Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. OnePlus Open: A Deep Dive into Foldable Flagships

The foldable market is maturing, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open represent the pinnacle of this evolution. Both devices aim to deliver a premium, versatile experience, but they take distinctly different approaches to achieving it. This comparison will dissect their core components, from processing power to display technology, to determine which foldable truly earns the title of 'best in class'.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the OnePlus Open emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset consistently outperforms the Tensor G4, and the 67W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s software integration and potentially superior camera algorithms make it a compelling choice for Google ecosystem devotees.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold OnePlus Open
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 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, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, August 132023, October 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 04Available. Released 2023, October 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frameGlass front (Ceramic Guard) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mmFolded: 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mmUnfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8 mmFolded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight257 g (9.07 oz)239 g or 245 g (8.43 oz)
Display
Resolution2076 x 2152 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~373 ppi density)2268 x 2440 pixels (~426 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 207.4 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)7.82 inches, 196.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)Foldable LTPO3 Flexi-fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, Dolby Vision, 120Hz, 2800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G4 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G715 MC7Adreno 740
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgradesAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesMulti-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom EnhanceHasselblad Color Calibration, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 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", PDAF48 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/480fps gyro-EIS, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94", PDAF Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94", PDAF20MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 0.7µm Cover camera: 32MP, f/2.4, 22mm (ultrawide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos enhanced)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging21W wired 7.5W wireless Bypass charging67W wired, PD, 100% in 42 min Reverse wired
Type4650 mAhLi-Po 4805 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian, PorcelainEmerald Dusk, Voyager Black, Apex Edition
ModelsGGH2X, GC15SCPH2551
Price€ 1,020.97 / $ 649.95 / £ 784.99$ 1,059.99 / € 926.54
SAR-0.98 W/kg (head)     0.76 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.98 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)-

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility (2199 nits)
  • Google’s AI-powered software features
  • Potentially superior computational photography

  • Slower charging speed (21W)
  • Less powerful chipset (Tensor G4 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)
  • Limited charging options (no reverse wireless)

OnePlus Open

  • Faster charging (67W, 42 min to 100%)
  • More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)
  • Reverse wired charging for accessories

  • Dimmer display (1238 nits)
  • Less emphasis on AI-driven software features
  • Camera performance relies more on hardware

Display Comparison

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a peak brightness of 2199 nits, significantly exceeding the OnePlus Open’s 1238 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, the Pixel’s higher brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use. The difference in nits suggests a more aggressive display panel and potentially higher power consumption, but the benefit of readability is substantial. Bezels are not specified, but a key differentiator will be how effectively each manufacturer minimizes them to maximize screen real estate in the folded and unfolded states.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are expected to feature multi-camera systems, the context data only highlights 'Photo / Video' for the OnePlus Open. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is anticipated to leverage Google’s renowned computational photography prowess, potentially offering superior image processing, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Sensor sizes and lens apertures are unknown, but these will be critical factors. The absence of specific camera details for the OnePlus Open suggests a focus on hardware capabilities, while the Pixel will likely emphasize software-driven enhancements. The lack of mention of a telephoto lens on either device is a notable omission, and its presence (or absence) will significantly impact their versatility.

Performance

The OnePlus Open’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) chipset is a clear performance leader over the Google Tensor G4 (4nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 features a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the Pixel’s Cortex-X4 at 3.1 GHz. The Open’s CPU configuration (1x3.2GHz, 2x2.8GHz, 2x2.8GHz, 3x2.0GHz) also offers a broader performance profile than the Pixel’s (1x3.1GHz, 3x2.6GHz, 4x1.92GHz). The 4nm fabrication process is shared, but Qualcomm’s architecture is optimized for sustained performance, meaning less thermal throttling during extended gaming or video rendering. The Pixel relies on Google’s AI and machine learning capabilities to optimize performance, but it cannot overcome the raw horsepower of the Snapdragon.

Battery Life

Both the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open deliver remarkably similar active use battery life, with 11:54h and 11:59h respectively. This suggests efficient power management despite the demanding displays. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus Open’s 67W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 42 minutes, is significantly faster than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 21W charging. The Open also offers reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories. While the Pixel supports 7.5W wireless charging and 'bypass charging' (allowing charging while in use), the OnePlus Open’s charging speed provides a substantial real-world advantage for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold if you are deeply invested in the Google ecosystem, prioritize AI-powered features, and value seamless software integration. Its strengths lie in computational photography and a user experience tailored to Google services. Buy the OnePlus Open if you demand top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and appreciate blazing-fast charging speeds. It’s the ideal choice for power users who want a no-compromise foldable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold suffer from significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G4 benefits from Google’s optimization, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus Open is architecturally better suited for sustained performance. Expect the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to experience some throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to frame rate drops, whereas the OnePlus Open is likely to maintain higher performance for longer periods.
❓ How does the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold compare to the OnePlus Open's charging capabilities in terms of convenience?
The OnePlus Open’s 67W wired charging is significantly more convenient for quickly topping up the battery. While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers wireless charging and 'bypass charging', the slower wireless speed and slower wired charging make it less practical for users who frequently need a rapid power boost. The Open’s reverse wired charging also adds an extra layer of convenience.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs for the OnePlus Open, should I assume the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have a superior camera system?
Not necessarily. While Google’s computational photography is renowned, the OnePlus Open could compensate with superior hardware, such as larger sensors or more advanced optics. Without specific details, it’s difficult to say definitively. However, the Pixel’s software processing is likely to excel in challenging conditions like low light.