Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design Full Camera Review Test

I’m here to share my experience with a high-end smartphone the Porsche Design version of the honor magic 7 RSR. This device raises a big question how it feels to use such a premium product is it truly worth it, when we look at its display system design and overall performance let’s dive into the details As I share my honest Impressions.

 

Now the Box includes a purple phone case that matches the device’s color the back of this case is mostly made of sip material with the Porsche Design logo engraved it’s designed with plastic grip areas to reduce the chance of accidental drops and protect the phone from impacts the inside of the case is lined with a velvety texture making it both practical and stylish together these accessories especially the Porsche branding exude sophistication.

 

The charger is a 100 W black fast charger consistent with the magic 7 series, it comes with a tough nylon charging cable that’s built to resist wear and tear what’s more the phone supports super-fast wireless charging which is a great addition for convenience and Friends tomorrow I’ll share a detailed camera review and comparison of the Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design.

 

 

The magic 7 Pro you’re convinced that magic OS 9.0

 

The one for you and it’s a fantastic Flagship by the way for 2025 but you want something a little bit more exclusive something a bit more special and maybe say for example you’re a fan of sports cars you know particularly the brand Porche but this is where you might want to check out the Magic7 RSR because it’s a fantastically looking device is that even a word.

 

I keep wondering about that and it actually comes in something a bit more special now let me tell you what’s really different between this and the standard magic 7 Pro now first up obviously the price is going to be different now this is retailing in Malaysia for RM $69.99, That actually Nets you 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

 

 

Honor Magic 7 RSR

 

Now if you look at the standard or maybe I would say plain vanilla magic 7 Pro now this guy at its maximum specs uh you can get it for RM 5199 and that Nets you 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage so you are getting more RAM on the magic 7 RSR compared to the magic 7 Pro and of course it’s a bit more expensive and there’s two more differences that actually spotted in the specs overview so number one in terms of the telephoto lens.

 

Now they’re both 200 megapixel three times telephoto lenses and like I said this is one of the best implementation that combines both hardware and AI to give you one of probably the best uh zooming experience that you can get on any smartphone to date.

 

The 200 megapixel sensor on here is a larger aperture unit that means that, it’s able to bring in more light and ultimately you know give you a slightly better Zoom image compared to the standard magic 7 Pro now another difference that, I found here is actually in terms of the display at the front, Now obviously these are both very strong displays from honor but the HONOR Magic7 RSR adds on an element of anti-scratch.

 

It’s supposed to be not just more drop resistant but also more anti scratch so those are the two differences on top of the additional RAM that I told you about and of course this device actually comes in a better nicer packaging which I will show you on the desks right now all right guys so now that we are at the Des let’s take a closer look at the packaging for the honor Magic 7 RSR. Now this is the one that comes in egit gray that means the box itself will follow the color of the device and this here is the one that comes in the province colorway.

 

I’m going to show you the unboxing of the egit gray because I’ve already opened up my own Province colorway uh HONOR Magic 7 RSR. So we’re going to put this right up here for now and focus on this guy now naturally we have here a very beautiful looking box and it’s actually sort of a sleeve where you pull over to actually reveal the actual box, now check this out we have a very beautiful design here.

 

They’re both uh seals on the side and once you actually cut that way you actually open up to reveal a sentence inside now it says here, If you analyze the function of an object its form often becomes obvious not really sure what that means but it’s said by Professor Porche design of the 911 and founder of Porsche Design so you open this a little bit more and there we go so this is the alate gray version.

 

 

It has a slight curve reminiscent of 2.5 d glass

 

First impressions of the phone design now let’s talk about the phone itself I have to say I haven’t been this impressed with a phone design in a while the official name for its color is provand purple and it’s truly stunning the actual device looks even better than in the promotional images under different lighting conditions the color shifts slightly giving it a dynamic and captivating appearance.

 

This effect is enhanced by a subtle raised Line running along the phone’s body the rear camera module stands out with its unique hexagonal design surrounded by a Metallic frame the glass covering the camera isn’t completely flat. It has a slight curve reminiscent of 2.5 d glass which adds to its premium look and feel the phone’s purple frame ensures a seamless uniform design however the glossy finish on the frame does tend to attract fingerprints at around 231 G the phone has a solid weight.

 

 

6.8 in 1.5k display with 120 HZ refresh rate

 

Display quality the honor magic 7 rsr Porsche Design features a 6.8 in 1.5k display with 120 HZ refresh rate. It’s one of the best displays I’ve used this year the screen is vibrant crystal clear and delivers a top tier viewing experience protected by Honor’s new golden Gorilla Glass this display is reportedly 10 times more resistant to drops and scratches compared to regular materials this means you might not even need a screen protector.

 

As the screen is exceptionally durable what truly sets this display apart is its balanced color reproduction the colors are bright and Vivid without being overly saturated making it comfortable for extended use the display also includes features like blue light filtering and advanced.

 

Brightness adjustments which ensure a pleasant viewing experience regardless of lighting conditions whether you choose the Porsche Design version or the standard magic 7 Pro this screen is definitely one of the highlights of the phone.

 

 

Zooming in 300X, 600x or even 1200X night photography

 

The camera system on the Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design is significantly upgraded it features a large 1.3 in sensor with advanced technology and a dynamic range capability of up to 15 stops, This means the camera can capture bright highlights and detailed Shadows simultaneously making.

 

it ideal for scenes like sunrises sunsets or high contrast architecture portrait shots come out beautifully thanks to the phone’s excellent color processing the photos strike a perfect balance between eye-catching vibrancy and natural tones. The phone includes a telephoto lens with top-of-the-line specifications including a 1/4 in sensor.

 

And advanced Periscope zoom capabilities the zoom is impressive even in low light conditions maintaining sharp details whether you’re zooming in 300X, 600x or even 1200X night photography and extreme Zoom levels like 70x or 100x produce surprisingly good results. What’s more the AI processing for photography has seen a big improvement with the latest system update the AI leverages cloud data and advanced algorithms to enhance the overall photo quality.

 

 

OS & UPDATES

 

Ensuring consistency across different scenarios satellite communication and system performance one of the standout features of this phone is its support for dual Satellite Communication it integrates Beto satellite messaging and tinting satellite communication this combination ensures stronger and more reliable signals even in remote areas where regular networks might struggle.

 

The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design’s camera performance excels in various lighting conditions, capturing intricate details with impressive clarity. Additionally, the battery life of the device ensures extended usability for photography enthusiasts.

 

The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design stands out for its exceptional camera capabilities across different lighting scenarios, skillfully capturing fine details with remarkable precision. Moreover, the device’s battery longevity guarantees prolonged operational efficiency, particularly beneficial for avid photographers.

 

Also Read:  Nothing Phone 3a vs 3a Pro – Which phone is best for you?

