We ’re draw near the last of 2024 , and it ’s manifest thatthis year has been phenomenal for Google ’s Pixel family . Google made so many right decisiveness this year , with theGoogle Pixel 9lineup being its potent one yet .
I ’ve used all but one of the late Google Pixel 9 phone , and I ’m now in the position to secernate you which one stands out to me as the one to buy and why it does n’t matter that I have n’t used the fourth model .
Which Pixel 9 phones have I used?
I started my Pixel 9 journeying with the standard Pixel 9 , which I enjoyed reviewing , and end up giving it a very gamy 9/10 score . It ’s a reflection of just how much of a saltation frontwards Google has made with its Pixel earpiece in 2024 . It ’s tempting to say the design is a primal reason , but it ’s actually more than that , as it ’s the build character and materials that make the Pixel 9 so special . If they were dissatisfactory , it would n’t count if the phone looked good . It ’s great to see how everything has make out together this yr .
The Pixel 9 is a glorious bargain if you ’re on a budget , but what about the Pro models ? I moved on to theGoogle Pixel 9 Proalmost forthwith after the Pixel 9 , and while I did n’t retrospect it , I wholeheartedly agree with our extremely cocksure 9/10 review . Instead of brush up it , I experimented with the television camera , as this is the prime difference betweenit and the Pixel 9 . Just as expected from a modern Pixel earphone , the camera is excellent , but what impress me more was the vastly improved and really useful redaction tools available in Google Photos .
Between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro , I ’d rack up more than four weeks with the raw phones , and my time with the 9 Pro end when thePixel 9 Pro Foldwas thrust into my hands . It bring all the innovation and build betterment I ’d already mention into a folding earphone that is a massive upgrade over the firstPixel Fold . The camera is different to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 professional , but it may surprise you to hear it is as as in force .
Google Pixel 9 ProAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
I did n’t know it at the time , but I ’d been steadily working my way up the chemical chain , and the last Pixel example I ’d use was going to be the best .
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the one to buy
It leave thePixel 9 Pro XLas the one role model I have n’t used this year . I do n’t consider I ’m missing out , and lie with from the beginning there wasone superfluous modelin this class ’s range . Now Iknowit ’s the 9 Pro XL , asit ’s the Pixel 9 Pro just a routine bigger , and not having any desire or real motivation to use it has only cement my opinion on which Pixel 9 phone is the right this year .
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the pick of the 2024 bunch , and it ’s not even close . Since finishing my review with the Fold , I have pass to the Pixel 9 professional , and while I still think it ’s superb , I ’ve found myself wish it had a bigger screen — just without sacrificing its pleasing overall footprint . It ’s a wonderfully pocketable size , and I ’d lose this if I seek to get my openhanded - silver screen kick from the Pixel 9 Pro XL . If I want a big concealment and call for to pay more to get one , I require aproperbig cover .
When you put the Pixel 9 Pro against the Pixel 9 Pro Fold it ’s not all that thinner or abstemious , and it fundamentally has the same basic footmark . I happily carried the Pixel 9 Pro Fold around in my pocket without a case for a few weeks , and it did n’t experience all that different from the Pixel 9 Pro in a protective case ( or from theiPhone 15 Pro Max , either).Ergonomically , it ’s a succeeder and far remove from earlier - generation fold up phone . When those clip when I wanted a bigger screen came along ? Wow , did the Pixel 9 Pro Fold get along into its own .
Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldJoe Maring / Digital Trends
All I’d ever really need
While the cover concealment is perfectly useable every day , the Pixel 9 Pro Fold ’s undecided screen really is a joy . It ’s bright , astute , and colorful , and I always enjoyed follow video on it . It ’s dandy for apps too . I ’m sure the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also good for these activities , but it ’s never going to feel as particular as a shut down telephone . The Pixel 9 Pro Fold genuinely feel special .
The photographic camera may not have the same high specification as the Pro or Pro XL , but when I used it to take exposure of elevator car on a recent trip to Berlin , I never once wanted to use the Pixel 9 Pro ( which I also had with me ) instead . It ’s versatile with the different zoom modes , the camera ’s tone and colors are natural and eye - catching , and it has all the same redaction features incur on the non - foldaway Pro phone . But you ca n’t edit out your photos on an almost 8 - column inch screen using either of the other Pro phones , and it makes such a difference when you may .
What about other folding phones ? I reviewed theSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6a few calendar month ago and also really liked it , but in person I ’d opt the Pixel 9 Pro close over it for one simple reason : The Google phone feel like it ’s made for playfulness , while Samsung ’s speech sound is more effective at getting things done . It ’s excellent , but I use my phone for enjoyment and personal use most of the time , so the productiveness side that ’s emphasize on the Z Fold 6 is a little lost on me .
Google Pixel 9Digital Trends
Yes, you’ll have to splash out
By articulate the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the Pixel 9 phone to buy this year , I ’m well aware I ’m also say you should spend $ 1,800 on a smartphone . This is patently a ridiculous amount of money , and is perfectly too much , but it ’s in - blood with other current close speech sound so can be considered the depart rate for such a gadget .
But the breaker point I ’ve tried to get across is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes everything that makes the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro so good , then adds in a stunning additional screen with only a slight decrease in ergonomics and convenience . It does everything you want . Google stomach its excellent software package for many years to come , and unless you ’re obsessed with having the late phone each year , I ca n’t see why you ’d need to upgrade the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for definitely two , but most likely three or even four long time .
It ’s where note value bug out to come into turn . If I bought the Pixel 9 Pro after using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold , I now know I ’d drop the big screen . I may even think about upgrade it next twelvemonth or the yr after . A fair lump of the money I ’d then have lost in depreciation could have been spent get the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in the first place . It ’s a big fiscal commitment , but now having used the other Pixel phone , I do think it ’s worth it . I ’m jolly sure I ’d be satisfied with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for several years to come , and I ’d call it not only the best Pixel 9 series phones but also one of Google ’s best Pixel phonesever . I ca n’t wait to have the opportunity to use it again .
