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Google launched the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at the Made by Google event in August 2024. While it boasts several improvements over its predecessor to compete against the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open, these are the features I’m excited to try the most.
1The Performance of the Tensor G4 Chip
ThePixel 9 Pro Foldis equipped with Google’s most efficient chip yet, the Tensor G4 processor. According toGoogle’s claims, this 4nm chip is 20 percent faster for web browsing and 17 percent faster for app launches compared to its predecessor.
While many Android flagships, like theGalaxy Z Fold 6, offer 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold packs 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance for its AI-powered features. As a power user, I’m excited to see how much I can push this foldable’s multitasking capabilities.
2Pro-Level Camera Features
Onefactor I look for when buying a new smartphone in 2024is how good the camera is. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera hardware isn’t that different from its predecessor. However, certain features Google introduced make up for it.
If you’re a fan of capturing fireworks or the moon late at night, the Pixel’s Night Sight Video feature won’t let you down. Even if you shoot a video under low-light conditions, Google’s AI applies noise reduction to ensure you get the highest quality video.
One of the go-toiPhone camera settings I use to record better videosis Macro Control, which allows me to capture shots of subjects as little as two centimeters away. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google offers Macro Focus, which lets you take high-quality shots of the smallest subjects.
If you’ve ever tried photographing a toddler who won’t stay still or look at the camera, you’ll appreciate the Made You Look feature on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It lets you display a colorful visual on the device’s outer screen to capture your child’s attention. Once you catch a glimpse of that smile, you may snap the photo and preserve the memory forever!
3Google’s AI Editing Prowess
Since I’m usually behind the camera, I don’t have many pictures of myself with the people I love. This is why I’m excited about Google’s Add Me feature, which essentially merges two images to ensure no one is left out. All you need to do is take a group photo, then have someone take another shot while you switch places with them, and let Add Me work its magic!
Another useful Google AI feature is Magic Editor. It reframes your photo after you take it using generative AI and techniques like therule of thirdsto suggest the best crop.
Reimagine is another feature I’m excited about. This feature allows you to select a specific part of your image that you want to modify or enhance. Whether you want to add a new element or alter an existing one, simply describe the changes you want, and voila!
4Pixel Screenshots
While Iuse apps like Google Tasks to organize my life, there’s only so much I can keep track of. Half of my device’s gallery is filled with screenshots, and consideringI never delete old photos from my phone, finding a screenshot when I need to is usually a challenge. In such cases, Pixel Screenshots, a Pixel-exclusive app, can be pretty handy.
The AI feature uses Gemini Nano to extract valuable details from screenshots and make them searchable. For instance, if you capture a screenshot of your graduation invitation, you can ask Google for details like the time, date, and venue, and Pixel Screenshots will retrieve the information for you.
524+ Hours of Battery Life
Since I travel one hour to and from college every day, carrying a bulky power bank everywhere I go is far from ideal. This is why I only choose devices that promise excellent battery life. Fortunately, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold packs a 4,650 mAh battery.
Google claimsthe Pixel 9 Pro Fold can last more than 24 hours on a single charge and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled. Although the battery is slightly smaller than its predecessor’s, the Tensor G4 chip consumes less power during everyday use, implying that a single charge should last longer.
While these estimates are based on Google’s testing, I’m excited to put them to the test and see how often I’ll need to charge my phone. If the battery life is anywhere near what Google claims, I’d be impressed!
Starting at $1,799 for the 256GB variant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is, in my opinion, one of the best foldables you may buy in 2024. Google promises seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and new features throughPixel Feature Drops. So, if you’re considering your first foldable, now might be the perfect time to dive in!