 

 

Magic OS 9.0 the interface feels smooth intuitive and optimized for multitasking

 

The magic 7 RSR Pors design runs on Magic OS 9.0 the interface feels smooth intuitive and optimized for multitasking and gaming features like Seamless app Transitions and hassle-free subscription management are thoughtful touches that enhance the user experience overall the software offers a polished and Userfriendly experience that many Magic 7 Series users have appreciated.

 

The software on the Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design enhances the user experience with features like Seamless app Transitions and hassle-free subscription management. The Magic OS 9.0 provides a smooth, intuitive interface optimized for multitasking and gaming. Users of the Magic 7 Series have appreciated the polished and user-friendly software experience.

 

 

Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design supports 100 W fast charge

 

The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design supports 100 W fast charge The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design boasts an impressive camera system that delivers exceptional image quality. The device’s advanced features and technologies make it a standout choice for photography enthusiasts.

 

The Honor Magic 7 RSR elevates the mobile photography experience, setting a new standard for camera capabilities in the smartphone industry. The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design stands out for its remarkable camera capabilities and advanced technologies that cater to photography enthusiasts. This device redefines the smartphone industry’s camera standards, providing exceptional image quality and an enhanced mobile photography experience. With a 100W fast charging feature.

 

The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design showcases exceptional camera performance, with its advanced software enhancing the photography experience. The intuitive software optimizes image quality and provides users with a seamless photography journey.

 

The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design offers quick battery replenishment, going allowing it to go from 6% to 40% battery in just 10 minutes a full charge takes about 30 minutes which is incredibly convenient the battery life is equally impressive on moderate usage the phone easily lasts over 7 hours and still has around 30% battery left by the end of the day this makes it a reliable choice for users who need a phone that can handle heavy usage.

 

HBM-on-GPU: Powering the Next Wave of AI Accelerators – A Specialised Future, Not for Consumer Graphics Cards

HBM-on-GPU: Powering the Next Wave of AI Accelerators – A Specialised Future, Not for Consumer Graphics Cards

The Future of AI Acceleration: Imec’s Groundbreaking 3D HBM-on-GPU Research

The relentless demand for artificial intelligence capabilities continues to push the boundaries of computing. As AI models grow exponentially in complexity and size, the need for faster, more efficient processing and memory solutions becomes paramount. This quest for advanced performance is driving innovative research into novel chip architectures, particularly for specialised AI accelerators that power data centres worldwide.

At the forefront of this innovation is Imec, a renowned research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Their recent groundbreaking study into 3D High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) integrated directly onto Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) represents a significant leap forward. This advanced approach promises to revolutionise how AI workloads are handled, addressing critical bottlenecks in current systems.

High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) is already a pivotal component in high-performance computing, known for its ability to stack multiple memory dies vertically. This vertical stacking dramatically increases bandwidth compared to traditional flat memory layouts. By integrating HBM in a 3D configuration directly onto the GPU package, the potential for data transfer speed and memory density reaches unprecedented levels, essential for next-generation AI.

Imec’s research specifically delves into the extreme density potential offered by this HBM-on-GPU architecture. Imagine a scenario where the processing core has immediate access to vast amounts of data without the traditional latency associated with external memory. This direct, high-speed access is critical for AI applications like deep learning, where vast datasets are constantly being processed and models frequently updated.

The benefits for AI accelerators are clear: superior data throughput enables faster training times for complex neural networks and more efficient inference execution. This translates directly into quicker development cycles for AI solutions and more responsive, powerful AI services. Such advancements are crucial for maintaining momentum in the rapidly evolving fields of machine learning and data analytics, driving new discoveries.

However, pioneering new technologies rarely comes without significant hurdles, and Imec’s study meticulously highlights these challenges. The sheer density and close proximity of components in a 3D HBM-on-GPU setup lead to profound thermal management issues. Packing more processing power and memory into a smaller volume inevitably generates immense heat, which must be dissipated effectively to ensure stable operation and longevity.

Addressing these thermal challenges requires sophisticated cooling solutions that go far beyond what is currently available in commercial products. Research focuses on innovative heat sinks, microfluidic cooling, and advanced thermal interface materials to manage the extreme temperatures generated. The efficiency of these cooling systems will be a determining factor in the practical viability of 3D HBM-on-GPU designs for widespread adoption in AI infrastructure.

Beyond thermal concerns, the study also points to complex performance challenges relating to power delivery and signal integrity. Delivering stable power to densely packed, high-speed components within a 3D stack is inherently difficult. Maintaining signal quality and preventing interference across multiple layers of interconnected chips requires meticulous design and advanced manufacturing techniques to avoid data corruption and performance degradation.

The intricate interconnects between the HBM stacks and the GPU core demand ultra-reliable and low-latency pathways. Even minor imperfections in these connections can significantly impact overall performance and yield. Imec’s work is crucial in identifying these potential pitfalls early, allowing for focused research into robust design methodologies and advanced packaging technologies to overcome them, ensuring data integrity.

It’s vital for consumers to understand that while this technology promises a revolution for AI, it is not destined for their personal video cards anytime soon. The complexity, specialised manufacturing processes, and inherent high costs associated with 3D HBM-on-GPU designs make them prohibitive for the mass consumer market. This advanced hardware is engineered specifically for demanding enterprise and research applications.

Consumer graphics cards are designed for a different set of priorities, balancing performance with affordability, power consumption, and cooling requirements suitable for a home environment. The cutting-edge solutions explored by Imec are tailor-made for high-performance computing environments where maximum computational density and throughput are valued above all else, regardless of the significant investment required.

Therefore, while the advancements from Imec’s research will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of artificial intelligence, their direct impact will primarily be felt within data centres and specialised AI hardware. These innovations will enable the next generation of AI models to be trained faster and deployed more efficiently, unlocking unprecedented capabilities in various sectors from healthcare to autonomous systems.

In conclusion, Imec’s 3D HBM-on-GPU study is a testament to the ongoing innovation in semiconductor technology, highlighting both the immense potential for extreme density in AI accelerators and the significant engineering hurdles that must be overcome. This research paves the way for a future where AI systems are more powerful and efficient than ever imagined, cementing the UK’s position at the forefront of technological advancement.

 

Also Read:  OpenAI’s Bold Move: GPT-5.2 Set to Challenge Gemini 3 in the AI Arena

Hands-on review: Moto G67 Power first impressions

Hands-on review Moto G67 Power first impressions

Early experience suggests Motorola is setting a battery-first tone here

The Moto G67 Power is finally in hand, and first impressions point toward a mid-range phone that is designed to make battery life the star of the entire experience. This device does not try to be a flashy flagship rival, and instead feels built to deliver the most practical features that matter the most to everyday users. The 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery immediately stands out, because that size is not common in mainstream phones that are priced in this category. Even in early usage, this phone clearly feels like a battery endurance champion before anything else.

The moment you pick it up, the weight tells you what it is built for. The Moto G67 Power is not a lightweight device — and it is not trying to hide that. The vegan leather textured back feels premium, the Pantone color options look clean, and the body design has a more expensive feel than expected for this lineup. It is not the kind of device that is designed for one-handed use all day, but the build quality feels more “rugged premium” than just “big budget phone.” The reinforced glass protection, the IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, and the MIL-STD-810H drop durability further add to that impression in real use.

