462792 — has revealed strings regarding a new Battery Health feature, which was ventured back in 2022 — with Android 13 QPR1. While it didn’t turn up to be live, it appears the search giant is giving it a try again this time with Android 16.

The new page can be found in Pixel phones featuring the latest beta and users can navigate to Settings> Battery> Battery Health — right above the Battery percentage toggle. Going in further showcases the “View battery health status and tips to extend your battery’s lifespan” section.

Right underneath, Pixel phone users will be able to check their battery condition, which shows whether it is normal or not. Battery capacity presumably indicates it's lifespan. If the phone is brand new, it is likely going to show 100%, and it should gradually decrease as the phone is used for longer periods, like a couple of years, for example.

Pixel phone users can further get to know how to take care of their device’s batteries with the help of guides and relevant articles provided in the support tab. Additionally, there is a Charging optimization toggle, which can be enabled.

On the whole, the new inclusion looks to be a significant improvement over the previous spotting in the Android 13 QPR1, notes 9to5. The same added section, previously just featured the support articles on how to take good care of the device’s battery by enabling adaptive charging, and other such suggestions.

The publication has further found out through the APK strings that Google will likely offer a new ability to “improve battery measurements” by bringing in a recalibration process, which will be carried out over weeks. Post which, the battery capacity status will likely be updated. If at all users see a decline in the status, they might perceive their battery lasting “less time between charges.”

It is encouraging to have the feature in the works, which can turn out to be quite useful for Pixel owners if it rolls out via the Android 16 stable release.

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What you need to know

• Google Pixel phones may soon remind users to enable Wi-Fi calling if it is not already enabled.
• The notification feature was spotted in an APK teardown for the Adaptive Connectivity Services app.
• The update carrying the feature could be released in a couple of weeks or months, as it still appears to be in the testing phase.

Pixel phones, along with other Android phones, have incorporated a Wi-Fi calling feature for over a couple of years now. It works in conjunction with the device's carrier to ensure users have a smoother calling experience. Pixel phones, however, may soon remind users to enable the feature if it is not enabled already.

The feature was spotted in an APK teardown performed by folks at Android Authority for the Adaptive Connectivity Services app bearing version p.2025.01. Based on identified strings in the app's backend, Google could soon notify Pixel owners to enable Wi-Fi calling.

The notification description further reads, "Turn on Wi-Fi calling to talk and text in places where the mobile network isn't as strong." The publication further notes that it is still unclear whether Google would send users the notification only when Wi-Fi calling is disabled or when it detects that the user is in a poor or no network area. Either way, users will soon see a "turn on" pop-up with the new notification and also can "dismiss" it.

Users who are new to Pixel phones and not so tech-savvy might find the new notification quite useful. However, not all Pixel phones in all regions support the Wi-Fi calling feature, since it is highly dependent on the respective carriers and Google itself; that's one thing to keep in mind.

If you own a Google Pixel 9 series phone or any other Pixel phone that supports the Wi-Fi calling feature, it could soon come to your handset via the aforementioned app update, which could be in a couple of weeks or months, as it still appears to be in the testing phase. We recommend you stay up to date with the Adaptive Connectivity Services app version to notice the new, nifty notification feature.

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Have you ever tried taking the yearly holiday family picture, only to realize that none of the kids are looking at the camera after the fact? It's incredibly frustrating, but foldable phones like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have a unique advantage with features like Made You Look.

Google wasn't the first company to implement such a feature, as Motorola has a similar feature called "Camera Cartoon" on phones like the Razr Plus 2024. It's one of the benefits of having a foldable phone with an external display, and we couldn't be happier to see Made You Look make its debut on Google's 2024 flagship foldable.

How to use Made You Look on the Google Pixel Fold

1. Unfold your phone and open the Camera app.

2. Tap the Switch Screen button.

3. From the pop-out menu, tap Made You Look.

4. Select one of the animations provided.

5. If you want to mute sounds, just tap the Mute button to the right of the selected animation.

6. If you want to switch to a different animation, tap the < button on the character preview.

7. Select the character that you want to use.

8. Tap the Shutter button to take a picture.

There are a couple of limitations when using Made You Look on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While it seems that Google understands how beneficial such a feature can be, the implementation is a bit odd.

When enabling Made You Look, instead of taking advantage of any of the three main cameras, it instead relies on the Cover Screen's 10MP selfie camera. This is rather disappointing to see, as we miss out on the better quality of the higher resolution cameras that are also pointing at the subject.

The next of which is that you are limited to either a 1x or 1.4x zoom when taking photos, which means that you'll need to be able to get closer to the subject than normal.

Coming as a bit less of a surprise, another limitation is that you are unable to use Made You Look if you are recording video. In fact, you aren't able to use this feature with any other Camera modes on your Pixel Fold or 9 Pro Fold.

Made You Look is simply fantastic

There are times when a company includes a feature with a new phone that flies under the radar. Made You Look feels like it falls under that category, especially for those who might not have a need to make sure a little one is actually looking at the camera.

However, if you're on the other side of the fence and understand the frustrations, then you'll appreciate how helpful things like this can be. Now, we can only hope to see seemingly trivial features make their way onto more and more foldable phones in the future.

If you were hoping to stick a foldable phone under the tree this Christmas, you're in luck: the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold just scored a $300 discount at Amazon, and if you order today (December 21st), your shipment will arrive before the 25th. 

This is the same historic price drop that we briefly saw around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, plus Amazon is also including one year of Gemini Advanced features at no additional cost. That means you're getting a bunch of cutting-edge AI software features and a whopping 2TB of storage via Google One for free!

The 'foldable phone for everyone' gets a record-smashing price drop for Christmas

• See Android Central's 2024 holiday gift guide: 20+ deals on phones, tablets, and more

As detailed in our glowing 4.5/5-star review, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes everything that's great about Pixel phones and packs it into a sleek, foldable phone package. You get the super-efficient Tensor G4 processor straight out of the box, plus two vibrant 120Hz displays, seven years of guaranteed OS/security updates, and all of the useful Gemini AI software features you could ever need. As a Pixel device, you can also expect some pretty amazing camera software and battery life. 

If Google would simply allow stylus support, the 9 Pro Fold could easily stand toe-to-toe against the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (also discounted for Christmas, by the way). 

Of course, if you just can't bear the thought of spending 1,500 bucks on a phone (understandable), it's worth mentioning that Amazon is also carving 19% off the base model Pixel 9. That flagship phone features a lot of the same hardware and software features of its foldable sibling, they're just in a smaller package. 

If you pick up this innovative foldable phone for the holidays, don't forget to protect your investment with one of the best Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases! You'll thank me later. 

What you need to know

• Google Pixel Troubleshooting update gets new Device Temperature check feature.
• It allows Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 users to check their device temperatures whenever their devices seem warm to touch.
• The temperature check feature involves relevant color schemes to accurately represent the device's condition.

Some Pixel phones might have a nifty new feature that lets users identify how hot their devices are running directly from their handsets' battery settings.

Google has apparently released a Pixel Troubleshooting app update for its devices, ranging from Pixel 6 to the latest Pixel 9 series, notes 9to5Google. The latest update brings a new "Device temperature" feature, which can be seen in the Battery section of the device Settings.

It sits under the battery diagnostics' "Phone is very warm" section, which earlier showcased settings that keep the device battery optimized. Another way to access the new page is to directly search for "Device temperature" through the Settings app.

Under the Device temperature, users can now find four relevant colors, evidently dubbed Cold, Normal, Warm, and Elevated, indicating the current temperature state of the device.

The new page further indicates that the projected device temperature is according to various internal sensors that the aforementioned Pixel phones already ship with. 9to5 further notes that users can also witness other tips like "To cool down your phone, provide airflow to your phone if possible" and "Use only cases or covers made for your specific phone," among others.

The live device temperature is being rolled out via the Pixel Troubleshooting app bearing the 1.0.693922709 version. Pixel phones include the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and the Pixel 9 series. It has not yet been rolled out to Pixel Tablet. As 9to5 notes, the update was seen running on the devices mentioned above, running on stable Android 15, which was recently rolled out to all compatible Pixel phones.

For the uninitiated, the Pixel Troubleshooting app was introduced last year, and the Pixel 8 was one of the first handsets to receive the feature. It helps users diagnose their battery and network issues, and the new temperature feature is indeed a valuable addition as it eliminates the need for installing third-party apps or devices to measure the device's temperature.

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One of the most common complaints about foldable phones is that they are just too expensive. With Black Friday upon us, there's never been a better time to save big on one of these beasts. For example, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, my current daily driver, is down to its lowest price ever!

