The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s second-generation iteration of its foldable line that launched in 2023 with the Google Pixel Fold.
Although the flexible and fun nature of foldables have caught my eye, I’ve decided against purchasing one for several reasons.
Google Pixel Fold
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
One, they’re too expensive while having inferior camera systems compared to their mono-display counterparts. Two, they’re too fragile. (The jury is still out on whether the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has longevity). And three, a dual-display device typically means not-so-great battery life.
As it turns out, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has proven me wrong on that last point.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: The longest battery life we’ve ever recorded
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold battery life
According to our testing, which launches a TikTok video rundown at a display brightness of 50%, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold lasted over 16 hours on a single charge.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
This is much better than the battery runtime of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Pixel 9 Pro’s Samsung competitor, which lasted nearly 13 hours on a charge.
Take a look at the battery life runtimes of the foldables we’ve tested this year:
Mashable Light Speed
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – 16 hours and 6 minutes
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – 12 hours and 44 minutes
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – 12 hours and 13 minutes
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold may be more energy efficient than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but according to our in-house testing, it’s less powerful than the Samsung competitor.
On Geekbench 6, a benchmark that tests for processor prowess, the Google Tensor G4 chip inside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold notched a low multi-core score of 4,706. Compare that to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which scored 6,638 on the same test.
On the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it looks like Google sacrificed performance and power for battery life.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Mashable’s Alex Perry reviewed the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And while he’s not a fan of the AI bloat, yawn-worthy color choices, and less-impressive camera array (compared to the Pixel 9 Pro models), he gushed about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s “fantastic” 6.3-inch internal display.
“The internal Pixel 9 Pro Fold screen is absolutely massive, moving up from 7.6-inches to 8-inches, making it ideal for reading or watching things. Everything looks crisp, smooth, and colorful. It’s just fantastic,” Perry said.
Transitioning to how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stacks up against its rivals, it appears that its closest competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. In terms of battery performance, the Pixel outshines Samsung; the Google foldable lasted longer on a charge by an impressive 3 hours and 22 minutes.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is marginally heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by 0.64 ounces, it boasts a sleeker profile, being slimmer than its Samsung counterpart (0.20 inches vs. 0.22 inches in height).
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is $100 pricier at $1,899.