The display is a 6.7-inch Full HD+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it feels smooth while scrolling, swiping, and navigating typical social media feeds or menus. It is an LCD panel, so colors and deep contrast are not at the level of an OLED display, but for most general users the smoothness and clarity feel modern. The brightness is strong enough in daylight use, and animations feel fluid thanks to the refresh rate and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which performs efficiently during early multitasking.

Hands-on review Moto G67 Power first impressions

The chipset and memory combination feel well-balanced for this segment. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 has already proven to be a reliable mid-range performer, and with 8GB of RAM and virtual RAM support, the phone maintains good stability while opening multiple apps and switching between heavy tasks. Gaming feels smooth enough for casual to moderate titles, though it is the battery and efficiency pairing that makes the performance feel even better in real-world use instead of just benchmark comparisons.

The camera system delivers a good first viewing experience. The 50MP Sony LYTIA main sensor produces sharp daylight images with clean color reproduction. The 8MP ultrawide is serviceable for capturing wider scenery, and the selfie camera is a 32MP shooter that produces detailed images with smart exposure handling. There is support for high-resolution video recording from both rear and front cameras, which gives this phone an upgraded feel when you test the video recording interface and sample output in daylight.

The battery is the headline feature, and in early use, it absolutely feels like the phone’s entire identity is built around it. A 7,000mAh silicon-carbon cell gives this device true multi-day endurance potential instead of just marketing claims. The company is targeting more than just screen time bragging rights — it is promising long audio playback, extended video hours, and reduced charging anxiety for users who simply want one charging session to last as long as possible. The 30W charging is not class-leading by speed, but it feels strong enough when the phone holds so much power in reserve.

The software experience also matters here. The Moto G67 Power ships with Android 15 and Motorola’s clean Hello UX interface, which looks very similar to stock Android. Early usage feels smooth and free from unnecessary bloat. Users who prefer a clean, uncluttered UI will appreciate this approach. Stereo speakers with enhanced audio tuning add to the multimedia value, giving the device a stronger entertainment orientation when combined with the big battery.

In simple first impressions, the Moto G67 Power feels like a direct value offer that knows exactly what it is. It is not made to compete with thin stylish flagship designs. Instead, it targets buyers who want extreme battery life, strong daily performance, clean software, and practical hardware at a sensible price. If battery life is your number one priority, this phone immediately feels like one of the most convincing mid-range options entering this season.

GPU Price Increase Affects Entry-Level and Mid-Range Cards in the UK

GPU Price Increase Affects Entry-Level and Mid-Range Cards in the UK

Affordable Graphics Cards Become Harder to Find for UK Buyers

UK consumers are increasingly feeling the impact of rising graphics card prices as entry-level and mid-range GPUs climb beyond traditional affordability. Market updates and retailer statements confirm that price increases are no longer limited to flagship models. Budget-conscious gamers and first-time PC builders are now among the most affected groups.

The price pressure is being driven by sustained global demand for graphics processors across multiple industries. GPUs are increasingly allocated to artificial intelligence workloads, cloud services, and enterprise computing rather than consumer gaming. This structural shift has reduced supply availability for lower-priced cards in the UK market.

Component costs remain a major contributor to the issue, particularly memory used in modern GPUs. Official industry communications have confirmed that video memory pricing has risen due to limited production capacity and higher demand from data centres. These costs disproportionately affect entry-level and mid-range cards, where margins are already thin.

UK retailers report that affordable GPUs are arriving in smaller quantities and selling quickly once listed. When restocks occur, prices are often higher than previous generations at comparable performance levels. This has weakened the traditional value proposition that entry-level cards once offered UK buyers.

Mid-range graphics cards, typically favoured for balanced gaming performance, have seen some of the sharpest increases. Models that once represented strong value for 1080p and 1440p gaming are now priced closer to premium territory. This narrowing gap between mid-range and high-end pricing is reshaping upgrade decisions.

Manufacturers have acknowledged the pricing challenges while confirming that production priorities have shifted. Official statements indicate a focus on products that deliver higher returns per unit amid constrained component supply. This strategy limits the volume of lower-cost GPUs reaching retail shelves in the UK.

The impact extends beyond gaming, affecting students, casual users, and small creators who rely on affordable graphics hardware. Entry-level GPUs are often used for light creative workloads and everyday computing tasks. Rising prices make these cards less accessible to a broader segment of UK consumers.

Second-hand markets have seen increased activity as buyers search for alternatives to expensive new GPUs. However, prices for used entry-level and mid-range cards have also risen, reflecting increased demand. This trend reduces the cost advantage that pre-owned hardware once offered.

Retail discounts and seasonal promotions have provided minimal relief so far. Price reductions tend to be limited and short-lived, with stock constraints preventing aggressive sales strategies. Many UK buyers report difficulty finding genuinely affordable deals even during promotional periods.

Industry analysts suggest that these pricing pressures may persist throughout the year. Without significant increases in supply or shifts in demand, entry-level and mid-range GPU prices are unlikely to return to previous norms. UK consumers are increasingly adjusting expectations to a higher baseline for graphics card costs.

GPU Price Surge in the UK Raises Concerns for Budget PC Builders

GPU Price Surge in the UK Raises Concerns for Budget PC Builders

Rising Costs Put Pressure on Affordable PC Builds Across Britain

Graphics card prices across the UK have risen sharply again, causing growing concern among budget PC builders and first-time buyers. Retail data shows that both entry-level and mid-range GPUs are now selling well above expected price ranges. The renewed inflation reflects tightening stock levels and persistent strain within the global semiconductor supply chain.

UK retailers report reduced availability of popular graphics cards, with restocks arriving less frequently and in smaller volumes. Suppliers are prioritising higher-margin products and enterprise orders, leaving fewer affordable options for everyday consumers. As a result, budget builders are finding it increasingly difficult to source suitable GPUs without exceeding planned spending limits.

One of the main drivers behind rising prices is continued pressure on memory supply used in graphics cards. Manufacturers have redirected production capacity towards high-performance memory for artificial intelligence and data-centre hardware. This shift has reduced supply for consumer GPUs, pushing up production costs that are passed directly to UK buyers.

Budget-focused PC builders are particularly affected because graphics cards represent a large portion of total system cost. Even modest increases can disrupt carefully balanced builds designed around affordability. Many entry-level systems now cost significantly more than they did a year ago, despite offering similar performance levels.

The impact extends beyond gaming, affecting students, creatives, and hobbyists who rely on GPUs for editing, design, and technical coursework. Higher prices are forcing some users to delay upgrades or compromise on performance. This trend risks widening the gap between those who can afford modern hardware and those priced out of the market.

