{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
There are some unusual omissions on this machine in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional. The outside display screen (the one you will use probably the most), doesn’t feature LTPO technology, which permits the show to dynamically ratchet from 1 to 120 Hz. It is 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 function just isn’t accessible. (It is accessible on the interior display screen.)
On different Pixel telephones, you may prime up different units—like your earbuds’ charging case—wirelessly with a function known as Battery Share. I’ve by no means felt the necessity to use this function, nevertheless it’s not accessible 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 remember this machine is rated IPX8, so it is nice to submerge it in a pool, however watch out with mud (keep away from the seaside!).
Probably the most annoying flub is wi-fi charging. It is supported on this machine, nevertheless it would not work with Google’s very personal Pixel Stand Gen 2 wireless 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. Effectively, form of. It really works on some if you happen to put the telephone in panorama orientation, however not if you happen to place it in portrait on a stand. You may be higher off utilizing a charging pad that sits flat.
General, the digital camera system is analogous however not an identical 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 situations in comparison with the cheaper sibling. I additionally do not like the truth that the selfie digital camera on this telephone would not function autofocus. It is good that you would be able to take selfies with the superior rear cameras, however generally you do not wish to unfold the entire thing, after which your photograph is not as sharp as what you get with the Pixel 9 Professional.
It is these kind of little issues that add as much as make the Pixel 9 Professional Fold really feel a bit … bizarre. It does its job properly if a mini pill is what you need—I want utilizing it over the Galaxy Z Fold 6—however Google must work on its function 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 costliest piece of {hardware} in your arms.
