Bigger is better as Google brings foldable phone to Australia for first time

Big is better in the world of smartphones, according to Google.

The company yesterday (early this morning AEST) announced three premium variants of its main Pixel lineup, along with its first foldable phone to be sold in Australia.

Doubling down on the entire ecosystem of smartphone products, Google also announced new versions of the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds headphones at its Made by Google event at the company's headquarters in Silicon Valley, California.

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In the smartphone space it's all about size, cameras and now, AI, with Google's Gemini packed into these Pixels in every way.

The standard Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature a 6.3-inch display, while the new XL version of the Pro has a whopping 6.8-inch screen.

All three phones have outstanding cameras on board, with the Pro models offering up to five and 10 times optical zoom.

Thanks to AI, you can do quite amazing things with the camera, mostly after you've taken the shot. 

Use generative AI to fill in the gaps in your shots after re-framing the image, or even add the photographer into a photo after it's been taken using the "Add Me" feature.

Battery life on the entire range is all day and then some, with a 4700mAh battery in the Pixel 9 and Pro models and a staggering 5060mAh in the Pro XL.

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Just like Samsung announced with its recent smartphone launch, Google is now guaranteeing seven years of operating system and security updates for long-term peace of mind for consumers.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also launching Down Under on September 2.

The Pixel Fold didn't come to Australia when it launched last year – perhaps our market was too small at the time – but Google now has all eyes on the burgeoning foldable market in Australia.

That's currently dominated by Samsung, with Motorola challenging on the smaller flip form factor.

Google's Fold is a wider device than Samsung's and has a new thinner form factor, new hinge and a large 8-inch internal display and 6.3-inch external display.

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The cameras feature up to 5x zoom with a solid 48MP sensor on the main rear camera.

However this foldable market certainly isn't for the faint of heart. With a price tag of $2699, it sits just below Samsung's foldable pricing.

Expect to see the Pixel Fold on display at major Aussie telcos and retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Officeworks when it goes on sale in September.

Trevor Long travelled to the US as a guest of Google.