After Testing Google’s $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I’m Considering a Switch from Samsung
In the rapidly evolving landscape of smartphone technology, every year brings new innovations that challenge the status quo. As someone who’s long been entrenched in the Samsung ecosystem, my allegiance has remained steady through countless product launches, incremental updates, and even the occasional misstep. But when Google’s $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold was announced, I found myself intrigued—perhaps more so than with any other recent release. After spending some quality time with this ambitious device, I’m seriously considering making a switch. Here’s why.
The Appeal of the Foldable Future
Foldable smartphones are no longer the futuristic gadgets we once marveled at—they’re here, and they’re maturing rapidly. Samsung has dominated this niche market with its Galaxy Z Fold series, setting the standard for what a foldable device should be. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold marks Google’s bold entry into the foldable arena, and it does so with a mix of innovation and refinement that challenges even Samsung’s dominance.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t just another foldable; it represents a significant leap in how we think about smartphones. The allure of a device that can seamlessly transition between a standard smartphone and a tablet is hard to ignore. For someone who’s used to the rigidity of a non-folding device, the potential to expand the screen real estate on demand is a game-changer.
Design and Build Quality: A New Contender
One of the first things that struck me about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its design. Google’s design philosophy has always been rooted in simplicity and functionality, and this device is no exception. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that immediately sets it apart from its competitors. The foldable mechanism feels robust, with a reassuring click as it transitions between phone and tablet modes.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has certainly improved over the years, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold seems to have taken those lessons and refined them further. The hinge mechanism is smooth yet firm, avoiding the wobbliness that can plague foldable devices. It’s clear that Google has invested heavily in making sure this device doesn’t just feel like a novelty but rather a premium product that’s built to last.
The choice of materials also plays a crucial role in the overall feel of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The glass and metal construction feels solid in hand, and the device exudes a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to ignore. The matte finish on the back not only adds a touch of sophistication but also helps with grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops—a significant concern with foldable phones.
Display Quality: A Visual Delight
When it comes to foldable smartphones, the display is undoubtedly the star of the show, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t disappoint. Unfolding the device reveals a stunning 7.8-inch OLED display that’s both vibrant and crisp. Colors pop with vivid intensity, blacks are deep and inky, and the overall brightness is more than adequate for outdoor use.
The display’s 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a fluid experience, whether you’re browsing the web, gaming, or watching videos. Samsung’s displays have always been top-tier, but Google’s offering gives them a run for their money. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s display feels like a natural evolution of what a foldable screen should be—no visible creases, minimal bezels, and an immersive viewing experience that makes you forget you’re holding a foldable device.
But it’s not just about size and resolution; Google has also integrated some smart software features that take full advantage of the foldable form factor. Multi-window support is seamless, allowing you to run multiple apps side by side without any noticeable lag. The ability to drag and drop content between apps is another highlight, making multitasking on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a breeze.
Camera Capabilities: A New Benchmark
One area where Google has consistently excelled is in camera technology, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues this tradition. Equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a photography powerhouse.
Google’s computational photography is what sets its cameras apart from the competition. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s cameras leverage AI and machine learning to deliver stunning results in almost any lighting condition. Night Sight, Google’s signature low-light mode, produces images that are rich in detail and color, even in near darkness. The ultra-wide lens captures expansive landscapes with minimal distortion, and the telephoto lens offers impressive zoom capabilities without sacrificing image quality.
Samsung has long been a leader in smartphone photography, particularly with its S and Note series. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold challenges that dominance by offering a camera experience that’s not just competitive but arguably superior in some areas. The portrait mode, for instance, produces natural-looking bokeh, and the level of detail captured in both foreground and background elements is remarkable.
Another standout feature is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s video capabilities. Recording in 4K at 60fps is smooth, and the stabilization technology ensures that even handheld shots look professional. Whether you’re vlogging, shooting a short film, or capturing memories, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera system delivers results that rival dedicated cameras.
