Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: A Deep Dive into Foldable Power

The foldable market is heating up, with Google and Xiaomi both vying for dominance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents Google’s second attempt at a foldable, aiming to refine the software experience, while the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 brings Qualcomm’s latest silicon to the table alongside impressive charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these two devices, focusing on performance, battery, and display to determine which foldable reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and rapid charging, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 67W wired/50W wireless charging significantly outperform the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Tensor G4 and slower charging speeds. However, Google’s software integration and potential camera advantages may sway some.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
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, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, August 132024, July 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 04Available. Released 2024, July 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frameGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mmFolded: 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mmUnfolded: 159.4 x 143.3 x 4.6 mm Folded: 159.4 x 73.1 x 9.5 mm
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight257 g (9.07 oz)226 g or 228 g (7.97 oz)
Display
Resolution2076 x 2152 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~373 ppi density)2224 x 2488 pixels (~418 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 207.4 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)7.98 inches, 204.1 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)Foldable LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1700 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G4 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G715 MC7Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesMulti-zone Laser AF, LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom EnhanceLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama, Leica lenses
Quad-50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.49", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), PDAF (9cm - ∞), OIS, 2x optical zoom 10 MP, f/2.9, 115mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF (30cm - ∞), OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
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", PDAF-
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaDolby Vision HDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94", PDAF Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.94", PDAF16 MP, (wide) Cover camera: 16 MP, (wide)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band (tri-band after future SW update), Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging21W wired 7.5W wireless Bypass charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 31% in 10 min 50W wireless, 24% in 10 min
Type4650 mAh5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian, PorcelainBlack, White, Blue
ModelsGGH2X, GC15S-
Price€ 1,020.97 / $ 649.95 / £ 784.99About 1140 EUR
SAR EU0.98 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)-

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

  • Superior software integration with Google ecosystem
  • Potentially excellent computational photography
  • High peak display brightness (2199 nits)

  • Slower processor (Tensor G4)
  • Significantly slower charging speeds
  • Potentially lower sustained performance due to thermal limitations

Xiaomi Mix Fold 4

  • Faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
  • Ultra-fast 67W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks

  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
  • Camera performance relies heavily on hardware specs (currently unknown)

Display Comparison

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a measured peak brightness of 2199 nits, suggesting excellent outdoor visibility. While the Mix Fold 4’s brightness isn’t specified, Xiaomi typically delivers competitive displays. Both utilize foldable OLED panels, but the Pixel’s software optimizations likely focus on crease reduction and color accuracy. The absence of refresh rate data for both devices is a notable omission, but LTPO technology is expected in both to manage power consumption. The real-world difference will hinge on color calibration and hinge durability, areas where long-term testing is crucial.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Google’s Pixel line is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging AI to enhance image quality. The Tensor G4 likely prioritizes image processing speed and features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. Xiaomi typically focuses on high-resolution sensors and versatile lens configurations. The Mix Fold 4’s image quality will depend heavily on sensor size and lens apertures, which are currently unknown. The Pixel’s strength lies in software, while Xiaomi’s potential lies in hardware capabilities.

Performance

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) is a significant step up from the Google Tensor G4 (4nm) found in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s CPU configuration – 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520 – offers higher clock speeds across the board compared to the Pixel’s 1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720, and 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. While both chips are built on a 4nm process, Qualcomm’s architecture generally provides better sustained performance due to superior thermal management.

Battery Life

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold achieves an active use battery score of 11:54h, a respectable result. However, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 compensates for potentially lower battery capacity with significantly faster charging. Its 67W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC4, can add 31% charge in just 10 minutes. The 50W wireless charging, adding 24% in 10 minutes, is also a substantial advantage. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 21W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are comparatively slow. The Mix Fold 4’s bypass charging feature, allowing direct power from the charger while the phone is on, further enhances usability.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold if you prioritize a seamless software experience deeply integrated with Google’s AI features and anticipate a strong focus on computational photography. Buy the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 if you demand the fastest possible performance for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation, and value incredibly fast charging speeds to minimize downtime. The Mix Fold 4 is geared towards power users, while the Pixel caters to those within the Google ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G4 is a capable chip, its thermal efficiency is generally lower than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon counterparts. Expect some degree of throttling during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s cooling system will play a crucial role in mitigating this, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Mix Fold 4 is likely to maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ How does the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 compare to other foldables in terms of real-world charging time?
67W charging is exceptionally fast for a foldable. Xiaomi claims a 31% charge in 10 minutes, which translates to roughly a full charge in under 40 minutes. This is significantly faster than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 21W charging, which will take well over an hour to fully replenish the battery. It’s also faster than most other foldables currently on the market.
❓ What kind of software support can Pixel 9 Pro Fold users expect compared to the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4?
Google guarantees at least 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, including security patches and OS upgrades. Xiaomi’s software support is typically shorter, usually around 3-4 years of major Android updates. This makes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a more future-proof investment for users who prioritize long-term software support.