vivo X Fold vs Google Pixel Fold: Which Foldable Phone Wins?

The foldable phone market is maturing, with the vivo X Fold and Google Pixel Fold representing distinct approaches. The X Fold prioritizes raw power with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, while the Pixel Fold leverages Google’s Tensor G2 for AI-driven features and software integration. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you choose the right foldable for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak performance and faster charging, the vivo X Fold is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 delivers more consistent power, and 66W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel Fold’s implementation. However, the Pixel Fold’s software experience and potential for unique Google features are compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X Fold 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, 25, 26, 28, 32, 661, 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 bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 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, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, April 112023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 22Available. Released 2023, June 27
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 162 x 144.9 x 6.3 mm Folded: 162 x 74.5 x 14.6 mmUnfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight311 g (10.97 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
Resolution1916 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size8.03 inches, 206.5 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO AMOLED, 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
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Dual-LED flash, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (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
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) Cover camera: 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)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
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging66W wired, 100% in 37 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wirelessWired, PD3.0 Wireless
Type4600 mAhLi-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, BluePorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsV2178AG9FPL
PriceAbout 1300 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99

vivo X Fold

  • Faster 66W wired charging
  • Potentially superior CPU/GPU performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging

  • Software experience may not be as refined as Pixel Fold
  • Potential for more thermal throttling under sustained load

Google Pixel Fold

  • Seamless Google software experience
  • AI-powered features (Magic Eraser, etc.)
  • Strong computational photography capabilities

  • Slower charging speeds
  • Tensor G2 may lag behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in raw performance

Display Comparison

While both devices feature foldable displays, specifics are missing. However, the X Fold’s likely higher refresh rate (typical of vivo flagships) could offer smoother scrolling. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s ISP will likely drive a brighter, more color-accurate external display. The Pixel Fold’s display benefits from Google’s color science, but the X Fold’s panel may offer superior peak brightness for outdoor visibility. The hinge mechanism is a critical, unaddressed factor; durability and crease visibility will be key differentiators.

Camera Comparison

Details on camera sensors are absent, but the X Fold’s Snapdragon ISP is known for its robust image processing capabilities. The Pixel Fold leverages Google’s computational photography expertise, which excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. The Tensor G2’s dedicated image processing unit will likely deliver superior HDR processing and portrait mode effects. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the X Fold’s ISP offers greater flexibility for manual controls and potentially higher resolution video recording.

Performance

The vivo X Fold’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.00 GHz, offering a theoretical performance edge over the Google Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 (5nm). While the Tensor G2 utilizes a Cortex-X1 core at 2.85 GHz, the Snapdragon’s architecture is generally more focused on sustained CPU and GPU performance. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 excels in AI and machine learning tasks, but the X Fold will likely outperform in raw processing power.

Battery Life

Battery capacities are unspecified. However, the vivo X Fold’s 66W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in just 37 minutes. The Pixel Fold offers wired charging (PD3.0) and wireless charging, but lacks the X Fold’s speed. The X Fold also includes 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging, adding versatility. Even with a potentially larger battery in the Pixel Fold, the X Fold’s faster charging mitigates range anxiety and allows for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X Fold if you need uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value rapid charging speeds. It’s ideal for power users who want a foldable that can keep up with their workflow. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prioritize a seamless software experience, AI-powered features like Magic Eraser, and a camera tuned for Google’s computational photography style. It’s best for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the vivo X Fold overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 was known for some thermal throttling, the vivo X Fold likely incorporates advanced cooling solutions to mitigate this. The 4nm process node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency compared to older Snapdragon generations. Expect some throttling during extremely demanding games, but it shouldn't be a major issue for most users.
❓ How does the Google Tensor G2 handle multitasking and app switching on the Pixel Fold?
The Tensor G2 is optimized for Google’s software and excels at AI-driven tasks. Multitasking and app switching should be smooth, thanks to the chip’s efficient memory management and the optimized Android experience. However, it may not match the raw multitasking performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the vivo X Fold.
❓ Is the camera on the Pixel Fold better for casual users who don't want to manually adjust settings?
Yes, the Pixel Fold’s camera is likely more user-friendly for casual users. Google’s computational photography automatically optimizes images for excellent results, requiring minimal manual intervention. Features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur further simplify the editing process.
❓ Does the vivo X Fold support high refresh rate gaming?
Given vivo’s history with flagship devices, the X Fold likely supports high refresh rate gaming, potentially up to 120Hz. This, combined with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s GPU, will deliver a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. However, sustained high refresh rates may impact battery life.