Obsidian finishes

The foldable smartphone landscape has a new contender vying for the crown: the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Officially announced on August 13, 2024, and released on September 4, 2024, this device has already made waves as a sophisticated and powerful entry into the foldable market. Positioned to compete with established players, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold aims to redefine user expectations with its blend of Google’s signature software experience and cutting-edge hardware. Design and Build The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a sleek and refined design, available in Porcelain and Obsidian finishes. When unfolded, it measures a mere 5.1mm in thickness, making it remarkably slim for a foldable device. Its dimensions when folded are 155.20 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm and when unfolded are 155.20 x 150.20 x 5.10 mm. Weighing in at 257 grams, it strikes a balance between a substantial feel and comfortable portability. The device also features IPX8 water resistance, adding to its durability and user confidence. Display Innovation The Pixel 9 Pro Fold showcases two impressive displays. The primary internal display is an 8.0-inch Super Actua Flex OLED screen with a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels and a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz. This LTPO technology ensures smooth visuals and power efficiency. The inner display can reach up to 1600 nits in HDR and 2700 nits at peak brightness, offering excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The cover display is a 6.3-inch Actua OLED with a 1080 x 2424 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Performance and Software At the heart of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold lies the powerful Google Tensor G4 chipset, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This combination ensures seamless multitasking and smooth performance across demanding applications. Storage options include 256GB or 512GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. The device launched with Android 14 (QPR3) and has since been updated to Android 15, offering the latest features and enhancements from Google, optimized for the foldable form factor. Camera Capabilities Google has equipped the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with an advanced triple rear camera system: For selfies, there are two front-facing cameras: a 10 MP external camera and an 8 MP internal camera. The camera system benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography, offering features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone. Battery and Charging The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by a 4650 mAh battery, supporting 30W fast wired charging and Qi wireless charging. This ensures that users can quickly replenish the battery and enjoy all-day usage. Connectivity and Other Features Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC, and USB Type-C. The device supports both Nano SIM and eSIM. Additional features include stereo speakers, multiple microphones with noise suppression, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure authentication. Market Position and Competition The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold enters a competitive foldable market, challenging devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and the OnePlus Open. While the foldable market saw a slight dip in overall growth in early 2025, it is expected to rebound strongly in 2026 with new entrants and innovations. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold distinguishes itself with its unique design, powerful Tensor G4 chip, and optimized Android experience. Looking Ahead As foldable technology continues to evolve, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward. With advancements in display durability, hinge mechanisms, and software optimization on the horizon for 2025 and beyond, devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are paving the way for a future where foldable smartphones become more mainstream, offering users the versatility of a tablet with the portability of a phone. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, expected later in 2025, will likely build upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, further refining the foldable experience with anticipated upgrades in camera technology and potentially stylus support.