Google Pixel 9 Series: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Flagship Smartphones

5 must-have accessories I'd actually buy for my Pixel 9

One of the best Google phones you can buy for under $1,000 is the fantastic Google Pixel 9. It has a large, yet compact display and size, the powerful Tensor G4 chipset, all the new AI features that you'd want to use on an everyday basis, and a fantastic dual camera setup with a wide array of options. Although the Pixel 9 is packed with advanced Gemini and AI features, it remains a fragile device with its glass and metal construction. It doesn't include a charger, and Google has made a few compromises to keep the cost down for their flagship model. If you want to enhance the phone's ergonomics, protect it from cracks, and improve your experience, here are the best accessories available to optimize it. Read our review The Google Pixel 9 makes me question if I need to go Pro The Pixel 9 has everything most people want from a phone 7 5 A durable case lets me customize it the way I want it Maintain your phone's look and value Dbrand Grip for Pixel 9 The dbrand Grip is a high-quality, precision-crafted case that's extremely customizable. It's durable, has a textured side, and a grippy feel that improves ergonomics. It supports MagSafe accessories, and is compatible with dbrand's colorful and fantastic-looking skins that can make your Pixel 9 look unique and truly one of a kind. ProsExcellent ergonomics and protectionMagSafe compatibilityCustomizable with dbrand?s skins ConsIt?s not the thinnest case around $60 at dbrand Dbrand is well-known for its premium cases and high-quality skins. They offer an intuitive and easy way to further customize your new smartphone, and improve the protection to retain its value and condition for longer. The reason I picked the dbrand Grip comes down to a few reasons. First, it feels premium, high-quality, and is a sturdy case that can take a beating. If you're as clumsy as I am, or you want an extra layer to guard your device from everyday wear and tear, the Grip offers an ergonomic design that feels great in your hand and pocket. It's customizable, too, with dbrand offering a large collection of skins so you can truly personalize your phone to your liking. Source: Dbrand I'm a big fan of the teardown skins, but the company offers a wide variety of other designs that might suit you better. There's a colorful pale color palette, various gradients, and lots of design to choose from. What's more, the Grip also has magnets built-in, making it compatible with MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers. 4 A durable and easy-to-install protector keeps my screen immaculate No one wants a damage screen Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT for Pixel 9 The Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit includes two tempered glass screen protector, an easy-to-use aligning tool, and a strong glass that can withstand impacts, scuffs, and everyday wear. It's fingerprint resistant, easy to install, and it comes with all the tools, stickers, and cleaning cloth you need to fit it on your Pixel 9. ProsEasy to installIncludes 2 screen protectors in the kitCompatible with most phone cases ConsThe glass adds a bit of weight and thickness to the screen $19 at Amazon The Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit might sound like a strange name, but the company's screen protector products have long been a favorite of mine. They have always held strong thanks to the durable glass material, preventing scuffs and everyday scratches, providing peace of mind when you put it in your pocket next to your keys, cards, and coins. The kit includes two tempered glass screen protectors, which are extremely easy to install thanks to the aligning tool it comes with. As long as you have your screen cleaned and dust-free, the installation will be a breeze, only requiring you to put it on, swiping to fit it, and calling it a day. The protector has an oleophobic coating that improves fingerprint resistance, and the panel has a completely clear design that doesn't affect everyday use, or touch sensitivity. It's ideal for anyone looking for a screen protector that's quick to install and requires no know-how or skill. Related Best Google Pixel 9 screen protectors in 2024 The Pixel 9 screen needs a bit of extra care 3 A foldable wireless charger that keeps the lights on for 3 of my devices A charged phone is a useful phone ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charger $60 $80 Save $20 The ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Travel wireless charger supports up to 15W charging speeds with compatible devices. It's foldable and compact, and it can charge three devices simultaneously. It comes in two colors, and it's a comfortable way to charge on the go or at home. ProsFoldable and compact design with MagSafeFutureproofIt lets you charge 3 devices simultaneously ConsMost non-Qi2 devices will likely only support 7.5-12W charging $60 at Amazon$80 at ESR If you're looking for a reliable wireless charger that's compact, lightweight, and easy to carry with you, the ESR Qi2 3-in-1 travel wireless charger is a great choice. It's ideal if you have a MagSafe-compatible case, as the charger has magnets that make topping up effortlessly easy, but you can also fold it down and charge it in a more traditional way if you prefer, or if you don't have a compatible phone or case. The charger can charge three devices at once, be it a smartphone, wireless earbuds, or in this case, an Apple Watch. While it's aimed at Apple users, Android users will be able to charge at least two devices with ease, and the kit also includes a travel bag that makes it easy to take with you in a backpack. The charger comes in two colors, black and white, and depending on which kit you pick up, it'll include a power adapter, too, making charging truly an all-in-one solution if you don't like messing around with cables. Related Best Google Pixel 9 wireless chargers in 2024 Skip the cord with these wireless chargers 2 2 A smart tag that helps me recover my belongings What's lost can be easily found Chipolo One Point The new Chipolo One Point is a Bluetooth smart tag compatible with Google's Find My network. It's compact, lightweight, and small enough to attach to belongings such as backpacks, pets, wallets, and more. It can detect when it's left behind and help you relocate your belongings with intuitive controls. ProsQuick and easy setupLoudspeaker and easily replaceable batteryNo subscription required ConsNo Ultra Wide-Band (UWB)Only IPX5 water resistantGoogle Find My Network needs a bit more work $28 at Chipolo The Chipolo One Point is an affordable smart tracker that supports the Google Find My network, which connects hundreds of millions of devices to help users relocate their missing items. When you're within range, the tracker makes it super easy to track down any missing objects, regardless of what you attached it to. We tested the device, and we found it rather intuitive to control and use, and found that the speaker was loud enough to hear it even from a distance. However, the One Point is far from perfect. If there are no compatible Android devices nearby to locate objects within the area where you lost an object, tracking it down could be very difficult. Unless you have the perfect conditions, finding lost products could be deemed very challenging. If you lose your device within a populated area, the chances of you recovering an item is relatively high -- as long as it's not stolen by someone. However, if you lose it on a hike or on a trail in the wilderness, chances become very slim due to the lack of nearby Android users and the missing Ultra Wide-Band. For those who often take a trip to the countryside, it might be better to wait until the Google Find My network