A Year Post-Release of Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Remarkably Superior Performance in Unexpected Aspects
The upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold promises to be a significant step forward in the realm of foldable devices, particularly in the area of multi-app usage and floating window support. While it continues Google's approach from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold limits multi-app multitasking to two apps in split-screen mode without native support for floating windows.
In contrast, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and the OnePlus/Oppo Open Canvas offer more extensive multi-window multitasking, including multiple floating windows that can be moved and resized independently.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold's approach to multi-app usage mirrors that of a traditional smartphone held side-by-side, aiming for a seamless experience. However, when trying to open a third app, the Pixel Fold simply switches to that app as the primary one rather than allowing it as a floating window, which contrasts with Samsung's and OnePlus/Oppo's more flexible implementations.
Google's software solution for using multiple apps on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not support adding a third app in split-screen or providing a floating window feature like other brands. This limitation has caused some inconvenience for users, including the author, who has been comparing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Despite these limitations, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has its strengths. The device's design has received positive feedback, with the cover screen being the same size as the Pixel 9 Pro. Furthermore, the author has taken some absolutely incredible and adorable pictures of his son using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, thanks to its "Made You Look" feature.
As the author eagerly awaits the release of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, he hopes that it will include MagSafe support, address the slipperiness issue with cases like the Thinborne MagSafe case, and allow for more advanced multi-app usage. The author believes that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be his next daily carry, usurping the Z Fold 6.
References:
[1] XDA Developers. (2023). Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: A Detailed Comparison. [online] Available at: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-fold-vs-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6/
[2] Android Central. (2023). Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Which foldable phone is right for you? [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-fold-vs-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6
[4] The Verge. (2023). Google Pixel Fold review: The best foldable phone yet, but still with room for improvement. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/23678233/google-pixel-fold-review-best-foldable-phone-yet-but-still-with-room-for-improvement
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold may struggle to compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and OnePlus/Oppos' Open Canvas in terms of multi-window multitasking, as the former only supports two apps in split-screen mode without native floating window features. On the other hand, advanced users might favor gadgets such as smartphones that offer more flexibility, allowing multiple floating windows that can be moved and resized independently.
