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Explore the differences between Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google’s foldable Pixel Fold 2 in terms of innovation, usability, and advanced features.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel Fold 2 represent two distinct approaches to flagship smartphones—one focusing on a traditional, powerful large-screen experience, the other embracing innovation with a foldable design. Both are premium devices targeting different user needs: Apple’s flagship offers advanced photography and performance, while Google’s foldable design focuses on multitasking and innovation. Interestingly, the latter is officially named the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold but is widely known as the Pixel Fold 2.
This article will compare iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel Fold 2 across specifications, design, cameras, performance, software, and pricing.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a large 6.9-inch OLED with ProMotion 120Hz and a powerful A18 Pro chip. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, offers a unique foldable design with an 8-inch internal display and a 6.3-inch external cover display. Here is a detailed look at the core specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel Fold 2:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
Display (Main) |
6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868 x 1320 pixels, 120Hz |
8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED, 2076 x 2152 pixels, 120Hz, LTPO |
Display (Cover) |
N/A |
6.3-inch Actua OLED, 1080 x 2424 pixels, 60-120Hz |
Processor |
A18 Pro chip with 6-core GPU & CPU |
Google Tensor G4, Octa-core |
Rear Cameras |
48 MP (Wide), 48 MP (Ultra Wide), 12 MP (Telephoto, 5x zoom) |
48MP (Wide), 10.5MP (Ultrawide with Macro), 10.8MP (Telephoto, 5x Zoom) |
Front Cameras |
12 MP TrueDepth |
10MP (Cover) + 10MP(Internal) |
Charging |
20W wired, Qi, Qi2, MagSafe, & wireless |
45W wired, Qi wireless charging |
OS |
iOS 18 |
Android 14 with Pixel UI |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
Weight |
227 g |
257 g |
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a premium titanium frame with a flat, matte back and IP68 water and dust resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s foldable design uses aerospace-grade aluminum with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and is thicker and heavier when folded due to its dual displays and hinge mechanism. The design philosophies of the two phones reflecting their respective form factors:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
Dimensions (Folded) |
163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm |
155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm |
Dimensions (Unfolded) |
N/A |
155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm |
Weight |
227 g |
257 grams |
Build Materia |
Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front |
Aluminum alloy frame & cover, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back |
Build Style |
Textured glass back, matte finish |
Glass front and back, Silky matte finish |
Colours Available |
Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Desert Titanium |
Black, Blue, Grey, Yellow |
Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IPX8 (water resistant) |
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max emphasises computational photography with ProRAW and sensor-shift OIS. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a versatile triple camera with macro focus on the ultrawide and dual front cameras for selfies and video calls. Both support advanced night modes and 4K video. They feature advanced camera systems with different photography approaches:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
Main Camera |
48 MP Fusion, ƒ/1.78, sensor-shift OIS |
48 MP Quad PD, ƒ/1.7, OIS + EIS |
Ultra-Wide |
48 MP, ƒ/2.2, 120° FoV, Hybrid Focus |
10.5 MP Dual PD, ƒ/2.2, 127° FoV |
Telephoto |
12 MP, ƒ/2.8, 5x Optical Zoom |
10.8 MP, ƒ/3.1, 5x Optical Zoom |
Front Camera |
12 MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 |
10 MP (cover & internal), ƒ/2.2 |
Video Recording |
Up to 4K @120 fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
Up to 4K @60 fps, HDR10, Video Boost |
Night Mode |
Yes |
Yes, Night Sight with AI enhancements |
Other Features |
ProRAW, Camera Control, Cinematic mode, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion |
20x Super Res Zoom, Macro Focus, Dual Screen preview, Tabletop mode, Top Shot |
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has more RAM, aiding multitasking on its foldable display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a highly efficient A18 Pro chip. Battery capacities are similar, with Google offering faster wired charging with basic Qi wireless charging. Both phones provide all-day battery life with slight differences depending on usage. Here are the performance and battery capacity details:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
Chipset |
Apple A18 Pro |
Google Tensor G4 |
RAM |
8 GB* |
16GB |
Storage Options |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
256GB, 512GB (unreleased in India) |
Battery Capacity |
Approx. 3,200 mAh* |
4,650 mAh |
Fast Charging |
With 20W adapter or higher |
With 45W charger |
Wireless Charging |
Qi, Qi2, MagSafe (Up to 25W) |
Qi-certified wireless charging |
Battery Life |
Up to 33 hours video playback |
Over 24 hours of battery life |
*iPhone 16 Pro Max RAM & Battery Capacity as claimed by 3rd-party platforms.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs iOS 18 with features like Dynamic Island and MagSafe wireless charging. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs Android 14 with Pixel UI optimised for foldable displays, multitasking and Google’s AI features. Security options differ, with Apple using Face ID and Google offering fingerprint and face unlock. Thus, software and features are key differentiators:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
Android 14 with Pixel UI |
Biometric Security |
Face ID via TrueDepth Camera |
In-display Fingerprint & Face Unlock |
Display Features |
Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, Always-On, ProMotion |
1-120/60-120Hz, Actua/Super Actua Flex, Foldable UI optimisations |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
Other Features |
Dynamic Island, Camera Control, Spatial Audio, Apple Intelligence |
Multi-window multitasking, Google Assistant enhancements |
The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts slightly lower in price at 256GB but matches and rises above the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s pricing at higher storage tiers. The Pixel Fold 2 commands a premium for its foldable technology and larger, dual displays. Their current pricing varies by storage as follows:
Model |
Storage Option |
Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
256GB |
₹1,44,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
512GB |
₹1,64,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
1TB |
₹1,84,900 |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
16GB + 256GB |
₹1,72,999 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary based on location, offers, and availability. Please refer to official websites or authorised retailers for the most current pricing.
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The main difference is form factor: the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a traditional large-screen smartphone with a titanium frame, while the Pixel Fold 2 is a foldable device with dual displays and a hinge, offering multitasking advantages and a larger internal screen.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at a slightly lower price for the base 256GB model than the Pixel Fold 2 due to its foldable design and larger displays. The former is more expensive for its higher storage variants.
Both phones offer similar battery life, with the iPhone optimised for efficiency and the Pixel Fold 2 providing a larger battery and more RAM for multitasking. Real-world usage may vary but both last a full day.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch OLED with 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel Fold 2 offers an 8-inch foldable internal display with variable refresh rates and a 6.3-inch external screen, providing more screen real estate and multitasking options.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max includes MagSafe wireless charging, Dynamic Island interface, Face ID facial recognition, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, which are not available on the Pixel Fold 2.
Upgrading depends on preference: if you want a traditional flagship with advanced photography, MagSafe, and iOS features, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is worth it. For foldable multitasking and Android flexibility, the Pixel Fold 2 is a strong competition.
