Unboxing & First Impressions: Google PIXEL 9 Pro FOLD
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Introduction
Inside the box of the brand new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, we have the latest iteration of Google’s foldable technology. Referred to somewhat clumsily as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, this device is the follow-up to the original Pixel Fold. I received my pre-ordered device in the obsidian color variant, and I must say, the unboxing experience was intriguing.
Unboxing Experience
Upon opening the smaller-than-expected box, which is significantly more compact than I anticipated, the design struck me immediately. 2024 has proven to be an interesting year for foldables, especially as I transitioned from never using foldable phones to experimenting with multiple brands in just a couple of months, including the Motorola Razer Plus and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.
The external box is dark gray and indicates the smartphone’s double stacked camera setup. Pulling apart the tabs to access the internal box revealed a surprise: it’s remarkably thin! Contrary to the trend of premium phones, there is no power adapter included—something I've noticed is becoming standard across the industry. Nevertheless, the phone itself feels incredibly thin and light.
Inside the box, beyond the phone, you’ll find the USB-C charging cable, some startup instructions, and a SIM removal tool. The specifications and setup guide provide necessary information but are relatively sparse.
First Impressions of the Phone Design
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is aesthetically pleasing and feels premium in hand. The moment I engage with the phone's build quality, I appreciate the smooth and counterintuitive design. The hinge feels exceptionally sturdy, and the sound it makes when folding is oddly satisfying.
Now, one notable aspect about the design is its asymmetry. While I’m typically a fan of uniformity in design, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has rounded edges that lend a certain comfort while holding it, especially for right-handed users. However, it did prove to be somewhat awkward when switched to a left-handed grip.
The folding aspect is reminiscent of traditional smartphones in terms of width, making it easier to adapt to for most users. Despite my initial misgivings about the asymmetrical profile, I’m beginning to appreciate its novelty. However, I found the camera bump setup a bit peculiar. It does not span across the back, leading to a very distinct visual design, something I am not as fond of compared to previous Pixel models.
Camera capabilities appear to show a downturn from previous iterations. The main camera is now 48 megapixels, compared to 50 on the standard Pro. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are downgraded to 10.5 and 10.8 megapixels, respectively, which is disappointing, as I've often relied on wide-angle shots for vlogging.
Software and Features
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes equipped with Android 14 and has certain advanced AI features powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset. Notably, the device supports Google Gemini Live that facilitates a personalized smart assistant experience, enhancing everyday interactions.
The display offers a fantastic viewing experience with two screens—6.3 inches on the exterior and a larger 6.8 inches on the interior—both of which have impressive refresh rates. The lack of gaps when the phone is closed is a nice touch, enhancing its durability.
Gaming feels immersive on this device, as the internal screen fills the entire workspace for visual content, while the crease, although noticeable when sliding fingers across, becomes less intrusive visually.
Conclusion
Overall, my unboxing and initial experiences with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold are largely positive. While the asymmetrical design presents a learning curve, its refined build quality and innovative features make it worthy of consideration in the foldable category. I look forward to exploring its full potential and will be returning with a comprehensive review soon.
Keywords
Pixel 9 Pro Fold, unboxing, impressions, design, foldable phone, Android 14, Tensor G4, camera capabilities, display, AI features.
FAQ
Q1: What is the price of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
A1: The base model of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced at approximately $ 1,800 for 256 GB of storage, with a 512 GB variant available for around $ 120 more.
Q2: Does the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold include a power adapter?
A2: No, like many premium devices today, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not include a power adapter in the box.
Q3: What are the camera specifications for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
A3: The main camera is 48 megapixels, with an ultra-wide lens at 10.5 megapixels and a telephoto lens at 10.8 megapixels.
Q4: What is the operating system of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
A4: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14, with plans for upgrades to future versions.
Q5: What unique features does the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have?
A5: It features Google’s AI capabilities through the Tensor G4 chip, a satisfying hinge mechanism, and dual screens with varying aspect ratios and refresh rates.