Google unveiled several products yesterday like the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch, a new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, sequel to the Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold 2 is joining the Pixel 9 series, hence the naming inconsistency. Moving on, Pixel 9 Pro Fold has seen some improvements over last year’s Pixel Fold. Here is a list highlighting all the differences between the two Pixel Fold models.
Table of Contents
1. Improved Design
The design has seen an overhaul. The original Pixel Fold was wider with passport-like looks, while the newer Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a typical smartphone-like design. In fact, the cover screen has the same 6.3-inch, 20:9 aspect ratio display as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro models – hence the name. When folded, the Fold 2 looks like two normal phones stacked one on top of the other and fits in the pocket better.
The older Pixel Fold has thick top and bottom bezels, while the newer one has slimmer bezels all around. Additionally, the new model features an under-display punch-hole camera, unlike the Pixel Fold, where the camera is on the bezel.
Google also introduced a new hinge that allows the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to open and close flat, leaving little to no gaps between the screens when folded. The crease is slightly less visible but a major departure is the camera module on the back, which has a distinctive two-story camera design. Since the module is positioned on the side of the phone, it is prone to wobble when placed on a table in both folded and unfolded states. Despite this, the new Fold is a significant step up from the original Pixel Fold in design and is probably the thinnest foldable out there.
2. Lighter on the Pocket
The original Pixel Fold weighs around 283g, which is heavy for an everyday device. The newer model, at 257g, is almost 26g lighter than the Fold 1. While this weight reduction is a welcome improvement, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still heavier than other foldables on the market, such as the newer Galaxy Fold 6 which is 239g. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is much more manageable, easier to hold, and carry in your pocket.
3. Brighter Display: 2700 nits > 1450 nits
Display brightness is up significantly, keeping in touch with the recent trend. The original Fold has a peak brightness of 1450 nits on the inner display and 1550 nits on the outer. However, peak brightness is only achieved in niche scenarios, like watching a movie with an explosion scene. In general day-to-day usage, the high-brightness mode of the Pixel Fold can reach 1000 nits on the inner display and 1200 nits on the outer display, which is quite low compared to other foldable phones.
Pixel Fold 2 is much brighter with 2700 nits of peak brightness on both the inner and outer displays. The high-brightness mode (HBM) is 1600 nits on the inner display and 1800 nits on the outer display. This is perfectly in line with other models like the Galaxy Fold 6, which has 2600 nits of peak brightness. In general day-to-day usage, the phone is very bright and visible even under direct sunlight.
| Specification | Original Pixel Fold | Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Brightness (Inner) | 1450 nits | 2700 nits |
| Peak Brightness (Outer) | 1550 nits | 2700 nits |
| High-Brightness Mode (Inner) | 1000 nits | 1600 nits |
| High-Brightness Mode (Outer) | 1200 nits | 1800 nits |
4. Tensor G4 > Tensor G2 Processor
All Pixel models including the new Fold carry the Tensor G4 chip. We have compared it with last year’s Tensor G3 here. This is not just a one-generation but a two-generation upgrade compared to the Fold 1 so expect a significant boost in performance. The first Pixel Fold was released earlier than the Pixel 8 series phones, which came with the Tensor G3 chipset. As a result, Fold was launched with the previous year’s Tensor G2 chipset. While the Tensor G2 can still handle everyday tasks, it shows its age when multitasking and gaming.
| Specification | Tensor G4 (4nm) | Tensor G2 (5nm) |
|---|---|---|
| High Performance Cores | 1x Cortex-X4 (3.1 GHz) | 2x Cortex-X1 (2.85 GHz) |
| Mid Performance Cores | 3x Cortex-A720 (2.6 GHz) | 2x Cortex-A78 (2.35 GHz) |
| Efficiency Cores | 4x Cortex-A520 (1.95 GHz) | 4x Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz) |
The Tensor G4 has a better 4nm processor, but you can also see the improvements in clock speeds and Cortex versions. However, if you are looking for performance, neither of the Folds is the top option on the market. But the G4 can offer a smooth overall experience compared to the G2.
