Amazon is selling the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for $1,325 — a deal that’s either 26% off or, depending on how you calculate it, a jaw-dropping $539 discount — and it’s only available in Obsidian Black. The offer, confirmed by Richard Priday of Tom's Guide on November 13, 2025, comes with no trade-in requirements, no carrier lock-ins, and no fine print. Meanwhile, Google is quietly upgrading the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with AI features originally reserved for the newer Pixel 10 Pro Fold, making the older model feel fresh again — even as it’s being phased out. This isn’t just a discount. It’s a strategic pivot by Google to clear inventory without devaluing its brand.

Why This Deal Feels Different

Most Black Friday phone deals come with strings attached: trade-ins, carrier contracts, or limited color options. This one? None of that. Amazon’s listing shows only the Obsidian Black variant — no Porcelain White, no other colors. That’s intentional. Google likely told Amazon: ‘Move the units, but don’t dilute the brand.’ And it’s working. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 8-inch inner display and 6.3-inch outer screen, both powered by Google’s Super Actua tech and running at 120Hz, still outshine many competitors. PhoneArena’s November 22, 2025 review called the main panel ‘a pure joy to use’ — bright, smooth, and responsive. The camera system? A 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5x periscope telephoto, and dual 10MP front cameras. It’s not just competent — it’s excellent.

Here’s the twist: the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, released just weeks ago, looks nearly identical. Same dimensions. Same hinge. Same camera layout. The upgrades? A slightly faster Tensor G4 chip (still the same generation), marginally better battery life, and a few new AI tools. For most users, that’s not worth the $1,500+ price tag. As PhoneArena put it: ‘The newer model doesn’t exactly bring enough meaningful upgrades to be the smarter choice for budget-conscious shoppers.’

Google’s Trade-In Gambit

While Amazon pushes the standalone deal, Google is playing a longer game. On its store, you can trade in your Pixel 9 Pro Fold for $680 — but only if you buy a Pixel 10 Pro Fold. That offer, detailed by 9to5Google on November 22, 2025, expires December 2, 2025. It’s not just a trade-in. It’s a lure. Google wants you to upgrade, but it’s making the old device feel valuable enough to justify the jump.

And the trade-in values don’t stop there. Google’s official list includes $550 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, $500 for the Pixel 9 Pro, $350 for the Pixel 9, and even $80 for the Pixel 6a. These aren’t random numbers — they’re calibrated to make older models feel like assets, not trash. The timing? Perfect. With holiday shopping in full swing, Google is turning old phones into credit, not returns.

What Happens After December 2?

After December 2, the $680 trade-in bonus vanishes. So does the $100 discount on the Pixel 9a and the $499 monthly credits through Google Fi. But the Amazon deal? That’s still live — at least until December 6, when Google’s broader Black Friday sale ends. That’s a critical window. If you don’t need the latest AI features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at $1,325 is a steal. It’s $140 cheaper than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with nearly identical hardware and now the same software brain.

Carriers aren’t helping. T-Mobile’s site as of November 27, 2025, only promotes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with $1,000 off — no mention of the 9 Pro Fold. Google Fi’s promotions are tied to the Pixel 10 series. So if you’re looking for carrier deals, you’re being nudged toward the newer model. But if you’re shopping online? The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still the smarter buy.

Why This Matters Beyond the Price Tag

This isn’t just about phones. It’s about how tech companies manage product lifecycles. Apple used to keep older iPhones on sale for years. Samsung still does. But Google? It’s been erratic — dropping prices too fast, then pulling them back. This time, it’s different. By pushing Pixel 10 AI features to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google is extending its software support in a way that feels generous, not greedy. It’s not just clearing stock. It’s building loyalty.

‘The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was one of the best foldables we’d tested,’ said Priday. ‘Until the Pixel 10 came along. But it’s still as capable as ever — and now it’s getting smarter.’ That’s the real story here. Google isn’t abandoning its users. It’s upgrading them — for free.

What’s Next?

Industry watchers expect deeper discounts in early 2026 as retailers clear remaining stock for the Pixel 11 series, expected to launch in fall 2026. But for now, the window is narrow: December 2 for Google’s trade-in bonus, December 6 for Amazon’s final sale price. If you’ve been waiting to jump into a foldable, this is your moment. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t a compromise. It’s the best deal on the market — if you know where to look.