Normally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold costs about $1,800, but that price has been slashed by $300, bringing it down to $1,499. While that's for the 256GB model, if you need more storage, you'll be able to save $300 on the 512GB version too!

✅Recommended if: You want one of the most complete foldable phone experiences while saving some money at the same time.

❌Skip this deal if: You want or need a bit more software flexibility in a foldable phone.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes a completely different approach compared to its predecessor. Google ditched the passport-style from the original Pixel Fold in favor of one that's a bit more intuitive.

It starts with the outer screen, which is the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro. This provides a more traditional smartphone experience while the phone is folded, which has been a sticking point for some.

When you unfold the phone, you're presented with a beautiful 8-inch Super Actua Flex display. Combined with the redesign, the inner screen makes for a more comfortable multi-tasking experience, as you can have a full-size app on either side of the screen.

Even if the Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't the phone for you, it's not the only foldable phone on sale for Black Friday. We're also tracking deals for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open, not to mention the variety of deals for flip phones like the Moto Razr Plus.

What you need to know

• iFixit is now selling replacement parts and tools for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a large foldable retailing for $1,799.
• The genuine Pixel 9 Pro Fold main screen costs $1,199, which is the same price as a brand-new iPhone 16 Pro Max and is more expensive than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
• With that being said, other components are available at a more reasonable price, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's batteries.

Google and iFixit have partnered to deliver parts, tools, and repair guides for Pixel phones, and they have finally become available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While the rest of the Google Pixel 9 series received parts, tools, and guides months ago, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold model was the last phone to receive the same treatment. Naturally, parts for the $1,799 foldable were going to be expensive, but we didn't know exactly how pricey they'd be until now.

First spotted by 9to5Google, iFixit now has a page listing all 28 genuine parts and components you can buy for your Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With step-by-step repair guides, the idea is that anyone can do it — although some of the most intensive repairs have over 100 steps and require hours of labor. The parts are available as single units or as "fix kits," which include all the tools required to complete the repair.

The listing page on iFixit is live, but not all parts are available for purchase. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's main screen, for example, costs $1,199 and is currently "out of stock." The 8-inch inner screen is arguably the most important part of the device. It includes the screen, but also the metal frame and hinge that holds the Pixel 9 Pro Fold together. That's probably why the part itself costs the same as a brand-new iPhone 16 Pro Max, more than a Pixel 9 Pro XL, and just under the price of a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Regardless of the reason for the price, the high cost makes repairing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a tough sell for customers. For reference, the original Pixel Fold's inner screen costs $899 as a replacement part. Now that the main screen costs more than half the cost of a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it's likely that buyers consider purchasing a new device rather than spend time and an exorbitant amount of money repairing the one they already own.

It's not all bleak, though. Many of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's replacement parts are reasonably priced, like the batteries. The base battery costs $66 for the fix kit, which is an insane value considering all it includes:

• New Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Base Battery
• Rear Cover Adhesive
• Front Camera Foam
• Graphite Sheet
• mmWave Bracket
• mmWave Bracket Foam
• Loudspeaker Cable Adhesive
• Loudspeaker Adhesive
• Loudspeaker Top Conductive Fabric
• Base Battery Adhesive
• Loudspeaker Bottom Conductive Fabric
• Charging Assembly Adhesive
• iFixit Thermal Paste
• Alcohol Pad
• Plastic Dropper
• iOpener
• iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6)
• Spudger
• iFixit Opening Tool
• Suction Handle
• Angled Tweezers
• Blunt Tweezers
• Precision Bit Driver
• 4 mm Precision Bits:
  • Phillips #00
  • Torx T3
  • Torx T5

The flip battery is available for the same price, and oddly enough, it costs a dollar more to buy the each battery without the fix kit.

The high cost of genuine Pixel 9 Pro Fold parts might make Google Preferred Care, a device insurance plan, more enticing. One thing's for sure: you really don't want to break your Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner screen.

What you need to know

• Google's Pixel Weather app exclusive for Pixel phones is getting a handy new feature.
• It now has immersive vibrations feature that syncs with current weather conditions and plays audio effects as well.
• Basically, it vibrates your Pixel phone accoriding to weather, and the feature should reach all Pixel phones in the coming days or weeks.

Pixel Weather app is gaining a handy feature that vibrates the phone according to the weather conditions.

The latest Pixel Weather app already offers great weather animations on Pixel phones. According to Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority), the app will now have an immersive weather vibrations feature that syncs with the animations and weather conditions and plays relevant audio effects.

The feature is live on the Pixel Weather app and on Pixel phones with the app bearing 1.0.20240910.678970266.release version and is noted to be a server-side update.

If you are a Pixel phone user, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, head over to your avatar on the Pixel weather app and check for the “Immersive weather vibrations” option right under the AI weather report setting (as seen in the screenshot below).

Users can enable or turn the feature off as they prefer. The publication further notes that the new vibrations include various weather patterns comprising drizzle, heavy rain, snow, scatter showers, and thunderstorms, amongst other similar features. Alongside those animations, users can experience their phone vibrating according to these weather conditions, providing an immersive experience.

It is still unclear whether enabling this feature will affect the battery or be negligible. Since it is a gradual rollout, all Pixel phone users might have to wait a couple of more days to use the feature and check their battery life. We've already seen it go live on some of our phones, and the effect is quite nice, particularly in rainy Seattle, which causes the phone to produce a subtle haptic feedback that mimics the rain falling on the screen.

Although the Pixel Weather app was launched as a Pixel 9 series exclusive, it later was rolled out to older Google phones, from Pixel 6 and above. It offers a new UI, widgets, customization features, and an all-new AI-based weather summary alongside a bunch of other useful features.

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Who said that you needed to wait until Black Friday to enjoy a good deal or two? Best Buy's not making anyone wait that long, as its early Black Friday deal is already underway. And as part of one of the first "Doorbusters," the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been discounted to its lowest price ever!

When I wrapped up my review of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I just assumed that I would swap my SIM card back to the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Surprisingly, that hasn't been the case, and the 9 Pro Fold remains right by my side every day. And at the very least, I implore you to try out Google's latest foldable phone for yourself, especially considering that it's $300 off.

If that comes as a surprise to you, you're not the only one. Samsung has a more robust software experience, while also doing a better job with handling aspect ratios. But there's just something about the 9 Pro Fold that keeps me coming back.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that this is basically the phone that I hoped Google would've released as a first iteration. While the original Pixel Fold offers a neat design, it's far from refined. However, the 9 Pro Fold solves practically all of my complaints from last year, with a few added benefits.

I've spoken about this a few times, but as someone who is a first-time father, I've quickly learned that sometimes I need a bit of help to get my son's attention for a picture. The one feature that I keep coming back to is "Made You Look," which not only gets my son's attention but usually makes him smile.

It's already come in handy more times than I can count, and with the holiday season rapidly approaching, I suspect this number will grow exponentially. Not to mention that the 9 Pro Fold will also probably act as the "group family picture" camera, as it's easy to prop it up, set a timer, and snap the picture after I jump in.

But in the event that I'm not actually able to get in the picture, Google has the solution for that. Although I don't use Gemini and the various AI features all of the time, I know that they're ready for whenever I am. This includes the "Add Me" feature, so I can snap a picture of the family, then have someone else take one of me, and just add me to the shot.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not the perfect foldable phone, but I don't even know if such a thing exists. There are trade-offs to be found, no matter what phone you end up deciding on. But one thing I know for sure is that if I didn't already have the 9 Pro Fold, I'd be picking one up.

Earlier this year, I wrote about how I hoped to see the Android equivalent of an iPad Mini. While we have plenty of options to choose from if you want a powerful tablet with a big screen, smaller tablets are usually packed with less-than-impressive specs. More recently, I've wondered whether a small and powerful Android tablet is really necessary, given that I always carry a foldable phone with me.

In terms of performance, foldables take the cake, and it's not even close. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the OnePlus Open uses the 8 Gen 2, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold relies on the Tensor G4. Sure, the Pixel might fall short of the other two foldables I mentioned, but it's no slouch.

As for tablets, there just aren't that many options if you want flagship specs but a screen under 10 inches. Lenovo is really the only game in town, as the Legion Y700 sports an 8.8-inch screen and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. That presents a different problem, however, as the Y700 isn't officially sold in the States, meaning that you have to go through Giztop or AliExpress to get one.

