{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
There are some unusual omissions on this machine in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional. The outside display (the one you may use essentially the most), doesn’t function LTPO expertise, which permits the show to dynamically ratchet from 1 to 120 Hz. This can be a extra battery-efficient course of, however as an alternative, the Fold will solely go from 60 to 120 Hz. That is nitpicky, however once more, you are spending $1,800 solely to search out this flagship function will not be out there. (It is out there on the internal display.)
On different Pixel telephones, you’ll be able to prime up different gadgets—like your earbuds’ charging case—wirelessly with a function referred to as Battery Share. I’ve by no means felt the necessity to use this function, however it’s not out there on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. Additionally, some digital camera options do not exist, like Cinematic Blur, which provides a portrait mode impact to your movies. Oh, and do not forget this machine is rated IPX8, so it is fantastic to submerge it in a pool, however watch out with mud (keep away from the seashore!).
Probably the most annoying flub is wi-fi charging. It is supported on this machine, however it does not work with Google’s very personal Pixel Stand Gen 2 wi-fi charger as a result of the coils don’t align. (Google says the Pixel Stand is discontinued however … it is nonetheless promoting the charger on its storefront.) Curiously sufficient, I attempted to see if wi-fi charging labored on a couple of different charging stands I had mendacity round and the reply was no. Nicely, type of. It really works on some in the event you put the telephone in panorama orientation, however not in the event you place it in portrait on a stand. You may be higher off utilizing a charging pad that sits flat.
General, the digital camera system is analogous however not equivalent to the Pixel 9 Professional, and whereas the outcomes are usually nice, I’ve seen pictures from the ultrawide and telephoto cameras are noticeably not as sharp in low-light situations in comparison with the cheaper sibling. I additionally do not like the truth that the selfie digital camera on this telephone does not function autofocus. It is good that you would be able to take selfies with the superior rear cameras, however typically you do not need to unfold the entire thing, after which your picture is not as sharp as what you get with the Pixel 9 Professional.
It is a majority of these little issues that add as much as make the Pixel 9 Professional Fold really feel a bit … bizarre. It does its job effectively if a mini pill is what you need—I desire utilizing it over the Galaxy Z Fold 6—however Google must work on its function parity in order that you do not really feel such as you’re lacking out on the newest and best when you’ve the corporate’s costliest piece of {hardware} in your arms.
