This is Google's best foldable so far, but with too many compromises to deliver true flagship performance to compare with Samsung or the main Chinese foldable makers.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is now getting the Android security update for February 2025. You can read more about it at the very end of the article. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the most powerful smartphone Google launched this year.

The rumors indicate that the Pixel 9a will arrive with a 48MP main camera. That would be an obvious "downgrade" from the 64MP wide-angle cameras found on both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a, but a potential resolution decrease could mean some image quality gains.

However, there’s a potential downside. Rumors suggest Google might use an older modem in the Pixel 9a to cut costs. This could reintroduce some connectivity issues seen in older devices. Ideally, Google should include the newer Exynos 5400 modems found in the higher-end Pixel 9 models to provide a smoother experience.

The good thing is iD Mobile is very transparent about how much extra you'll pay in April so you can factor that cost in. The Express team gave the Google Pixel 9 Pro an almost perfect score during the initial review. As expert Henry Burrell rated the Pixel 9 Pro 'better' than the pricier Pixel 9 Pro Fold device.