Google Pixel Fold Vs iPhone 13 Pro

Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel Fold
Starting at

Refurbished price:£373.00

Versus £1,499.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£232.00

Versus £949.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel Fold, released in 2023, represents Google's entry into the foldable smartphone market, offering a unique form factor that transforms from a traditional smartphone to a small tablet. In contrast, the iPhone 13 Pro, launched in 2021, is a conventional high-end smartphone from Apple, known for its refined design and powerful performance. These devices operate on distinct ecosystems, with the Pixel Fold running Android and the iPhone 13 Pro utilizing iOS, leading to fundamental differences in user experience and software integration. The primary differentiators lie in their physical design and the versatility offered by the Pixel Fold's dual-screen setup versus the iPhone's traditional, robust build.

Scores

Durability

The Google Pixel Fold, launched in mid-2023, is expected to receive operating system updates until at least June 2026 and security updates until June 2028, providing a solid five years of support. The iPhone 13 Pro, released in September 2021, typically receives iOS updates for five to six years, with security updates often extending beyond that, potentially until 2027 or 2028.

  • Software Longevity: The Pixel Fold offers a guaranteed five years of software and security updates. The iPhone 13 Pro, while older, is expected to receive security patches for a comparable period.
  • Repairability: The Pixel Fold received a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, with some self-repairs manageable but certain components posing challenges. The iPhone 13 Pro scored 5 out of 10, prioritizing display and battery replacements, but third-party repairs can be complicated by software limitations.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are designed for extended use. The Pixel Fold's foldable screen presents a different set of durability considerations compared to the iPhone's traditional display.

Year of Release

2023

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

Yes

No

Performance

Both the Google Pixel Fold and iPhone 13 Pro offer robust performance, though their strengths are optimized for different user experiences. The Pixel Fold's processor excels in AI-driven tasks and multitasking across its dual displays, while the iPhone 13 Pro's chip delivers raw power for demanding applications and gaming.

  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Pixel Fold's larger internal display and Android's multitasking features allow for efficient split-screen usage. The iPhone 13 Pro provides consistently fluid performance across all applications within its iOS environment.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel Fold's 4821mAh battery generally offers a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage may require a midday charge. The iPhone 13 Pro, with its 3095mAh battery, is noted for impressive longevity, often lasting a full day even with demanding use, partly due to its adaptive refresh rate display.
  • Storage and RAM: The Pixel Fold comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. The iPhone 13 Pro offers 6GB of RAM and storage from 128GB up to 1TB.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a major differentiator, with the Pixel Fold offering a versatile foldable design and the iPhone 13 Pro providing a premium traditional screen. The Pixel Fold features a 7.6-inch foldable OLED main display and a 5.8-inch OLED cover display, both with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a large canvas when unfolded. The iPhone 13 Pro boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz.

  • Display Technology, Clarity, and Refresh Rate: Both devices use OLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks, and both offer 120Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals. The Pixel Fold's main display is 2208x1840 pixels, and its cover screen is 2092x1080 pixels. The iPhone 13 Pro's display is 2532x1170 pixels, with adaptive ProMotion for battery optimization.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Pixel Fold's larger, foldable screen provides an immersive tablet-like experience for media and productivity. The iPhone 13 Pro offers a compact 6.1-inch display, ideal for one-handed use and high-quality content viewing.

Resolution

1840 x 2208

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Foldable OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Google Pixel Fold and iPhone 13 Pro are recognized for their strong camera capabilities, though they approach photography with different strengths and features. The Pixel Fold features a triple rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 10.8MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The iPhone 13 Pro also has a triple 12MP rear camera system, comprising a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

  • Photography Performance: The Pixel Fold leverages Google's computational photography for excellent image processing, particularly in low-light and with its 5x optical zoom. The iPhone 13 Pro is praised for consistent image quality across all lenses, strong low-light performance, and dedicated macro photography.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone 13 Pro offers advanced video features like Cinematic mode and ProRes recording. The Pixel Fold provides solid video recording, benefiting from its versatile form factor. Both devices offer clear microphone quality and good speaker output.
  • Front Cameras: The Pixel Fold includes a 9.5MP cover screen camera and an 8MP inner screen camera. The iPhone 13 Pro has a 12MP front camera.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements distinguish the Google Pixel Fold and iPhone 13 Pro, impacting daily usability and durability. The Pixel Fold, as a foldable, has a distinct physical presence compared to the traditional slab design of the iPhone 13 Pro.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Pixel Fold supports Wi-Fi 802.11 ax, Bluetooth v5.20, and uses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 13 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, and utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Both devices offer 5G connectivity.
  • Physical Design and Durability: The Pixel Fold weighs 283g and measures 12.1mm thick when folded, offering an IPX8 water resistance rating but no official dust resistance. The iPhone 13 Pro weighs 204g and is 7.65mm thick, featuring a Ceramic Shield front cover, stainless steel frame, and an IP68 rating for both water and dust resistance.
  • Biometric Security: The Pixel Fold incorporates a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 13 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.

Weight

283 g

203 g

Screen size (in)

7.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Google Pixel Fold often highlights its innovative foldable design, providing a large, immersive screen for media and multitasking, and its capable camera system, particularly the 5x optical zoom. Common criticisms include its battery life for heavy users and the noticeable crease on the inner display. For the iPhone 13 Pro, users frequently praise its exceptional camera performance, the smooth 120Hz ProMotion display, and its impressive battery longevity. Some users express a desire for a USB-C port and note its relatively heavy build.

Users prioritizing a versatile device that can switch between a traditional smartphone and a larger tablet-like experience, especially for productivity and media consumption, may find the Google Pixel Fold well-suited to their needs. Its unique form factor and Android's adaptable interface cater to those seeking a novel mobile experience. Conversely, users who value a consistently powerful and refined traditional smartphone experience, with a focus on photography, video capabilities, and long-lasting battery life in a compact form, will likely lean towards the iPhone 13 Pro. Its robust ecosystem and established performance make it a reliable choice. Both devices offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on individual priorities regarding form factor, operating system preference, and specific feature sets. For those considering a more sustainable choice, exploring quality-assured refurbished options for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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