Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, starting at $1,799, is the company’s priciest phone yet. While it features a slimmer design and improved internals, it lacks some premium AI video capabilities found in the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
According to PhoneArena, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is missing the Video Boost feature introduced with the Pixel 8 Pro last year. Video Boost utilizes Google’s cloud processing to enhance video quality. To use it, you record a video with the feature enabled, which is then uploaded to Google’s servers for AI-driven enhancements. Once processed, you’ll receive a notification to download your upgraded video. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL benefit from this feature with upscaling capabilities from 4K to 8K and lossless 20x zoom, with processing speeds twice as fast as the Pixel 8 Pro.
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Despite the cloud-based processing, certain hardware requirements must be met, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold apparently falls short. Its camera setup includes a 48MP primary lens, a 10.5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.5MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This contrasts with the 50MP primary lens, 48MP ultra-wide lens, and 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom found in the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The $1,799 Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t support 8K video upscaling, unlike other Pixel 9 models.
This limitation isn’t unique to Google; foldable phones often lag behind their non-folding counterparts in camera performance. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 also shows a gap compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. At a steep price of $1,800, many users might expect the best camera technology available.
For those prioritizing video editing and high zoom capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro series might be the better option. However, if a large unfolded screen and productivity are more important, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains a compelling choice. Just keep in mind its camera hardware and video processing limitations compared to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL before making a purchase decision.
