Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Google Pixel Fold
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Google Pixel Fold | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Google Pixel Fold offers a larger screen that folds into a more pocketable format; OnePlus 9 Pro has a traditional, non-folding design. |
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 139.7 × 158.7 × 5.8 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and thicker, while Google Pixel Fold is significantly wider when unfolded. |
| Weight | 197g | 283g | OnePlus 9 Pro is substantially lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" | Google Pixel Fold provides a significantly larger display for immersive viewing, multitasking, and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1840x2208 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a moderately higher resolution which will give better sharpness to the display. |
| Pixel Density | 525 PPI | 378 PPI | OnePlus 9 Pro has a noticeably sharper display due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | Not specified | Not specified | Both are using the same technology, which we were not given. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Google Pixel Fold is more visible outdoors and in bright conditions due to higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's chipset is more geared towards raw performance. Google Pixel Fold's focuses more on AI and machine learning tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 793,800 | OnePlus 9 Pro achieves slightly higher benchmark scores indicating faster performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPUs; OnePlus 9 Pro's Adreno 660 excels at graphics processing. The Google Pixel Fold's Mali-G710 MP7 also provides solid performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4821mAh | Google Pixel Fold has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 30W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless 50W, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 Pro has convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; Google Pixel Fold is more basic. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | Google Pixel Fold has a slightly wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8) for better low-light performance but smaller pixel size. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm | 8MP, f/1.9 | OnePlus 9 Pro has higher resolution; Google Pixel Fold has wider aperture (f/1.9 vs f/2.4) for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | 10.8MP, f/3.0 | Google Pixel Fold has a slightly higher resolution, but OnePlus 9 Pro has a wider aperture for better zoomed images in lower lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly higher resolution for more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Only OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated black & white lens for creative photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher video resolution with its 8k capability. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Overall) | 133 (Overall) | Google Pixel Fold has a higher DxOMark score overall, indicating superior camera performance in most scenarios. |
| Camera Features | Quad, 8K video, RAW, Night Mode | Triple, Face Unlock | OnePlus 9 Pro provides more advanced creative features. Google Pixel Fold comes with face unlock. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Google Pixel Fold has a newer Android version out of the box, likely with newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Google Pixel Fold supports newer Wi-Fi 6E standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more codecs for high-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | OnePlus 9 Pro has more comprehensive satellite support; Google Pixel Fold supports QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Google Pixel Fold provides eSIM support for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Google Pixel Fold offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both come with excellent RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro offers enhanced audio features for an immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Google Pixel Fold is faster to use the fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Google Pixel Fold has more scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Multiple sensors | Multiple sensors | Google Pixel Fold includes a Barometer, Magnetometer and Hall; OnePlus 9 Pro has a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter (197g vs 283g) and more ergonomic for single-handed use.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (525 PPI) for a sharper image.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and 3 mics for better quality.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of recording up to 8K@30fps videos, giving higher quality videos.
- More Camera Features More features including RAW, Night Mode, Manual focus and more.
Google Pixel Fold Advantages:
- Foldable Form Factor: A versatile foldable design, allowing for a larger screen in a pocketable device.
- Larger Display: Provides a larger screen area for multimedia consumption and multitasking.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits brightness improves outdoor visibility.
- Larger Storage: Up to 512GB of internal storage for media and files.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark scores indicate better overall camera performance.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Trades foldable versatility and larger screen for a more traditional design and sharper display.
- Google Pixel Fold: Trades a slightly bulkier design for a bigger, brighter, and more versatile foldable display. The charging is significantly slower and the phone is heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight phone that is comfortable in the hand.
- Users who value fast charging and dislike long charging times.
- Users who want a sharper display for detailed image viewing.
- Users who want better quality audio.
- Users who want better video recording at 8k resolution.
Ideal Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Everyday use for social media, browsing, and communication.
- Mobile gaming, taking advantage of the phone's performance.
- Photography and videography, benefiting from the camera quality.
Ideal Users for Google Pixel Fold:
- Users who want a larger screen experience for media and productivity.
- Users who prioritize camera quality and computational photography.
- Users who value the latest software and a foldable form factor.
- Users who want large amounts of storage.
Ideal Use Cases for Google Pixel Fold:
- Mobile productivity and multitasking (e.g., running multiple apps simultaneously).
- Media consumption (movies, ebooks, etc) with a more immersive experience.
- Photography and videography, relying on the excellent camera quality.
- Reading and web browsing.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, being an older device, is likely to be more affordable, representing better value for the performance offered.
- The Google Pixel Fold, with its foldable display and premium features, is a more expensive option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you value a compact phone or a larger screen?
- Is charging time or a foldable experience more important?
- What use cases are more important for you? (Gaming, photography, productivity, media consumption)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious and Traditional Design: If you want a powerful and fast phone at a lower price point with more features related to audio/video and a more common design, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a great option.
- Cutting-Edge Foldable Experience: If you are willing to pay a premium for the most advanced and innovative tech including a foldable screen and latest Android version and are willing to sacrifice a little on performance and have a heavier device, choose the Google Pixel Fold.
- Mobile Productivity and Entertainment: If you need a larger display for multitasking, reading, and media consumption, and want the best camera and storage, the Google Pixel Fold is recommended.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would personally pick the Google Pixel Fold. Although it is heavier and slower to charge, the benefits of having a foldable device with a large display is too appealing. I like having the ability to switch to a smaller device, or to have a large screen when needed. The camera also does a better job, which is a must.