Second-hand and refurbished GPUs have seen increased interest as buyers look for alternatives to new retail pricing. However, used prices have also risen due to stronger demand and limited supply. This has reduced the value advantage of pre-owned components, offering little relief for cost-conscious builders.

UK system builders and independent retailers note that bundled deals and financing options are becoming more common. While these measures help spread costs, they do not address the underlying issue of inflated hardware pricing. Many consumers remain cautious, waiting for signs of stabilisation before committing to purchases.

Industry analysts suggest that the current situation reflects a longer-term structural change rather than a short-term spike. Strong demand for AI hardware is expected to continue, keeping pressure on GPU production and availability. Without significant expansion in manufacturing capacity, prices are unlikely to return to previous lows soon.

For budget PC builders in the UK, careful planning has become essential in navigating the current market. Choosing older-generation components or delaying builds may help reduce costs in the short term. Until supply conditions improve, affordability concerns are expected to remain a defining challenge for entry-level PC building.

Graphics Card Prices Jump in the UK Due to Global Supply Disruptions

Graphics Card Prices Jump in the UK Due to Global Supply Disruptions

UK GPU Market Faces Renewed Pricing Pressure

Graphics card prices across the UK have risen sharply this quarter, according to retailers and industry analysts monitoring the consumer hardware market. The increases are being driven by global supply disruptions affecting semiconductor components and logistics chains. British buyers are now facing higher costs for both mid-range and high-end GPUs.

Retailers report that prices have climbed steadily since the start of the quarter, with several popular models now selling well above previous averages. Stock levels remain inconsistent, particularly for newer releases and performance-focused cards. This has reduced competition on pricing and limited consumer choice.

A major factor behind the price surge is ongoing disruption in global semiconductor supply, particularly in memory components essential for modern graphics cards. Manufacturers have prioritised production for data centres and artificial intelligence workloads. This shift has reduced availability for consumer-focused GPU production.

UK distributors have also cited increased shipping and insurance costs as contributing to higher wholesale prices. Longer transit times and congestion at key ports have added further strain to already fragile supply chains. These additional costs are being passed directly to retailers and end customers.

Manufacturers have acknowledged that constrained supply remains an issue, with official updates pointing to tight component availability through the remainder of the year. While production output has stabilised in some regions, demand continues to exceed supply. This imbalance has kept pricing pressure firmly in place.

Retail data shows that entry-level cards have seen smaller increases, while performance and enthusiast-grade GPUs have experienced the sharpest rises. Cards aimed at gaming, content creation, and AI workloads are particularly affected. UK consumers are often paying noticeably more than earlier in the year.

Independent market analysts suggest the UK is not alone, with similar pricing trends observed across Europe and other major markets. However, currency fluctuations and import costs have made the impact more pronounced for British retailers. This has limited their ability to absorb cost increases internally.

Despite the rising prices, demand for graphics cards in the UK remains resilient, driven by gaming upgrades and professional workloads. Retailers note that popular models still sell quickly when stock arrives. This sustained demand reduces incentives for short-term price reductions.

Industry experts expect GPU prices to remain elevated until global supply chains fully stabilise and production capacity expands. Any meaningful relief is likely dependent on improved component availability and easing logistics pressures. For now, UK buyers are adjusting expectations in a tighter and more expensive market.

Google Pixel 9a drops to a record low UK price

Google Pixel 9a drops to a record low UK price

Strong Black Friday Savings Hit Google’s Mid-Range Line

The Google Pixel 9a has made headlines in the UK after receiving its deepest price cut so far during the Black Friday period. The handset, which debuted as a mid-range option with premium features, has now dropped to a level that makes it one of the most competitive Android deals available. For many UK buyers, this marks the best moment to upgrade without stretching their budget.

Retail listings across major UK platforms show the Pixel 9a reaching its lowest recorded price, with unlocked units becoming more affordable than expected this early in the shopping season. The discount positions the device firmly ahead of many rivals in the same bracket, especially for users who prioritise software longevity and camera performance. This shift has already driven noticeable interest among bargain-focused shoppers.

The Pixel 9a continues Google’s established formula of delivering reliable performance through clean software and optimised hardware. Its AI-powered features, dependable Tensor-based processing and well-tuned display contribute to a flagship-adjacent experience. With the reduced price enhancing its value, the phone now appeals strongly to users wanting quality without high expenditure.

Google Pixel 9a drops to a record low UK price

For UK consumers, this deal aligns well with broader trends favouring long-term software support. The Pixel 9a benefits from Google’s extended update policy, ensuring that buyers receive security patches and new features for several years. This level of support adds long-term value that competing mid-range devices don’t always match, making the lower price even more compelling.

Stock patterns across previous Black Friday events suggest that sharply discounted mid-range models tend to sell out rapidly. This year appears no different, with certain colour options already showing limited availability. UK retailers are adjusting listings frequently, which suggests high demand as customers move early to avoid missing out on the lowest prices.

Before checking out, buyers should ensure they are selecting the correct variant, especially regarding storage and UK network compatibility. Most discounted units are the 128GB model, which suits the majority of users, but availability can vary depending on retailer. Confirming warranty details and return policies is also important, particularly as some deals are tied to limited-time conditions.

The timing of this price drop also reflects competition among Android manufacturers during the Black Friday period. With several new releases expected over the coming months, retailers are keen to boost demand for current-generation models. The Pixel 9a, already popular among UK audiences for its photography and everyday reliability, benefits strongly from this market shift.

For those upgrading from older Pixel models, the 9a offers notable improvements in speed, battery performance and camera processing. The device remains lightweight and practical for daily use, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a straightforward but capable smartphone. The new pricing only strengthens its position as a sensible upgrade path.

Shoppers comparing multiple mid-range phones this season will find the Pixel 9a particularly appealing due to its consistency. While some competitors rely heavily on hardware specifications, Google’s software-first approach yields reliable real-world performance. In a market where value matters more than ever to UK buyers, the balance of features and reduced price stands out.

Overall, the record low UK pricing of the Google Pixel 9a marks one of the highlights of this year’s Black Friday smartphone deals. With strong hardware, long-term support and trusted performance, it delivers exceptional value at its new price point. For UK consumers seeking a dependable phone without overspending, this is an ideal moment to make the upgrade.

Google Pixel 8a gets an amazing UK Black Friday offer

Google Pixel 8a gets an amazing UK Black Friday offer

Mid-Range Champion Sees Exceptional UK Savings

The Google Pixel 8a is currently among the standout smartphones in this year’s UK Black Friday event, with retailers offering significant reductions that bring its value sharply into focus. For buyers seeking strong performance without flagship price levels, this deal offers a timely upgrade option ahead of the holiday season.

Historically, the Pixel 8a received positive reviews for its balance of specifications, software support and price point, making it a popular choice in the mid-range segment. This week’s UK offers drop the cost even further, making the handset a very competitive proposition compared to other Android devices in the same category.

In terms of features the Pixel 8a doesn’t compromise much. It uses Google’s Tensor G3 chip, pairs it with clean Android updates and supports flagship-style cameras and displays. For UK buyers checking hardware value, the current price drop makes the package compelling.