The smallest flagship tablet that I've come across that is readily available, is the recently-released RedMagic Nova Gaming Tablet. It too makes use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but comes with a 10.9-inch screen. While Samsung ditched the 11-inch model with the Galaxy Tab S10, the Tab S9 and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still available. But even then, we don't know how long that will be the case, and it's still too large.

All the while, foldable phones offer screens that fall right within the size range that I would want. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is one of the smaller ones with its 7.6-inch display, while the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro offers up an even larger 8.03-inch panel. Unfortunately, Vivo's foldable presents the same problem as the Y700, as you can't just pick it up in Best Buy or on Amazon.

With all of that being said, do I really need to jump through a bunch of hoops just to get a powerful tablet? Or are foldable phones simply the better overall option for those who either have one or are considering one?

The short answer to this question should be fairly obvious. But there are a few wrinkles that have kept me from coming to a definitive conclusion.

Foldable phones are mostly the better option, simply because they're both a phone and a tablet in a single device. With the work that Samsung, Google, and OnePlus have been putting into the software, the experience is also largely the same between each company's foldable phone and tablet offerings.

The biggest difference comes in the form of multi-tasking, at least to a certain extent. Many of the best Samsung phones and tablets include the ability to use DeX Mode, essentially turning your device into a Chromebook. However, unlike the Galaxy Tab S9 or Tab S10, the only way to use DeX on the Fold 6 is to either plug into an external display or connect to one wirelessly. Meanwhile, you can just tap a button on the Galaxy Tab keyboard and switch over from the traditional tablet interface to DeX mode.

This isn't the case when looking at the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Tablet. Even while running the latest Android 15 beta, I'm unable to do anything but mirror the screen from the 9 Pro Fold, which is simply disappointing. My disappointment is further compounded by the fact that you can use desktop windowing on an external display with the Pixel 9 Pro XL but not the Pro Fold.

On the bright side, after enabling the "Freeform windows" toggle in Developer Options, I can have up to four free-floating windows on the Pixel Tablet. Things work surprisingly well, and Google has done an excellent job of making things look more aesthetically pleasing than in the days of old. The only downside is that this isn't a feature that's enabled out of the box, but I expect that to change sooner rather than later.

Although OnePlus doesn't have a specific desktop mode for its Pad 2 or the OnePlus Open, it has another trick up its sleeve. You can actually use your phone from the Pad 2, bringing Phone Mirroring to a tablet, which is something I didn't have on my bingo card. Much like the experience is largely the same with Samsung devices, the various features and multitasking options are pretty similar between the OnePlus Pad 2 and Open.

One area where all of the tablets mentioned have an advantage is when using a stylus. Samsung includes one in the box, Google doesn't sell one at all but relies on the USI 2.0 standard, and while OnePlus does offer one, you have to buy it separately. But that's not the advantage that I'm talking about.

Excluding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which lacks stylus support, you'll have to contend with the crease on foldable phones. It's fine for the most part and is a lot better than it used to be, but the crease can still be a source of frustration. None of those problems exist with the slabs of glass on a tablet. Drawing a straight line is entirely dependent on your ability to actually draw a straight line.

On the flip side, you don't exactly want to whip out the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra while you're waiting in line at the store and want to turn a picture into a meme. The same sentiment rings true even with the OnePlus Pad 2 and Galaxy Tab S9. Meanwhile, provided that you have the S Pen Fold Edition or Oppo Pen you can do exactly that with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or OnePlus Open.

There's no arguing or denying that foldable phones are more versatile compared to the best Android tablets or even phones. However, there is one argument to be made, and it's the most important one of them all — price.

Without taking trade-ins or deals into consideration, you could import the 16GB/512GB model of the Lenovo Legion Y700 2024 from Giztop for about $600. Heck, you could even go so far as to toss in the official leather case, Legion Gaming Controller G7, and Lenovo's Stylus Pen, and you would be looking at around $760.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899, which includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. If you want to match up the storage, the 512GB model will set you back just north of $2,000. Samsung doesn't offer the Fold 6 with 16GB of RAM, and that doesn't include the S Pen or case.

You're looking at another $60 for just the stylus or $100 if you want the official S Pen case. At that price, I could buy two Y700 tablets, complete with accessories, and still have money left over to snag a couple of different controllers or an external SSD to house my ROM collection.

Now, there's a good chance that you might be swayed into changing your mind in the very near future. The 2024 holiday shopping season is already underway, with Black Friday right around the corner.

If Prime Day was anything to go by, then I suspect that we'll see some pretty incredible deals pop up for both foldable phones and tablets. With that in mind, don't just jump at the first deal that you see just for the sake of it. Even still, I'm hoping to see some steep discounts on foldable phones, but I suspect there will also be plenty of tablet deals to be had.

For as much as I want foldable phones to take over the world and replace the slabs of glass that we've been reliant on for years, we're just not there yet. Frankly, I don't know if we'll ever actually get there with book-style foldables as flip phones continue to rise in popularity.

Simply based on the price alone, and ignoring all of the convenience that foldables offer, tablets are still better. Now, I just need companies to release these small and powerful tablets in the U.S., so I don't have to pay extra just to get one imported.

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What you need to know

• Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold owners on Verizon get the latest November firmware.
• It brings bug fixes for Bluetooth and zoom issues on the camera, amongst other notable issues.
• The update seems to be sizable, including the latest Android security patch. The wider rollout is expected later this week.

As we enter November, Google Pixel owners expect a new monthly firmware release, and the company is reportedly releasing it, at least for the Pixel 9 series users on Verizon.

According to 9to5Google, the carrier has detailed what’s coming with the November security update on the Pixel 9 series, which is yet to be officially announced by the search giant. Considering the every month release cycle, it naturally happens on a Monday, and it is likely the case this month, too. However, Verizon carrier Pixel 9 owners might be in for an early treat.

The latest security update uses the AP3A.241105.008 firmware version and the devices included are the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also included.

The publication shared the changelog, which states that the firmware update includes the latest Android security patch. The new software will address the fix for Pixel 9 models facing issues with Bluetooth range in some scenarios.

Camera issues like tilting when zooming between cameras are believed to be fixed. The latest release also addresses issues that caused white dots to flash and the prevention of not triggering adaptive brightness in certain conditions. The firmware also resolves other touch-related issues, in addition to general improvements and stability across the interface and animations.

On the other hand, 9to5 also notes that changelog entries for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series include the AP3A.241105.007 firmware number for the November update. While it doesn’t include any major bug fixes, users can expect the latest Android security patch next to general performance improvements, as aforementioned.

While the new firmware release is seen on the Verizon-powered Pixel 9 models, other general audiences will likely see the firmware rollout this week or the coming Monday.

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Almost a year after making a splash in the foldable scene, Google is back again with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While there are plenty of changes to be found across the board, there is still a lot to be concerned about Google's plans for its future foldable phones. 

That being said, Google marched forward, seemingly committed to offering an alternative option to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line. Considering that the options in North America are already slim, I'm happy to see the 9 Pro Fold hit the market, even if it looked exactly like the original Pixel Fold. 

Thankfully, that's not the case here, as Google went back to the drawing board, and not just for the design. There are a bunch of new software features that you'll only find on Google's foldable phone, all aiming to provide the best Pixel experience that money can buy.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Price and availability

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was announced at the Made by Google event on August 13, 2024, alongside the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Watch 3. There are only two configurations available, as the 9 Pro Fold comes with either 256GB or 512GB of storage. These arrive with a price of $1,799 or $1,919, respectively. 

Regardless of which storage option to choose from, everything else about the device remains the same. This includes featuring 16GB of RAM across both configurations. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in two colors, as you can get Google's latest foldable in Obsidian or Porcelain.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Design and displays

Going into the year, I wasn't exactly sure whether Google even had plans to release a successor to the Pixel Fold. Part of it was because of how divisive the company's first foldable phone was. On the one hand, it was great to see Google take this new form factor more seriously. On the other, it almost felt like the Pixel Fold was already out of style.

Google seems to be laser-focused on creating the thinnest* foldable. Really, it's just that Google wants something that can help it stand out from the crowd here in North America. Even with reports claiming that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is falling short of expectations, it's still Samsung's world that we're living in. 

Now that I've spent some time with the Pro Fold, I've really come to appreciate its premium design. Unlike last year's model, Google's latest foldable does not look or feel cheap.

The only problem that I've had is that it's just a bit too slippery to use comfortably without a case. It's not so much that I don't think the 9 Pro Fold would be able to withstand a drop or two. Instead, I'm more worried about mucking up this beautiful device. Most of the time, the phone is housed in the excellent Thinborne case, but I've found myself just taking it out of the case just to admire the way it looks and feels.