5. More RAM: 16GB > 12GB
The original Pixel Fold has two variants: 256GB and 512GB, both equipped with 12GB of RAM. In the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you still get the same 256GB and 512GB storage options, but with 16GB of RAM. This increase in RAM should come in handy while multitasking allowing more apps to run in the background without impacting battery life much. Additionally, the newer Fold features UFS 4.0 storage, compared to the UFS 3.1 storage of the previous Fold.
6. Smaller Battery: 4650 mAh < 4821 mAh
The only department where Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes out worse compared to Pixel Fold. It comes with a smaller 4650 mAh battery compared to the 4821 mAh available on the Pixel Fold – a 3.68% decrease, which won’t make a major difference in real-world usage. With a more efficient processor and new vapor chamber, we estimate the new Fold will also last the same 5-6 hours as the Pixel Fold, but we need to wait for our tests to complete.
7. Faster Charging: 45W Wired, 23W Wireless
While battery capacity has decreased, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with faster wired and wireless charging options. The wired charging speed saw a bump from 30W to 45W, whereas the wireless charging speed went from 7.5W to 23W. That’s higher than Samsung’s new Galaxy Fold 6 which has 25W wired and 15W wireless. Unfortunately, there is no reverse wireless changing option available.
8. Enhanced Durability – Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
The newer Fold model comes with an upgraded Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the outer display compared to the Victus 1 on the first Fold. Corning claims that Gorilla Glass Victus 2 can survive drops from up to 2 meter onto hard, rough surfaces, whereas Victus 1 was tested to survive drops from up to 1 meter.
The original Pixel Fold has only a single GPS band (L1), which was standard at the time of its release. Now, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with dual GPS bands (L1 and L5) for better navigation. This means improved accuracy, often achieving sub-meter to centimeter-level precision. It is also more reliable as it can receive better satellite signals, which is especially useful in urban areas with tall buildings and a higher density of people.
10. Emergency Satellite SOS Service
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces an Emergency Satellite SOS service, which allows users to send emergency messages even in areas with no cellular coverage. This can be a lifesaver in remote or rural areas where traditional connectivity is unreliable. Currently, it only works in the US irrespective of your carrier. Satellite SOS is an expected feature in the Pixel 9 series as both Apple and Samsung have implemented in their previous models.
11. New AI Features
With the launch of the Pixel 9 series, Google also announced many on-device AI features powered by Gemini Nano. These features may not come to the older Pixel Fold as running these AI models on the device requires a lot of processing power. Google has promised more features with Pixel drops.
12. Higher Resolution Selfie Cameras
When it comes to camera improvements, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold retains the same 48MP main camera and 10.8MP telephoto lens. However, the ultra-wide camera saw a dip from 10.8MP to 10.5MP. This isn’t a major change, but Google is using a different sensor this time.
Additionally, Google has upgraded both the inner and outer selfie cameras. The inner camera sees a bump from 8MP to 10MP, and the outer camera has been upgraded from 9.5MP to 10MP. Both selfie cameras now use the same sensor, which can provide a more consistent selfie experience. However, it is just a speculation. We have to see how the real-world images will be impacted by these.
13. New 24fps Video Recording Option
Until now, Pixel phones could only record at 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30/60/120/240fps. With the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you now have the option to record 4K videos at 24 frames per second, and using AI magic, you can turn that in 8K. This isn’t a major achievement, but having the option to shoot at 24fps, which many people prefer, is definitely an added advantage.
Should You Upgrade to Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The newer Pixel Fold offers a better design, processor, camera sensors, more RAM, and the same 7 years of software updates. Additionally, it includes new and cool AI features that may never come to the original Pixel Fold. Pixels are never known for their hardware specs or performance but more about software experience and nifty tweaks.
Should You Buy?
You may upgrade if you want those shiny new AI features that Google showcased or if you like the Pixel’s UI experienc. The processor is 2 generations ahead and should do well while multitasking. On the other hand, Pixel 9 Pro Fold commands a premium price making it less desirable seeing how Pixel Fold 1 was released only last year. Also, why get a Google foldable phone when you can get a Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 for $100 more which gets the same 7 years of OS and security upgrades?