Google Pixel 8a gets an amazing UK Black Friday offer

When considering this deal, UK customers should ensure the device is sold as factory unlocked and comes with official UK warranty. Some offers might be restricted to certain colours or storage configurations, so checking the total specification (128GB vs 256GB, etc.) is important. Bundled accessories or trade-in reductions may also affect the final value.

Timing is vital in this sale window. With Black Friday underway, stock of popular colour finishes and configurations can move quickly. Retailers may highlight “while stocks last” tags, so early action tends to yield the best results for buyers focused on these special deals.

For buyers who may not need the absolute top-end specs but desire reliability, update support and strong camera performance, the Pixel 8a at this reduced cost is a smart choice. The blend of specs and price during this sale period places it above many rivals in terms of value.

In summary, the Google Pixel 8a’s UK Black Friday pricing presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to upgrade their smartphone with a strong feature set at a more affordable level. For UK shoppers, this is one of the smarter smartphone deals of the moment.

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e

Both are very compact phones and they are almost the same size as the regular base flagships, basically the iPhone 16 and the Pixel 9. And of course, considering the dimminitive size, they’re very comfortable to hold and use. But the interesting thing to note is that iPhone is actually lighter and slimmer compared to Pixel. And to keep costs low, both the brands have actually, you know, indulged in some corner cutting.

 

Basically, with the iPhone, what you get is a, you know, glass sandwich design with a metal frame, which is nice. But unlike the iPhone 16, which actually comes with ceramic shield on the front and the rear, on the 16e, you only get ceramic shield on the front, but normal glass on the rear. That is still fine considering the fact that the 16e still feels very premium to hold and use.

 

 

Material used on Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e

 

Now, in comparison, the problem with the Pixel 9a is that it uses plastic on the rear. Of course, you get a metal frame, but plastic in 2025, uh, Google could have used better material. That’s not it. That analogy doesn’t make sense because Pixel 9 actually has USB 3.2 which iPhone doesn’t because it has USB 2.0. However, you do get uh you know IP68 rating on both and wireless charging support as well. So, this is what makes them flagship grade. When you look at the camera placement on the rear, obviously, iPhone does it better because it looks symmetrical compared to this very weird placement on the Pixel. I do like the fact that both are, you know, almost flat. I will say flush with the back of the phone, which is a nice thing. Additionally, on the Pixel 9a, you get Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection for the display on the front and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 in 2025 is like using USB 2.0 on a phone in 2020.

 

 

Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e Display

 

Basically what you get is far better performance in Genshin Impact compared to the Pixel 9a. Obviously you can expect anywhere close to 60 fps average FPS whereas with the Pixel 9a it doesn’t even touch 40 fps.The sizes of the bezels on the Pixel 9a and the notch on the iPhone 16. Apple and Google, we are in 2025, not 2019. But that’s not it. With the iPhone 16, it’s not just the notch that’s a problem.

 

Apple iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e

 

It’s a panel straight from the iPhone 13, which was launched in 2021. By the way, one thing to note is that on the Pixel 9a, when you take the phone out of the box, it is set to 60 Hz by default. The refresh rate is still 60 Hz, and the high brightness mode nits and the HDR peak brightness are nowhere close to what the Pixel 9a can achieve. You can clearly see that the Pixel 9 at 120 Hz is definitely smoother compared to the iPhone 16. That’s not it. When you’re watching HDR content on YouTube or Netflix, which is supported on both, by the way, you will notice that the display pops on the Pixel 9a. Even when you take it outdoors, the Pixel 9a is brighter compared to the iPhone 16. And if you’re gaming easily, the iPhone 16 should be the phone of choice despite the fact that it has a tiny display.

 

 

Bluetooth and speakar of Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e

 

Now, one more advantage on the Pixel 9a is the fact that since it’s an Android phone, you do get support for high-res Bluetooth codecs like LDAC. Apple obviously doesn’t give you that with the 16D. And with respect to the speakers, I’m happy to report that both are proper flagship grade speakers.

 

However, when you look at the color accuracy of both the displays, they’re very well tuned displays and it’s very difficult to tell the difference in colors between the two. So, what you get is a very rich sound with a good amount of bass as well. But when we compared the two, we felt like the 16E was slightly louder and slightly better in terms of sound quality with the speakers.

 

 

Variants of Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e

 

The Pixel 9, what you get is the 8 256GB variant as the only variant that’s available, and it’s LPDDR 5X RAM type and UFS 3.1 storage. In comparison, the iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. and 8 GB of RAM actually enables Apple intelligence which I’ll talk about in a bit. That said, A18 is infinitely superior compared to the tensor G4. It beats it in every single benchmark and in general everyday performance as well. As for the chipsets with the Pixel 9a, you get the same tensor G4 that’s available on the Pixel 9 series. And with the iPhone 16, you get the same A18 uh but with one GPU core less, which is also available on the iPhone 16 series.

 

In Geekbench, single core and multi-core scores, the iPhone scores higher, much higher compared to the Pixel 9. In fact, we also ran Geekbench’s AI benchmark. This time, again, iPhone beats Pixel. And in 3D Mark Wireless test, the iPhone 16 has higher GPU stability, has a higher best loop score, and higher FPS as well. But it loses the same amount of battery life as the Pixel 9a, which shows that it’s pushing for performance.

 

 

Performance wise Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e

 

Even if Android were to get those games the Pixel 9 will definitely not be able to play it. Net performance is largely good on both. You get almost every single network feature that you need. The Pixel’s battery life is also very good. Charging speeds are terrible on both. You guys know it. I don’t even have to mention it. But if you still want to wait to see which one charges up faster, the iPhone 6D will charge up faster. But the interesting thing about the 16e is that you get the new C1 modem. And with that, what happens is that you get better power efficiency.

 

Despite the fact that the Pixel 9 has a larger battery size compared to the iPhone 16, but yeah, 16’s battery performance is definitely better. But let it be known that if you drop this Pixel down to 60 Hz, you will definitely get better battery life, so it could match up to the iPhone 16 as well. Now, with respect to cameras, the Pixel 9a definitely has an advantage in terms of the hardware because it comes with a dual camera setup on the rear as opposed to the single camera on the iPhone 16.

 

 

Camera of Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e

 

Apple thinks it’s absolutely fine to ship a phone with a single camera in 2025. Anyway, camera hardware is one part of the equation. Let’s take a look at the samples. Now, comparing the primary cameras, the iPhone 16 captures more details and sharper textures when you look at the 100% crop. The other thing is with the 16 you do not get photographic styles which is available in the 16 series otherwise which is a bit of a bummer because with photographic styles at least you could change the colors according to what you wanted. And that’s mainly because you get a 24 megap output on the iPhone compared to Pixel’s 12 megapixels.