The cover screen is small and wide enough to rely on it more than I anticipated. It's a "problem" that I had with the original Pixel Fold, along with the OnePlus Open, as I just don't find myself unfolding it as frequently as I did with the Fold 6. 

In reality, it's not actually a problem; it's just something that I find funny. The best way I can think of to explain this is that the Fold 6 entices you to open it whenever you want to do something more than turn on some lights or respond to a text. at the same time, the 9 Pro Fold aims to provide a traditional phone experience with the added bonus of offering a larger screen if you want it.

Speaking to that larger screen, I really just don't find myself using it all that often, unless I want to play a game or need to do some split-screen multitasking. Well, there is one other reason, but I'll get to that in a bit. 

That's not to say that the inner screen is bad, as that couldn't be further from the truth. You won't find headlines about the 9 Pro Fold not being able to fold flat or that the crease feels like you're running your finger across a canyon. It's just about as perfect as it can get, at least compared to other foldable phones that I've used and tested.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Performance

In a perfect world, Google's Tensor series of chips would be able to rival Qualcomm, but we're simply not there yet. The Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 lineup doesn't offer a lot in the way of overly meaningful improvements compared to the G3. Instead, Google opted for the "safe" approach of optimizing it for better battery life and for Gemini. 

Sure, I wish this weren't the case and that Google was able to really take the battle to Samsung and Qualcomm. But, seeing as this is the hand we've been dealt, there's really not much I've found to complain about. Day-to-day tasks are a breeze, battery life lasts all day, and I can play most of the games I want to. 

The only exception to this, that I've found so far, is that I haven't been able to use a Switch emulator. However, part of this is likely due to the drivers not being compatible with the emulators I'm using. 

It could also just be the emulators themselves, as I haven't run into any other problems when using the 9 Pro Fold as a portable retro handheld. Still, it's rather curious seeing as every other Android phone and handheld I have is able to at least boot into a game, whereas I can't even make it that far with the 9 Pro Fold. 

Besides that, I haven't run into very many issues in my time with the phone. The problems that I have dealt with have more to do with apps not working properly. With that, I put the onus and blame on app developers who continue to act as though foldable phones don't exist. I'm looking at you, Discord and 1Password.

One gripe that I do have is that I really wish there was a way to put a third app on the screen. There have been more than a few times that I had two apps open and wanted to open a third, only to remember that it wasn't possible. The most common scenario has been wanting to have the three different fantasy football apps that I use open at the same time.

A more frustrating occurrence is when I'm using two apps and need to fill in a password. Sometimes, 1Password works as intended, offering to auto-fill the password for me. But there are times when this isn't the case, so I need to switch over, go back to the split screen, paste the password, and then go back to copy my 2FA code before switching back again to paste that.

For a type of device that is meant to be more efficient, that's definitely not always the case. Of course, this is probably a niche problem, but it's something that's really annoyed me about the two-apps-only approach.

My other gripe is with the Pixel Launcher, but this probably won't come as much of a surprise to some. I want more customization options within the launcher, starting with the icon grid size on the Home Screen.

I understand the cohesion that Google is trying to achieve between the inner and outer screens. The problem is that I want the ability to have more options than just 4x4, 4x5, or 5x5. It looks fine, most of the time, but if you lower the text size and screen zoom, everything just looks rather comical.

In a perfect world, this could be solved by a third-party launcher, like Nova or Lawnchair, but that just isn't the case. Yes, I know all about Niagara Launcher and it's pretty darn wonderful, but that changes things to a completely different interface.

As it currently stands, I highly doubt that any of those potential changes would be implemented anytime soon. So while it's definitely possible to multitask on the 9 Pro Fold, there are limitations that might slow you down a bit.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Gemini and AI

Attempting to use AI is a funny and fickle thing. Sometimes, everything just works, and it feels like we're actually living in the future. Only to come crashing back down to Earth the next time they try to do something. This is something that is very obvious when using practically any of the various AI services. 

However, it's a little bit different when AI is one of the key selling points as to why you should buy a phone. Google's throwing Gemini into anything and everything it can, and it's been infused across the entire Pixel 9 lineup, including the 9 Pro Fold.

There's essentially no difference between using it on the $999 Pixel 9 Pro or the $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold. At least when it comes to the capabilities and limitations of what Gemini has to offer. 

Something I recently realized is that it feels like there's an untapped potential just below the surface. This is especially true of Gemini, as it's just a long-press of the Power Button away. Between hallucinations or just misinformation, it's becoming tough to really rely on it, even though I know it can be better.

This point was further proven to me on a recent trip to meet up with some friends who were in town for a couple of days. We were trying to decide where to eat, so I figured this was a good time to give Gemini a pretty easy task. Instead of just searching for restaurants around me, I took a picture of a restaurant and asked Gemini what was on the menu. 

It reeled off everything from appetizers to entrees and desserts, without skipping a beat. Cool, I thought, this is perfect! Then I reached the bottom of the entry, only to realize that this wasn't the restaurant we were standing in front of at all. Not only that, but it was also for a restaurant halfway across the country. 

I told Gemini that it wasn't the right restaurant and that the right one was in Alexandria. It responded with the address of the correct restaurant, asking for confirmation before providing me with "their popular dishes." 

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that Gemini managed to eventually provide me with the answer I originally asked for. I just don't understand how it came up with results from a restaurant that's almost 13 hours away. Maybe the picture that I used was too simple, or the restaurants have similar signage. 

But if Gemini is analyzing an image, does that not include the metadata? That alone should have provided Gemini with all of the information I needed. It wasn't a screenshot or a picture I downloaded from the web, it was one that I took with my phone, standing in Alexandria, nowhere near Memphis. 

This has pretty much summed up what my experience with Gemini has been like in my time with the trio of Pixel 9 Pro models. It will work, but even with underlying guardrails in place, it still needs guidance. So essentially, Google wants us to pay for the "luxury" of being beta testers. 

Personally, it doesn't bother me all that much. I'm a technology enthusiast and rather enjoy seeing how something progresses over time. That's not the case for everyone, and no matter how wonderful those commercials make Gemini look, it could end up being a detriment to Google in the long run. 

And frankly, even that idea being a possibility just sucks. Google has finally caught up to Apple and Samsung in terms of hardware and the rest of the software experience. I just hope that Gemini doesn't push the company into going the wrong way. 

If you don't believe me, I recommend checking out some of the images that the folks over at The Verge were able to get Gemini to produce shortly after the Pixel 9 series was announced. Things could have gotten much worse in a world where misinformation and harmful AI generation is already a massive problem. 

Thankfully, I have been unable to reproduce any images even remotely similar, regardless of whether it was in Pixel Studio or with the Reimagine feature. When attempting to do so, a message promptly appears, informing me that it isn't able to process the request. It also provides a link to Google's "Image restrictions" section within the Pixel Studio Support Page. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Battery life

As I pointed out in the Pixel 9 Pro review, I originally had higher hopes that the Tensor G4 would be able to go toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Unfortunately, this isn't the case when it comes to performance. However, there were some pretty massive improvements made in the efficiency department, which was another area where the 2023 Pixel lineup fell short.

While the 9 Pro Fold doesn't offer the same mind-bending battery life as its non-folding siblings, it's still quite a bit better than I expected. In order to back up my words with some numbers, I put the Pro Fold through the same video playback test that I used with the 9 Pro XL.

After changing all of the pertinent settings, I pulled up a 4K HDR video, and let it play on a loop for a few hours. Making sure to measure the battery life every hour.

The only difference between this test and the one from the 9 Pro XL was that the video was playing on the inner screen. I figured this would result in the battery draining faster, and that's exactly what happened. Not only that, but the phone was just a bit warm when I stopped the test for good. It wasn't hot to the touch, but even with a case on, I could feel a bit of heat coming through.

All-in-all, I'd say this is about what I would expect, especially when playing a 4K HDR video on a non-stop loop for four hours. However, this is more of an "extreme" use case, as I rarely would need to find a charger before the end of the day.

Speaking of which, this brings me to talk about actually charging the Pro Fold. Shortly after receiving the phone, I also received the Aramid Fiber Thin Case from Thinborne. This has become a favorite of mine, as it adds MagSafe capabilities to various Android phones while we wait for the Qi2 standard to be adopted.

One benefit is being able to enjoy the MagSafe charger that sits on my nightstand, removing the need to actually plug in my phone overnight. However, after being alerted to a potential issue by Thinborne, I came to the realization that the Pro Fold wasn't actually being charged.

