Google Pixel 9 Fold Review: Camera Meets Foldable Tech

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, foldable devices are no longer just novelties—they're powerful tools blending portability with expansive screens for productivity, entertainment, and creativity. Enter the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a device that masterfully fuses cutting-edge foldable technology with Google's renowned camera prowess. Priced at $1,799, this second-generation foldable promises to redefine how we capture and consume content on the go. But does it deliver on the hype, especially when it comes to photography? In this comprehensive Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review, we'll dive deep into its camera system, where innovative foldable features amplify photo and video capabilities, while exploring its overall performance, design, and value.

If you're searching for the best foldable phone with exceptional cameras in 2025, read on to see if the Pixel 9 Pro Fold earns a spot in your pocket.

Unfolding Innovation: Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't just an incremental update—it's a refined evolution from the original Pixel Fold. Measuring 6.3 inches when closed, it mimics the form factor of the standard Pixel 9, making it feel like a conventional flagship in your hand. Unfold it, and you're greeted by an expansive 8-inch inner display, the largest in its class, perfect for editing photos or multitasking.

Key design highlights include:

• Slimmer Profile: At 10.5mm thick when folded (5.1mm open), it's noticeably thinner than its predecessor and rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
• Durable Hinge: A robust steel mechanism allows for flexible angles, ideal for hands-free video calls or propping up for selfies.
• IPX8 Water Resistance: Submerge it in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, though it lacks dust resistance.

Available in Obsidian (black) or Porcelain (white), the matte finish resists fingerprints, and the redesigned square camera module—ditching the horizontal bar—adds a modern touch. Weighing 257 grams, it's hefty but balanced, ensuring stability during one-handed use.

While the visible crease on the inner screen is minimal, it's a reminder that foldables aren't yet crease-free. Overall, this build elevates the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to premium status, prioritizing usability without sacrificing portability.

Dual Displays: A Canvas for Creativity

Google's displays are a standout, optimized for both quick glances and immersive viewing—especially when paired with camera apps.

• Cover Display: 6.3-inch OLED, 2,424 x 1,080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,700 nits peak brightness. It's wider than the Galaxy Z Fold 6's (20:9 aspect ratio vs. 22:9), making typing and app navigation feel more natural.
• Inner Display: 8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED, 2,076 x 2,152 resolution, variable 1-120Hz refresh rate, same 2,700 nits brightness. HDR content pops, and the reduced bezels maximize screen real estate.

These screens shine in photography workflows. Use the cover display for quick snaps or the inner one for precise editing in Google Photos. Features like split-screen mode let you review shots while browsing filters, turning the foldable form into a portable photo studio. Battery life holds up decently (4,650mAh), lasting a full day with mixed use, though heavy inner-screen sessions drain it faster.

Where the Magic Happens: Camera System Breakdown

The heart of this Pixel 9 Pro Fold review is its cameras, where foldable tech truly "meets" computational photography. Google equips it with a versatile triple rear setup, enhanced by AI smarts and the unique dual-screen advantage.

Rear Cameras

• 48MP Main (f/1.7, 82° FoV): Delivers sharp, vibrant shots with excellent dynamic range. Colors are warm and natural, a Pixel hallmark, outperforming the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in low-light detail.
• 10.5MP Ultrawide (f/2.2, 127° FoV): Upgraded from the original Fold with a shorter focal length for broader scenes—ideal for landscapes or group photos. Macro mode captures intricate close-ups effortlessly.
• 10.8MP Telephoto (f/3.1, 5x optical zoom): A periscope lens offering up to 20x Super Res Zoom. It's a foldable standout, edging out Samsung's 3x zoom for distant subjects like wildlife or concerts.

Stabilization (OIS/EIS) ensures smooth handheld shots, and 4K/60fps video recording supports HDR on all lenses. However, no 8K option or modes like Action Pan limit versatility compared to non-fold Pixels.

Front-Facing Cameras

• Dual 10MP sensors (one per screen, f/2.2): Autofocus-enabled for crisp selfies. The inner camera's punch-hole placement avoids awkward framing.

AI-Powered Features That Elevate Shots

Google's Gemini AI integration is a game-changer for cameras on foldables:

• Add Me: Seamlessly insert yourself into group photos using the inner screen as a preview.
• Made You Look: Animated characters on the cover display coax smiles from kids—perfect for family portraits.
• Reimagine and Zoom Enhance: Edit skies, add elements, or sharpen distant details post-capture.
• Video Boost: Cloud-processed 4K HDR videos with enhanced clarity (though processing takes time).

In real-world tests, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels in portraits with accurate skin tones and edge detection, thanks to Tensor G4 processing. DXOMARK ranks it as the top foldable camera, praising photo repeatability and neutral white balance. Videos are soft in 4K without Boost but transform into cinematic quality afterward.

That said, hardware compromises (smaller sensors than Pixel 9 Pro) mean it trails non-fold flagships in extreme low-light or 8K scenarios. For foldables, though, it's unmatched—beating the Z Fold 6 in zoom and color science.

Performance and Software: Smooth, Smart, and Future-Proof

Powered by the Tensor G4 chip and 16GB RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold handles multitasking like a champ. Split three apps on the inner screen? No lag. Gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact) runs fluidly at medium settings, though it heats up during extended sessions.

Android 14 (upgradable to 15) delivers a clean, bloat-free experience with seven years of updates—matching Samsung. Gemini AI steals the show: Live conversations for recipe ideas while cooking, or Pixel Screenshots for searchable photo archives. Fold-exclusive perks include dual-screen translation and app pairs for productivity.

Battery Life and Charging: Solid but Not Stellar

Expect 6-7 hours of screen-on time, dipping with inner display use. 45W wired (full charge in ~80 minutes) and 15W wireless charging are reliable, but no charger included. It's on par with the Z Fold 6, though neither leads the pack.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Head-to-Head

Wondering how it stacks up against the competition? Here's a quick comparison table focusing on key areas:

The Pixel wins on screen size, zoom, and AI creativity; Samsung edges in raw power and productivity tools. Choose Pixel for photography flair; Z Fold 6 for stylus workflows.

Pros and Cons: The Verdict

Pros:

• Largest inner display for immersive editing and viewing.
• Best-in-class foldable cameras with 5x zoom and AI magic.
• Thinner, more phone-like design.
• Seven years of updates and Gemini AI perks.

Cons:

• Expensive for the camera compromises.
• No dust resistance or 8K video.
• Battery could be longer-lasting.
• Fewer productivity exclusives than Samsung.

A Foldable Worth Folding For

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn't perfect—its cameras demand flagship-level scrutiny, and the price stings without revolutionary fold-specific software. Yet, where it shines brightest is at the intersection of camera excellence and foldable ingenuity. Whether propping it for stable selfies, using dual screens for group shots, or leveraging AI to reimagine your world, it transforms photography into an interactive adventure.

If you're a Pixel enthusiast craving a versatile creator's tool, or simply tired of slab phones, this is your upgrade. For pure power users, glance at the Z Fold 6. Either way, foldables like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold prove the future is unfolding beautifully.