This year saw Google make a splash with the Pixel 9 lineup, including the return of the XL size and the second-generation foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While Google’s latest foldable represents a significant leap forward from the original Pixel Fold, with a slimmer profile, a flat-folding design, improved ergonomics, a stunning inner display, and a redesigned camera module, its high price tag might give potential buyers pause. If you’re considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold but are exploring other options, we’ve compiled a list of five compelling alternatives.
OnePlus Open: A Lightweight Powerhouse
OnePlus Open Apex Edition Crimson Shadow red versus black.
OnePlus’s first foray into the foldable market is a resounding success. The OnePlus Open stands out with its titanium construction, making it one of the lightest foldables available. Its attractive color options, including green and red alongside the classic black, add to its appeal. Both the cover screen, conveniently sized for one-handed use, and the impressive inner display with an anti-reflective coating for enhanced outdoor visibility, are top-notch. Brightness levels on both screens reach an impressive 2800 nits.
Under the hood, the OnePlus Open boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB of storage. Its camera system comprises a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the 32MP cover camera and the 20MP inner display camera. The 4,805mAh battery supports 67W fast wired charging, capable of a full charge in approximately 42 minutes. While it lacks wireless charging, the rapid wired charging compensates effectively. Despite being a year older than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the OnePlus Open offers compelling specs at a lower price, making it a performance beast and one of the best foldable phones on the market.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: The Refined Foldable
The hinge on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
With six years of experience in the foldable arena, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 showcases the company’s expertise. The refined design, slimmer than its predecessor, features an improved 6.3-inch cover display for easier usability and a stunning 7.6-inch inner display. Both screens support the S Pen, a distinct advantage over competitors.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, 12GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, the Z Fold 6 delivers robust performance. The triple-lens camera system includes a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. While the cameras remain unchanged from the Z Fold 4, Samsung’s reputation for vibrant, punchy photos holds true. The 4,400mAh battery provides all-day battery life, with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging capabilities. The Z Fold 6 is a well-rounded foldable phone that deserves consideration alongside the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Large Screen, Lower Price
Someone holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
If a large display is your primary motivation for considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a compelling alternative. While not a foldable, it boasts a generous 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display with 486 ppi, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 3000 nits of peak brightness, double that of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, at a significantly lower price.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL shares the Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with storage options from 128GB to 1TB. Unlike the limited black and white options of the Fold, the XL offers Rose Quartz pink and Hazel, in addition to Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white). The XL also surpasses the Fold in camera capabilities with a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Its 5,060mAh battery supports 37W wired charging, 23W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand, 12W wireless charging with Qi-compatible chargers, and reverse wireless charging. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a compelling combination of the Pixel experience, a large screen, superior cameras, and a more affordable price.
Motorola Razr Plus (2024): The Stylish Flip
The back of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024.
For those drawn to the flip form factor, the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) is an excellent option. Its redesigned vegan leather back offers a soft, grippy texture, and the new hinge design provides a smoother, quieter opening and closing experience while minimizing the inner display crease.
The Razr Plus features a 4-inch pOLED always-on cover display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 2400 nits peak brightness, capable of running almost any app. The inner display is a 6.9-inch pOLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits peak brightness. The upgraded camera system includes a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, alongside a 32MP inner display selfie camera. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, the Razr Plus offers solid performance. The 4,000mAh battery supports 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. At a considerably lower price than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Razr Plus is a compelling choice.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Powerhouse with S Pen
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a compelling alternative with its large screen, powerful performance, and integrated S Pen. The premium titanium frame, boxy design, flat screen, and new colors give it a stylish look. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display boasts 2500 nits peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Armor glass with reduced reflections.
The S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, 12GB of RAM, and storage options up to 1TB, providing ample power for demanding tasks, including Samsung’s Galaxy AI tools. The integrated S Pen offers versatile functionality beyond note-taking and sketching, serving as a pointer for presentations and a remote camera shutter. The S24 Ultra’s camera system is a standout, featuring a 200MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The massive 5,000mAh battery supports 45W wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. While not inexpensive, the S24 Ultra is one of the most capable smartphones available.