As it turns out, this is because Google moved the placement of the charging coil, something that wasn't discovered until after the official Google Support page went live. However, Thinborne was quick to recognize and rectify the situation, shipping me a case with proper alignment so that I could use MagSafe chargers with the 9 Pro Fold.

Unfortunately, those hoping to continue using the Pixel Stand V2 are a bit out of luck. The coils in Google's charging stand are just too high to be used with the 9 Pro Fold. There is a workaround, but it means that you'll need to find something to place between the lip of the stand and the bottom of your phone.

Your better bet would be to grab a couple of wireless chargers from Amazon, returning the ones that don't work.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Cameras

I pretty much already knew what I was getting into with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as the hardware is practically identical to the Pixel Fold. Instead, Google spent more time making tweaks to the photo-processing algorithm in an effort to provide better pictures.

Something I've noticed is that the pictures can be very hit or miss, regardless of the scenario in which they are being taken. Take the two photos below, for instance. They were taken around the same time of day but at two different locations. Even still, it looks as though I used two different phones.

The photo on the left looks quite a bit more vivid, capturing the sun peaking through the trees, casting shadows on the trail. The other looks about as muted of a photo as you could get, with no life to the image and just looking rather bleh. It's not like I was taking a picture of anything specifically other than my surroundings, but it seems like a common trend.

There are also plenty of times when the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's camera shines and makes me happy to use it. One reason, specifically, is thanks to the "Made You Look" feature. As pointed out to me by Android Central's managing editor Derrek Lee, phones like the Motorola Razr Plus 2023 already offer something similar.

Nevertheless, this feature is particularly important to a parent of an eight-month-old who's even more easily distracted than his father. With Made You Look, I'm able to get him to pay attention long enough so that I can actually take a good picture.

This last part isn't specific to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but is for foldables in general — they're amazing. It's incredibly convenient to be able to not only take good pictures of the sky at night but also do so without needing to worry about tripods or propping the phone up.

It doubles as its own tripod, and because of that, I was able to see the Northern Lights for the first time using the Pro Fold.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Competition

The biggest competition for Google is still the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That might be a different story if the OnePlus Open were available from carriers, but alas, it's not. Samsung still owns the foldable space in North America, and for good reason. Not only is the software experience refined, but you also have the option to use a stylus with the S Pen. 

Ignoring carrier availability, I would argue that the OnePlus Open provides even stiffer competition than Samsung. Both the Open and 9 Pro Fold offer similar designs, seeing as both devices have cover screens that align better with traditional smartphones. While Open might have better camera hardware, Google still leads the way in image processing. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You want a premium foldable phone with the Pixel experience.
• You want fantastic battery life.
• You would enjoy features like "Made You Look."

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You don't want to spend $1,800 on a smartphone.
• You want the best cameras or performance.
• You regularly use more than two apps at the same time.

I've done a lot of gushing over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and it's the phone that I couldn't wait to return to after the Pixel 9 Pro review was complete. For the first time in a long while, I feel as though Google managed to recapture some of the magic that it was missing. The original Pixel Fold was close but didn't take long to fall apart.

In the matter of whether you should pick up the 9 Pro Fold for yourself, I give this one a big ole' hearty recommendation. Other foldable phones might have more features and might be more powerful. But they don't offer the same comfortable experience as Google's latest offering. And while I'm trying to not put the cart before the horse, I can't wait to see what a successor could bring.

With everything else going on over the past few days, I didn't even know there was a chance to see the Northern Lights. Earlier this year, there was an opportunity to this natural phenomenon, but I simply missed out. This time, I didn't miss out, and I was extremely lucky. 

Last night, as dusk turned dark, I was scrolling through social media and saw a few posts explaining an ongoing solar storm. After the sun was down for the day, I went outside, hoping that I'd be able to see it, but I came up short. Then, I remembered that it was possible to "see" the Aurora Borealis with the help of a camera, even if it was not visible to the naked eye. 

So I grabbed my Pixel 9 Pro Fold, opened the camera, switched over to Night Sight, and pointed it at the sky. What I ended up with was a picture of the sky with what kinda looks like a paintbrush stroke of magenta. Needless to say, I got extremely excited, so I went to try and find a tripod to set up the Pro Fold. 

Astrophotography Mode takes about four minutes, and while it's possible to just stand and hold the phone in your hand, the results might not be what you had hoped. 

Plus, it's practically impossible to stand completely still for four minutes, at least for me. My eight-month-old son was also fast asleep, and I didn't want to take a chance to wake him up by rummaging through drawers trying to find something that would work. 

Then it struck me. I don't need a tripod. The Fold IS the tripod. 

Thankfully, my back patio has wooden railings, making it the perfect place to set up the 9 Pro Fold. After about a minute or so of trying to line things up to avoid my neighbors' porch lights, I was ready to go. 

After standing outside, being as still as I could, the 9 Pro Fold spit out the following image:

For the first time in my 34 years, I can finally say that I've seen the Northern Lights. Sure, I didn't see it with my own eyes, but I took the pictures, and it's something that I'll always remember. 

All of which was made possible by a foldable phone, removing the need to build a contraption that allows me to angle a phone at the right angle. Instead, just let the phone do the hard work for you, relying on the hinge to let you position the camera to capture as much of the sky as you want.

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was my tool of choice, this time, it could technically be done with any foldable phone. This didn't do much to sway my opinion about how I wish Google would've used the same cameras from the Pixel 9 Pro. 

What it did do is reaffirm my adoration for foldable phones and the flexibility offered by the form factor. I've long been a fan of this form factor, carrying one with me practically every day since the Galaxy Z Fold 2. After this experience, that will continue to be the case for as long as companies keep making them.

That was originally the end of this piece until I went to download and transfer the images to my computer. As luck would have it, I captured something besides just the Northern Lights. 

Pretty darn incredible, if I do say so myself.

Since foldable phones first burst onto the scene, there have been two major form factors to choose from: larger book-style foldables and smaller clamshell flip phones. Both styles serve different purposes with their form factors, with larger foldables acting as miniature tablets when unfolded, while flip phones are more focused on miniaturization.

Yet, despite being something of a two-in-one device, book-style foldable phones never caught my eye, and my focus has been on flip phones like the Motorola Razr series. I always felt that larger foldables seemed too big and cumbersome, and the "small tablet" form factor just did not appeal to me, especially since I already wasn't big on using some of the multitasking features on smaller phones. I knew there was a particular use case for the larger folding screen, but I never really got it.

That is until the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold landed on my doorstep, and I got to experience Android on a bigger screen for the first time. And while I still prefer flip phones, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold gave me a new appreciation for book-style foldables.

So, if you've been unsure about foldable phones and which type to choose, hopefully, my experiences with the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold can provide some insight into what it's like to use either option.

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Sometimes, bigger is better

I've been using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a couple of weeks now, and I'm surprised at how much I enjoy it. Something about having all that screen real estate makes it incredibly fun to use, and I almost never close it to use the external display.

Apps are given plenty of more room to shine, which is especially evident with things like e-books and streaming apps like YouTube. Not only is it nice to have an 8-inch display to view content readily available, but the foldable form factor makes it so easy to set the phone down while still viewing a still-large video on half the display. This has been particularly helpful on airplanes in lieu of using a laptop or tablet during long flights.

Speaking of long flights, battery life is another area that foldables have over flip phones. Given the larger form factor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has more room to incorporate large batteries, which it definitely needs to power two displays. I've been delightfully surprised with the battery life of the Pixel, lasting pretty much all day before needing a top-up, although the charging situation could be better.

This differs from my early experience with flip phones, with phones like the Razr Plus 2023 struggling to make it through even half a day.

I also realize that I've changed quite a bit of my usual behaviors when using the 9 Pro Fold. For example, I normally don't like to have widgets or apps on my main home screen, opting to keep it clean with just the bottom row of apps and a clock widget at the top. However, the large inner screen on the 9 Pro Fold invites you to fill it with widgets and apps, and it was one of the first things I did when I set it up.

Additionally, I often don't use split-screen multitasking on regular phones or even flip phones because it feels awkward working with two scrunched-up apps on a smaller display. The 9 Pro Fold changed that for me, and multitasking feels easy-to-use and incredibly natural thanks to having two fully-sized apps to work with, as well as the easily accessible app pairs to instantly open up two apps simultaneously.

And I love having a taskbar at the bottom that I can easily recall whenever I want to open a frequently used app. Suffice it to say the Pixel 9 Pro makes me feel incredibly productive, more so than I've felt with any other phone.

