Last year, Google entered the foldable smartphone market with its first-ever flagship, Pixel Fold, challenging other models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Motorola Razr 2024, and OnePlus Open.
Given the excitement surrounding foldable smartphones, we are not surprised that Google has officially confirmed, via teaser video, that it will unveil the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in August. This announcement comes after many weeks of rumor mill overdrive, churning out potential specifications, release dates, and price points.
Now that the dust has settled on when to expect Google’s next foldable smartphone, expectations for the Pixel Fold 9 Pro are sky-high. Rumors and leaks suggest it will come with features including Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip, Gemini AI, the ability to record and transcribe calls, a larger display, and plenty more that we will unpack below.
What is Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be Google’s flagship entry into the foldable smartphone market, part of a range that follows Google’s launch of the Pixel Fold last year.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to be a welcome upgrade. The previous model had some performance lags compared to other, more established, foldable smartphone brands.
When is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Release Date
Expected Release Date: August – September 2024
Google has officially confirmed that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be unveiled at the Made by Google event on August 13, 2024. This date marks a shift in Google’s release strategy, as it is earlier than the typical October launch window for Pixel devices.
The event is set to showcase the entire Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are expected to open immediately following the announcement, with shipping likely to begin in early September in the United States.
The accelerated timeline for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold may suggest Google’s increased focus on staying toe to toe with Samsung, who released its latest foldable smartphone, Galaxy Z Fold 6, last July.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Specs, Designs and Features
New Tensor G4 chip, 16 GB of RAM, Wider Display, Thinner Bezel
While Google’s 30-second YouTube video showed what Gemini AI could do in the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold, rumors suggest the device will come with several upgrades.
Display
One of the most notable changes is expected to be in the display department. Leaks suggest that the device will feature an 8-inch foldable inner display, up from the 7.6-inch screen of the original Pixel Fold. The outer display is also rumored to be bigger and could measure around 6.3 inches.
Processor, Connectivity & Storage
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also likely to be powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chip and could enjoy 7 years of software updates from Google, according to a post shared on X by choqao. This upgrade, with the presence of Gemini AI, could bring more improvements in performance and artificial intelligence capabilities, including the ability to record and transcribe calls.
Google Pixel 9 & Pixel 9 Pro Fold leaked!
– Displays: Pixel 9 (6.3"), Pro (6.3"), Pro XL (6.8"), Pro Fold (6.3" & 8")
– Cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide; 10.5MP front
– Powered by Tensor G4
– Up to 16GB RAM
– 7 years of updates#GooglePixel #Pixel9 #Pixel9Pro #Pixel9ProXL pic.twitter.com/WU6iL8vDDS— choqao (@choqao) July 25, 2024
The device is also expected to launch with Android 14 rather than the upcoming Android 15, which could be released later this August. This decision likely aims to ensure the Pixel 9 lineup offers stability using an operating system that has stood the test of time.
The device is speculated to come with 16GB of RAM, which would be a remarkable boost from the 12GB in the original model. In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold might feature the new Samsung Exynos 5400 modem to enable satellite SOS calls, similar to the feature found in iPhone 15.
Camera
The camera system is another area where improvements are expected. While we haven’t set eye on official details, choqao’s leak indicates the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s rear camera will be 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10.5MP for the front camera. In addition, The device is rumored to feature a redesigned camera module that would house a triple-lens array in a new, shorter-rounded module.
Design
From the images making rounds on the internet, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold could be thinner and lighter than its predecessor and may likely weigh around 257 grams. While we do not have images from Google yet, a popular leaker on X who goes by the Alias Mystery Lupin shared images of Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold renders online to give the public a first look at each device ahead of launch.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Pricing
Expected Base Price: $1,799
According to recent leaks from Tipster OnLeaks, on behalf of 91mobiles, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to maintain a pricing strategy similar to its predecessor.
The 256GB model is rumored to be priced at $1,799, while the 512GB version may cost $1,919.
This pricing aligns with the original Pixel Fold, suggesting that Google aims to remain competitive in the premium segment of the foldable smartphone market.
Pixel 9 Fold vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold
While we ready ourselves for the upcoming unveiling of the Pixel 9 Fold Pro, and other range of Pixel 9 phones, let’s look at how the full set could square up against each other.
Specs | Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 |
RAM | 16GB | 16 GB | 12GB |
Performance | Tensor G4 Chip | Tensor G4 Chip | Tensor G4 Chip |
Screen Size | 6.3in actua display & 8in super actua flex display | 6.3in / 6.8in super actua display | 6.3in actua display |
AI | Gemini | Gemini | Gemini |
Rear Camera | 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto | 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto | 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide |
Front Camera | 10MP | 42MP | 10.5MP |
The Bottom Line
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be a major step forward in Google’s foldable smartphone journey. With its rumored larger displays, improved performance via the Tensor G4 chip, and camera enhancements, there is a chance the Pixel 9 Pro Fold might address the shortcomings of its predecessor.
The decision to announce the release just a month after Samsung announced its latest foldable smartphone signals Google’s readiness to stake its claims as a major player in the foldable smartphone market.
While the rumored specifications and features are impressive, the true test will be in how they translate to real-world usage and whether they justify the premium price point.