improves. Read our review Chipolo One Point review: Easy to find, if it's not too far away Great for finding things around the house, but maybe not around the world 7 1 The earbuds that help me focus and listen to my favorite tracks And they're water-resistant, too Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Google's new premium wireless earbuds bring significant upgrades with a more refined design, new features, and more emphasis on generative AI. It has a claimed battery life of up to 48 hours without ANC, and it even supports wireless charging to make top-ups easy and effortless. ProsANC and transparency modesWater-resistantLong battery life and wireless charging ConsStill no support for the aptX codecPrice $229 at Best Buy$229 at Google Store$229 at Amazon If you want to complement your Pixel 9, you might be interested in picking up or upgrading your wireless earbuds. The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is an ideal choice if you appreciate compact and comfortable wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with the Pixel and many other non-Google devices. Connecting and setting up the earbuds is easy, and while the $229 price tag might put some people off, it's still a competitive price compared to other similar wireless earbuds. Google has made the Buds Pro 2 even more comfortable, and the buds now feature a Google Tensor A1 chip that promises more efficient sound processing, noise cancelation, and improved sound quality. The new earbuds are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor, and a new high-frequency chamber joins the new 11m drivers for a smoother treble and improved bass. The buds can detect conversations, too, and use AI to automatically pause, play, or switch to transparency mode depending on the situation. Related Best wireless earbuds in 2024 Your ears deserve the best, so choose the best wireless earbuds Which accessory should you buy? There are a wide range of accessories you can choose from, but the ones mentioned above are the ones I'd consider starting with. Of course, you could also buy a new power adapter, a USB-C cable, a different case, screen protector, a car mount, or even a smartwatch. We tried to keep the prices relatively affordable, since the Pixel 9 is the most affordable device out of the new lineup, and it makes sense that you might not want to spend another couple hundred dollars on new gear. Having said that, a case and a screen protector are a must, while the rest offer quality-of-life improvements, and can make certain tasks easier. Google Pixel 9 The Pixel 9 is Google's latest and most affordable flagship. It has a compact 6.3-inch display, the Tensor G4 chipset, and 12GB of RAM to power all of those new AI features. The phone has a powerful dual camera setup, a long-day battery life, wireless charging, and almost everything you'd expect from a Pixel flagship. $799 at Amazon$799 at Best Buy

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: A tale of two screen sizes

Pocketable and powerful Google Pixel 9 Pro The Pixel 9 Pro is, in a way, the evolution of the Pixel 8 that so many enthusiasts wanted. With nearly unrivaled hardware packed into a relatively compact body, you'll no longer have to sacrifice the performance edge to get something that fits easily into your pocket. ProsZero performance compromisesComparatively compact constructionThe same impressive brightness and pixel density ConsSlower charging than the XLHeavier than its similarly sized predecessor $999 at Google Store Hard-to-beat bigness Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Building on the success of the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts one of the biggest, brightest, pixel-packed displays on the market. Inside, it features all the hardware necessary to deliver a top-of-the-line Android experience for years to come. ProsLarge screen maximizes image capture and editingA hair slimmer than the last big-screen PixelIncreased charging speeds Cons$100 more than the 9 Pro, $200 more than the 8 ProSimply too big for some people $1099 at Google Store Google's Pixel lineup has been at the forefront of smartphones for years. Until recently, though, choosing the more compact version meant you'd miss out on the most advanced hardware and cutting-edge features. That changed with the release of the Pixel 9 lineup. Now, you can get the best of the best in a more portable form factor that's identical to the smaller Pixel -- no major trade-offs necessary. The 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro offers top-of-the-line specs without the bulk and heft of previous Pro releases, but you can still opt for the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, which has few differences compared to the smaller model; minimal changes ensure both perform with almost the exact same excellence. Price, availability, and specifications The smaller Pixel 9 Pro starts at $1,000 for 128GB of storage, but can be as much as $1,450 for 1TB. The XL is priced at exactly $100 more across the board and, not for nothing, a consistent price comparison like that does make it a little easier for buyers to gauge which offers a better value for their money. Both shipped on September 4, 2024 in all major markets. You'll find both the 9 Pro and XL at all major retailers and carriers, although some configurations are more popular than others. The 256GB Porcelain colorway, for example, was temporarily out of stock on Amazon at press time. Speaking of which, per-color availability is a little more complicated. Only the Obsidian model offers the maximum 1TB of storage, while Porcelain and Hazel can only go as high as 512GB. The eye-catching Rose Quartz model is paired exclusively with 256GB inside (and, incidentally, is one of the harder ones to find in stock). Both high-end Pixel 9s share the same color and storage configuration options. Google Pixel 9 ProGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XLSoCGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor G4Display typeLTPO OLED, 1-120HzLTPO OLED, 1-120HzDisplay dimensions6.3"6.8"Display resolution1280 x 28562992 x 1344RAM16GB16GBStorage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TBBattery4,700mAh5,060mAhCharge speed27W wired, 21W wireless37W wired, 23W wirelessCharge optionsUSB-C wired, Qi wirelessUSB-C wired, Qi wirelessPortsUSB-CUSB-CSIM supportNano-SIM and eSIMNano SIM and eSIMOperating SystemAndroid 14Android 14Front camera42MP, f/2.242MP f/2.2Rear camera50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide; 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephoto50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide; 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephotoWi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3Dimensions152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mmWeight199g221gIP RatingIP68IP68ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose QuartzObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose QuartzPriceFrom $999From $1,099 Read our review Review: The Pixel 9 Pro is Google's Goldilocks flagship Not too big, not too small; just right 10 Read our review Review: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is now the best big Android phone Google's big flagship earns its $100 price bump and then some. 8 Design A little different, a lot of the same, but no complaints Close Both sport notably luxurious frames and matte glass backs The Pixel 9 Pro looks essentially identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but shrunk by roughly 10%. Considering how similar everything else is about these devices, this is a huge boon to the many demanding customers who decried the Pixel 8's shortcomings compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. And while they're both heavier than the previous generation, they also share