There's still work to be done

One area that foldable phones also do better in is photography, as these devices often come with more than a few cameras. On many foldable phones like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you'll find three rear cameras with varying focal lengths, plus a front-facing camera on the external display and another on the inner display. This makes it possible to capture better images with arguably better (and more) sensors.

That said, not all foldables are made the same, and often you'll find that the sensors being used are downgraded compared to their more traditional candybar counterparts. This is the case with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which does not get the same sensors as the Pixel 9 Pro. And while I would prefer that an $1800 phone should have the best cameras, I doubt you'll be disappointed by the images. Are they the best? I don't think so. But they are still quite good and show off Google's excellent computational photography, which can boost even mediocre sensors.

Unfortunately, my experience with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has also shown me that there's still some work to do with large-screened foldables. This is particularly noticeable with the app experience, which has been... mixed.

There are a number of apps that fully take advantage of the larger folding display by adjusting their UI with new placement of various elements or even dual-pane views. Google Messages is one such app that I love using in this view, as I can easily keep my inbox in view while responding to a text. This is also the same for the Settings menu and plenty of Google apps, and I love using the Kindle app on the foldable.

Unfortunately, not all apps have been optimized for such a large display. Instagram has a different UI on the larger screen, but the app just looks strange when blown up, and the content is way too large. Many other apps that aren't optimized look even weirder, and don't even get me started on games, which are painful to play on the large display. You have the option to adjust the aspect ratio of the apps, but the solution isn't perfect, and switching between displays can lead to some wonkiness.

The weirdest example I've had is with the Gmail app, which has a foldable/tablet UI but requires that you rotate the phone to get it to show up. This isn't the case with the original Pixel Fold, and it's likely a result of the new aspect ratio of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Having such a large display, I would love to take advantage of it as often as possible. Still, as Android Central senior editor Nick Sutrich points out, perhaps the Pixel Fold had it right all along with its design.

Flip phones are perfectly imperfect

There's no doubt the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a great phone, and there's plenty to like about it and the form factor. However, my allegiance continues to lie with flip phones, and there are a few reasons why.

Of course, there's nostalgia. It's cool to have a big folding phone, but having a flip phone just takes me back. Not to mention the novelty of the form factor, which captures the attention of most people who see me using it. In my experience, iPhone users are particularly intrigued by my Razr and are always very impressed with the phone, although ultimately bummed that it's not an iPhone.

But beyond simple nostalgia, I really love the form factor and the cover screen experience, especially when companies get it right. Samsung always fumbles this a bit, but Motorola has nearly perfected the cover screen experience, allowing users to open and use nearly any app without opening the phone. It can take some getting used to, but this is mostly how I use my Razr Plus 2024.

With larger foldables, you have a regular-sized display and an even larger display. This is great for some, but I like the smaller cover screen experience partly because I find it to be a more inconspicuous way to use apps.

Of course, not every flip phone has an expansive cover screen, but companies try to make the best out of what they have, using them as ways to simply view notifications, check the time or weather, and utilize a few other simple functions. In a way, these simpler flip phones are great for anyone who maybe wants to physically shut their phone away without having too much to distract them aside from glanceable notifications, almost like a smartwatch.

Lastly, there's the price. Large-screen foldables often cost $1800 or more, while flip phones usually cost around $999 and will even go for much less. It's much easier to offer a mid-priced flip phone than it is a book-style foldable, and I just can't see myself paying a month's rent for a phone. Do you know how many PS5 Pros I can get for the price of a Galaxy Z Fold 6?

But I digress. After all, foldables still have the upper hand when it comes to certain things. They usually have more cameras, with most flip phones limited to two rear sensors and a selfie cam.

It's also easier to make a thinner book-style foldable, again, given the larger real estate. This means you have more surface area to fit the battery and other components, so foldables like the Honor Magic V3 will be as thin as a regular phone when folded, whereas a flip phone will often be twice as thick in its folded state. I don't have a problem with it, but it makes it difficult when cases are involved.

To fold or to flip

Many people are still not fully comfortable with the idea of owning a foldable phone, which is understandable. However, they've come a long way and have improved their design, functionality, and durability with each passing year. As a result, we're seeing more foldables from more companies, and we're even getting some affordable options that won't cost an arm and a leg.

I love Motorola's flip phones, but the Pixel 9 Pro definitely surprised me with its impressive build quality and the overall experience of owning a phone with such a large display. Plus, having access to all the fun Google AI features is a huge win in Pixel's favor, although I wish I could take advantage of an S Pen-like stylus like what you can do with Samsung phones.

Foldables aren't for everyone, but once you consider the idea, it comes down to whether you want a book-style foldable with a large, tablet-like screen for productivity and content viewing or a compact flip phone with a small cover screen and the nostalgic sensation of shutting your phone closed when you want to hang up on someone dramatically.

There are pros and cons to both, but the biggest is price. The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 has already received some impressive discounts this year despite going on sale in July, and even if the Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't on sale, there are other discounts on book-style foldable phones, such as this $600 discount on the original Pixel Fold.

How much charging speed can you get on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

Surprisingly, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging speed is the slowest of the entire Pixel 9 lineup. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a wired charging speed of 37W and a wireless charging speed of 12W with the right Qi wireless charger. Similarly, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro also have a wired charging speed of 27W and a wireless charging speed of 12W with the right Qi wireless charger.

Unfortunately, the entire Pixel 9 series doesn't have Qi2 charging, the latest charging technology that gives compatible devices magnetism and a wireless charging speed of up to 15W. Even if you get a Qi2 compatible charger, you won't get the desired charging speeds since the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn't support the charging technology.

Another charging disappointment is that the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is incompatible with the Google Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) since the charging coils do not align correctly as they would on a traditional Pixel. Google encourages users to use the in-house 45W fast charger, but Google does not put one in the box when you buy the Pixel.

Additionally, you can only use a USB-C cable with your Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. A USB-C cable will give you the best charging speed, as USB-C provides faster charging speeds than the older USB standards. Your Pixel phone will charge faster when using a USB-C cable, allowing you to get a full charge in less time. Another advantage of using USB-C is removing the risk of damaging the port or the cable since they are more durable.

USB-C cables have faster data transfer speeds and let you connect various types of devices using adapters or cables. Another benefit of using a USB-C cable is its reversible design, eliminating the frustration of plugging it incorrectly.

Besides the Pixel 9 phone lineup, Google also announced the Pixel Watch 3, which comes in a bigger 45mm model. It isn't very reassuring to see that an Android phone starting at $1,799 doesn't have a great wired charging speed, but maybe next year's model will have a faster charging speed. The slow charging speed may not be a problem if you regularly access a power source or vigilantly monitor your phone's battery levels.

What you need to know

• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is getting a new update for Google Meet, letting you use both front and back cameras during video calls.
• The feature, called "Dual Screen on Meet," can only be activated once you’re in a call.
• Right now, it's exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but other foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 might get it soon.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is picking up a neat upgrade for Google Meet video calls, allowing you to use both the front and back cameras at the same time during video calls.

Google's blog post explains that the "Dual Screen on Meet" feature lets Pixel 9 Pro Fold users fire up both selfie cameras at once during video calls. However, you can only turn it on once you're already in a call.

Google announced this update over the weekend, alongside a bunch of other changes for Google Chat and Sheets.

The company says that using this feature will display meeting participants on both the inner and outer screens, ensuring that everyone has a clear view of the people on the call.

You’ll see a new icon pop up when you tap to access the controls. This icon makes it easy to turn on Dual Screen along with Dual Display, which you can switch off if you want. Once activated, Google Meet will split your screen, showing your video on one side and your surroundings on the other.

Basically, during your video conference, people will be able to see you through the internal camera while also getting a view of your surroundings via the camera on the external display.

It’s worth pointing out that this feature doesn’t use the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's rear camera. Instead, it taps into the cameras on the cover display and the inner screen. You can check out the support page for a detailed rundown on how this functionality works on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Right now, Dual Screen is an exclusive feature for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but that might not last long. With the tech capabilities of other foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, it's likely they’ll support the Dual Screen feature soon too.

Google gave a sneak peek of this feature during the Pixel 9 Pro Fold launch in August, but it’s only now becoming available. The Dual Screen functionality is available for users with both personal and Workspace accounts.

What you need to know

• Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything put the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold through his famous durability test on YouTube. 
• While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold hinge survived the test, one side of the phone snapped, tearing the phone in half. 
• The original Pixel Fold wasn't known for its durability, so this result brings the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's overall longevity and durability into question.

