Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Is So Good! But…

Summary

The video review highlights the Google Pixel 99 Pro Fold, a second-generation folding phone with refined design and improved hardware. It features a thinner, squared-off shape, enhanced hinge, and a larger 6.3-inch cover screen that transforms into an 8-inch tablet-like display when unfolded. The phone offers a solid software experience with Android 14 and promises seven years of updates. Despite downgraded cameras and a tensor chip that may not meet high-end gaming needs, the phone delivers a productive experience with multitasking capabilities. The reviewer recommends it as the best flagship foldable to date, suggesting potential buyers wait for the next tensor chip upgrade rumored to be a significant improvement.

Takeaways

• 📱 The reviewer was impressed with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, despite not expecting to be due to the high standards of other Pixel phones.
• 📸 The camera bump's design received mixed reactions, but the reviewer found it less bothersome and attributed its look to the phone's complex internals.
• 🔄 The second-generation folding phone shows significant improvements over its predecessor, with a thinner and more modern design.
• 🖥 The internal screen is larger and taller, offering a more expansive and square viewing experience compared to the previous model.
• 🔆 The screen's brightness and quality have been enhanced, with a peak brightness of 2700 nits and LTPO technology.
• 🔩 The hardware, including the hinge, battery, and speakers, is considered above average, with the phone feeling more like a traditional 'slab' phone when closed.
• 📲 The outer display's lack of LTPO technology and slower charging capabilities were noted as minor drawbacks.
• 🤖 The software experience is a strong point, with the phone offering all the features of the Pixel 9 lineup and optimizations for foldable use.
• 📷 The camera system, while downgraded compared to the main Pixel models, still delivers good quality photos, albeit not as sharp in lower light conditions.
• 💾 The Tensor chip's performance is adequate but not outstanding, raising questions about the phone's long-term capabilities and gaming performance.

Q & A

What was the first thing the speaker did after returning from Australia?

The first thing the speaker did was catch up on things they missed and put their SIM card in the Pixel Fold.

How does the speaker feel about the design of the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The speaker is impressed with the design, especially noting the thinness and modern squared-off shape, despite the camera bump on the back.

What are the improvements made in the second generation of the Pixel Fold compared to the first?

The second generation has a smaller hinge, matte finish sides, a more normal slab feel when closed, and a larger, full-on flagship size display.

What is the size of the inner screen of the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The inner screen is 8 inches, which is slightly narrower but taller, and has a square aspect ratio.

What is the maximum brightness of the inner screen of the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The maximum brightness of the inner screen is 2700 nits.

How does the speaker describe the hardware of the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The speaker describes the hardware as at or above average, with special mention of the new hinge, battery life, and water resistance.

What are some software features that the Pixel 99 Pro Fold shares with the rest of the Pixel 9 flagship lineup?

The phone shares features like call screening, the Pixel weather app, and foldable optimizations for Android apps.

What are the two main downsides the speaker mentions about the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The two main downsides are the underpowered Tensor chip and the downgraded camera system.

How does the speaker feel about the camera quality on the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The speaker finds the camera quality to be not horrible but not as sharp as the main Pixels, more on par with a few years old Pixel flagship.

What is the speaker's opinion on the Tensor chip in the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The speaker believes the Tensor chip is holding the phone back in terms of power, efficiency, and extended shelf life, and suggests waiting for the next generation chip.

What is the speaker's overall recommendation for the Pixel 99 Pro Fold?

The speaker recommends the phone for its design and software experience, but suggests waiting for the next generation if high-end gaming or extended phone life is a priority.