Summary of overseas reviews of Google's folding smartphone 'Pixel 9 Pro Fold': Evolution to a thin and sophisticated smartphone, but problems remain
Overseas media have begun publishing review articles about the new foldable smartphone '
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Gemini opens the door to the future
https://store.google.com/jp/product/pixel_9_pro_fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with Google's most efficient custom SoC, the Google Tensor G4 , which is optimized to run cutting-edge AI models. It has 16GB of memory (RAM), 256/512GB of storage, and a 4650mAh battery. It has two displays: a 6.3-inch Actua outer display that can be used in a closed state, and an 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display that can be used in an open state.
The rear camera is a triple camera system that includes a 48MP wide-angle camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide-angle camera with micro focus, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens.
The case is made of multi-phase alloy steel with an aerospace-grade reinforced aluminum alloy cover, and when folded, it is 155.2mm long x 77.1mm wide x 10.5mm thin, and when unfolded, it is 155.2mm long x 150.2mm wide x 5.1mm thin. It weighs 257g.
The selling price in Japan is 257,500 yen (tax included) for the 256GB model and 277,500 yen (tax included) for the 512GB model, but at the time of writing, it is out of stock at Google's official online store, Google Store.
Buy Pixel 9 Pro Fold the Latest Foldable Smartphone from Google
https://store.google.com/config/pixel_9_pro_fold
Regarding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, 9to5Google, a technology media that handles Google-related information, has published a review article titled 'Great hardware and battery life, but one drawback.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold impressions: Stellar hardware & battery life
https://9to5google.com/2024/09/03/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-impressions-hardware-battery-life/
9to5Google describes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as 'the foldable smartphone that many users have been waiting for.' In addition, it notes that the phone is extremely thin for a foldable smartphone, at 10.5mm when closed, saying, 'You can clearly feel its thinness in everyday use.' In addition, even when closed, it is thinner than any other foldable smartphone (sold in the United States), and praises it as 'you can use it like a normal smartphone.'
However, 9to5Google points out that it is still heavier than a regular smartphone. In fact, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold weighs 257g, which is more than 50g heavier than the Pixel 9, which weighs 198g. However, it seems to be a significant improvement over the previous model (Pixel Fold), and 9to5Google writes that 'it seems to be an appropriate weight for the size.'
9to5Google also noted that the hinges of the folding mechanism and the creases of the display have been significantly improved, but noted that the display surface is very reflective, making the creases look worse than they actually are.
In addition, the aspect ratio of the 8-inch inner display is 20:9, which makes it difficult to use the layout of tablet apps that have been used up until now. Google's original apps, Gmail and Files by Google , are designed to be optimized for regular smartphones and tablets, but 9to5Google points out that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not designed to make the most of the wide width. However, apps such as Spotify, YouTube, Google Keep, and Instagram seem to work as expected.
Even with these shortcomings in mind, the overall performance is excellent and there seem to be no major drawbacks in terms of battery life. Starting with a fully charged battery in the morning, making a 1.5 hour Zoom call, then browsing videos and social media on the inner display for a few hours, the device had a total screen time of 6 hours by 8pm, and still had 25% battery left. 9to5Google writes that 'the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's battery life is comparable to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and on par with the Pixel 9 Pro XL.'
Technology media Gizmodo also praised the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, saying, 'It's very close to the folding smartphone I wanted.' Gizmodo cited the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's advantages as 'beautiful display,' 'great camera,' 'attractive AI features,' and 'thinner and lighter than the previous model,' and its disadvantages as 'heats up under load,' 'not as powerful as other devices,' and 'expensive.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review in Progress
https://gizmodo.com/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review-2000494000
CNET said about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, 'The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a big improvement over the previous Pixel Fold, with a more sleek and practical design. Folding smartphones are harder to handle than regular smartphones, so the design improvements go beyond just changing the appearance. Making a folding smartphone thinner, lighter, and with a larger screen size makes it more natural and enjoyable to use. This improvement is very important for those who buy folding smartphones for their large displays. Combine this with a high-performance camera and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's appeal is fully conveyed.' 'Google seems to have perfectly understood the hardware of folding smartphones with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Now we're looking forward to the software side of things.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review in Progress: A New Design Goes a Long Way - CNET
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review-in-progress-a-new-design-goes-a-long-way/
Android Police describes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as 'probably the thinnest foldable smartphone you can buy right now,' and highly praises the smooth and sturdy hinge and the fact that it can be opened completely flat. Gizmodo cited the device's heat as a drawback, but Android Police says that the heat problem has been resolved compared to the Tensor G2 installed in the previous model Pixel Fold. However, it seems that it is 'still hot' compared to Qualcomm's latest SoC, and depending on what you compare it to, it is still a 'smartphone that tends to heat up.' In addition, Android Police says that 'Samsung and OnePlus offer a much more robust folding smartphone experience.'