I wouldn't want to be the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold that showed up at the door of Zack Nelson, host of the JerryRigEverything channel on YouTube. Nelson put the newest folding phone through his famous durability test, and if you recall, the original Pixel Fold didn't fare too well. It snapped in half, and despite Google redesigning the Pixel 9 Pro Fold this year, the result wasn't any different. 

The tests started off relatively fine, where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cover screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 scratched at a level six on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Deeper grooves came at a level seven, and the inner screen was much more feeble. It can be scratched with something as simple as a fingernail, with enough pressure, but that won't be surprising to people who have used foldable phones in the past. The inner screens are quite delicate, but the good news is they're protected when the phones are closed.

Next up was the dust-resistance test, which is quite important for foldables. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a few moving parts and an IPX8 rating that doesn't guarantee any dust resistance. After throwing some sand and dust on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, we hear the phone make a few crunches while opening and closing the hinge. If Nelson's tests are any indication, you want to keep sand, dirt, and dust far away from your Pixel 9 Pro Fold whenever possible. 

There were a few more scratch tests and even a burn test — I wouldn't worry too much about that one — which you should watch in the video below. But the following test was the one to watch out for: the bend test.

As you can see from the video's thumbnail, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold didn't fare any better than last year's Pixel Fold. Surprisingly, the hinge mechanism actually survived. Even though the phone snapped in half under the pressure, if you look closely, it didn't break along the hinge. It broke along the antenna lines on the left side of the phone, which is notoriously a weak point for mobile devices. 

Flagship phones, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are mostly made of metal and glass. They're pretty strong materials, although as Nelson says, glass breaks. However, mobile devices do have some plastic in their chassis for things like antennas, millimeter-wave windows, or wireless charging pads (like the Apple Pencil charger on an iPad Pro, for example). These are always the weakest parts of a smartphone, so it's not entirely surprising that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold faltered at this point. 

However, as Nelson notes, Google may have been able to avoid this failure by placing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold antennas in a different location. There's no way to know for sure, but this year's result is clear. Although other foldables have survived the JRE durability test in the past, Google's foldables have snapped in half for two years in a row.

Should we be worried about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's durability?

Every time a durability test from JerryRigEverything is released, there's an online discourse about how much stock we should really put into the results. It's true that these durability tests are not always reflective of real-world use, and represent some of the extremes. However, there are certainly important takeaways here. The scratch tests, which use the Mohs Hardness Scale, are fairly empirical in nature. The dust tests are particularly relevant for foldables without IP ratings that cover dust resistance.

Unless you plan on trying to forcibly bend your Pixel 9 Pro Fold in half, I don't think you need to worry about Nelson's infamous snap. With that being said, as someone who has used the Pixel Fold for a year and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for two weeks, I do think durability concerns are warranted. My Pixel 9 Pro Fold review unit came out of the box with a strange squishing sound that occurs when the hinge is folded or unfolded. 

I've spoken to a few industry colleagues with Pixel 9 Pro Fold units, and not everyone seems to be affected by this noise. However, it's pretty well-documented on Reddit, with a handful of buyers noticing the same thing on their Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Unlike some people have suggested, this is definitely not normal for a folding phone. I've tested the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 recently, and neither of those phones had hinge noises like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 

Weird hinge sounds? from r/PixelFold

On the original Pixel Fold, there was the issue of the hinge not opening completely flat, which we chronicled in our review. My unit opened near-flat initially, but got much worse over time. Now, it seems enough dust and debris has made its way into the Pixel Fold hinge that it's impossible to open it completely. 

There are some durability concerns regarding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and that's not surprising, because this is only Google's second foldable. I doubt the Pixel 9 Pro Fold snapping in JRE's durability test is one of them, though. 

Getting to know your Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's battery

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's battery life depends on your phone's use. If you play many games, your battery will drain faster than if you limit your use to taking pictures, sending emails, watching videos in a standard resolution, or other lightweight activities such as listening to music.

The battery on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is smaller than the original Pixel Fold, but Google is countering this by significantly improving charging speeds. The battery's lifespan depends on how much you use the inner display versus the outer screen.

In his initial review of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Andrew Myrick said that daily tasks are a breeze, and he could play most of the games he wanted. The Tensor G4 processor helps improve battery life since Google opted for the "safe" approach in optimizing it for better battery life and Gemini. In his testing, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's battery could easily last from 7 a.m. to midnight without needing a charge.

You can charge the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a 45W USB-C charger, which has a good charging speed and is helpful when in a hurry, but Google sells it separately. Google says you can get "hours of power" after charging the phone for a few minutes. However, the smartphone won't charge at 45W since its wired charging speed is 21W and 7.5 wireless. The phone doesn't have Qi2 or magnetic Qi2 wireless charging.

Using a charger with more watts won't damage your phone since it will only take in the power it can handle. It has a smaller battery than the Pixel 9 Pro XL and charges slower than the 37W on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Unfortunately, there is no reverse wireless charging on this Pixel.

If you were to damage the phone's battery, you can check to see if your warranty covers a fix by going to Google's repair page. Taking all the necessary precautions to prevent malware from getting into your phone is a must since it runs in the background, gathering data and draining your phone's battery.

This is what can drain your battery faster

There are activities that can drain your phone's battery faster, such as keeping the screen brightness at a high level constantly. If multiple apps are running simultaneously, exposure to hot temperatures and doing processor-intensive work will result in less battery life. It's a good idea to go to your phone's settings and disable background apps to save some power.

If you don't use the included power adapter, improper voltage regulation could also increase your phone's temperature. Other activities that can drain your phone's battery include using picture-in-picture mode and location-tracking apps, among others.

What to know about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and battery life

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of Google’s latest smartphones and the newest and most premium model in the growing foldable line-up. Sporting an internal Super Actua Flex display along with an external Actua display, both with ultra-brightness, it comes loaded with the Google Tensor G4 processor and 16GB RAM. Thus, it’s a fast and efficient smartphone that can handle all of Google’s latest AI goodies and your multi-tasking and bandwidth-intensive needs. But that requires a lot of battery power as well.

Thankfully, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a generous 24+ hour rated battery life, which you can extend to up to 72 hours when using the Extreme Battery Saver mode that limits functions. The 4,650mAh battery supports fast charging, but only when used with the Google 45W USB-C charger, which is sold separately. With this charger, however, Google says you can get “hours of power” after just a few minutes.

What about wireless charging? The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold does include Qi wireless charging, but not the latest Qi2 specification. Qi2 uses magnets, similar to Apple’s MagSafe charging, which allows for more precise transfer of power. With traditional Qi charging, you have to make sure you position the device just right. With Qi2, the magnetized design confirms accurate and efficient placement.

Beyond the omission of Qi2 charging, the odd detail with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is that it doesn’t support the official Google Pixel Stand because of the positioning of the wireless charging coil. You may run into this issue with other wireless chargers as well. Google provides a diagram on its support site to help you visualize where the charging coil is to determine if a wireless charger you own or want to buy might work.

Reviewers have found, however, that it doesn’t work with many other wireless charging stands because of this positioning issue as well. It may work if you can position the foldable phone in landscape orientation but typically not in portrait mode. To ensure the best wireless charging experience with this phone, you’ll want to consider a flat wireless charging pad instead.

You can browse our list of the best wireless chargers and look into the pad options for this device to ensure proper wireless charging if you want it to be part of your setup.

What you need to know

• Apple announced the iPhone 16 series this week, which brings a minor redesign, a new Camera Control button, and a chip upgrade. 
• Once again, the iPhone 16 series represents a minor year-over-year upgrade that is unlikely to convince current users to upgrade.
• To revitalize the iPhone lineup and shake things up, Apple needs a foldable. 

Is Apple's current iPhone strategy to add one minor feature, plus a spec bump, to its smartphones each year and call it a day? That's certainly what it looks like. With the iPhone 14 Pro, it was the Dynamic Island. Then, the iPhone 15 Pro brought the Action button. Now, the entire iPhone 16 series gets a Camera Control button. 

Add in a design tweak here and there, and a camera upgrade every few years, and you've summed up the iPhone refresh schedule. There are some things to like — Apple's silicon is still the top performer compared to Qualcomm and Google, for example — but recent iPhone launches, including the iPhone 16 series, appear to be massively underwhelming. Especially when you consider what's happening in the Android world, like the release of tri-fold phones.

Post by @relatablevijay

View on Threads

Vijay on Threads perfectly summed up the problem with recent iPhone launches in the graphic above. In five years and six iPhone generations, it's hard to tell what's really different. To be clear, Android phones aren't immune from this issue, which is a consequence of market maturity. Samsung's Galaxy S24 lineup barely looks any different from the past few generations of Galaxy phones. 

