Product test
Pixel Fold review: the first folding device that makes you want more
by Jan Johannsen
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google turns on a light
13.8.2024
Translation: machine translated
After its first folding phone, Google is launching its second model. The foldable phone with the somewhat unwieldy name "Pixel 9 Pro Fold" is bigger, faster and, above all, brighter than its predecessor. The latter is meant in both the literal and proverbial sense.
Google's debut in the world of folding phones can certainly be described as a success. Almost exactly a year ago, our colleague Jan Johannsen went into raptures about the display size and the cameras.
In Switzerland, the Fold was only available to buy as an import. Google has now spruced up its Fold for its Swiss debut and has gone one better in the key areas. At least on paper: this can only be verified when we can try out the device. Unlike in previous years, Google has not made this possible in advance.
Display: bigger and brighter
The device is also 26 grams lighter: it weighs 257 grams instead of 283 grams. The displays are also growing. The outer screen now has a display diagonal of 6.3 inches. When you open the device, you have 8 inches at your disposal.
Google has also increased the resolutions and pixel density. 1080×2424 pixels at 422 ppi for the outer display and 2076×2152 pixels at 373 ppi for the large inner display. Incidentally, these are protected by Victus 2 Corning Gorilla Glass and are IPX8 water-resistant.
Cameras: product care in a new guise
As you can see in the pictures, Google has also redesigned the camera array. This year, the lenses are not all next to each other, but one below the other. This results in a completely different look
The selfie cam, which takes photos with ten megapixels, is unspectacular. The aperture value is ƒ/2.2, which is a slight improvement on last year, but it is clear that the front camera is still not the focus of Google's interest. No wonder: you can also take selfies with the main camera thanks to the external screen.
In terms of software, Google offers a number of specialities, particularly in the field of photography. For example, the Fold comes with the "Add Me" function. It works like this: someone takes a group photo in which he or she is then missing. Someone else takes the photo again (with the person in it) and the feature creates a photo with all the protagonists in it.
Gemini: The split screen mode ensures productivity
As with the Pixel 9 series, Google's artificial intelligence is of course also at work in the Fold. In addition to the many small aids in everyday life, Gemini also benefits from the split screen function. You can set the Fold to "on the table" mode - i.e. half unfolded.
You can then open several apps at the same time and ask Gemini, for example, to search for data from emails in the Gmail app while you record the details in the Notes app. Or you can have Gemini search for gift shops that are between your location and a location - while you google for gift ideas next door.
Hardware: Newer, faster, more powerful - except...
Traditionally, Google is also installing its latest processor from its own development, the Tensor G4, in its new Fold. The Californians have upgraded the RAM to 16 GB. In terms of storage options, you again have the choice between a 256 GB and a 512 GB version. The RAM remains the same.
The devices will be delivered from 3 September.
Header image: Google
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.
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