ZTE nubia Flip2 vs. Google Pixel Fold: A Deep Dive into Foldable Performance and Endurance

The foldable phone market is maturing, offering diverse options from budget-friendly to ultra-premium. We pit the ZTE nubia Flip2, a compelling value proposition, against the Google Pixel Fold, a flagship showcasing Google’s software and Tensor G2 chip. This comparison focuses on real-world performance, battery endurance, and the trade-offs each device presents.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and value, the ZTE nubia Flip2 emerges as the winner. Its 36:54-hour endurance significantly surpasses what’s expected from the Pixel Fold, and the Dimensity 7300X provides ample performance for daily tasks. However, the Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 offers a more refined software experience and potentially better camera processing.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Flip2 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 bandsLTE1, 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 bandsSA/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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2025, January 152023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, JuneAvailable. Released 2023, June 27
Body
BuildAluminum alloy frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 170 x 76 x 7.2 mmFolded: 87 x 76 x 15.8 mmUnfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4-
Resolution1188 x 2790 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~443 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size6.9 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM)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 (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300X (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), dual pixel PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesRing LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser 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
Video4K, 1080p4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 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
VideoYes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4+Wired, PD3.0 Wireless
Type4325 mAhLi-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsNight Black, Lilac Purple, Blue, WhitePorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsA404ZT, NX732JG9FPL
Price-€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99
EU LABEL
Battery36:54h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass C (70 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

ZTE nubia Flip2

  • Exceptional battery life (36:54h endurance)
  • Faster charging speeds (33W with multiple protocols)
  • More affordable price point

  • Potentially less refined camera processing
  • Chipset not as powerful as the Tensor G2

Google Pixel Fold

  • Google Tensor G2 offers strong AI capabilities
  • Superior software integration and updates
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Shorter battery life
  • Potential for thermal throttling under load
  • Higher price

Display Comparison

While specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) are missing for both devices, the form factor is the key differentiator. Both are foldable, but the nubia Flip2’s clamshell design contrasts with the Pixel Fold’s book-style fold. The Pixel Fold likely benefits from Google’s display calibration expertise, potentially offering superior color accuracy. However, the nubia Flip2’s smaller outer display could be more convenient for quick tasks without unfolding.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Google’s Pixel phones are renowned for their computational photography prowess, leveraging the Tensor G2’s image signal processor. The Pixel Fold likely excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. The nubia Flip2’s camera system, while potentially capable, likely relies more on hardware than software for image quality. We anticipate the Pixel Fold to offer a more consistent and refined camera experience, particularly in challenging conditions.

Performance

The chipset battle pits MediaTek’s 4nm Dimensity 7300X against Google’s 5nm Tensor G2. The Tensor G2, with its Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.85 GHz, theoretically offers higher peak performance. However, the Dimensity 7300X’s efficient Cortex-A78 cores (2.5 GHz) and 4nm process could translate to more sustained performance and better thermal management. The Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 is known to throttle under sustained load, a potential drawback for gamers. The nubia Flip2’s chipset, while not top-of-the-line, provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Battery Life

The ZTE nubia Flip2’s 36:54-hour endurance is a standout feature. This suggests a significantly larger battery capacity and/or more efficient power management compared to the Pixel Fold. While the Pixel Fold offers both wired and wireless charging, the nubia Flip2’s 33W wired charging with PD3.0, PPS, and QC4+ support provides faster charging speeds and broader compatibility. The nubia Flip2’s 1000-cycle battery longevity also indicates a focus on long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Flip2 if you need exceptional battery life, a more affordable entry point into the foldable world, and aren’t heavily reliant on Google’s ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prioritize seamless software integration, a premium camera experience, and are willing to trade battery endurance for Google’s unique features and Tensor G2’s AI capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7300X in the nubia Flip2 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While not a flagship chipset, the Dimensity 7300X is capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, users seeking consistently high frame rates at maximum settings may experience some limitations. The 4nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, but sustained gaming will still generate heat.
❓ Is the Google Tensor G2 prone to overheating during extended use, and how does this affect performance?
The Google Tensor G2 is known to throttle under sustained load, particularly during gaming or video recording. This means the chip reduces its clock speed to prevent overheating, resulting in reduced performance. While Google has made software optimizations, thermal throttling remains a potential concern for power users.
❓ How does the charging speed of the nubia Flip2 compare to real-world charging times with the Pixel Fold?
The nubia Flip2’s 33W charging, with support for PD3.0, PPS, and QC4+, should deliver a 0-100% charge in approximately 70-80 minutes. The Pixel Fold’s charging speed is less clearly defined, but is likely slower due to lower wattage and potentially less efficient charging circuitry. The nubia Flip2 offers a faster and more versatile charging experience.