I've used the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a week. Here's what you need to know right now
https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-10-things-to-know/
Engadget described the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as a 'shiny folding smartphone for adults,' and listed four advantages: 'sleek design,' 'better camera than competing products,' 'thinner and lighter than the previous model,' and 'doesn't heat up as much as the previous model.' As for disadvantages, it listed two points: 'high price' and 'software has quirks.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: A grown-up, glowed-up foldable
https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/pixel-9-pro-fold-review-a-grown-up-glowed-up-foldable-170043123.html
ZDNET wrote, 'After using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a week, I felt that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been upgraded in every aspect, from the slimmer, taller and brighter display to the Tensor G4, and is easier to recommend to enthusiasts than the previous model.' While the upgrade in shape, display and chip alone is enough reason to switch from the Pixel Fold, it also states that 'the new design is not to everyone's liking,' and other drawbacks include the fact that it cannot be said to be a flattering terminal that can be operated with one hand. It also points out that the aspect ratio of the inner display is 20:9, while the aspect ratio of most movies is 21:9, so when watching a movie on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the black bars that fill the top and bottom of the image are very noticeable.
I tested Google's $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a week, and it wins in three major ways | ZDNET
https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-tested-googles-1800-pixel-9-pro-fold-for-a-week-and-it-wins-in-three-major-ways/
PCMag cited five pros of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'high-quality hardware,' 'great display,' 'solid wireless performance,' 'good camera,' and 'lots of AI.' It also cited three cons: 'lack of advanced productivity features,' 'average battery life,' and 'high price.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold - Review 2024 - PCMag UK
https://uk.pcmag.com/mobile-phones/154183/google-pixel-9-pro-fold
Android Central highly praised the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, saying, 'Most companies seem to ignore customer requests, but that's not the case with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Despite the strange name, it's a perfect upgrade from the previous model, and although there are some concerns, it's a promising product for Google's future folding smartphones.' In addition, Android Central listed four advantages of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'It's surprisingly easy to hold and use,' 'The complete redesign was the right decision,' 'The display is bright and vivid,' and 'It has a wealth of AI features,' and three disadvantages: 'It's expensive,' 'It doesn't support a stylus pen,' and 'It doesn't have the latest camera hardware.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold initial review: Finding new reasons to be excited | Android Central
https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review
Tom's Guide described the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as 'a powerful successor to Google's first folding smartphone, with a huge 8-inch inner display, slim design and longer battery life,' but also noted that 'software and camera improvements are insufficient, and the price of 257,500 yen is too hard to sell, especially compared to competing devices such as the OnePlus Open.' In addition, Tom's Guide lists four advantages of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'larger and brighter 8-inch inner display,' 'more durable terminal design,' 'smart AI features,' and 'improved battery life,' and three disadvantages: 'disappointing performance of Tensor G4,' 'camera has only minor upgrades,' and 'slower charging speed than the previous model Pixel Fold.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review | Tom's Guide
https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/google-pixel-phones/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review
SlashGear cited six advantages of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: appearance, software, camera, perfect industrial design, sturdy enough to be used without fear of accidental damage, and 120Hz refresh rate for both the outer and inner displays. It also cited four disadvantages: high price, inferior features to the Pixel 9 Pro, device heats up when playing games with the device open, and a bright display with a 120Hz refresh rate drains the battery quickly.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: Nearly XL Great, Better Than Fold
https://www.slashgear.com/1656099/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review-android-phone-foldable-force/
Regarding the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, BGR wrote, 'It has a new form factor and chipset, but can that justify the price?', pointing out that the price of the device is too high. BGR listed five advantages of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'Very functional form factor,' 'Solid performance,' 'Good camera quality,' 'Great software experience,' and 'Slender,' and two disadvantages: 'Camera, battery, and performance are not the best compared to smartphones of the same generation' and 'High price.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: Look past the spec sheet
https://bgr.com/reviews/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review-look-past-the-spec-sheet/
Mashable said, 'I don't like folding smartphones, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Pixel 9 Pro Fold,' listing three advantages of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'display,' 'very comfortable shape in the hand,' and ' Made You Look feature.' It also lists three disadvantages: 'not the highest-end Pixel,' 'bloated AI,' and 'boring color options.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: The most comfortable foldable yet | Mashable
https://mashable.com/review/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-1
Stuff called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold 'a tremendous improvement over its predecessor, and while it's not a top-tier smartphone, it has the style, display, and software to make it onto the podium.' Stuff cited three advantages of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 'a major design change,' 'solid performance and all-day battery life,' and 'very capable cameras.' It also cited three disadvantages: 'it's weaker than competitors in key areas.' 'It's outdone by the competition,' 'multitasking is limited compared to competitors,' and 'it's still eye-wateringly expensive.'
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: a much more fitting foldable | Stuff
https://www.stuff.tv/review/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review/
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