2024 has got to be the year not only for the “AI era” but also for foldable smartphones. Google made the latest release with its Pixel 9 series, including a Pixel 9 Pro Fold. To help you navigate this exciting market, we’ll compare the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to other top-tier foldable phones available in 2024.
What Is the Best Foldable Phone in 2024?
If you ask us now, the best foldable is a combination of factors. It should have a durable build, a high-quality display, powerful performance, and a long-lasting battery. Beyond hardware, it should also have a user-friendly interface and various features that make it versatile.
Google’s ninth event showcased how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold can do it all (and more!). You can expect huge software and hardware upgrades never seen before in a foldable phone. However, there are a few things that we may have missed, including the Qi2 wireless charging compatibility and the MagSafe technology. Tech experts suggest you can override this setback with an easy and very accessible alternative, like simply using a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold case with MagSafe.
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a powerful foldable device that is worth the buy. Here, we’ll compare it with the other brands, looking into the display, performance, camera, battery, and more.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 are two of the most anticipated foldable phones of 2024. Both devices offer impressive specifications and features.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a thinner display, but the Z Fold 6 is more lightweight. Both have a 6.3-inch screen. There’s a noticeable improvement in both phones: a more refined crease and improved outdoor visibility.
Google Pixel is powered by the latest Tensor G4 chipset, offering excellent performance and AI capabilities. Also equipped with a powerful processor, the Z Fold 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, delivering smooth performance.
Both foldable devices offer a triple camera system with advanced AI features, including improved night photography and portrait mode, excellent image quality, and a dedicated under-display camera.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a slightly larger battery capacity of 4650 mAh, providing longer battery life. The Z Fold 6 also has a good 4400 mAh battery life but may not last as long as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Both also support Qi wireless charging.
For the software, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14 with a clean and intuitive interface, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 also runs on Android 14 but with Samsung’s One UI layer.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is generally more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 by less than a hundred bucks—$1,799 and $1,899, respectively.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6
While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 are both clamshell-style foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a different form factor with a vertical folding mechanism. Let’s compare these two devices.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a larger, tablet-like device with a wider inner display. Meanwhile, the Z Flip 6 is a compact and more pocket-friendly device with a smaller inner display. It’s 6.9 inches when opened and 3.6 inches when folded. Like the Z Fold 6, the Z Flip 6 has the same powerful processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
The Z Flip 6 also has many camera and photography features, but the most notable difference is its dual-camera setup. Regarding battery life, the Z Flip 6 has a smaller battery but can still deliver a decent capacity, only at 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI layer. Considering the overall form factor, performance, battery, and other capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced higher. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 base storage model is at $1,099.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is another notable foldable phone in the market, offering a compelling alternative to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The OnePlus Open has a similar form factor to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, both with a 6.3-inch display. It features a high-quality inner display with good brightness and color accuracy.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the OnePlus Open is well-equipped in terms of performance. It also offers a capable triple camera setup with good image quality.
Moreover, the OnePlus Open has a slightly bigger battery than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, at 4805 mAh. However, it lacks wireless charging capability, which is a huge downside for some users.
OnePlus Open runs on OxygenOS, OnePlus’s customized version of Android. At $1700, it is slightly more affordable than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
In terms of AI features, Google definitely won in this area.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Plus
The Motorola Razr Plus is a unique foldable phone with a larger, more usable outer screen. It is closer to the Z Flip 6 with the same 6.9-inch display size when opened and 3.6 inches when folded. It also has the same dual-camera system with good image quality and a dedicated external selfie screen.
A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor powers Motorola Razr Plus and runs on MyUX, Motorola’s customized version of Android. The phone has quite short software support: 3 years.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Motorola Razr Plus offer distinct experiences. The Razr Plus is more cost-effective. You can get the device for only $999.
What to Look for in a Foldable Phone?
Functionality is paramount when considering a foldable phone. It’s the primary reason to invest in such a device: to accomplish more with your smartphone. A foldable should excel at multitasking, allowing you to simultaneously run multiple apps and perform difficult or impossible tasks on a traditional phone.
Price and Value
Before purchasing, assess whether the price justifies the value and upgrade compared to its predecessors. Consider factors like improvements in hardware, software, and overall performance.
Hardware and Software Upgrades
Look for advancements in hardware and software to ensure a longer battery life, better performance, superior cameras, and more. These upgrades will enhance your overall experience and make the phone more versatile.
Compatibility
Check for compatibility with features like wireless charging. This can be a convenient and time-saving addition, especially if you frequently use wireless charging accessories.
Wrap Up
There is no exact “best” phone to buy without considering your preferences or needs. Once you’ve determined this, consider other factors such as budget, desired features, brand, and individual usage patterns. If you’re still in doubt, this guide is here to help you decide what foldable to buy in 2024.
