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