a slightly more lithe 8.5mm thickness. The slimmer bodies come alongside a pretty significant change to the phones' functional design. A quick glance at a render gives the impression of a similar design language to the past, but just a bit more investigation reveals relatively important changes. The Pixel 9 Pro and XL's newly flat sides maximize screen space and make them easier to hold than previous models. The most visually noticeable update to both is the practically iconic camera visor of the past has yielded to a floating almost-oval -- a rectangle bounded on either end by a semicircle, a shape known obscurely as a stadium. Ousted is the former marshmallow-esque aesthetic, in favor of an industrial look reminiscent of Thomas Bangalter's helmet of Daft Punk fame. There are no more cutesy curves on Google's phones, and it's a welcome update. Related Google Pixel 9: What I love and hate about its design A lot to like, some to dislike 2 Display The real reason to pick one or the other Without a doubt, the Pixel 8 Pro was one of our favorite phones of 2023, but it was and is prohibitively large for a lot of potential buyers. And one real gripe with the base Pixel 8 was that it lagged behind the display brightness, pixel density, and durability of its larger sibling. Google's decision to put the bigger Pixel Pro in the dryer and shrink it has put those worries behind us. This time around, you're looking at a pair of the most impressive displays we've ever seen, and the only significant difference between them is the size. The Pixel 9 Pro's 6.3-inch panel sports the same borderline-absurd 3,000-nit peak brightness as the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL's. Pixel densities, screen-to-body ratios, and relative bezel sizes are practically identical, and both at the top of their classes. The smaller one also now sports the same Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which boasts a near-perfect balance of scratch and crack resistance. Google took everything we loved about the Pixel 8 Pro's industry-leading screen, made it even better, and ensured the smaller Pixel 9 Pro matched it exactly. We consider that a win for consumers. Close How the Pixel 9 Pro and XL compare to each other, and some other top devices Software Finally, equality at the high end of Android performance One of the biggest complaints about the previous Pixel family was that you were forced to wield one of the biggest slab phones in the world to get the best software tricks. It's yet another problem Google's made extinct, promising the same software for both the small and large top-shelf Pixels. Photography Pro Controls, identical on-device Gemini AI right off the bat, and a better-than-expected thermometer mean either device will satisfy Android fans. While that is arguably an even bigger win for consumers, the most demanding flagship phone aficionados also take a bit of an L with the phones' software release schedule. Yes, Google pioneered the seven-year Android update lifespan, but what good is that seventh year if a phone ships with last year's Android version? We wouldn't necessarily call the Pixel 9 family's Android 14 installation an inexplicable decision from the Big G, as Android 15 promises worthwhile upgrades that consumers deserve to see perfected out of the gate, but it's at least a bit of a disappointment. On the other hand, you might not keep your Pixel 9 Pro or XL for seven years, anyway, so this probably affects the secondhand market as much as anything. Related Android 15 is actually a big update, but you wouldn't know it Google doesn't feel like marketing Android anymore 17 More generally, both feature Google's own interpretation of the Android Open Source Project. In a mild dash of irony, Google's launcher tends to be a little less customizable than popular alternatives. But it's clearly doing something right, as plenty of users appreciate how it's tailored the interface and feature set. Performance Shared hardware with a disappointing lateral move at CPU As far as Google's concerned, neither new Pixel Pro pulls any punches. A welcome 16GB of RAM lends credibility to the phones' long lifespan, including -- to some extent -- their ability to maintain Gemini AI effectiveness over the years. They each have all the bells and whistles, including UWB support, fantastic stereo speakers, upgraded modems, and optional satellite SOS connectivity (which will eventually require a subscription). We're also tickled to point out that, at long last, Pixels have finally abandoned the oft-criticized optical fingerprint scanner in favor of a considerably more consistent ultrasonic sensor. The sameness between the two Pixel Pros ensures that nobody's left out, whether you want the big one or the small one. 8:44 Related Is a small Pro phone worth it? [Video] The Google Pixel 9 Pro brings in a lot of new software features and some hardware changes too. Is it worth it? 10 Unfortunately, they're both also using the Tensor G4 system-on-a-chip, manufactured by Samsung Semiconductor. While this will change with the G5 as TSMC takes up Tensor G5 production, the choice continues Google's tradition of trailing behind Qualcomm chipsets. What higher clock speeds the G4 offers vs. the G3 are offset by the downsizing from 4 to 3 performance cores, and the marginal 100MHz increase in the AI core won't make a difference. Nonetheless, you'll only find the SoC a big drawback if you plan to really put your phone through the ringer, or compare its onboard AI performance side-by-side with, say, a Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Pixel 9 Pros aren't the best for gaming by a long shot, but still get fine frame rates in new titles. Chiefly, know that you'll see identical performance from either Pixel 9 Pro size. Battery life When different is actually (mostly) the same All these clear similarities add up to a closely aligned power draw, too. The only thing separating the two is the XL's exactly 10%-higher pixel count. That dovetails perfectly with the 7.6% larger battery -- you won't see any appreciable difference in battery life. What you might notice is the increase to 37W wired charging. That could, arguably, afford to be a little faster (especially when full-size competitors like the OnePlus 12 max out at a whopping 80W), but it'll be fine for most uses. The Pixel 9 Pro should move from zero to 55% in a half-hour, with the XL seeing a jump to 70% in the same time frame. It's no industry leader, but it's really not too shabby in either case. Slower charging also encourages better battery longevity, so it's not a complete loss, especially if you do plan to keep your Pixel Pro for several years. In what you could argue is a letdown, Google didn't manage to outfit either model with Qi2 wireless charging at the last minute, like so many had hoped. 12W of wireless power transmission isn't terrible, since wireless charging is all about passive convenience. The bigger miss here is the lack of built-in magnets. In both models, case-free support for magnetic accessories would have been awesome. Ah well, maybe next time. Camera This is getting out of hand; now, there are two of them Close The Pixel 9 Pro improves only marginally on the 8 Pro's world-leading camera array, but mobile phone photography enthusiasts with regular-size hands can breathe a sigh of relief: The smaller 9 Pro now contains the same 5X telephoto lens as the XL. The ultrawide sensor's a hair bigger, too, and adds an impressively effective macro mode. There's also a major selfie camera upgrade, to not just a 42MP sensor, but also a FOV increase to 103 degrees. As always, hardware's only part of the story, and Google's imaging algorithms continue to lead the league. Nobody makes a better phone for instant, point-and-shoot success when framing still or moving subjects in nearly any lighting conditions. That's alongisde the continually advancing machine learning-based features that often focus on nearly magical image editing. There's a lot to cover in terms of those AI features, whether camera-related or not, so we won't detail them here, but AP Phones Editor extraordinaire Will Sattelberg goes into great depth in his Pixel 9 Pro review. Related The Pixel 9 Pros are the phones I've always wanted from Google Finally, a real deal small Android flagship 8 And even as Android 15 brings some of Google's vaunted software photo tricks to the masses, you can bet that its latest flagship phones will always get the first crack at the newest, novel technologies. We'd be surprised if anything could dethrone the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL this year in terms of user-friendly picture taking and video recording. Which one's right for you? It may or may not be an easy decision for everybody, but it should be a pretty simple one. Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL offer impressive hardware and software, refined design and build quality, long Android lifespans, and unbeatable camera performance. But the smaller one delivers those top-of-the-line features in a Goldilocks-sized package. Unless you plan to multitask a lot, or insist on the biggest possible camera viewfinder and image editing interface, the more reasonably sized Pixel 9 Pro is probably the wiser choice. Top pick Google Pixel 9 Pro We asked Google to bring Pro-level features to the smaller Pixel, and it delivered. With the latest in hardware and software refinements (SoC performance notwithstanding, that is), the Pixel 9 Pro makes a solid case for the best high-end phone of the year. $999 at Google Store$999 at Best Buy$999 at Amazon Nonetheless, the bigger XL is obviously nothing to sneeze at. If you were on the fence about upgrading from an older large-format Pixel to the 8 Pro, you'll want to pull the trigger on the 9 Pro XL. It offers everything you could want outside of premium gaming performance, and its large display makes everything as easy to see as possible. More real estate Google Pixel 9 Pro XL If you follow the "bigger is better" philosophy, the Pixel 9 Pro XL was made for you. Its upgrades are largely iterative, but serve to put this massive slab phone at the front of the pack by any nearly measure outside of raw benchmark performance. $1099 at Google Store$1099 at Best Buy$1099 at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Does size matter?

A Pro in every way Google Pixel 9 Pro The Pixel 9 Pro takes a more one-handed approach to Google's phone lineup, cutting the screen size down without losing the functionality that makes it a Pro device. ProsExcellent design in a smaller buildGorgeous displayBetter performance and battery life ConsCertain AI features need workNot a prime mobile gaming deviceCharging maxes out at 27W $999 at Amazon Maintains Pro-level quality Google Pixel 8 Pro $624 $999 Save $375 The Google Pixel 8 Pro may be the older model, but it still holds up really well as a premium Android phone. Software updates also ensure it will be viable for years to come. ProsSet to receive years of updatesSuperb camera performanceAI features continue to improve ConsBugs can still pop up sometimesTemperature sensor needs purposeBattery life will be affected by software updates $624 at Amazon Google has found its stride with its Pixel phones, including design language and finding ways to utilize hardware and software together. The Pixel 9 Pro marks a change; the company's bringing its best features and cameras to a size previously relegated to a more standard option. That was never the case with the larger Pixel 8 Pro, which is the only fully-loaded option of its Pixel generation and the same size as this year's XL. Both phones would easily qualify among the best Android phones, so this is a choice that largely comes down to size and the promise of a newer processor. Read our ranking Best Android phones in 2024 Premium smartphones with unique features Price, availability, and specs The Google Pixel 9 Pro is available now and starts at $999. This increases the overall pricing for the latest Pixel 9 lineup, putting the 9 Pro squarely in the middle between the regular Pixel 9 and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. Every Pixel 9 Pro variant comes with 16GB of RAM and either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is also still available. While Google has traditionally retired older models once newer ones launch, that may not be the case here. The 8 Pro could see a price reduction at some point, but as of now, it also starts at $999. It has 12GB of RAM and the same storage options. Both phones are easy to find at various carriers and retailers. Colors largely stay the same between them, except for a couple of changes. You can get both in Obsidian and Porcelain, but only the 9 Pro also comes in Hazel and Rose Quartz. The 8 Pro offers Mint and Bay as alternatives. As for specs, the two diverge in some key areas but are otherwise very similar: Google Pixel 9 ProGoogle Pixel 8 ProSoCGoogle Tensor G4Google Tensor G3Display typeLTPO OLED, 1-120HzLTPO OLED, 1-120HzDisplay dimensions6.3"6.7"Display resolution1280 x 28561344 × 2992RAM16GB12GBStorage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TBBattery4,700mAh5,050mAhCharge speed27W wired, 21W wireless30W wired, 18W wirelessCharge optionsUSB-C wired, Qi wirelessWired, WirelessPortsUSB-CUSB-CSIM supportNano-SIM and eSIMDual SIM (Nano SIM and eSIM)Operating SystemAndroid 14Android 14Front camera42MP, f/2.210.5MP Dual PD sel fie cameraRear camera50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide; 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephoto50MP Octa PD wide camera, 48MP Quad PD ultrawide camera, 48 MP Quad PD telephoto cameraWi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7 (Except certain markets)BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3Dimensions152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8mmWeight199g213gIP RatingIP68IP68ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose QuartzObsidian, Porcelain, BayPriceFrom $999From $999 Read our review Review: The Pixel 9 Pro is Google's Goldilocks flagship Not too big, not too small; just right 10 Read our review Google Pixel 8 Pro review: Living up to its name If you want to see the future of Google, the Pixel 8 Pro is the phone to buy Design A continuing design philosophy Once a brand finds its unique groove and style, subsequent changes appear more incremental from year to year. With rounded corners and a polished finish, the phone feels premium, though a more matte finish would've probably made it an even better combination. As is, this is clearly the height of Google's design language and arguably surpasses what Samsung and Apple have managed thus far. You could also argue the camera bar is even more pronounced and established with the 9 Pro. Sitting more like an island rather than a protruding lengthwise attachment, it remains the most recognizable feature separating Google's phones from others. That said, the Pixel 8 Pro was a refinement unto itself over the previous Pixel 7 series, so it's not like Google had to make radical design shifts. It is the larger of the two in this comparison, so as far as one-handed use goes, the newer Pixel 9 Pro has an advantage. Still, the matte soft-touch back on the 8 Pro still stands out as the best choice Google made up to this point. Display Same display, different size One of the best legacy carryovers from the 8 Pro to the 9 Pro is the flatter edges on the screen. Google made the right decision, moving away from curved edges and going flat all around. That approach continues with the 9 Pro, and it's better for it. Rounded corners also make the device easier to handle, though, it's not a bad idea to get a case