Software Experience: The Google Advantage
Google’s Pixel series has always been synonymous with a clean, unadulterated Android experience, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no different. Running on Android 14, the software is optimized for the foldable form factor, offering a fluid and intuitive user experience that’s free from bloatware and unnecessary distractions.
One of the key advantages of using a Google device is the timely updates. Pixel devices are always the first to receive new Android updates, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception. This ensures that users have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements as soon as they’re available.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also introduces several new features designed specifically for foldable devices. The dual-screen functionality allows you to use the outer screen as a secondary display when the device is folded, enabling quick access to notifications, widgets, and essential apps. This feature is particularly useful when you don’t want to fully unfold the device but still need to check something quickly.
Google Assistant is deeply integrated into the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, offering hands-free control over a wide range of functions. Whether you’re setting reminders, sending messages, or controlling smart home devices, Google Assistant makes it easy to get things done without having to touch the screen.
Another significant advantage of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. From Google Photos to Google Drive, the device works harmoniously with other Google services, ensuring that your data is always accessible and synced across devices. For users who are heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, this level of integration is a major plus.
Battery Life and Performance: A Balance of Power
One of the biggest challenges for foldable smartphones is balancing performance with battery life. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is more than capable of powering the device through a full day of moderate to heavy use. However, it’s the optimization between hardware and software that truly makes the difference.
Google has fine-tuned the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to maximize battery efficiency without compromising on performance. The device is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is not only powerful but also energy-efficient. This ensures that even demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking are handled smoothly without draining the battery too quickly.
Fast charging is supported, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also available, and the device supports reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches directly from the phone.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a beast. Apps load instantly, animations are smooth, and there’s no noticeable lag, even when running multiple apps simultaneously. Gaming on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a joy, thanks to the large, immersive display and the powerful GPU. Whether you’re playing graphically intensive games or streaming content in high definition, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold handles it all with ease.
Why I’m Considering the Switch
As a long-time Samsung user, the decision to switch to another brand is not one I take lightly. Samsung has consistently delivered high-quality devices that meet my needs, and the company’s commitment to innovation is commendable. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has given me pause, making me rethink my loyalty to Samsung.
One of the main reasons I’m considering the switch is the overall user experience. Google’s approach to software is different from Samsung’s—less cluttered, more streamlined, and more in tune with the needs of the user. While Samsung’s One UI has improved significantly over the years, it still can’t match the simplicity and elegance of stock Android. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers an Android experience that feels pure and unencumbered, allowing the hardware to shine.
The camera system is another compelling reason. While Samsung’s cameras are excellent, Google’s computational photography takes things to the next level. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold consistently delivers stunning photos and videos, regardless of the lighting conditions. For someone who values photography as much as I do, this is a significant factor.
The foldable design itself is also a major draw. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has been impressive, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels like a more refined and polished product. The hinge mechanism is sturdier, the display is more vibrant, and the overall build quality is exceptional. The device feels like it’s designed to last, which is crucial for a foldable phone.
Battery life and performance
are also key considerations. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a balance of power and efficiency that’s hard to find in other foldable devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, combined with Google’s software optimizations, ensures that the device performs at its best without sacrificing battery life. This is particularly important for someone who relies on their phone for both work and entertainment throughout the day.
Finally, the integration with Google’s ecosystem is a significant advantage. I use a variety of Google services daily, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers seamless integration with all of them. Whether it’s accessing files on Google Drive, managing photos in Google Photos, or using Google Assistant to control my smart home devices, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold makes everything feel connected and intuitive.
What Samsung Still Does Better
While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has impressed me in many ways, it’s important to acknowledge that Samsung still has the upper hand in certain areas. One of the most significant is the ecosystem. Samsung’s ecosystem is extensive, with products ranging from smartphones to tablets, smartwatches, and even smart home appliances. If you’re deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, switching to another brand can be challenging.
Samsung also offers more options when it comes to foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold series is complemented by the Galaxy Z Flip series, which offers a different take on the foldable concept. This variety gives users more choice, depending on their preferences and needs.
Another area where Samsung excels is in customization. Samsung’s One UI allows for a high degree of customization, giving users
