Huawei nova Flip S vs. Google Pixel Fold: A Detailed Comparison of Foldable Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw processing power and software integration, the Google Pixel Fold is the better choice. However, the Huawei nova Flip S delivers significantly faster 66W charging and potentially better value, making it ideal for those who prioritize convenience and affordability.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova Flip S | Google Pixel Fold |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 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 bands | SA/NSA | 1, 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 17 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 25 | Available. Released 2023, June 27 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Aluminum alloy frame, glass back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 169.8 x 75.4 x 6.9 mmFolded: 87.8 x 75.4 x 15.1 mm | Unfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 195 g or 199 g (6.88 oz) | 283 g (9.98 oz) |
| - | IPX8 water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1136 x 2690 pixels (~421 ppi density) | 1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.94 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Foldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR | 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 | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 8030 | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 5.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 121˚, (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.25µm |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide) | 8 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 |
| Video | 4K, 1080p | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| - | Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 100% in 40 min 5W reverse wired | Wired, PD3.0 Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4400 mAh | Li-Po 4821 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Green, Pink, White, Black, Nova Black, Blue | Porcelain, Obsidian |
| Models | PSD-AL80 | G9FPL |
| Price | About 410 EUR | € 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99 |
Huawei nova Flip S
- 66W fast charging (40 min to 100%)
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Huawei’s established foldable design experience
- Kirin 8030 chipset may lag behind Tensor G2 in sustained performance
- Limited information on camera specifications
- Software ecosystem may not be as refined as Google’s
Google Pixel Fold
- Google Tensor G2 offers strong AI and machine learning capabilities
- Seamless Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Likely superior image processing and computational photography
- Slower charging speeds compared to the nova Flip S
- Higher price point
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Details regarding display specifications (resolution, refresh rate, panel type) are missing for both devices. However, the foldable form factor is central to both. The Pixel Fold likely utilizes a more advanced LTPO panel for variable refresh rate and power efficiency, a common feature in Google’s flagship devices. The nova Flip S, positioned as a more value-oriented option, may employ a standard OLED panel. Bezels and hinge design will be critical differentiators, impacting the overall viewing experience and durability, but are currently unknown.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. The Pixel Fold benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography expertise, leveraging the Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP). While sensor sizes and megapixel counts are unknown, the Pixel Fold is expected to prioritize image quality and dynamic range through software optimization. The nova Flip S’s camera performance will likely rely more on hardware specifications, and without details, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device is a significant omission, impacting low-light performance and video stabilization.
Performance
The Google Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 (5nm) is designed for on-device AI processing and machine learning tasks, offering advantages in areas like voice recognition and image processing. Its octa-core configuration (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1, 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a tiered performance structure, prioritizing demanding tasks. The Huawei nova Flip S utilizes the Kirin 8030, an octa-core chipset, but lacks specific details regarding core architecture and manufacturing process. While the Kirin 8030 is a capable processor, the Tensor G2’s 5nm process generally translates to better thermal efficiency and sustained performance under heavy load. The Pixel Fold’s LPDDR5x RAM will also contribute to faster data transfer speeds.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova Flip S boasts a clear advantage in charging speed with its 66W wired charging, promising a full charge in just 40 minutes. The Pixel Fold offers wired charging with PD3.0 and wireless charging, but specific wattage figures are unavailable. This suggests a slower charging experience compared to the nova Flip S. Battery capacity is also unknown for both devices, but the faster charging of the nova Flip S mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering more convenient top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Flip S if you need a foldable with incredibly fast charging – reaching 100% in just 40 minutes – and are comfortable with Huawei’s ecosystem. This phone is for users who frequently top up their battery and want a more budget-conscious foldable experience. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prefer a seamless Android experience, benefit from Google’s Tensor G2’s AI capabilities, and value a polished software experience with guaranteed updates, even if it means slower charging speeds.