Google’s Foldable Evolution: A User Reflects on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The release of Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold marked a significant shift in the company’s approach to foldable devices, prompting a reassessment of its position within this evolving market. Having extensively used both the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, alongside occasionally abandoning an iPhone for dual-foldable carry, I’ve witnessed firsthand a remarkable transformation.

Initial expectations surrounding the original Pixel Fold were high, with many anticipating Google’s entry into the foldable space. However, its debut sparked concerns about whether Google could truly excel in hardware design. The subsequent release of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold dramatically addressed those reservations, presenting a product so distinct from its predecessor that it felt as if it originated from an entirely different manufacturer. My initial impression—that the upgrade mirrored the substantial leap between the Pixel 5 and Pixel 6—remains accurate.

While the device’s slippery surface was initially problematic, this has been effectively mitigated by the addition of a Thinborne MagSafe case, which adds minimal bulk while providing magnetic accessory compatibility, a feature hoped to be included in the forthcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The cover screen’s size, matching that of a standard Pixel 9 Pro, facilitates one-handed operation and unfolds into what is essentially a miniature tablet.

Google adopted an alternative software strategy regarding app optimization for foldable screens, diverging from Samsung’s “Multi-window” Labs settings approach. Instead, the design prioritizes maintaining a smartphone-like aspect ratio when using split-screen portrait mode—effectively presenting two apps side-by-side. While this ingenious solution avoids issues with poorly adapted Android applications, it does limit multitasking capabilities; switching to a third application immediately replaces the existing pair, lacking the flexibility of floating windows for quick access.

Despite these limitations, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera has proven invaluable, capturing remarkable images—a particularly poignant benefit when documenting my young son’s development. The “Made You Look” feature has even become a source of amusement among family members.

The experience with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been so positive that its recent transfer to a colleague for further evaluation has created a noticeable void. Beyond the design and camera improvements, the device’s overall impact on user workflow remains profoundly favorable.