I’ve become a bit of a Google Pixel devotee over the past few years.
It all started with the launch of the Google Pixel 8 Pro last year. I decided to transfer all of my apps, images and know-how from Apple over to Google and I honestly haven’t looked back.
So when I woke up to the news in late August that Google had one-upped itself with the release of a brand-new range — including a foldable phone — I had to see what the differences would be.
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I had the good luck of being able to compare and contrast both the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel 9 Pro XL — phew, what a mouthful — and momentarily place my Pixel 8 Pro to the side.
First of all, transferring all of your files and data from one phone to another when the SIM is inserted is incredibly easy, and it was just as simple when I was transferring from my old Apple product over to Google.
In a few short minutes you’ll be online with all of the jotted down notes in your Notes app (crucial), and can start enjoying the epic Ai features and whippet sharp camera.
Let’s start with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which I decided to power up first.
There is no denying this beast is quite large and when folded out, I’d describe it more as a miniature iPad than a phone.
The unique part about it is that you can open two separate apps and basically do two things at once when it’s fully expanded.
This comes in handy particularly when you’re trying to sign up for a workout class and add it to your calendar, or plan a holiday with friends in WhatsApp and search Booking.com at the same time, or even do some research for a presentation you’re wanting to craft … while crafting that presentation on the other side.
Gone are the days where you need to flip from app to app and I have to say it felt like the future while doing it.
The triple rear camera is as high quality as my original Pixel 8 Pro is but with the added benefit of an “Add Me” feature.
So if you’re the person actually taking the photo, but wish you were in it, you can now take two photos and overlay yourself into the group with ease. Genius, huh?
The hinge that divides the two screens is incredibly sturdy, I never felt like it would wear out overtime, and when folded back down again it fits into a pocket with no hassle at all.
But I would say that to text and type with the phone fully open was more difficult, and I felt as though the privacy of searching the web while on the train to work was lost because my screen was so obvious and large.
Since now switching to the standard Pixel 9 Pro XL I feel as though the balance is restored just slightly, so the Fold phone would probably be best for someone constantly needing to juggle a few tasks at a time.
It would also make for an excellent work phone because you can use it as such a large screen to watch movies and TV shows on a flight or lengthy transiting journey, and type up emails to your colleagues with ease.
As for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, well as I suspected, she’s a beauty. Literally.
Google has one-upped itself with the release of a light pink phone, so you can call and text in the Barbie world we wish we all lived in.
The camera is just as intelligent as the Fold device and navigation is similar to the Pixel 8 Pro, so there isn’t a re-learning process to get the most out of this device.
It comes with a guaranteed seven years of software support so once you purchase the phone it won’t “stop working” when next year’s model is released — a common complaint from Apple users — and the casing itself is twice as durable as the model I was using previously.
Overall the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which retails for $1849, is my favourite of the two just for compatibility with my life, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which starts at $2699, is a work of art for those needing more viewing space. It’s a multitasker’s dream.
You can purchase both phones and the full Pixel range from a range of stores, including Officeworks.