 

The same is true for the 2x in sensor crops thanks to the fusion camera tech on the 16e. And even at 4x and 8x, we feel like the iPhone 16 actually takes better looking shots compared to the Pixel. With respect to color reproduction, we felt like the Pixel 9a was actually better than the 16e. While both get the orange color wrong, uh the Pixel gets the pink color of the packet right here.

 

Now in HDR samples you can see that the pixel controls highlight slightly better but it kind of crushes the shadows completely. I’ve had some problem with pixel skin tones in the past and that continues with the 9a as well. Overall I kind of prefer iPhone’s HDR tuning. When you shoot people against the light you can see that both are doing fairly well here and there is no bloom around the face. That reddish skin issue continues. Now, when it comes to portraits, you can shoot portraits at 1.5x, 2x, and 3x on the Pixel 9a whereas iPhone can do it at 1x and 2x. But if you ask me which one I prefer, I will actually take the iPhone here because you get better semantic segmentation compared to the 9 in. So, both are good.

 

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

 

The iPhone’s video is slightly better in terms of details uh in daylight and low light. And I also prefer iPhone’s audio quality over Pixel. But it’s like a slight advantage on the iPhone. So guys, this is a 4K 60 video camera comparison of the iPhone 16 and the Google Pixel 9a.

Considering the fact that Google has a proper ultra wideangle camera, it gets an immediate win obviously. And the ultra wideangle camera actually performs well whether you’re shooting photos in daylight or low light. Obviously, we would have preferred a 48 megapixel ultra wide, but a 13MP is also not too bad. Skin tones are definitely close to neutral on the iPhone. The Pixel 9a can shoot 4K 30 fps videos with the ultra wideangle camera, and it’s good video quality, decent amount of stabilization, good amount of details, no problem there.

 

 

Updates of Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e

 

Google is promising 7 plus 7 years of software updates. With iPhone, you generally get about 6 to 7 years of updates as well, and it’s running iOS 18 out of the box. And the experience is very premium on both the phones. I didn’t notice any bugs as such. with the iOS 18 update that is running, the stable update that’s running on the 16e, we were actually happy that there was, you know, very few bugs to contend with because with the iPhone 16 Pro Max that I’m using, there are too many bugs. And when it comes to AI features, you do get

 

 

Our finel thoughts who is better Google Pixel 9a or Apple iPhone 16e

 

With the iPhone 16, you get a better build quality, you get superior performance, you get longer battery life, and Apple’s ecosystem features, too. But there is one more advantage of the Pixel 9a is that for a lower price you actually get a higher base storage variant of 256GB which makes it more value for money

Google Pixel 9a camera Macro Photography Challenge

Hey friends, today we’re going to talk about the Google Pixel 9A, which comes packed with a ton of features like ‘Add Me’, portrait mode, and photo options. The Google Camera is something else, as you probably already know, and the software on the Pixel is just top-notch.

 

So today, we’re going to test out the camera on the Google Pixel 9A. We’re going to show you one by one how the shots are turning out. First up, we’re going to test the feature, where you can include someone in your camera shot or even in selfies. So, let’s check out.

 

 

Camera Versatility of Google Pixel 9A

 

The Google Pixel 9A’s camera, renowned for its software advancements, offers a versatile experience with features catering to various photography styles. This has established it as a strong competitor in the smartphone camera market, appealing particularly to users who prioritize photography. And the sound quality tested during video recording emphasized the need for attentive audio management. By considering external noises and how they blend with the main audio, the Pixel 9A emphasizes its capability to deliver high-quality recordings, which is vital for content creators.

 

Google Pixel 9a camera

 

 

 

Photo edit in Google Pixel 9A

 

You can see in these two photos how lovely they turned out after editing. It looks like both of them posed together. You can zoom in and take a closer look. Next up is our black and white testing, where we want to see how black the blacks look and how white the whites look. Honestly, I noticed a slight issue with the whites. Moving on, we have our zoom test with 1x, 2x, and up to 8x; you can check out the photos at maximum zoom. I’ve taken two types of images. This is about cotton trees.

 

Now, talking about the macro shot, if you take a look, this is a bud from the cotton plant. You can see how cute the shot is here. Guys, we’re getting some really nice photos in macro mode, super easily. You can check it out in the photos too. I’ve included some selfies as well as some in portrait mode. Now, let’s check out the video samples.

 

 

Stabilization wise Google Pixel 9A

 

Hey guys, earlier we locked the stabilization and then started running after a bit. So you can see how stable it is. I’m moving around in stabilization standard mode right now.This feature is essential for vlogging or action capture and may significantly enhance user experience in dynamic recording situations. I’ve turned off speech enhancement, and you might be hearing a lot of birds chirping in the background.

 

So let me know how the sound is. How much noise is in the recording? There’s quite a bit of chirping from the birds behind me. I’ve got speech enhancement on now, so you should be able to hear how my voice sounds. The video demonstrated strong video stabilization, validating the device’s ability to record smooth videos even during motion. Is there a bird sound coming from behind or not? Is there an airplane flying back there, and can you hear it or not? Let’s talk about the ultra HDR photos that were randomly taken all over the park. So take a look for yourself and judge how the photos turned out.

 

 

Google Pixel 9a Portrait Mode’s Natural Challenge

 

Though the portrait mode produced attractive blurred backgrounds, the host noted a lack of a natural feel in the outputs, suggesting a potential area for improvement. Realism in portrait shots is crucial for user satisfaction and the overall success of camera software. And the feedback regarding sunlight challenges in portrait shots points towards areas for improvement in managing glare and highlights. This insight can help Google refine future camera algorithms.

 

 

Macro Photography Performance

 

The macro shots showcased the camera’s capability to capture minute details, thus appealing to users who are interested in close-up photography. The ability to easily take beautiful pictures in macro mode may serve to attract hobbyist photographers. about the night mode. If you check it out, the night mode on the Google Camera of the Pixel 9A takes some really great shots. Now, let’s talk about portrait mode. You can clearly see the sun flare on your face here, and it’s not correcting it at all.

 

 

Night Mode Effectiveness

 

The night mode was highlighted as a standout feature, illustrating its ability to enhance photo clarity in low-light scenarios. This reflects Google’s focus on optimizing the camera’s performance, making it suitable for users who frequently take evening and night photographs.

 

In portrait mode, you can see a really nice blur effect, but honestly, Google Pixel 9A seems a little less natural to me. We also tested it with the selfie camera. Now, let’s talk about the sun in the back mode. Imagine the sun is behind you and someone’s taking your picture—how would that look? All these shots are showing that.

 

Also Read:

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Vs S25 Ultra

 

 

Conclusion and other thoughts of Google Pixel 9A

 

During the black-and-white photography test, the review indicated a problem with the white balance, signaling that future software updates may be required to refine this aspect. the Google Pixel 9A presents an impressive array of features that cater to photography enthusiasts, but user feedback suggests some minor refinements could enhance its performance in certain lighting conditions and portrait modes.

