Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: A strong contender in the foldable race as shipping delays hit
Top 3 Key Points:
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Samsung: Google’s second foldable outperforms Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 in key hardware features, marking a significant shift in the foldable market.
- Shipping Delays: High demand causes Pixel 9 Pro shipping delays, with some variants pushed back to mid-September.
- Stock Issues: Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s “Porcelain” variant faces early stock shortages, hinting at limited availability.
Google recently held its Pixel 9 series event, and the standout device is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This marks only the second foldable from Google, yet it’s already challenging Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, which is in its sixth generation.
Superior Hardware Features
Despite being new to the foldable scene, Google has managed to outdo Samsung in several critical areas with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. A major complaint with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has been the aspect ratios of its displays, particularly the narrow cover screen. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold addresses this with a 6.3-inch cover display that boasts a standard 20:9 aspect ratio and a 1080p resolution. This is a noticeable improvement over the Z Fold6’s narrower 968p cover screen.
Moreover, the folding display on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is larger, with a size of 207.4 cm² compared to the Z Fold6’s 185.2 cm². It also offers a higher resolution and a nearly 1:1 ratio, which is more practical for multitasking—one of the primary reasons users opt for foldable devices.
Sleeker Design, Heavier Build
Google has made the Pixel 9 Pro Fold impressively thin, measuring just 10.5mm when folded—thinner than both the Galaxy Z Fold6 and the OnePlus Open. Unfolded, it’s only 5.1mm thick, which is just slightly thicker than its USB-C port. Although the Z Fold6 is lighter by 18 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s slim profile might be more noticeable in daily use. Both devices are water-resistant, though neither is suitable for swimming.
Enhanced Performance and Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with 16 GB of RAM, a step up from the Z Fold6’s 12 GB, allowing for smoother multitasking and better responsiveness. While the Galaxy Z Fold6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip might have a performance edge over Google’s Tensor G4, the extra RAM in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could offset this difference in everyday use.
In terms of cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out with a longer-reaching zoom camera and autofocus on its ultrawide camera, despite the Z Fold6 having a larger main sensor.
Battery Life and Availability
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also has a slightly larger battery, though real-world endurance tests will determine if this translates to better battery life. However, both the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Z Fold6 have relatively slow charging speeds.
Despite these advantages, the Galaxy Z Fold6 is still expected to outsell the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, thanks to Samsung’s established reputation, broader availability, and additional features like S Pen support.
Shipping Delays and Stock Issues
Google announced that the Pixel 9 series would start shipping on August 22. However, due to high demand, the Pixel 9 Pro’s shipping dates have been pushed back to mid-September. The most affected variant is the 128GB “Hazel,” with delays extending to September 17 in some regions. Third-party retailers like Best Buy have listed the device as “coming soon,” while Amazon is still accepting pre-orders with slightly better availability.
As for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the “Porcelain” variant is already out of stock, though the “Obsidian” model is expected to start shipping in early September. These early stock issues suggest limited availability, similar to what happened with the original Pixel Fold.
In conclusion, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 remains a strong competitor, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is making significant strides in the foldable market, offering a fresh challenge to the foldable market leader.