Google has unveiled its latest foldable flagship, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, promising a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The tech giant’s annual Made by Google event was packed with new hardware, but the foldable phone is undoubtedly a standout.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a departure from its bulkier predecessor. It’s slimmer, lighter, and boasts a larger inner screen, stretching to 8 inches diagonally. This is a substantial increase from the 7.6 inches of the previous model. The outer cover screen has also seen an upgrade, now measuring 6.3 inches, giving the phone a more conventional smartphone look when folded.

Design-wise, Google has refined the device. The camera bump, while still prominent, is less exaggerated than its Pixel 9 siblings. The phone is claimed to lay completely flat when unfolded, thanks to a stainless steel hinge.

Powering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the same Tensor G4 chip found in the other Pixel 9 Pro models. While this ensures robust performance, the camera system is where things get interesting. While the core components remain the same – a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP telephoto lens, and a 10.5MP ultrawide – there are subtle changes. The ultrawide lens, though wider, is slightly less sharp, and the telephoto and ultrawide lenses overall seem to be a step down from the other Pixel 9 Pro models. However, the front and inner cameras have received a bump to 10MP.

Google’s signature camera features, including pro controls, are present. And as with the rest of the Pixel 9 series, the Pro Fold promises seven years of software updates and the convenience of satellite SOS emergency calling.

Here’s where you can preorder the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a hefty price tag, starting at $1,799 for the 256GB model (or $1,919 for the 512GB model). This positions it as a premium device, catering to those who demand the latest in foldable technology.

Preorders are now open at Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. The phone is scheduled to ship on September 4. To sweeten the deal, Google is offering $350 in store credit or $350 gift cards at Amazon and Best Buy for early preorders.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.