The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is finally here, and it’s super thin. Should you be worried?

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, unveiled at Tuesday’s Made by Google event, is finally here, and Google says it’s the thinnest foldable phone you can buy. Thinness has always been in fashion when it comes to tech products, but the tech giant Really Nowadays, there is a lot of competition to see which brand can achieve the slimmest and sleekest designs to attract consumers.

For example, Apple calls the latest iPad Pro “thinpossible” because it is the company’s thinnest tablet ever, even thinner than the iPod Nano, and iPad Pro sales have grown significantly year-over-year. While there is no data to support that compactness was the primary appeal to consumers, the growing trend for ultra-thin devices in recent years suggests that this form factor is likely to be accepted by a significant portion of the market.

The original Google Pixel Fold was released last year and was touted as the thinnest foldable device on the market, but some consumers have reported issues with the screen, including dents and cracks. It’s unclear if the issues are widespread, but Mashable’s Alex Perry didn’t experience any issues when he reviewed the Google Pixel Fold last year.

Still, as someone who has reviewed ultra-thin foldable devices like the Microsoft Surface Duo, which couldn’t overcome the compromises that come with its slim chassis, I can’t help but feel a bit uneasy about the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold unveiled at Made by Google 2024

Let’s talk about some of the new features of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

• Equipped with the largest display among foldables

• The 8-inch screen is 80% brighter.

• Equipped with new and improved hinges made from stainless steel

• Packed with amazing AI features

• This is the thinnest foldable you can buy.

It’s the “thinnest foldable” part that makes me a bit nervous. This is because, as we said at the beginning, being slim means some compromises have to be made to pack powerful components into an ultra-thin case. Don’t underestimate the engineering expertise required to strike the perfect balance between slimness, durability, and satisfying performance. It’s pretty tricky, to say the least.

That’s why it wasn’t a surprise that the original Google Pixel Fold, which we hailed as a “quality-first foldable,” had some issues with its screen. Last year, the device was touted as the thinnest foldable (with the biggest battery) in the U.S. When the Surface Duo was released, Microsoft Also The company boasted that its first foldable project was record-breakingly thin, but it too had design problems.

So, as a tech reviewer with experience reviewing foldable devices, while everyone else sees the word “slimth” and thinks “compactness” and “pocket-friendly,” I’m filled with fears of fragility.

Meanwhile, I did a little internet research to gather opinions from Pixel Fold owners about what new features they want in a successor, and the most common answer was lightness, so it’s no wonder Google went all in on the “slim is trending” strategy: after all, they’re just giving people what they want.

Mashable Lightspeed

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 257 grams, Lighter than previous model (283 grams)The original Pixel Fold Thickness 5.8mm When unfolded. But the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold Thickness: 5.1mm.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s display is visually stunning

But my fears may be unfounded, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold may not have any issues with its delicate hardware when it launches. On the plus side, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the most exciting devices I’ve tried this year.

I’m always fascinated by phones that can unfold to an 8-inch, 2076 x 2152 pixel OLED display. (The external screen is a 6.3-inch, 1080 x 2424 pixel OLED display.) Step Brothers“There’s lots of room for activities!”

I can imagine booting up the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a mobile gaming experience that I just can’t get on the narrow Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Mashable sports fan Alex Perry, who owns YouTube TV, was excited about the new Multi-View feature that lets you set up four streams in each quadrant. He was excited by the idea of ​​being able to play up to four Olympic games on a single 8-inch screen.

Needless to say, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains one of the best smartphones for those who want to handle their multitasking needs. The phone allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously.

But what I like the most is the huge viewfinder that pops up when you use the built-in 10MP camera.

Other camera specs of note:

• 48MP wide camera

• 10.5MP ultra-wide-angle camera

• 10.8MP telephoto camera

• 10MP front camera

With a selfie camera and a large display that’s perfect for gaming and long-form articles, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is perfect for consumers who are tired of restrictive mono-display smartphones.

This AI feature is valuable to parents

The new “Made You Look” feature on the Google Pixel 9 Pro will blow your mind. Available only on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the feature utilizes the external display to run animations designed to grab your child’s attention. When the AI ​​detects that your child is smiling, it will take a photo without you having to lift a finger.

Pricing for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 and will be available in Porcelain and Obsidian colors.

Keep in mind that foldable devices are still in their early stages and may not be the most durable or sturdy devices on the market, but if you want to be a tech explorer, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the most interesting devices you can get.