Huawei Pocket S vs. Google Pixel Fold: A Detailed Comparison of Foldable Phones

The foldable phone market is heating up, with the Huawei Pocket S and Google Pixel Fold representing distinct approaches. The Pocket S aims for a more accessible price point, while the Pixel Fold leverages Google’s software and Tensor G2 chip. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right foldable for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing software experience and long-term updates, the Google Pixel Fold is the superior choice. However, the Huawei Pocket S offers compelling value, particularly for those seeking a more affordable foldable without sacrificing core functionality, despite its 4G limitation.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Pocket S Google Pixel Fold
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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-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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, November 022023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 11Available. Released 2023, June 27
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 170 x 75.5 x 7.2 mmFolded: 87.3 x 75.5 x 15.2 mmUnfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
Resolution1188 x 2790 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~442 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size6.9 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 1B colors, 120HzFoldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak)
 Cover display: OLED, 1.04 inch, 340 x 340 pixels, 328 ppiCover 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
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G710 MP7
OSHarmonyOS 3.0Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual40 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), AF-
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single10.7 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)-
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
Video4K, 1080p4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single10.7 MP, f/2.2, (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
Video4K, 1080p4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging40W wired, 52% in 20 min 5W reverse wiredWired, PD3.0 Wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Pink, Gren, Silver, Gold, BlackPorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsBAL-AL60G9FPL
PriceAbout 830 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99

Huawei Pocket S

  • More affordable price point
  • Faster 40W wired charging
  • Potentially more compact design

  • Limited to 4G connectivity
  • Less powerful Snapdragon 778G processor
  • Uncertain software update support

Google Pixel Fold

  • Powerful Google Tensor G2 processor
  • 5G connectivity
  • Superior software experience and updates

  • Higher price tag
  • Slower charging speeds (details unknown)
  • Larger and potentially heavier design

Display Comparison

While specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) are missing for both, the Pocket S’s design emphasizes a nearly crease-free experience. The Pixel Fold, with its wider aspect ratio, is geared towards multitasking. The Tensor G2 likely supports variable refresh rate (LTPO) for power efficiency, a feature not confirmed for the Pocket S. Color accuracy will likely be superior on the Pixel Fold, given Google’s display calibration expertise. Bezels are a key differentiator, and visual comparisons suggest the Pixel Fold has slightly slimmer bezels.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel Fold’s camera system, while details are limited, benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The Tensor G2’s ISP is crucial for processing images quickly and efficiently. The Pocket S’s camera specs are unknown, but Huawei typically focuses on strong camera performance, even in mid-range devices. Expect the Pixel Fold to excel in low-light photography and dynamic range, leveraging Google’s software algorithms. The absence of detailed sensor information for the Pocket S makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Pixel Fold’s software advantage is likely to be decisive.

Performance

The Google Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 (5nm) represents a significant leap in processing power compared to the Huawei Pocket S’s Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.85 GHz, provides substantially faster CPU performance for demanding applications. While the 778G is a capable mid-range chip, the Tensor G2’s integrated machine learning capabilities and optimized image signal processor (ISP) offer advantages in camera processing and AI-driven features. The Pocket S’s 4G limitation is a major drawback for users requiring fast mobile data speeds. The Pixel Fold benefits from potentially faster LPDDR5X RAM, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is unspecified for both devices. However, the Pocket S’s 40W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel Fold’s wired and wireless charging options (details unspecified). The 52% charge in 20 minutes for the Pocket S suggests a quicker top-up time. The Tensor G2’s 5nm process *should* offer better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the Pocket S’s faster charging. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and display settings.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Pocket S if you need a stylish, compact foldable at a significantly lower price, and 4G connectivity is sufficient for your usage. It’s ideal for media consumption and casual use. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prioritize a seamless software experience, 5G connectivity, and a more powerful processor for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. It’s geared towards power users and those invested in the Google ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Huawei Pocket S struggle with demanding games?
The Snapdragon 778G is a capable chip, but it won't deliver the same gaming performance as the Tensor G2. Expect to play most games at medium settings, but demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The 4G connectivity may also limit online gaming experiences.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Pocket S and the Pixel Fold?
The Google Pixel Fold offers a pure Android experience with guaranteed software updates and exclusive Pixel features. Huawei’s software, while improved, lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS) and may have a different app ecosystem. This means no direct access to the Play Store and reliance on Huawei’s AppGallery.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Pocket S a dealbreaker for most users?
For users in areas with widespread 5G coverage and a need for fast mobile data, the Pocket S’s 4G limitation is a significant drawback. However, if you primarily use Wi-Fi or live in an area with limited 5G availability, it may not be a major concern.