The two Pixel 9 Pro Fold design quirks Google needs to fix next time

Ben Schoon | Nov 17 2024 - 9:00 am PT

The improvements Google made in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold over what came before continue to astound me a couple of months into using the device, but there are two design quirks I want Google to address.

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The original Pixel Fold was a delight in many ways, delivering a unique foldable form factor that was endearing in a lot of ways, but greatly overshadowed by some poor hardware decisions that didn’t age well, and the major overheating problems that came with Tensor G2 in such a thin device. Google made some big improvements for the sequel, though.

A brand new aspect ratio, thinner and lighter hardware, and drastically better hinge and display hardware. It’s a totally new device, and easily the biggest year-over-year upgrade in recent memory. Virtually all of the complaints I had with the first generation simply disappeared.

However, there are two small quirks I still want fixed, both around the inner display.

The first is a small problem with the display itself. When the device is closed, the two halves of the panel tend to physically touch each other just enough to leave a bit of residue when the device is opened. This doesn’t happen every time, and it’s really just a result of skin oils building up, but it’s a little annoying seeing as I’ve never had it happen on any other foldables I’ve tried. It’s also something that hasn’t seemed to change from the first generation, as the first Pixel Fold did this same thing.

The other issue is around the bezel.

Google’s decision to have a glossy finish on the plastic that surrounds the inner display leaves the Pixel 9 Pro Fold picking up a lot of “damage” very quickly. I’ve only been using this device for a little over two months, but the bezel is covered in little scuffs and scratches that simply shouldn’t form that quickly. This was also a problem on the first generation, and our Jordan Floyd used the original Pixel Fold for over a year, resulting in those bezels looking visibly rough.

This is, again, a problem I’ve not run into on any other foldable, and that’s because the bezel material is generally matte on other devices. Google needs to follow that pattern next time around.

These issues are minor in the grand scheme of things, but with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold being such a pricey device, they seem like relatively simple things to fix that take away little gripes in daily use. They can’t be fixed on the existing hardware, but I hope to see these addressed next time around.

What do you think? Are you using a Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Let us know how it’s holding up so far.

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