Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: a quality foldable despite its camera

Google's upgraded the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in virtually every way, we just wish its cameras were more Pixel 9 Pro and a little less so-so

A photo of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
(Image: © Basil Kronfli)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Google seems to have upgraded everything about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold when compared to the original Pixel Fold, except for the camera hardware. While the 2024 photo processing does help, the camera falls behind key competition from Honor and OnePlus in all areas other than zoom reach. Nevertheless, as a phone on the whole, the 9 Pro Fold is a huge improvement over the original and a competitive foldable provided you can get past its high asking price and mediocre camera.

Pros

  • +

    Much slimmer and lighter than its predecessor

  • +

    Bright, sharp, smooth displays

  • +

    Largest main display of any Western foldable

  • +

    Clean software and seven-year update promise

Cons

  • -

    Small camera sensors

  • -

    Mediocre lowlight performance

  • -

    Poor video quality

  • -

    Very expensive

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When we tested the original Pixel Fold, it was the foldable camera to beat with its periscope 5x zoom and Google’s notoriously reliable photo processing, but the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t look set to be such an instant camera hit. A year on, and the foldable landscape is very different, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold facing stiff competition from the OnePlus Open and Honor Magic V3, both packing superior camera hardware. 

So while Honor, OnePlus, and even Samsung upgraded their foldable camera hardware in 2024, Google is reprising the same small sensors as its debut foldable. When we covered the launch of the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, we held out hope that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold would still be a foldable camera champ, but after almost a month with the phone, it just can’t keep up with the less expensive, more specced-out competition even if it is good enough for most.

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