Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Sees $600 Price Cut as New Model Looms
📷 Image source: platform.theverge.com
Major Discount on Pixel 9 Pro Fold
A Strategic Move Before the Next Release
Google has slashed the price of its Pixel 9 Pro Fold by $600, a significant discount for the premium foldable smartphone. The move comes just weeks before the expected debut of its successor, signaling a clear-out of existing inventory. The deal, reported by theverge.com on August 16, 2025, makes the high-end device more accessible to consumers who may have been hesitant due to its original price tag.
Foldable smartphones, once a niche product, have gained traction as manufacturers refine their designs and durability. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released in late 2024, features a 7.6-inch (19.3 cm) flexible OLED display and Google’s Tensor G3 chip. This discount could attract buyers looking for flagship features without the flagship cost.
Why Now?
Timing the Market for Maximum Impact
The timing of this price cut is no coincidence. Industry analysts suggest Google is aiming to clear stock before unveiling the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, rumored for an October 2025 launch. Such discounts are common in the tech world, where older models lose value quickly after a successor is announced. However, a $600 reduction is unusually aggressive, hinting at Google’s urgency to move units.
This strategy also positions Google against competitors like Samsung, which frequently discounts its Galaxy Z Fold series ahead of new releases. By offering a steeper discount, Google may be trying to carve out a larger share of the foldable market, which remains dominated by Samsung.
The Foldable Market Heats Up
Competition Drives Innovation and Lower Prices
The foldable smartphone market has evolved rapidly since Samsung introduced the first mainstream model in 2019. Initially plagued by durability concerns, newer iterations like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have addressed these issues with stronger hinges and more resilient screens. Google’s entry into the foldable space in 2023 marked a turning point, bringing Android’s purest experience to a cutting-edge form factor.
With brands like Motorola, Oppo, and now Lenovo entering the fray, competition is fiercer than ever. This has led to better prices for consumers, as seen with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s discount. The market is expected to grow by 40% in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research, making it a key battleground for tech giants.
Lenovo Legion Go Also on Sale
A Dual Discount Bonanza for Tech Enthusiasts
Alongside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Lenovo’s Legion Go handheld gaming PC is also seeing a price reduction. The device, which competes with the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, is now $150 cheaper. This dual discount event highlights a broader trend of tech companies clearing inventory before holiday season launches.
The Legion Go, with its 8.8-inch (22.4 cm) display and detachable controllers, appeals to gamers seeking portability and power. Its sale timing aligns with back-to-school shopping, suggesting Lenovo is targeting students and young professionals. These coordinated discounts indicate a strategic push to boost Q3 sales across multiple product categories.
What You Get with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Flagship Features at a Discounted Price
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t just a cheaper alternative—it’s a fully featured flagship. Its 7.6-inch internal display unfolds to tablet size, while the 5.8-inch (14.7 cm) outer screen handles everyday tasks. The device runs on Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI tasks like real-time translation and advanced photo editing.
Camera performance is another highlight, with a triple-lens system co-developed with Sony. The foldable design also introduces unique software features, like app continuity when switching between screens. At $600 off, these features make the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a compelling option for those who want premium tech without the premium price.
The Risks of Buying Last-Gen Tech
Weighing the Pros and Cons
While the discount is enticing, buyers should consider the trade-offs. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will receive software updates for at least three more years, but its hardware may soon feel outdated compared to the upcoming model. Rumors suggest the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will feature a brighter display, a more efficient chip, and improved battery life.
Durability is another factor. Though foldables have improved, they remain more fragile than traditional smartphones. Buyers should assess their usage patterns—frequent travelers or rough handlers might prefer a sturdier device. However, for those who value innovation and can handle the care required, the discounted Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a rare opportunity.
How the Discount Stacks Up
Comparing Savings Across the Market
A $600 discount is substantial, but how does it compare to other foldables? Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, released earlier in 2025, currently retails for $1,800, with occasional $200 discounts. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s reduced price of $1,200 (down from $1,800) undercuts Samsung significantly, offering similar specs for less.
Even among non-foldables, the deal stands out. Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,200, matching the discounted Pixel’s price but lacking its transformative design. This positions the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as a unique value proposition for those willing to embrace foldable technology.
The Broader Implications for Google
A Play for Market Share and Mindshare
Google’s aggressive pricing isn’t just about moving units—it’s about establishing the Pixel line as a foldable leader. While Samsung dominates the category, Google’s integration of hardware and software gives it an edge in user experience. This discount could attract new customers to the Pixel ecosystem, potentially boosting sales of other Google products like the Pixel Watch or Pixel Buds.
The move also reflects Google’s long-term strategy. By making foldables more accessible, the company accelerates adoption of the form factor, which aligns with its vision for multi-screen, AI-driven computing. If successful, this could reshape consumer expectations and force rivals to respond with their own price cuts.
What’s Next for Foldables?
The Future of Flexible Displays
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s discount comes at a pivotal moment for foldable technology. Analysts predict that 2026 will see the first rollable smartphones, which unroll like scrolls rather than folding. Brands like TCL and LG are already prototyping these devices, which could make current foldables seem quaint in hindsight.
Materials science is also advancing. Graphene-based screens, still in development, promise near-unbreakable flexibility. For now, though, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents the state of the art in commercially available foldables. Its discounted price makes it a low-risk way for consumers to experience the future of smartphones today.
Reader Discussion
Share Your Thoughts
Would you buy a discounted last-gen foldable, or wait for the newest model? Share your reasoning in the comments.
For those who own a foldable: How has your experience been with durability and daily use? Your insights could help others decide if the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s discount is worth it.
#GooglePixel #FoldablePhone #TechDeals #Smartphone #Pixel9ProFold
