Pixel 9 Pro Fold lacks camera features found on cheaper models

Earlier this week, Google unveiled four new Pixel 9 smartphones: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The non-folding Pro models come equipped with an upgraded version of Video Boost, which was initially launched with the Pixel 8 series last year. However, if you expected the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—the priciest model in the lineup—to include all the Video Boost features, you’ll be disappointed to learn that it does not.

The non-folding Pixel 9 Pros feature Video Boost with AI-powered 8K upscaling for 4K videos and Super Res Zoom Video for 20x lossless video recording. In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers HDR Plus video, Night Sight video, and enhanced processing speeds for Video Boost videos but lacks 8K upscaling and Super Res Zoom.

With a starting price of $1,799—$800 higher than the Pixel 9 Pro and $700 more than the Pixel 9 Pro XL—you might anticipate that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold would include all the camera features found in its non-folding Pro models. However, this isn’t the case. It’s important to mention that the Fold’s camera hardware differs from that of the non-folding Pro versions. Therefore, if having the best camera features from Google is your priority, you may want to consider opting for the Pixel 9 Pro or the Pixel 9 Pro XL instead.