Apple iPhone Fold vs. Google Pixel Fold: Which Foldable Reigns Supreme?

The foldable phone market is maturing, and Apple's entry with the iPhone Fold directly challenges Google's established Pixel Fold. This comparison focuses on the core architectural differences – Apple’s leap to a 3nm process with the A19 Pro versus Google’s Tensor G2 – and how these impact performance, efficiency, and the overall user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw processing power and sustained performance, the Apple iPhone Fold, powered by the A19 Pro, is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 offers a more balanced experience with the convenience of wireless charging and Google’s AI-driven features, making it ideal for everyday users.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone Fold Google Pixel 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 bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bandsSA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
AnnouncedExp. announcement 20262023, May 10
StatusRumoredAvailable. Released 2023, June 27
Body
BuildAmorphous alloy frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions-Unfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
SIMeSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight-283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
Resolution1920 x 2713 pixels (~428 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size7.76 inches, 183.2 cm27.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Foldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak)
 -Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 5.8 inches, 1080 x 2092 pixels, 17.4:9 ratio, 408 ppi 1200 nits (HBM), 1550 nits (peak)
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetApple A19 Pro (3 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPU-Mali-G710 MP7
OSiOSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) * camera details are illustrative, no rumored information is available48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 121˚, (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.25µm
Video4K@24/25/30/60/100/120fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video/audio, stereo sound rec.4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound rec.HDR, panorama
Single4 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 2.0µm, under display Cover camera: 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Cover camera: 9.5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
ChargingWiredWired, PD3.0 Wireless
Type5500-6000 mAhLi-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack; other colorsPorcelain, Obsidian
Models-G9FPL
PriceAbout 2500 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99

Apple iPhone Fold

  • Unmatched processing power with the A19 Pro
  • Potentially superior display quality and color accuracy
  • Likely better thermal management due to 3nm efficiency

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially higher price point

Google Pixel Fold

  • Convenience of wireless charging (Qi and PD3.0)
  • Google’s AI-powered features and software integration
  • Strong computational photography capabilities

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the A19 Pro
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

While specific display specs are missing, we can infer that both devices will utilize LTPO technology for variable refresh rates to optimize battery life. The iPhone Fold, leveraging Apple’s display expertise, likely boasts superior color accuracy and peak brightness. However, the Pixel Fold may benefit from Google’s software optimizations for content viewing. Bezels will be a key differentiator, with Apple historically minimizing them, potentially giving the iPhone Fold a more immersive experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, Apple typically prioritizes larger sensors and advanced image stabilization (OIS). The iPhone Fold is likely to feature a more sophisticated camera system, focusing on natural image processing. The Pixel Fold, leveraging Google’s computational photography prowess, will excel in low-light conditions and offer unique features like Magic Eraser. The absence of specific aperture information makes it hard to assess low-light performance, but Apple’s larger sensors generally provide an advantage.

Performance

The Apple A19 Pro, built on a 3nm process, represents a substantial leap in transistor density and efficiency compared to the Google Tensor G2’s 5nm architecture. This translates to significantly higher peak performance and improved power efficiency. The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1, 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) is a capable processor, but it cannot match the A19 Pro’s single-core and multi-core performance. The A19 Pro will likely pair with faster LPDDR5X RAM, further enhancing responsiveness. Thermal management will be crucial; the A19 Pro’s efficiency should mitigate throttling, but the Pixel Fold may rely more on software optimizations to manage heat.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is unknown for both devices. However, the A19 Pro’s 3nm efficiency gives the iPhone Fold a potential advantage in battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold’s inclusion of both wired (PD3.0) and wireless charging provides greater flexibility. PD3.0 allows for faster wired charging speeds, while wireless charging offers convenience. The iPhone Fold’s reliance on wired charging only is a notable omission, especially considering the premium price point.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPhone Fold if you need uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like video editing, high-end gaming, or professional workflows. Its 3nm A19 Pro chipset delivers a significant advantage. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prioritize a more integrated software experience, value the convenience of wireless charging, and appreciate Google’s computational photography capabilities. It’s the better choice for everyday productivity and content consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor G2 chip overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Tensor G2, being a 5nm chip, is more prone to thermal throttling than the A19 Pro’s 3nm process. While Google employs software optimizations to mitigate this, users engaging in prolonged, graphically intensive gaming may experience performance drops. The iPhone Fold is expected to maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ How does the A19 Pro's 3nm architecture impact real-world battery life on the iPhone Fold?
The 3nm process allows for significantly more transistors in a smaller space, leading to increased efficiency. This means the A19 Pro consumes less power for the same level of performance, potentially translating to longer battery life compared to the Pixel Fold, even with similar battery capacities. Expect noticeable gains in standby time and moderate usage scenarios.
❓ Is PD3.0 charging on the Pixel Fold significantly faster than standard USB-PD?
Yes, PD3.0 supports higher voltage and current levels than older USB-PD standards, enabling faster charging speeds. While the exact wattage isn't specified, the Pixel Fold will likely charge noticeably quicker with a PD3.0 compatible charger compared to a standard USB-PD charger.