If you’ve been scratching your head over why many people, especially tech reviewers, are frustrated with how long it takes for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to charge, the answer is now official—and it’s not good news. Google has finally confirmed that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the slowest wired charging support among the Pixel 9 series, maxing out at just 21W.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Wired Charging: Disappointingly Slow
Yes, you read that right—Google’s second foldable smartphone, which is also the most expensive device in the Pixel 9 family, tops out at a mere 21W for wired charging. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that it takes considerably longer to reach a full charge compared to its siblings. For context, the Pixel 9 Pro XL supports up to 37W wired charging, while both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro can handle 27W.
Why would Google decide to give its priciest smartphone the slowest charging speed? Unfortunately, the tech giant hasn’t provided any explanation for this seemingly odd choice.
Wireless Charging Falls Short Too
Adding to the disappointment, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold also lacks significant improvement in its wireless charging capabilities. It’s capped at 7.5W, the same as the original Pixel Fold, which is painfully slow in today’s fast-charging landscape. This is particularly frustrating given the premium price point of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
At the end of the day, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with its slower charging speeds—both wired and wireless—compared to the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, leaves much to be desired, especially for those who expect premium performance from a flagship device. Given its high price, this limitation is bound to frustrate potential buyers, particularly when faster charging options are standard in competing smartphones.
Pokdepinion: If they want to have a better chance at succeeding, they need a massive overhaul for the next iteration. I expected so much more from the entire series but it falls short in a number of areas, with pricing being the most disappointing part, it’s hard to recommend it over existing competitors.