and screen protector. Screen size is the big contrast here. The Pixel 9 Pro isn't the actual successor to the Pixel 8 Pro (that would be the 9 Pro XL), leaving it and its 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED as something of an outlier. Previously, only the regular Pixel flagships would have a screen that size, albeit at the expense of some of the premium features seen in the Pro variant. That's no longer the case. The Pixel 9 Pro has everything the Pixel 9 Pro XL has. Google manages to increase peak screen brightness to 3,000 nits over the 2,400 nits for HDR content. In high brightness mode, the 9 Pro can achieve up to 2,000 nits over the 8 Pro's 1,600 nits. Basically, it's easier to see the newer model in brighter daylight despite it being smaller than the latter's 6.7-inch OLED. Software Taking a small step forward Google doesn't usually leave its phones in software purgatory, and with a seven-year commitment to OS and security updates, both devices presumably stand to last a long time. How well they'll run on aging hardware by the time 2030 rolls around is another question. As it stands now, launching the Pixel 9 Pro in the summer rather than the usual fall period means the phone doesn't ship with Android 15. Hence, the inevitable upgrade from Android 14 to 15 counts as one of the seven OS upgrades. Google's Material You flavor of its stock Android experience is nice, yet devoid of customization from third-party developers. It's hard to argue with how clean and smooth Android feels on any Pixel phone, so despite some reduced open personalization, there is a lot to like about the experience. Changes from the Pixel 8 Pro to the 9 Pro don't feel as substantial. The focus has largely been on AI-driven features, which continues with the newer model. Some new ones, like Add Me and AutoFrame on the camera side, will sometimes cross with others like Pixel Studio and ReImagine for generating images through AI. Others include Magic Lists as a way to manage lists in Google Keep, phone call summaries through Call Notes, and a nifty Pixel Screenshots app to keep track of every screenshot you take. More AI stuff is coming in Android 15, much of which is also likely heading to the Pixel 8 Pro when it gets the same update. Then there's Gemini Live, Google's own AI platform that you can use freely for 12 months until you have to pay again to re-up for a year. It's very much in a nascent stage and one that needs consistent updates to be more reliable. Performance and camera All about Google's silicon It's not clear yet how much better Google's Tensor G4 chipset will perform over the G3 found in the Pixel 8 Pro. No doubt, it will optimize some of the AI features, but it's probably not going to feel like a leap forward over time. If there is something of an immediate benefit, it might be that the G4 runs a little cooler in comparison. An upgrade to 16GB of RAM plays a role in that, helping tasks and apps run without unexpected hiccups or reloads. It's just a shame that 128GB remains on the storage floor, whereas 256GB would probably make more sense given how much productivity and consumption Google touts with the Pixel 9 Pro. Adding all the AI features only bloats the existing OS further, taking a bigger chunk of that 128GB out of the box. Google will also have to address the gaming side of things. The Pixel 9 Pro doesn't prove itself as a good mobile gaming device, which is surprising considering the Pixel 8 Pro wasn't that bad. You should expect this to improve with future updates, but it may be a rocky start before you reap the rewards. On the camera side, it's the same hardware between these two -- including the telephoto lens. This marks the first time that a "smaller" Pixel flagship has both ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. Apart from newer features like Add Me and software computation tweaks, don't expect a huge difference in camera output between these two phones. Google usually reserves big camera upgrades with every second major launch. Battery life Raising the (battery) bar Pixel phones don't come with impeccable reputations for battery life. Mixed results and heating issues have marred otherwise good phones from one generation to the next. That may no longer be the case with the Pixel 9 Pro, only time will tell because it takes a while for Google's Adaptive Battery to truly kick in and make an impact. Either way, evidence shows the Tensor G4 may be doing right by this phone. If you aren't streaming audio from your phone's speaker for hours every day, you could exceed six hours of always-on screen time before you need to reach for a charger. Under most circumstances, it will hold up for a full day, leaving you with less range anxiety day-to-day. The Pixel 8 Pro isn't terrible by comparison. In fact, it's probably the one Pixel phone that felt like it turned a corner on battery reliability. Despite their size differences, the two phones charge at similar rates. You can get up to 27W with a wired charger and 21W on a wireless charger with the Pixel 9 Pro. Compare that to the 30W and 18W capacities, respectively, on the Pixel 8 Pro. Neither phone comes with a charger, so you're free to use whatever works best for you. Which should you buy? This decision really comes down to size. If it's as simple a proposition as choosing a bigger screen, it's an easy call. There are nuances to consider between them, though. One that's hard to measure is what each device feels like in hand. There's a 0.4-inch difference in screen size, but the Pixel 9 Pro may not feel small despite that. A vibrant Super Actua display helps make the phone appear larger than it is on paper. From a software and update standpoint, the Pixel 9 Pro has a one-year head start, though practical considerations don't wedge a big gap between it and the Pixel 8 Pro. You can tell from the AI features they share and the camera hardware and software. Committing to seven years of updates all but obligates Google to cram in whatever it can into the Pixel 8 Pro down the line. Who knows what that will look like in a couple of years, but right now, these two phones share a lot. And so, we circle back to two key points: do you want a bigger screen? Do you prefer the newer model? If the answer is mixed in either direction, the Pixel 9 Pro is the (slightly) better choice. Editor's choice Google Pixel 9 Pro Reliable performance, new design The Pixel 9 Pro is a new addition to Google's lineup, slotting in as a smaller premium flagship, bringing a new form-factor to Google's premium phones. $999 at Amazon$999 at Best Buy$999 at Google Store The Google Pixel 8 Pro is still a viable flagship unto itself, led by both its excellent software package and camera performance. If you prefer a bigger screen without losing too much in other respects, this device will serve you well. Runner-up Google Pixel 8 Pro A larger but still viable option $624 $999 Save $375 The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers a host of AI-driven software features to go with a very capable camera, all seen through a vibrant and large display. $624 at Amazon$999 at Google Store

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: The one we've been waiting for all along

Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold is only the company's second attempt at a foldable, but it's a stunning improvement over the first, and quite possibly the foldable you've been waiting for this whole time. Last year's Google Pixel Fold was the company's first attempt at a foldable and, in many ways, it was an impressive one. Google, on its first try, built a foldable with premium hardware that was a bold first step. As brought out in our long-term review recently, though, it didn't age very well. At all. The hinge never unfolds flat, the inner display was a mess, the whole package was too heavy, and the Tensor chip left it constantly overheating. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the poorly named sequel to the Pixel Fold, Google has addressed all of those issues, and that starts with the main hardware. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a truly incredible year-over-year improvement. The new design is remarkably thin at just 10.5mm thick when folded. This leads to a device that, when folded, just feels like a normal smartphone. In talking about foldables with some friends who have never used them, thickness came up regularly, but they were shocked to find that the 9 Pro Fold was often thinner than their current phone in a case (even with the Fold in Google's case). That thinness isn't just a party trick either. It results in the Fold being more comfortable in my pocket, especially combined with the weight that's been shed from the previous generation. The 9 Pro Fold weighs in at 257g, only 25g heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It's still heavier than some other foldables but, personally, I've never really found that to be an issue. In fact, I find the heft to be a bit reassuring when the device is open. This is very much something that you'll either be fine with, or can't bear, but it's a complete non-issue to me. Even if it does feel heavier than your last phone, you'll probably stop noticing within a few hours of use. The hardware design is also incredibly well done. The matte side rails are grippy for opening and closing the device, and I'm glad they're combined with a matte glass panel on the back unlike the rest of the Pixel 9 series, where at least one of those will be glossy/polished. I'm a big fan of the "Porcelain" color variant, but the "Obsidian" black I ended up spending most of my time with has grown on me. The camera bump on the back is also rather tame, though I'm still not sure how I feel about the look. The two-row design is weird to see on a modern Pixel, and I much prefer how last year's Fold looked in this regard, but it's also not a bad look on its own. It's far better than the honking circular camera mountain jutting out of the back of the OnePlus Open, and I call that a huge win. Pixel 9 Pro Fold's hardware really holds up well against the competition too, a challenge that Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 fails miserably at. In the US, I'd argue that this is truly the best you can get, as the Fold 6 still makes a lot of compromises on the phone side, while the OnePlus Open's giant camera bump is off-putting. Google also benefits from a range of accessory partners, with cases and screen protectors being widely available already, while the OnePlus Open still has very few options even a year later. But, as with any foldable in the US, the asterisk is that you'll find better hardware outside of the States. A great example is the Honor Magic V3 which recently launched throughout Europe and other countries. The absurdly thin foldable is over a millimeter thinner than Pixel 9 Pro Fold while still packing a much bigger battery and better camera hardware, as we looked at in a recent comparison. Even against that device, though, I think Google's efforts hold their own. One big question surrounding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's hardware is how long it will last. Google is supporting this device with the same 7 years of updates as the rest of the lineup, but foldables have a tendency to age a little less gracefully. However, I do think that Google's efforts here shine, and this feels like a foldable that can last longer than most - as long as you don't sit on it, apparently. As with any foldable, I consider it a firm requirement to purchase insurance with the device and to factor that cost in. On the Google Store in the US, Preferred Care costs $15/month or $279 for two years. That covers drops, broken screens, and more with low deductibles. A broken screen, Google says, will cost $29 to fix (up to twice a year) under the plan, while more advanced repairs may cost $129. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, like every book-style foldable, has two displays. The outer display this year is a 6.3-inch FHD+ panel that's basically ripped out of the base Pixel 9. That's to say it's sharp enough, very bright, and a good size. The bezels and frame make the overall hardware feel bigger than the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but just barely. Thanks to the thin profile, using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's outer display just feels like using a normal phone. Compared to the original Pixel Fold, which had a short and wide aspect ratio, the 9 Pro Fold's outer display makes you feel more at home because it's not all that unique. It's just normal. I have mixed feelings about that, though. On the one hand, there are no surprises on this display. Apps work as you'd expect and there's no impact to usability whatsoever. And my usual pitch for Samsung's narrow aspect ratio doesn't apply here because the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is so thin. It's almost weird to finally have a foldable with an outer display that's not affected by the fact that it's a foldable, but here we are, and it's been pretty great. Meanwhile, there's the inner display, which is a mixed bag. In many ways, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's inner display is an unquestionable win over the previous generation. The display crease is much smaller, being a crease rather than a canyon running down the center of the display. The panel is also much brighter this year, making outdoor usability actually possible, and on par with a normal phone's display. I directly found this brightness handy on a long layover earlier this month where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold held up great for watching content even in the bright Newark United Club. But it's not quite perfect. I noticed that the display crease has some weird bumps that are seemingly just a part of the device (I've noticed it across multiple units). Harmless, but strange. The inner display is also still too reflective. It's certainly improved from the first generation, but it's still more reflective than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and frankly every foldable looks bad in this regard after using the OnePlus Open. The aspect ratio of this inner display is also a choice between two paths. Gone is the super-wide display of the original, instead with a near-square design that's slightly taller than it is wide. This has software implications, as we'll get to shortly, but it also affects the hardware itself. I've found that the benefit of this design is that the inner display is much easier to handle and to type on because it's not so wide, but it's also worse for watching media. Google also removed the thicker top and bottom bezels which is visually pleasing, but takes away what was a nice way to hold the device one-handed. Personally, I'm happy with the choices Google made with this new generation of a foldable Pixel, but that's my opinion. For those who came to love the wider Pixel Fold design, I totally get it. There were many benefits, but also a lot of downsides. It would have been nice if Google stuck to that original concept, but this design plays nicer with both the software, overall, and the hardware. The experience of using a Google Pixel smartphone is one that's smart and simple, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception. Android 14 is available out of the box on this device with 7 years of updates to follow, and it's largely the same you'll find on the rest of the Pixel 9 series. Plenty of AI smarts are found on top of what is, at its core, a clean and easy-to-use smartphone experience. For more on that, go check out our Pixel 9 Pro review. The question to answer