Foldable phones are gaining popularity, and two leading options are the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6. Knowing what you’re getting is crucial with both phones priced over $1,800. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and differences between these two top-tier foldable phones to help you decide.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Takes on Galaxy Z Fold 6
Google’s Pixel 9 series includes several models, but the standout is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, priced at $1,799. It directly competes with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which starts at $1,899. When closed, both phones look like standard smartphones but unfold into larger screens, providing tablet-like experiences for multitasking, media, and more.
Price Comparison
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799 and offers 16GB of RAM with 256GB of storage, upgradable to 512GB. It’s available in Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white). Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899 with 12GB of RAM and offers more storage options, including a 1TB version. It comes in a wider range of colors, like Black, Pink, and Silver Shadow.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is taller and heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, with a rounded design compared to Samsung’s more squared-off shape. Both phones use sturdy materials, such as aluminum frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering protection against drops. Samsung’s device has a higher dust and water resistance rating, providing extra durability.
Display Quality
Both phones boast impressive OLED displays. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a brighter and sharper 6.3-inch outer screen with a resolution of 2,424 by 1,080 pixels, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a slightly lower resolution on its 6.3-inch outer screen. Inside, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has an 8-inch display, larger than Samsung’s 7.6-inch screen. Samsung supports the S Pen stylus for handwriting and drawing, an option not available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Performance and Power
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 processor with 16GB of RAM. Although its performance hasn’t been fully tested, Google’s devices have consistently offered smooth, AI-driven experiences. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, is known for its powerful performance.
Camera Comparison
Google’s Pixel phones are known for their cameras, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x zoom. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a 50MP main camera and a similar ultra-wide and telephoto setup. Both phones can record 4K video, with Google adding cloud-based enhancements to improve video quality.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical consideration for foldable phones. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a slightly larger 4,650mAh battery than the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 4,400mAh battery. Both devices support wireless and fast wired charging, though you’ll need to purchase the charging bricks separately.
Software and Features
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6 devices run Android 14 but with different software experiences. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a clean, stock Android experience, while Samsung’s One UI adds extra features, including Dex, a desktop-like interface for increased productivity. Samsung also offers multitasking with the ability to open three apps at once, giving it an edge for users focused on productivity.
