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Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s latest foldable smartphone and the first from the company to bear the ‘Pro’ branding. However, it doesn’t have the same camera system as the Pixel 9 or 9 Pro phones, which were launched alongside it.

Unlike the regular Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a screen on the front, but can be opened to reveal a 20cm (8in) display.

We shot a sample gallery with it to see how it performs, which you can view below. Alongside the regular photography, we also tried out some Fold-specific features, and one of Google’s new AI features. Our thoughts on those are below the gallery.

One of Google’s headlining AI features for the Pixel 9 series is called ‘Add Me,’ and it’s meant to solve the problem where group photos are always missing the photographer. To use ‘Add Me,’ you select the mode in the camera app and then ask the group you’re taking a photo of to leave a space for you. After you take a picture, you get someone from the group to take the next shot, this time with you there instead of them.

The person now holding the phone will be asked to align the shot with the shot you took and press the shutter again. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will combine those two images, digitally adding you to the group.

AI altered image: the person on the left was added to the group. Created using the ‘Add Me’ feature on the Pixel Pro 9 Fold.

However, both people we asked to use the feature found it confusing. Some of our test shots didn’t turn out because they were taken while we explained how to use the feature. The UI shouldn’t be too difficult for someone who’s technically-savvy to figure out, but it is complicated enough that you probably won’t be able to hand this phone to a parent or grandparent and expect a good group photo.

The ‘Add Me’ feature is available on all the Pixel 9s, but the Fold has an additional, simpler way to do group photos. You can unfold the phone into an L shape, set it down on a surface that’s roughly level with the group, then start a self-timer and join the group.

This picture was made possible by the Pixel Pro 9 Fold’s ‘tabletop mode.’

While this is also possible with regular phones, you’ll have to find something to lean them on; that’s not something you have to worry about with the Fold. You will, however, want to be careful where you use this feature. While in this mode, it’s resting on the front screen, and it’d be a bummer to pick up your phone and realize the screen’s been scratched.

Another benefit of the Fold is that you can see the cameras and the front screen at the same time when it’s open, which unlocks a few different features. For one, you can take selfies with the rear cameras, which should give you much better results. You can also display the camera preview on both screens, so the person you’re taking a picture of can see how they’ll look and adjust accordingly – though it is worth noting that this mode currently doesn’t work in portrait mode, which is arguably where it’d be most useful.

Google has also built a twist on that mode called ‘Made You Look.’ If you’re photographing children, you can have the phone display some smiling, animated cartoon features on the front display to try and hold their attention.

View our Pixel 9 Pro Fold sample gallery

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