 

In photography, achieving natural colors is vital, and the Google Pixel 9A may need enhancements in this area. The efforts to push boundaries in photography testify to Google’s commitment to innovation in mobile technology.

google pixel 9a full review

google pixel 9a

Pixel 9a arrives with a larger screen, a newer chipset, a larger battery and hopefully, better cameras.
Check out our post review about the phone’s top features, build, screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality.

 

 

Google Pixel 9a design and build quality

 

That’s especially considering the upgrades it brings over last year, a larger screen and battery, faster charging, and upgraded cameras. The cameras are flush, lending to a flat, uniform design. The back is again plastic with a matte finish, and it meets the aluminum frame at a sharp angle. One of the differences from the flagship models has been addressed this year. The Pixel 9a has IP68 rated wrist protection just like the other Pixels.

 

The 9S somehow doesn’t feel like a Pixel phone. Whereas the 8a gets this metallic frames, there’s a plastic back. And other than that, when you hold both the Pixels in hand, the 8a feels heavier than the Pixel 9a, but in reality, the difference between the two is just 2 to 3 g. You also get an IP67 rating, so it can handle all those water abuses. Pixel 8 still gets that wireless charging. It’s slow at 7.5 watt, but it’s there.

 

 

Google Pixel 9a Display

 

A larger screen and battery, faster charging, and upgraded cameras. Instead, the cameras are flush, lending to a flat, uniform design. The back is again plastic with a matte finish, and it meets the aluminum frame at a sharp angle. The design is still unique and relevant in 2025 as well. But the moment you flip the phone front side, it feels as disappointing as Tala’s performance in the IP.

 

The Pixel 8a has this huge bezels and it is no different than the latest Pixel 9a. The display’s bezels are noticeably thicker than the more expensive Pixels, betraying the phone’s mid-range nature, but otherwise it looks good. The screen is plenty sharp here. display is 6.3 in this year like you see on the Pixel 9. It’s an OLED with a 1080p resolution and Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

 

google pixel 9 a
google pixel 9 a

 

This is one of the brightest phone displays around. The displays in the Pixel 8 and 9a are not much different other than Pixel 9a being brighter and bigger. If you see the home screen on both the phones, the Pixel 9 looks brighter. But here’s a weird thing. The same movie on Netflix is playing on both the phones. The brightness is set to full, but there’s no difference at all.

 

The Pixel 8 display is bright enough. It’s very compact, handy. So, in display, there’s not much difference between both the Pixels. But here’s where it differs a bit software. The Pixel 8A was launched with Android 14. And currently, it is running on the latest Android 15. And just like iPhone

 

 

Google Pixel 9a Updates and Performance

 

The 120 Hz refresh rate and is able to dial down to a minimum of 60 Hz when the screen is idling to save energy. The software features and experience same as their elder flagship brothers. Now, we compare the software in all smartphones, flagship versus budget phone. If you go into Google Photos, both phones have magic editor with the same features. Next, in Gemini, you get Gemini Live on both the phones. For audio, the Pixel 9a has a pair of stereo speakers.

 

They earned a loudness score of good in our testing, and the quality of the sound is decent with clean mids, but nothing standing out for bass or highs. You can listen for yourself through our comparison tool linked below. For biometric input, there’s an underd display optical fingerprint reader.

 

People bought Pixel phones for the Pixel experience or Pixel features. But currently with AI and everything rolling out, these Gemini or Google photos feature are not just unique to the Pixel. You get it on Motorola, Xiaomi, CMF. Heck, they come first on Samsung now.

 

It’s fast and reliable, and the phone can come with 128 or 256 gigs of storage on board, and that isn’t expandable through micro SD. The Pixel 9a comes with Android 15 pre-installed, and like on other Pixel phones, it’s a clean Android experience with a few Pixel exclusive tweaks.

 

Now when it comes to the Pixel phones also, Pixel 8 comes with 7 years of security updates and 7 years of software updates. That’s quite a lot. So just put it into perspective. This Pixel 8 has already got one update. So you should get Android updates up until Android 21 or Android 22.

 

 

Google Pixel 9a Battery and connectivity

 

You might not be on Android until then. Another segment where I feel the Pixel 8 is average is battery. It’s a lot better than what we saw from the Pixel 8a or even the other Pixel 9 models. The Pixel 9a has a larger 5100 mAh battery this year, and the battery life here is improved.

 

You remember last time the only major issue Pixel had was the network connectivity because of the modem. The 5G connectivity was not good. The range reception was lesser And the speeds were unstable. There were a lot of call drops. And they have used the same modem in this. And yes, even though it has improved a little bit, you still get to face those kind of network issues like the lower range reception, switching from 4G to 5G, random call drops in between calls, network speed variations, those kind of things are still there.

 

But yes, you have a lot more antenna bands right now. But if you are in a place which has a very good reception, you don’t feel anything. you might feel a little bit network issues. But other than that, this gets the Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 version. You get an NFC support, 18 pans of 5G, and yes, AC.

 

 

Google Pixel 9a Camera and Photos Quality

 

I had a lot of expectations from a Pixel phone on camera because, you know, that’s what they have been known for. But you know what? I’ve been testing a lot of phones these days. This phone’s photo feels bland. Say in bright sun if you take a photo, this looks absolutely gorgeous. There is no issue in that. Even in crazy dark nights, you get these kind of amazing photos. But the kind of versatality, the clarity, the colors, etc.

 

Pixel phones do take good portraits, but this time I don’t know. The skin tones are a little bit off. it’s not like the best camera performance that you can get out there. And yes, you are going to miss a telephoto camera. You have a 2x crop in this, but it’s not up to the mark compared to other 50K smartphones. It supports 4K 60fps videos. The videos is fine.

 

The ultra wide photos is not that great. So, overall, the camera experience might not be a bigger strong point for this smartphone. If you interested in other google smartphones, here you can see google pixel 9 pro fold smartphone. The phone takes good selfies in bright light, but really struggles when the light is down. One highlighting thing that I liked is this add me feature wherein if you are going in a group and you want to take a group photo and you don’t have to ask anyone, just tell one person from the group, let them go stand there and click a photo and then the person who have clicked this photo can go and stand there.

 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Unboxing And Camera Test

I feel like I’m pretty lucky because I get to review a lot of phones and I have seen a ton of different phones in 2024 and I walk away from most reviews thinking yeah that’s an okay phone but It is rare that, I walk away from a review where I think I absolutely love that until now because this is my long-term review of my favorite phone of the Year.

 

I’ll start by saying that this isn’t a review device from Google this is mine I bought it with my own hard-earned cash and yeah it is very expensive and arguably it’s not as good as the pixel 9 Pro XL, but it does have something that. Those phones don’t have and for me it’s the excitement there isn’t a second that I’ve been using this phone in the last couple of months where, I haven’t been excited every time I pick it up its kind of hard to put into words.