In fact, Google is one of the few phone manufacturers that really tries to shake things up every single year. The Pixel 9 looks different than the Pixel 8, which appears unique compared to the Pixel 7, and so on. Despite some of Google's shortcomings, I have to give it credit for continually trying to innovate with each Pixel generation. 

You could argue that Apple tries to do the same with the iPhone, adding things like the Dynamic Island, Action button, and Camera Control button. However, as a user of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, I've found that these flagship features fall short. They're cool every now and then, but I don't feel like the way I use my phone has fundamentally changed because of them. I certainly don't miss the Dynamic Island or Action button when I switch back to one of the best Android phones on a regular basis. 

So, will the shiny new Camera Control button be any different? We'll have to wait and see, but the Android Central team loves the concept, and even hopes it'll come to Android phones in the future. As someone who fumbles with one-handed smartphone photography often, I certainly see the potential. I also might use it for the first week that I get my hands on the iPhone 16 Pro, only to forget about it and never use it again.

Again, it's worth noting that there are other things to like about the iPhone 16 series. The A18 and A18 Pro systems-on-a-chip look like great performers, Apple Intelligence could be a real game-changer when it arrives, and both models of iPhone 16 Pro share the same great camera system. It's just not enough to get me truly excited about the new iPhones. 

I think Apple needs to shake things up to get tech enthusiasts interested in the iPhone again. It needs a foldable iPhone. 

What would it take to pull me away from the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

The best way to enjoy technology is to chase the most cutting-edge tech rather than stick to a single brand. I was an iPhone user exclusively until I tried the Galaxy Z Flip 3; I was a Mac user exclusively until I tried the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. Now, after using modern foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, only an Apple foldable can really pull me back in. 

There are only so many ways to change a traditional, slab-style foldable each year. They're matured to what is nearly their final form, and only iterative updates are likely to come. Meanwhile, foldables are a budding form factor. Devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are almost as thin as a regular Pixel 9 Pro, and their build quality is better than ever. 

I've been using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for more than a week, and it's hard to imagine myself getting excited about a non-foldable phone again. They're bland compared to the foldable (and now tri-fold) phones out there. 

Even Apple fans seem to be getting disinterested in the iPhone. If you spend a bit of time on Threads or X (formerly Twitter), you'll find many Apple users making comments like "Steve Jobs would never" in relation to the company's recent announcements. While I generally disagree with this sentiment and don't see it as constructive, it's just another way of saying that iPhone progress has stalled and could use a jump-start. 

As an Apple convert who moved to Android at least part-time years ago, I think a foldable could be that jump-start. When Android Central editor-in-chief Shruti Shekar interviewed former iPhone users about whether a foldable would lure them back into the Apple ecosystem, the results were mixed. Some were adamantly against a so-called "iPhone Fold," and one person was ready to jump right back in. 

Either way, a foldable would put Apple back in the cutting-edge tech conversation, and that could be a win in itself.

The cat's finally out of the bag with the squeaky new Pixel 9 family of smartphones. Google gave us not two, not three, but four new flagship phones in one go. That's quite a lot to process. While our final verdict is still pending, it's easy to say that the Pixel 9 series gets a lot right. There are plenty of upgrades and AI magic to make the devices enticing for anyone. Yet, despite all that, there's one problem with the Pixel 9 series that bums me out, and it has to do with the pink color option.

I won't lie; the biggest draw for me was purely superficial at first. My inner Elle Woods screamed in dignified delight when the leaks first showcased a pink Pixel. To top it off, it turned out to be an all-pink lineup of Android phones with pink accessories to match! How can a girl say no to that?

Now that we know for sure that three of the four Pixel 9 models come in pink, all I needed to decide was which model to buy. To me, Rose Quartz is the most interesting shade of the upper-tier Pixel 9 Pro series, followed by the deeper Peony hue of the basic Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 Pro stood out as the obvious choice since it has practically no other difference compared to the 9 Pro XL in any aspect other than size. I prefer smaller phones as they're easier to use one-handed.

My mind was pretty much made up about bumping my Pixel 8 over to the 9 Pro, but that's when I ran into an unexpected problem. When I'm looking to buy a phone, naturally, I value other specs as well. Storage is a very important factor, especially because Pixels are famously superior photographers. So it was shocking to me that Google does not offer the Pixel 9 Pro or the 9 Pro XL in Rose Quartz with more than 256GB of storage.

That's a major roadblock for me because I've already got around 200GB of images and videos on my current phone. If I were to upgrade to 256GB — not all of which is usable — I'd run out of space on my brand-new phone in a few short months. It's not like I can use a nice microSD card to fix that issue, seeing as most flagships like the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL have ditched expandable storage slots.

Even with the underwhelming performance of the Tensor G4 and the stuttering fingerprint sensor, I was onboard with the Pixel 9 Pro. The cameras and the Pixel UI are what I was willing to pay for, and of course, the sweet coat of pink paint. All things considered, storage simply isn't something I can compromise on.

Google One is one possible solution here, offering additional online storage and a few bonus features for a monthly or yearly fee. However, this requires you to be connected to the internet at all times. Additionally, relying on a cloud storage solution also means that any of the files that don't fit on your Pixel will have to be stored in the cloud fully, with no on-device availability. In areas with poor or no connectivity, this is a big drawback.

I don't know why Google passed on a 512GB option for the pink Pixel 9 phones, but based on experience and my gut, I'm assuming it's because someone doubted the popularity of this color. When a brand doesn't have enough confidence in color, they don't offer larger storage options for it because it assumes that the demand will be low. I reached out to Google for clarification regarding color and storage options but did not get a response in time for publication. I will update the article if I hear back.

But let's be honest, 256GB doesn't cut it anymore. Each colorway should have enough storage to last for a phone that's promised seven years of upgrades. Samsung offers more than twice as many colorways on its phones, and you can go as high as 1TB on many of them. If Samsung can do it, why can't Google?

No stylus support here

Although it was a bit of a long shot, there was still hope that the original Pixel Fold would offer the ability to use the phone with a stylus. That same sentiment held true after rumors began picking up that Google was working on a new iteration of its book-style foldable phone.

Unfortunately, Google didn't answer the call with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as the company's latest foldable doesn't support stylus input. That leaves the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as the best foldable phone for those who want to use a stylus.

While the OnePlus Open can technically be included, the only way you can acquire a stylus that works is by importing an Oppo Pen from abroad. This is due to the fact that while the OnePlus Open and Oppo Find N3 are practically identical, there's no official stylus support from the OnePlus side of things.

That being said, it's still a bit disappointing to see the Pixel 9 Pro Fold miss out on such a useful capability. However, Google is continuing to put more of a focus on keeping its foldable phones as slim as possible. In order to make its phone compatible with a stylus, the company would have to rely on a different type of digitizer layer.

For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses an "active digitizer," which recognizes the tip of the S Pen Fold Edition. So while we're talking about extremely thin layers of materials, even making this one change could result in Google needing to take a different approach.

There is hope for stylus support in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, provided that Google follows a similar path to Samsung. S Pen support didn't arrive for Samsung's foldable phones until the Galaxy Z Fold 3, but this also required a different type of S Pen to be created and released. With any luck, Google will make similar improvements with its next foldable phone.

The Google Pixel 9 deals have arrived, and if you're in the market for a foldable phone, you might stand to get some free store credit. Just in time for the Labor Day sales, Best Buy is offering a free $350 gift card with pre-orders of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will drop in stores on September 4, and if you were already looking to spend a good chunk of change on your next phone, this might not be a bad option.

✅Recommended if: you want to buy a new phone outright, and you don't mind spending a good amount of money; you're looking for a premium foldable phone that offers a large set of screens; you want a versatile phone with easy multitasking options.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want to spend this much money on a new phone; you'd prefer to go for something more affordable and might consider other Pixel 9 deals.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no joke when it comes to price, especially considering that you can save over $700 going with the Pixel 9 or the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Still, if your heart's set on a foldable phone that dwells in the Pixel-sphere, and you've got the money to spend, the latest foldable effort from Google will give you what you pay for.

This phone includes a ton of useful and fun Gemini AI features, design improvements from the last-generation Pixel Fold, and a few slight upgrades for the camera suite. The base model comes with 256GB of RAM or you can upgrade to 512GB for an extra $120.

Sure, the outright price on this phone is pretty daunting, and a $350 gift card can only go so far (although it could easily get you a few Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases). However, there are other options to save more, such as trading in a current device or financing through your retailer. In any case, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold seems worth the attention of foldable phone lovers, even at the premium price point.