Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: What to Expect from the Next-Gen Foldable Phones

This summer of 2024, the battle for foldable phones heat up as two tech giants push the standards of mobile experience with their upcoming releases: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Both devices promise to refine the foldable form and hinge design for optimal portability and productivity.

Samsung remains a leading smartphone provider worldwide, holding nearly half the global foldable smartphone market share – no surprise here. However, Google shook things up in 2023 with its first Pixel Fold, presenting tough competition against the Galaxy Z Fold series.

The good news is, this gives smartphone consumers more innovative options.

In this article, we’ll explore the expected features and specifications of both foldable phones, helping you decide which one might be the perfect fit.

Rumors suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will have a slight design shift from its predecessor, the Z Fold 5. It may be thinner and have a wider cover screen, possibly mirroring design elements from the Pixel Fold. Similarly, Google might take inspiration from the Z Fold 5 and adopt a slightly narrower design for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Leak photos of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 molds suggest a more “boxy” edge and an S Pen dock. It could go the same for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera hump, described as smaller and “squarish” instead of the original horizontal approach.

Meanwhile, we can expect a titanium frame for the Z Fold 6. Google has yet to reveal its material choices for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but we all know they are notable for prioritizing build quality.

For size comparison, you may find this post from the Reddit community helpful.

The display is particularly crucial for foldable smartphones. Beyond the headline features, several factors contribute to a great foldable display. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Crease visibility: This is a common issue with foldables, and minimizing its visibility improves the seamless viewing experience.

• Refresh rate: A higher refresh rate translates to smoother scrolling and content transitions.

• Durability: Foldable displays require extra care, so their scratch resistance and overall durability are important factors.

• Bezel size: Thinner bezels offer a more immersive viewing experience by maximizing the screen real estate.

Looking back at the Pixel Fold 1’s large 7.6-inch inner display, it still had its flaws. Users reported a persistent crease and “bubbles” where the display folded, a lack of a fully 180-degree unfold, and sizeable bezels. Additionally, the display's scratch resistance and outdoor visibility were points of concern.

Given these issues, it's natural to wonder how Google will address them in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While there haven't been enough leaks about the display specifics, we can safely say improvements in these areas may be realized.

As for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, rumors claim it may likely retain its 120Hz refresh rate and most of the original Z Fold 5 features.

The Z Fold 6 is almost certain to pack the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor Gen 3, while Google will equip the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with its next-generation Tensor G2 chip (the same as the Pixel 7 series). Although a Tensor G4 chip could have greater performance.

Elsewhere, performance factors will likely remain the same for both foldables, taking the original RAM and native storage of their predecessors – Fold Z 5 and Pixel Fold.

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB | 512GB | 1TB

In this area, benchmark tests reveal that we can “expect nothing less” from the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it may beat Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, some say the performance difference isn’t quite “drastic” or noticeable in real life.

Seeing from the leaked molds and early prototypes, the Z Fold 6 is likely to retain the triple-lens camera setup (main, ultrawide, telephoto) but with potentially new camera features such as the 4k slow-mo video recording.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's camera configuration remains under wraps, but expect Google to have a capable camera system and redesign from a horizontal to a "boxy" approach.

Below are their confirmed rear camera features:

Samsung's One UI interface will likely receive an overhaul on the Z Fold 6, offering improved multitasking, software, and Galaxy AI features (taking in some of the Galaxy S24 AI features). Z Fold 6 will have the latest OS – Android 14.

Google will likely equip the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with the latest version of Android 14 as well, providing a clean and intuitive user experience. Expect unique Google features and integrations that leverage the foldable design for enhanced functionality.

In a major shift for software support, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 are rumored to be the only book-style foldables receiving a whopping seven years of Android and security updates. This extended support signifies a longer lifespan for these premium devices, potentially making them more attractive investments for users.

The Z Fold 6's battery capacity is rather capable of powering its large foldable display. Expect support for 24W fast wired and 45W wireless charging technologies and potentially up to 4,600 mAh. Some strong grounds suggested it would more likely retain its 4,400 mAh, but at least we know what to expect.

While the exact battery size remains unknown, Google might beat Samsung in terms of battery efficiency improvements. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have a larger battery life of 4,821 mAh but slower charging- 21W wired and 7.5W wireless.

To maximize battery power efficiency and protect your investment, here are some pro tips.

1. Utilize power-saving modes: Both phones will likely offer power-saving modes to extend battery life when needed.

2. Close unused apps: Running unnecessary apps in the background can drain battery life. Make a habit of closing apps you're not actively using.

3. Adjust screen brightness: Lowering screen brightness can significantly improve battery life.

4. Invest in a Protective Case: Foldable phones are delicate due to their hinge mechanism. Consider investing in a case specifically designed for your chosen phone, like a Galaxy Z Fold 6 case  or a thin Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold case. These cases will protect your phone from scratches and bumps, and they are also MagSafe compatible, extending your battery life.

Samsung just announced its official Galaxy Unpacked event date on July 10 in Paris, France. Considering the premium nature of smartphone foldables, the Z Fold 6 is likely to cost more than the previous Z Fold 5 model. The price could start around $1,099.99.

Following the Pixel Fold's release strategy, expect a launch date sometime in late June, potentially alongside the Pixel 9 series. If the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's pricing remains the same, expect to spend around $1,800.

Dive into the “ultimate showdown” of these new-gen foldable phones: Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.