 

 

DISPLAY

 

I fold it open and see that in display I just think that this is like a work of art from Google and every time I close this phone that little clap it’s really satisfying I do feel though that you never truly know a phone until you’ve had it in your pocket been away with you on trips and you’ve dropped it once or twice and how have done absolutely all of that with Google’s second gen foldable and let me just start off the whole video by saying that this phone it looks so good the camera design the matte back finish and just the thinness of all of this makes it feel like such a premium phone there are definitely some compromises when you pick up a folding phone and the pixel 9 pro fold, it definitely has them but for the most part this has been an absolute treat to use and surprisingly.

 

I feel like the pixel 9 pro FS display is almost there and I say almost because sadly it doesn’t have ltpo so it’s always 120 HZ and the screen doesn’t reach those corners and bezel wise they are just a little bit big but if you look past all of that this feels like a regular phone when you don’t want to use that inner display and I really do think that this is a sweet swap because most of the time I can kind of reach this with one hand which is an added bonus oh and when the phone is closed it is barely thicker than a regular style slab phone I mean just look at this you can just see now that that is really it’s quite thin on some foldables not naming any names Samsung but I feel like you compromise when you use that main screen for the bigger inner display but Google have done such a good job here it’s nice and bright for using Outdoors it’s durable I mean I barely have any scratches on mine which I’m a big fan of and overall it just feels like using a regular pixel 9 Pro.

 

When that phone is closed but I have to say that the start of the show here is of course that big folding display with any folding phone, I feel like there is just a bit of time to get used to using and folding open a phone but once I started I just couldn’t stop I just B that this made me more productive so replying to emails writing, scripts for videos and being able to truly multitask on. That 8 in display has been a breeze because dragging and dropping text just from one window to another, I absolutely love it and only having two windows side by side might not be an ideal situation for a lot of people using a folding phone because there’s no way you can have a floating window here but for me I’ve never needed the reason to have more than two windows open at the same time.

 

There was one thing that I found a little bit annoying when I started using the pro fold and that was the fact that you had to have the same home screen for the cover display and the folding display and I really like Google to add this as an option so you can have separate ones on each display I mean now I’m kind of used to it and I don’t really mind it but Google if you’re watching that would be a really nice thing to add in an update the pixel 9 pro fold has come into its own in one aspect though and that is when I travel so usually I will take the big Galaxy Tab Ultra with me and it’s heavy and you know it’s it’s just a bit inconvenient to take around but having an 8 in Oler display that can fit into your pocket.

 

 

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL

 

I found with that inner display when traveling and watching content is that it’s a bit of a fingerprint magnet there are so many fingerprints on this and those plastic bezels around the side of the phone they do help minimize the fingerprints but honestly I feel like, I’m constantly wiping this down there is one thing that I really wish Google would include in the box. So, when you pick up a folding phone from them and it is a case with a kickstand a lot of other folding phones come with that kicks and case.

 

 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

 

 

I really do wish and I hope that Google include in the next Pro fold and this is not a long-term review of a folding phone unless you talk about the crease and yet there is a crease here and I’m not going to speak about it for a long time because when you buy a folding phone it’s one of the compromises that you have to live with because there’s always going to be a crease and I feel like the crease on the pixel 9 Pro fold it does show up fairly prominently like it can be a bit of a bigger crease than other phones that I’ve used. However I feel like you just get used to it it’s like a notch it’s like a whole punch cutout in the end you just don’t see it when you first look at it yet you see it but in the end you just don’t realize it’s there and let me just be honest for a second because as much as you don’t notice that crease my crease seems to have got a little bit sticky near the middle now.

 

I don’t know if you can hear this or see this but just here on the crease let’s just see whether you can hear it or not so I don’t think you can pick it up but if you press hard enough on that screen then you can hear the crease stick just a little bit and I don’t know if that is a bit concerning I don’t know if it’s happened to anyone else’s profold so I’m curious to know whether it’s just mine and I should speak to Google about it but it does leave me with a little bit of concern about how long that falling display might work for there is one big compromise though when you pick up the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

 

 

CAMERA

 

it is is the cameras I feel like if you haven’t ever used another folding phone or even another pixel phone in the N9 series then these cameras they might seem great and pictures on the main lens are okay they’re vibrant they have a decent amount of detail dynamic range is also pretty good and for the most part there really isn’t a huge amount of complaints and you could be pretty happy with these it is though when you go to the ultra-wide camera or the five times camera where you feel like. You’re just being let down a little bit this is $1700, and you’d expect the cameras to be the best they can be but sadly they’re just not I found the five-time lens to be pretty bad when the lighting isn’t perfect.

 

And overall the photos just look a little bit soft and they do lack any of that detail and it’s really a little bit disappointing and this is a really similar story with the ultra-wide lens as soon as you look at the photos for a few seconds you start to see where it lets itself down there just isn’t any real detail on it especially in the highlights and the shadows and when you turn to video the story here follows a similar pan shooting on the main lens at 4K is mostly okay stabilization is pretty solid. And as you’d expect you get some good details in the images that you take but it’s the ultrawide and telephoto cameras that cause the problem if you aren’t in perfect lighting conditions then it can be pretty noise heavy, and I feel like it’s really obvious in fact even in good light you still suffer with the same issues. And it just is the biggest let down when you pick up the pixel 9 pro fold. And I question the pro name in the Pro fold because yes, I know you’re going to compromise with cameras on a folding phone but you just have to look at any other folding phone out there and I feel like most of them do a better job at taking pictures than the pixel 9 pro fold there are a couple of other compromises as well.

 

 

SPEAKERS & BATTERY

 

So, the speakers I don’t feel sound great the fingerprint reader is a little Annoying and don’t get me wrong it works brilliantly but the placement is just a little bit too high so I’ve turned to unlocking it with my left hand just to make it a little bit more seamless so it’s a compromise, but I can live with it. And early on with my time with the pixel 9 Pro fold battery was a real problem, I felt like it was just getting to the end of the day especially when you’re mixing the usage between that cover display and the folding display.

 

Let me tell you it has got better with the last couple of updates but the battery on this isn’t as good as I’d want it to be and it would be wrong with me not to mention the biggest failure when it comes to this and it’s the wireless charging if you have a flat charging pad it’s absolutely fine but if you have the pixel stand this just doesn’t work the coils don’t line up with it.

 

 

UI & UPDATES

 

Is so disappointing especially when you pay $70, $80 for the pixel stand, I mean Google you’ve got to sort that out on the next pro fold because this is really disappointing look. If you’re going to pick up the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, then expect some compromises and while I don’t think any phone that comes close to $1,700 should have any compromises. I think Google has done just enough here to help you look past them and I still absolutely love this phone there’s just something about it, That I love it might be the design or the inner display and the pixel hardware and just how this feels in the hand it is really enough to make you fall in love with this. And the fact that it’s got things like an Ip 8 rating means you can almost treat this as a normal phone however I would be interested to see how this phone’s Hardware survives the 7 years of soft software updates, That Google has promised it I’m curious though what would it take for you to pick up a folding phone.