here is how that experience scales up to a foldable. On the bright side of things, I think the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the simplest foldable to understand. Google's experience emphasizes just getting more screen real estate out of your phone. When closed up, you've got a normal device, and everything works the same on the inside. Your homescreen has the same layout, just showing two panes at once. The Quick Settings panel shows the same shortcuts, just without needing to swipe twice because notifications are shown off to the right side. The Settings app shows two panes, as do many other apps. But on the other hand, there's a lot that Google isn't doing with that added screen size. Android has, for years, supported split-screen multitasking with two apps at once, and that's all the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can do too. That's while other foldables are pushing that numbers to at least three, if not pushing it well beyond. Samsung, for example, doesn't really have a limit in how many apps you can show at once in One UI. On the Fold 6, you can show three apps in panes with a few more in pop-up windows. That's useful from time to time, but nine times out of ten, I'm just using two apps anyway, so I'm perfectly content with the 9 Pro Fold's implementation. Something new this year too is the ability so "save" a pairing of apps to the homescreen for quick access. It's a useful trick, absolutely, but one I didn't find myself using as I usually find split-screen to be a spur-of-the-moment sort of thing rather than something I plan out. Google also uses the form factor in some interesting ways, like leveraging the outer display for Google Translate (in a new and improved method of access), for showing a Google Meet call on both the inner and outer screens at the same time, and a "Made You Look" feature that shows cartoon characters on the outer display to keep a child's attention while you take a picture. Neat stuff, at least to the right person. The biggest software hiccup I've noticed is that, as a result of this new inner display aspect ratio, many of the wonderful tablet optimizations from the first-gen Pixel Fold are gone. Gmail and so many other apps - Reddit, Facebook, Threads, and Discord being examples that spring to mind - end up either stuck into their phone layouts on the inner display's "portrait" aspect ratio or aren't as optimized on this new setup. That's become the inner display this year is very close to a 1:1 aspect ratio, very close to a square. It's just 5mm taller than it is wide, which means you don't get much added space from rotating the device into "landscape." In real life, that separation shouldn't matter, but some apps don't really care. Because the device is "in portrait," some apps just act like your phone is really wide. Google is not failing across the board here. Plenty of apps do use tablet layouts in "portrait," like Google Home, Messages, and the Pixel Weather app. And there are other third-party apps that are doing well too, such as Accuweather (which doesn't trigger a tablet layout on Galaxy Z Fold 6), Instagram, and Spotify. It's really frustrating! This is especially maddening because some apps simply don't care about this difference. Games like Fall Guys just work on that "portrait" layout, and YouTube can still show a fullscreen video this way too. On a device like this, that's how it should work. No matter which way the user holds the phone, there shouldn't be a difference in the app layout because, to the user's own eye, the difference is basically not there. I'm sure Google can address this through software, hopefully through a system OTA versus a million app updates that will take months to roll out. My biggest problem by far on the original Pixel Fold was a quickly overheating Tensor G2 processor, but Tensor G4 is a drastic improvement. Combined with 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a fast and fluid smartphone throughout the whole experience. Everything runs stutter-free and without any notable problems. The phone also rarely heats up and, when it does, it only gets to a certain point before just settling into a warm state. That's a far cry from the original Pixel Fold's dreadful surface-of-the-sun heat that would kick in for no obvious reason. Even while running sessions of Fall Guys on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the device just doesn't get very warm, at least no warmer than any other foldable I've used recently. On the Pixel Fold, I asked the question of whether or not the downsides of Tensor were still acceptable on an $1,800 foldable. That's still an important question, but one that's more personal this year. In terms of experience, unless you're playing the highest of high-end games, you probably won't notice any real deficiencies with Tensor G4. You aren't getting the "best of the best" on paper, but you'd probably never know it. Is that alright with you at this price point? It is with me, just because everything else is as good as it is. The other big improvement on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold thanks to Tensor G4 is the battery life, which is absolutely excellent. I'm regularly getting between four and six hours of screen time over 15-18 hours of active use, which is quite good for my personal usage - keep in mind that screen time metrics like these can vary wildly from person to person. Another reason that metric will vary is based on how you're using the screens. The inner display inevitably eats up a bit more power, but in my roughly 50/50 use of the two (on some days leaning even more on the inner panel), the results I've been getting from the battery have been beyond satisfactory. In fact, I'd go so far as to say this device has slightly better battery life than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. In my testing, the battery life on Pixel 9 Pro Fold is roughly on par with what I was seeing on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, despite the slab phone having a bigger battery. Genuinely, I can't believe the battery life is as good as it is, especially considering the battery size is actually smaller than the previous generation. But the good battery life is somewhat offset by a frustrating charging situation. To start, wired charging is much slower than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Where that device can draw up to 37W of charging speed, the Fold is limited to 21W in our testing with a voltage meter - Google has also confirmed that's the peak speed. That's even lower than the 27W available on the base Pixel 9, which is quite a shame on a high-end device like this. The other issue is wireless charging. It's limited to a mere 7.5W because the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn't work with the Pixel Stand 2 at all. This prevents the foldable for getting the boosted speeds, but the original didn't get those either. The problem I've found is that it's not just the Pixel Stand that's the problem. Many stand-style wireless chargers barely work, while mat-style chargers can also be a little inconsistent. This all comes down to a too-low placement for the Qi charging coil. You'll also want to be wary of MagSafe-style cases for this device, as nearly all of the ones I've seen on the market so far don't line up properly. If you're buying a Pixel 9 Pro Fold and want a reliable wireless charging stand, I can confirm the Nomad Base Station Stand (3rd Gen) works flawlessly. Continuing on the theme of where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold differs from the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, there are the cameras. The hardware here is completely different and it shows. The 48MP main sensor is physically smaller than the one in the rest of Google's Pro phones, and also captures less light. This often leads to missing details in lower light, and overall just less pleasing shots. On the bright side, you do still get a 5x telephoto lens, something often lacking on foldable. