Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00
Google Pixel Fold
Starting at
£440.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel Fold?
Google Pixel 3 vs Fold comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 starts at £121, £319 less than the Google Pixel Fold. The Google Pixel Fold is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on the Google Pixel Fold.
- The Google Pixel Fold has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel Fold has a bigger battery: 4821 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold specs
The Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel Fold differ significantly in size, performance, and features. The Pixel 3 is a smaller, lighter phone with a 5.5 inch screen, suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a compact device. The Pixel Fold offers a much larger 7.6 inch foldable screen, ideal for multitasking and media consumption. The Pixel 3 has a smaller battery. Buyers who want a straightforward phone for basic tasks will find the Pixel 3 fitting, while those looking for a versatile, larger device for multitasking and higher performance will prefer the Pixel Fold.
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and the physical form of the phones. These factors affect how long each phone can last through the day and how long it will receive support.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3 has a 2915 mAh battery which suits everyday use with moderate power needs. The Google Pixel Fold has a larger 4821 mAh battery, designed to support its bigger, foldable screen and more powerful components, making it better for longer usage between charges.
Foldable Design
The Pixel Fold offers a foldable design that allows you to have a larger screen when open and a more compact phone when closed. The Pixel 3 has a traditional, non-foldable design, which is simpler and lighter.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold performance
Performance is based on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores data.
Processing Power
The Pixel 3 uses the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4 GB RAM, which handles everyday apps and tasks well. The Pixel Fold features the Google Tensor G2 chipset with 12 GB RAM, supporting more demanding apps and smoother multitasking.
Storage Capacity
The Pixel 3 is stocked with 64 GB of storage, suitable for general app use and media. The Pixel Fold has 256 GB, offering more space for apps, photos, videos, and files, which is useful if you keep a lot of data on your device.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold screen
Screen quality matters for viewing experience and usability. Size, resolution, and screen type affect how content looks and how comfortable the device is to use.
Screen Size
The Pixel 3 has a 5.5 inch screen, which is compact and easy to hold, suitable for users who prefer a smaller phone. The Pixel Fold has a 7.6 inch foldable screen, offering a much larger display for watching videos, reading, and multitasking when unfolded.
Resolution
The Pixel 3's screen resolution is 1080 by 2160, delivering clear and sharp images for its size. The Pixel Fold has a resolution of 1840 by 2208, providing more pixels to fill the bigger screen and keep images detailed.
Screen Type
The Pixel 3 uses a P-OLED screen, which is bright and vibrant for everyday use. The Pixel Fold features a foldable OLED screen, allowing it to bend without damage and giving flexibility in screen size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold camera
Audiovisual specs focus on the cameras. They determine the quality of photos and video calls you can take with each device.
Main Camera
The Pixel 3 has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, suitable for good quality photos in everyday situations. The Pixel Fold offers a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and is better for users who want higher resolution photos.
Front Camera
Both phones have an 8 megapixel front camera, which is ideal for video calls and selfies.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold size and design
Other differences include size and weight, network support, and connectivity. These affect how the phone fits in your hand, the speed of your mobile internet, and compatibility with carriers.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 3 is smaller, measuring 145.6 mm in height, 68.2 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 148 g. It fits easily in a pocket and is light to carry. The Pixel Fold is wider and thicker at 79.5 mm by 12.1 mm and shorter at 139.7 mm, weighing 283 g, which makes it more substantial in hand and pocket.
Mobile Networks
The Pixel 3 supports 4G networks, suitable for everyday mobile internet use. The Pixel Fold supports 5G, offering faster data speeds where 5G coverage is available.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility for mobile plans.
Connector Type
The Pixel 3 uses a USB-C connector, while the Pixel Fold uses a USB Type-C connector, both providing modern charging and data transfer options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3 or Google Pixel Fold: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121, £319 less than the Google Pixel Fold
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 283 g)
Buy the Google Pixel Fold if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4821 mAh vs 2915 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 5.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Google Pixel 3 looks like new and is small, light, and capable, making it a good choice for those who prefer a compact device. Many mention the phone works perfectly and appreciate good value for the price. Some note battery life can be short, and the screen may show a slight pinky orange tint. Overall, users find it reliable for everyday use, though a few report issues with network compatibility and battery aging.
Reviews of the Google Pixel Fold highlight its excellent condition and impressive design, especially the foldable screen which supports multitasking and media viewing. Customers enjoy the large screen size, high technical performance, and 5G support. Some users find the battery life shorter when used heavily, such as for video calls. The phone's weight and size are mentioned, with some users adjusting to the heftier feel. The device suits those who want a versatile, high-performance phone with a large display.
The Pixel 3 suits buyers who want a smaller, simpler phone for everyday tasks and value compactness. The Pixel Fold appeals to those who need more screen space, faster performance, and 5G connectivity for multitasking and media consumption.
Google Pixel 3 vs Google Pixel Fold FAQs
Google Pixel 3 vs Fold comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on the Google Pixel Fold. The Google Pixel Fold has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 3 is cheaper refurbished, from £121 compared with £440 for the Google Pixel Fold.
The Google Pixel Fold has a bigger battery: 4821 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
The Google Pixel Fold has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12. The Google Pixel Fold gets updates until Jun 2028.
The Google Pixel Fold adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4821 mAh vs 2915 mAh) and a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £319 more (from £440 vs £121).
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 comes in 64GB, and the Google Pixel Fold in 256GB.
