iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A Deep Dive into Flagship Power and Form Factor

Apple’s iPhone 16 represents a refinement of its established formula, focusing on incremental improvements to efficiency and performance. Conversely, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold boldly enters the foldable space, aiming to redefine the smartphone experience with a larger, more versatile display and a focus on extended battery life. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two titans, helping you determine which aligns best with your mobile priorities.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing seamless performance and a mature ecosystem, the iPhone 16 is the stronger choice. Its A18 chip and optimized software deliver a consistently smooth experience. However, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s significantly longer battery endurance and innovative foldable design make it compelling for power users and those seeking a truly different smartphone experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone 16 Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66 - A32871, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 42, 48, 66, 71, 75 - GU0NP International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A32871, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 40, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GU0NP International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 092025, August 20
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 20Available. Released 2025, October 09
Body
BuildGlass front (Ceramic Shield), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in)Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2 mmFolded: 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8 mm
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)258 g (9.10 oz)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Shield glass (2024 gen), Mohs level 4Mohs level 5
Resolution1179 x 2556 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)2076 x 2152 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~374 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.7 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)8.0 inches, 206.3 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)Foldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.78 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5x3.05 GHz Cortex-A725 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetApple A18 (3 nm)Google Tensor G5 (3 nm)
GPUApple GPU (5-core graphics)PowerVR DXT-48-1536
OSiOS 18, upgradable to iOS 26.1Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)Multi-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple-48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm (telephoto), 1/3.2", dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 127˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.4", PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec.4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound rec.HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94", PDAF Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94", PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only) 15W wireless (Qi2) 4.5W reverse wired30W wired, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (magnetic), Qi2 Bypass charging
TypeLi-Ion 3561 mAh5015 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarineMoonstone, Jade
ModelsA3287, A3081, A3286, A3288, iPhone17,3GU0NP, GM66V
Price$ 494.93 / C$ 945.75 / £ 569.99 / € 678.57 / ₹ 66,900$ 1,499.00 / C$ 2,119.99 / £ 1,749.00 / € 1,757.00
SAR1.08 W/kg (head)     1.17 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.24 W/kg (head)     1.41 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery37:00h endurance, 1000 cycles47:55h endurance, 1000 cycles
EnergyClass BClass B
Free fallClass C (90 falls)Class A (210 falls)
RepairabilityClass CClass C

Apple iPhone 16

  • Exceptional performance with the A18 chip
  • Bright and color-accurate display
  • Mature and polished iOS ecosystem

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
  • Less innovative form factor

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

  • Outstanding battery endurance
  • Immersive foldable display for multitasking
  • Advanced AI and machine learning capabilities

  • Potential durability concerns with a foldable screen
  • Performance may lag behind the A18 in some tasks

Display Comparison

The iPhone 16 boasts a peak brightness of 1708 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s display specifications are not provided, foldable displays typically prioritize color accuracy and viewing angles over absolute peak brightness. The iPhone 16’s likely use of LTPO technology will contribute to power efficiency, dynamically adjusting refresh rates. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s larger, foldable screen offers a significantly different user experience, ideal for multitasking and content creation, but may be more susceptible to crease visibility and durability concerns. The iPhone 16’s smaller form factor will appeal to those who prefer a more pocketable device.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera details for either device, we can infer based on brand history. Apple typically prioritizes natural-looking images with accurate color reproduction, while Google’s Pixel line is renowned for its computational photography prowess, particularly in low-light conditions. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s larger form factor *could* accommodate a larger main sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. However, the iPhone 16’s image processing pipeline is highly refined, and its video recording capabilities are consistently top-tier. Both devices will likely feature advanced image stabilization and a suite of AI-powered features.

Performance

Apple’s A18 chip, fabricated on a 3nm process, promises substantial performance gains over its predecessor. Its hexa-core configuration (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz) is geared towards both peak performance and efficiency. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold counters with the Tensor G5, also built on a 3nm process, featuring an octa-core setup (1x3.78 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5x3.05 GHz Cortex-A725 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A520). While the Tensor G5’s core count is higher, the A18’s architectural advantages and Apple’s tight software integration typically translate to superior real-world performance, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s focus is likely on AI and machine learning tasks, leveraging the Tensor G5’s dedicated processing units.

Battery Life

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold significantly outpaces the iPhone 16 in battery endurance, offering 47:55 hours compared to the iPhone 16’s 37:00 hours. This difference is substantial and suggests the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is designed for all-day – and potentially multi-day – use. The iPhone 16 offers a respectable 15:42 hours of active use. While both devices support 50% charging in 30 minutes, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s 30W wired charging with PPS is slightly more efficient than the iPhone 16’s PD2.0. The iPhone 16 offers versatile wireless charging options with 25W MagSafe and 15W Qi2, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold provides 15W magnetic wireless and Qi2, plus bypass charging which allows charging while in use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if you need a consistently fast and reliable smartphone with a polished user experience, strong app support, and a focus on privacy. Buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold if you prioritize maximum battery life, a large, immersive display for multitasking and media consumption, and are willing to embrace the unique benefits – and potential quirks – of a foldable form factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold generate significant heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G5 is a 3nm chip, Google’s previous Tensor chips have been known to run warmer under sustained load. The larger chassis of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold *may* help dissipate heat more effectively, but it’s likely the iPhone 16’s A18 will maintain more consistent performance during extended gaming due to Apple’s superior thermal management.
❓ How does the hinge durability of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold compare to previous generations of foldable phones?
Google has significantly improved the hinge design in its Pixel Fold line. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to feature a more robust and reliable hinge mechanism, but foldable displays inherently have a higher risk of failure compared to traditional smartphone screens. Google will likely offer extended warranty options to address these concerns.
❓ What are the real-world benefits of 'bypass charging' on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?
Bypass charging allows the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to draw power directly from the charger while in use, minimizing battery drain during demanding tasks like gaming or video recording. This prevents the battery from discharging while simultaneously charging, extending the overall usage time.
❓ How does MagSafe on the iPhone 16 enhance the user experience beyond wireless charging?
MagSafe offers a secure connection for accessories like wallets, stands, and car mounts. It also enables faster wireless charging speeds (up to 25W) compared to standard Qi2 wireless charging (15W on the iPhone 16).