6 days Ago By Ben Schoon
The improvements Google made in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold over what came before continue to astound me a couple of months into using the device, but there are two design quirks I want Google to address. This issue of 9to5Google Weekender is a part of 9to5Google’s rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox early! The original Pixel Fold was a delight in many ways, delivering a unique foldable form factor that was endearing in a lot of ways, but greatly overshadowed by some poor hardware decisions that didn’t age well, and the major overheating problems that came with Tensor G2 in such a thin device.
Google made some big improvements for the sequel, though. A brand new aspect ratio, thinner and lighter hardware, and drastically better hinge and display hardware. It’s a totally new device, and easily the biggest year-over-year upgrade in recent memory.
Virtually all of the complaints I had with the first generation simply disappeared. However, there are two small quirks I still want fixed, both around the inner display. The first is a small problem with the display itself.
When the device is closed, the two halves of the panel tend to physically touch each other just enough to leave a bit of residue when the device is opened. This doesn’t happen every time, and it’s really just a result of skin oils building up, but it’s a little annoying seeing as I’ve never had it happen on any other foldables I’ve tried. It’s also something that hasn’t seemed to change from the first generation, as the first Pixel Fold did this same thing.
The other issue is around the bezel. Google’s decision to have a glossy finish on the plastic that surrounds the inner display leaves the Pixel 9 Pro Fold picking up a lot of “damage” very quickly. I’ve only been using this device for a little over two months, but the bezel is covered in little scuffs and scratches that simply shouldn’t form that quickly.
This was also a problem on the first generation, and our Jordan Floyd used the original Pixel Fold for over a year, resulting in those bezels looking visibly rough. This is, again, a problem I’ve not run into on any other foldable, and that’s because the bezel material is generally matte on other devices. Google needs to follow that pattern next time around.
These issues are minor in the grand scheme of things, but with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold being such a pricey device, they seem like relatively simple things to fix that take away little gripes in daily use. They can’t be fixed on the existing hardware, but I hope to see these addressed next time around. What do you think? Are you using a Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Let us know how it’s holding up so far.
This Week’s Top Stories Pixel phones get Live Scam Detection This week, Google started rolling out a new form of scam protection to Pixel phones, with “Live Scam Detection” which uses on-device AI to detect calls that might be a scam and alert the user. Live Scam Detection in calls rolling out to Pixel 6-9 Phone app Google TV crosses 1,000 free channels Google has been expanding its “Freeplay” service for months now, adding new channels on a regular basis. That, combined with additions from its partners, has brought the total number of free channels through the Google TV homescreen to over 1,100 , up from the 800 that were available when the feature first launched.
However, this is still all exclusive to the US market. More Top Stories Android Auto 13.3 update prepares support for radio stations Google Maps switching to teal accent color throughout the app Zerocam zero-process camera launches on Android Google Photos for Android switches to translucent status bar Google says Gems are ‘one of the most used Gemini Advanced features,’ adds file upload Comment: Pixel Studio should be a Gboard feature First Google TV Streamer update is now available Samsung’s One UI 7 update is coming up quick, but new Galaxy AI features may have to wait Google Search links appear in orange text for some users How to take care of your foldable phone – Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold care guide Why are major Android updates so small now? [Video] From the rest of 9to5 9to5Mac: iOS 18.
2 makes AirPods more powerful than ever, here’s why 9to5Toys: Here’s the official 30-page Costco Black Friday ad Electrek: Tesla adds 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving to its end-of-year deals Follow Ben: Twitter/X , Threads , and Instagram.
