Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold vs Google Pixel Fold: A Head-to-Head Foldable Showdown

The foldable phone market is maturing, and the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold and Google Pixel Fold represent distinct approaches. The Mi Mix Fold, leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888, aimed for early foldable dominance. The Pixel Fold, powered by Google's Tensor G2, prioritizes software integration and a refined user experience. 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 raw performance and faster charging, the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold offers a compelling package. However, the Google Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 chip and Google’s software optimizations provide a smoother, more integrated experience, making it the better choice for the average user.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold Google Pixel Fold
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 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, 41, 421, 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, 3, 28, 41, 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 / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, March2023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 16Available. Released 2023, June 27
Body
BuildGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) or ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 173.3 x 133.4 x 7.6 mm Folded: 173.3 x 69.8 x 17.2 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
Weight317 g (Glass)332 g (Ceramic) (11.18 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
Resolution1860 x 2480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~387 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size8.01 inches, 198.7 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)Foldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak)
 Cover display: AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) 6.52 inches, 840 x 2520 pixels, 27:9 ratioCover 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 (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 10, MIUI 12Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 80mm (telephoto/macro), liquid lens, PDAF, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm48 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@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single20 MP, (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@30/60fps, 720p@120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 37 minWired, PD3.0 Wireless
TypeLi-Po 5020 mAhLi-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, CeramicPorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsM2011J18CG9FPL
PriceAbout 1300 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99

Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold

  • Significantly faster 67W charging
  • Potentially larger display area
  • Snapdragon 888 offers strong performance

  • Older chipset compared to Tensor G2
  • Less optimized software experience
  • Potentially less efficient display technology

Google Pixel Fold

  • Google Tensor G2 offers AI-powered features
  • Seamless software integration with Android
  • Long-term software support from Google

  • Slower charging speeds
  • Potentially less raw processing power in some tasks
  • May have a smaller display area

Display Comparison

While specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) aren't provided, both devices feature foldable OLED panels. The Mi Mix Fold’s larger form factor likely translates to a more immersive viewing experience. However, the Pixel Fold benefits from Google’s display calibration expertise, potentially offering more accurate colors. The absence of LTPO information for the Mi Mix Fold suggests it may not dynamically adjust refresh rates as efficiently as newer foldable displays, impacting battery life during static content viewing.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Google’s Tensor G2 excels in computational photography, leveraging its AI capabilities for superior image processing. The Mi Mix Fold likely relies more on hardware specifications. Given Google’s track record, the Pixel Fold will likely deliver more consistent and impressive results in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes makes it difficult to assess low-light performance definitively, but Google’s software prowess is a significant advantage.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm), while the Google Pixel Fold features the Google Tensor G2 (5nm). Both are octa-core CPUs with a Cortex-X1 prime core, but the Tensor G2’s 2x Cortex-X1 configuration versus the Mi Mix Fold’s 1x suggests a potential advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The Tensor G2 is also optimized for Google’s AI and machine learning features, enhancing camera performance and on-device processing. While the Snapdragon 888 is a capable performer, the Tensor G2’s architecture is more modern and tailored for Google’s software ecosystem.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Mi Mix Fold’s 67W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in just 37 minutes. The Pixel Fold supports wired and wireless charging, but lacks the Mi Mix Fold’s speed. This means the Mi Mix Fold is more forgiving if you frequently run out of battery, while the Pixel Fold may require more planning around charging schedules. The Tensor G2’s efficiency could partially offset the charging speed difference, but the Mi Mix Fold’s charging capability is a clear win.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold if you need maximum charging speed (67W) and are comfortable with a slightly older, but still powerful, chipset. It’s ideal for power users who frequently drain their battery and value quick top-ups. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prefer a seamless software experience, benefit from Google’s computational photography, and prioritize long-term software support. It’s the better choice for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi Mix Fold throttle under sustained load, like during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under prolonged stress. While the Mi Mix Fold’s larger chassis may offer some thermal headroom, it’s likely to experience some throttling during demanding tasks like gaming. The Tensor G2, while not a gaming powerhouse, is generally more thermally efficient.
❓ How does Google’s software support compare to Xiaomi’s for the Pixel Fold and Mi Mix Fold, respectively?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Pixel Fold, a significant advantage. Xiaomi’s update policy for the Mi Mix Fold is less consistent, typically offering 2 major Android updates and a shorter security patch support window.
❓ Is the difference between the Tensor G2 and Snapdragon 888 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference will be minimal. Both chips are powerful enough to handle everyday usage smoothly. However, the Tensor G2’s AI capabilities will be more apparent in features like voice assistant responsiveness and image processing within apps.