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still a capable and consistent camera thanks to Google's software processing, but the gap in quality has never been as obvious as it is this year. In the realm of foldable phones, Google is on the better end of what's available. Again, the Pixel's software results in shots from this device being consistently solid, with often contrasty looks and enough detail especially in good lighting, as well as capable low-light performance through Night Sight. This year, there's also the addition of Night Sight Video and Video Boost, both of which make this device far more capable in the video department as long as you're willing to wait for the processed clips to be delivered through Google Photos. Full-size samples on Google Photos By no means whatsoever is the camera on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold bad, it's just not as good as the rest of the lineup. You're not getting a camera as good as the base Pixel 9, nor are you getting one as good as even last year's Pixel 8 duo. The best comparison, crazy as it seems, is the Pixel 8a. Sadly, this is the worst camera on a flagship Pixel today in a noticeable way, but it's equally one of the best cameras you'll find on a foldable smartphone today. Google's official Pixel 9 Pro Fold case is a wonderful example of how foldable cases have improved. It has a thin profile, is grippy without getting stuck in your pocket like last year's case, and doesn't overuse adhesive for the front panel. I've been using the "Porcelain" case with the black Fold, and it's a great look. The white case has also held up well and not yet stained in the few weeks I've been using it. Vibrations on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are just as good as they are on any other Pixel 9, which is to say they're rather good. I'm just so sad that Google removed the delightful little vibration that comes when you open the foldable. Those are the kinds of little touches that sets Google's experience apart, and it's just gone. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor built into the power button. It's a little less consistent (at least for me) than the ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor in the rest of the Pixel 9 series, but it's the only way to implement a fingerprint sensor into this form factor without having more than one. I've also been using that sensor a whole lot less this year thanks to the arrival of Face Unlock. Both selfie cameras work with this feature and it's reliable and fast. This is camera-based, so in theory it's not the most secure form of biometrics out there, but it's well-implemented and has proven trustworthy since Google first debuted it on the Pixel 8 series last year. One of the core questions around the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is right there in its name - "Pro." Is this really a Pro phone in Google's lineup? It has worse cameras, lacks a "Super Actua" outer display, has slower charging both wired and wireless, and lacks some features of the main Pro phones too, like 8K Video Boost, Dual Exposure on the main camera, Action Pan, and Cinematic Blur. I'd argue that, on the whole, the title is earned through the rest of the package. You're mainly losing out on camera features as a result of hardware limitations of a foldable, but you're still getting the same utility out of the camera as well as the 16GB of RAM that helps set the 9 Pro apart from the base Pixel 9. Google has never had a great argument for making its "Pro" phones "pro" outside of slapping a higher-resolution display and a telephoto camera anyway, so I'd argue there are bigger fish to fry throughout the lineup, like the fact that this phone should just be called "Pixel Fold 2" in the first place. But, understandably, it is a little frustrating to consider buying Google's most expensive phone, only to have to give up on some of the things that make the other two Pro phones so good. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is what it seems the market has been waiting for since the beginning. Since Samsung's original Galaxy Fold customers have cried out for a device that's as thin as a normal phone, has the same display as a normal phone, and has the same camera as a normal phone. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is as close as we've come, at least outside of China, to that goal. That's where the asterisk falls in. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable that most people can get, but it's not the best one out there. As mentioned, the Honor Magic V3 and many other foldables available today in China give Google's efforts a run for their money in more ways than one, but Google has put out a solid showing here to the point where I think this might be the best foldable available today. Between software, camera, and the form factor and build quality, it's a package that's genuinely tough to rival. In the US, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold only has two competitors - the OnePlus Open and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Compared to the OnePlus Open, Google has better-feeling hardware, a more consistent camera, and cleaner software, where the Open benefits from better overall hardware, more raw horsepower, faster charging, and a slightly lower price. But the bigger competitor is the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is the established name in this space and the one with all of the marketing dollars behind it. On a hardware level, there's no competition. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a better foldable than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, full stop. Samsung's only advantage is dealing with any issues with that hardware, as the company has had six years to build out repair options and systems. Google also has a better camera and better battery life, while Samsung has better multitasking in the software and stylus support. So, really, comparing these devices comes down to your priorities. If you want a phone with clean software, a reliable camera, good battery life, and hardware that feels "normal," I think the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a no-brainer. The main reason to get a Galaxy Z Fold 6 over it, in my eyes, comes down to Samsung's repair system and trade-in values, where the Open's main appeal is, well, hard to find when directly compared to the Pixel. The Google Pixel 9 Pro fold balances the needs of a phone with the utility of a foldable better than most devices, all while retaining the best parts of a Pixel for a wonderful, if still expensive experience. I don't think that truly exists yet, and it might never happen if we're being honest. Foldables are increasingly a product built to serve a niche that no one knows quite how to define. That's why having differences in the various options on the market makes so much sense. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's strength is that it appeals to the broader market, not just the people who were interested in this niche from day one. This is the first foldable, in most markets, that just appeals to the idea of having a normal phone that opens up to reveal a huge display inside, and I suspect that's something that a lot of people have been waiting for. Truly, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable for most people, at least in my eyes. The only part it doesn't fulfill is dropping the price, which remains at $1,799. Comparing to other options, this is a good a value as you'll find, but like everyone else, I can't wait for the day where these devices are a whole lot cheaper.