With a starting price of $1,799, one would expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold would have pretty much all the features that the non-foldable Pixel 9 offers with just one screen, and Pixel 9 Pro models. But as it turns out, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not offer the ability to use Video Boost with AI to upscale your 4K video to 8K. Nor will it be able to deliver 20x lossless video shot with Super Res Zoom. Both of these features are achieved with Video Boost on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
It’s not too late to pre-order the Pixel 9 Pro XL!
Video Boost was introduced on the Pixel 8 Pro last year. After you record a video with Video Boost enabled, the video is sent to Google’s servers for processing via the cloud. While you can still view, edit, or share the original recording, you’ll be sent a notification when the “Boosted” video is ready to be viewed in higher quality with better lighting, enhanced colors, and more detail. On the Pixel 9 Pro And Pixel 9 ProOriginal videos that look like they were filmed in the middle of the night come back “enhanced” and look like they were filmed in the middle of the day.
The Pixel 9 Pro (starting at $999) and the Pixel 9 Pro (starting at $1,099) offers the ability to upscale 4K videos to 8K with Video Boost and zoom up to 20x without losing video quality. All things Video Boost did last year with the Pixel 8 ProIt is even better and faster on the Pixel 9 Pro Series.
Most of the work at Video Boost takes place in the cloud, but there are some hardware requirements that must be met. While Video Boost runs on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will include HDR+ and Night Sight, the cameras of the $1,800 Pixel 9 Pro Fold (48MP primary, 10.5MP ultra-wide angle and 10.5MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom) are not compatible with the camera arrangement on the Pixel 9 Pro And Pixel 9 Pro (50 MP primary, 48 MP ultra wide angle and 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom).
Foldable phones, in most cases, can’t compete with the cameras offered by regular flagship models from the same brand. Take a look at the stark differences between the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra to see for yourself. Still, you’re shelling out $1,800 for a phone, and you’re not getting Google’s best camera setup for that price. If photography is your thing, stick with the Pixel 9 Pro models. If you value productivity and do not record too many videos, Pixel 9 Pro Fold may be your best option.
