Not only is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold a much-improved device over the original Pixel Fold, it’s a very real competitor to Samsung in the battle for the best foldable phone.
To be clear, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a very impressive device in its own right, and I really liked it when I tested it for my review. But between the complete redesign, the new Tensor G4 chip, and other upgrades, it looks like Google is really trying to take foldables to the next level with the launch of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Here’s how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold outperforms the Galaxy Z Fold 6
@tomsguide
♬ Original Sound – Tom’s Guide
bigger screen
I’m not saying the 7.6-inch display on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is small, but it certainly feels smaller compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google’s device has a massive 8-inch internal display, the largest on any phone.
I loaded up Tom’s Guide on both phones, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s display is definitely more immersive. This also gives the Pixel 9 Pro Fold an advantage when running two apps side by side, as you get more space.
While we haven’t tested these phones in the lab yet, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s main display also seemed brighter. Both foldable phones have 6.3-inch screens, but what I like about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is that it has a wider screen, which makes it easier to use with either hand.
Slimmer design
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the thinnest phone you can buy in the US, measuring 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches when unfolded and 0.4 inches when folded. Compare that to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which measures 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches when unfolded and 0.47 inches when folded.
If you want a foldable phone that feels like a regular phone when closed, every inch counts. The 9.1-ounce Pixel 9 Pro Fold may be lighter than the original 10-ounce Pixel Fold, but the Z Fold 6 is lighter at 8.4 ounces.
The most compelling AI features
This is of course subjective but I’m more excited about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s AI features than the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s AI features.
For example, the Add Me feature lets you add a person to a photo after you’ve taken it using a combination of AI and AR so you can line up that new person in the group shot. The Pixel Screenshots feature is also pretty cool and can save you a lot of time, as you can search for information using natural language and even create calendar entries on the fly from information included in things like concert posters.
Pixel Studio impressed me with how quickly it created generative AI images using a text prompt on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. You can even edit existing images using a text prompt using the Magic Editor feature called Reimagine.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also has some cool AI features, like Sketch to Image, but they work best with the S Pen, which costs extra.
More efficient cameras
That claim comes with a caveat — we’ve yet to do a full camera showdown between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6. But based on what I know so far, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be the better camera phone.
First, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a stronger 5x telephoto zoom versus the Z Fold 6’s 3x. And you get a sharper 10MP in-display camera versus just 4MP on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers Night Mode not just for videos but for panoramic photos — features that Samsung’s foldable phone lacks.
Cheaper price
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t cheap, but at least Google hasn’t upped the price. It still starts at $1,799 for 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899, so you’ll be paying $100 more for Samsung’s foldable phone.
With Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold pre-order deals and Galaxy Z Fold 6 deals, you should be able to find a lower price, but overall, Google’s device is a better value.
Bottom line
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 has some advantages over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is likely to be faster (we await our full benchmarks for the new phone), it gets lighter weight, and the Z Fold 6 benefits from built-in S Pen support. Some may simply prefer the narrow front display that makes the device look more elegant when closed.
But overall, I think the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a force to be reckoned with. It might even outperform Samsung’s flagship foldable phone. Stay tuned for our full showdown.
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