In 2011, while waiting for my bus during a typical London rush hour, the scene was a sight to behold: dozens of commuters, all glued to their BlackBerry screens, making the most of their bus wait with emails, calendar updates, and document reviews. Back then, it felt like everyone in the city was working overtime, even on their way home. The tiny Qwerty keyboards symbolised business acumen, and owning a BlackBerry was a badge of honour, especially for those in the City.
However, by 2014, the tide had shifted. BlackBerries gave way to iPhones, a sleek and powerful device that became the business smartphone of choice. Apple’s dominance continued unchallenged for almost a decade, becoming synonymous with professional success. But recently, signs have emerged that Apple’s reign might be coming to an end. A 10% drop in global iPhone sales in May has raised questions about the future of its once-unstoppable sales growth. Innovation appears to have slowed, with new iPhone models increasingly difficult to distinguish from previous iterations.
This growing stagnation creates an opportunity for disruption in the business smartphone market — and Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro Fold could be the device that shakes things up. This is the first phone in years that has genuinely excited me, harking back to the thrill I felt when first using a BlackBerry back in 2011. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, launching today, marks a significant leap in smartphone technology, blending practicality with cutting-edge innovation.
The phone boasts an impressive 8-inch foldable screen that transforms the user experience. Apps that I use daily, such as email, news apps, and even Premier League streaming, feel more immersive on the larger display. Whether reading through documents, reviewing presentations, or scrolling through websites, the expansive screen allows for a more comfortable and efficient experience. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels like the ideal device for a busy professional, especially those who are used to carrying around an iPad for similar tasks. In this respect, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could very well replace the need for multiple devices, streamlining the everyday tasks of executives on the go.
Compared to Google’s previous attempt at a folding phone, the Pixel Fold, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a major improvement. The new model is lighter, with a larger screen and longer battery life, presenting a more polished and finished product. The earlier model felt somewhat experimental and unfinished, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels ready for mainstream use, particularly in the business world.
However, as with any cutting-edge technology, there are some drawbacks. The price is a significant hurdle. At £1,749, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is far from cheap. It’s likely to appeal most to business professionals rather than the general consumer, at least in its early stages. It’s a high-end device, and like early BlackBerries, it will likely see greater adoption in corporate environments where the value of the device outweighs the cost.
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Another potential issue is that some apps have yet to fully optimise for the larger, foldable screen. While this is likely a teething problem that will be addressed with updates, it is something to consider for potential buyers. But the larger picture is clear: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not just a novelty. It is a serious attempt at redefining what a business smartphone can be, offering a glimpse of the future of mobile technology.
One area where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold outshines its competition is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI tools. These advanced features enhance the phone’s utility, offering a more intuitive and efficient experience. Meanwhile, Apple’s rivals, particularly Samsung, have already ventured into the foldable market, while Apple has yet to release a folding phone. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, therefore, stands as a testament to Google’s innovation in this space.
After using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a week, I’m sold on the concept of folding smartphones. The thought of returning to a traditional, flat-screen device seems almost mundane now. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold could very well be the device that sparks a wider acceptance of folding phones, especially in the business sector. If this doesn’t accelerate the popularity of foldable smartphones, it’s hard to imagine what will.
In conclusion, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a hefty price tag, it also offers a remarkable leap in smartphone design and functionality. With its larger screen, cutting-edge features, and seamless user experience, it has the potential to be the business phone of choice for London’s professionals. Time will tell if it can truly rival the dominance of Apple’s iPhone, but one thing is certain: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a phone worth watching.
