During its Press Event in Berlin, Nothing unveiled its highly anticipated new smartphone, Phone (2a) Plus, and a close-up visual of an upcoming product the company will be launching soon via social channels.

The new mid-range smartphone is an upgrade of the successful Phone (2a) in terms of performance, camera, and design, offering an all-around improved smartphone experience. Powered by a world-exclusive processor, the MediaTek 7350 Pro 5G, for an even smoother and faster user experience. Additionally, a new 50 MP front camera sensor has been implemented for superstar selfies, and new metallic colorways have been developed to reflect superior specifications. GCC customers can get their hands on the new device from September, 12.

“Following the success of Phone (2a), which was a breath of fresh air in its market segment and became our best-selling smartphone, we’re thrilled to introduce Phone (2a) Plus. This upgraded variant features a world-exclusive processor, an improved front camera, and a new metallic design. With Phone (3) launching in 2025, Phone (2a) Plus is for those who are excited about Phone (2a) but are seeking even higher performance,” said Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing.

Design

Phone (2a) Plus introduces two new colors for Nothing smartphones: metallic Grey and an updated Black. Reminiscent of machinery, the metallic finish offers a new premium expression of Nothing’s design language, while highlighting the cutting-edge upgrades of Phone (2a) Plus.

An inherited design story from Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus has been crafted at the intersection of engineering and artistry. By integrating components into the phone’s exterior, we created an anthropomorphic appearance whereby the cameras inside the NFC coil represent two eyes sitting in front of a brain-like hub of intelligence and communication. The circular grid system design centralises the camera, ensuring a coherent and endearing appearance that makes Phone (2a) Plus another instant icon.

Performance

The MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor, a world exclusive to Nothing, powers the Phone (2a) Plus. This chipset, designed with an emphasis on entertainment, makes the device ideal for gamers. It uses advanced TSMC 4 nm Gen 2 technology, with 8 cores running up to 3.0 GHz – nearly 10% faster CPU than Phone (2a), and is supported by an ARM Mali-G610 MC4 GPU clocking at 1.3 GHz, 30% faster when gaming than Phone (2a). The high performance is maintained by Nothing’s Smart Clean Technology, which clears unused system files, NTFS optimizations for fast file transfers, and RAM Booster providing up to 20 GB of effective RAM.

Camera

Take photography to the next level with a Nothing debut: the triple 50 MP camera system. Phone (2a) Plus’ selfie camera now captures sublime 4K video at 30 FPS, a hardware upgrade from Phone (2a)’s 32 MP sensor.

Boasting a large light-absorbing 50 MP main sensor with a f/1.88 lens, an ultra-wide 50 MP sensor with a 114º field of view, and now, a 50 MP front camera for superstar selfies and better quality video calling. All three sensors support direct 50 MP photo output, HDR photo capture, and 4K video recording. The main camera comes alive in low-light conditions with night shots appearing just as detailed and vibrant as in the day. Record stunning 4K video with the main camera, supported by Optical Image Stabilisation as well as Electric Image Stabilisation and Action Mode for smooth footage when people can’t stand still.

To ensure Phone (2a) Plus is the full picture, Nothing combines elite hardware with state-of-the-art software. Our TrueLens Engine with AI Vivid Mode consists of advanced algorithms to produce life-like photos, bursting with colour and detail. The Ultra XDR feature, co-developed with Google, enhances lighting in challenging conditions by adjusting pixel brightness up to 5 times, ensuring true-to-life images every time you press the button.

Nothing OS / AI

With Nothing OS 2.6, Nothing has expanded its library with even more functional widgets for mindful interactions on your home and lock screens. Complete with swipeable views and animations for more levels of information.

Following on from its ChatGPT integrations earlier in the year, Nothing has developed the News Reporter Widget. A daily digest that leverages AI technology to aggregate daily news in a simple and intuitive format and read aloud by Nothing CFO Tim Holbrow. It is available on all Nothing smartphones through the Nothing Widgets app on the Google Play Store.

The widget provides curated news from eight selectable genres, including: business, entertainment, general, health, science, sports and technology. The AI system then summarises news articles from English language news sources based on category and converts them to audio. Each story summary lasts 1 minute with a total of 8 stories per day. Every morning (local time relative), the widget will automatically refresh with a new bank of stories.

Unlike the majority of the devices in this category, Phone (2a) Plus comes with Android 14 out of the box, and an impressive three years of software updates and four years of security updates.

Battery and Charging

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus comes with rapid50W Fast Charging, which means it can be charged to one day’s power in under 20 minutes, nearly 10% faster than Phone (2a).

Phone (2a) Plus remains fitted with Nothing’s biggest smartphone battery to date, a powerful 5,000 mAH unit. It can deliver up to two days of use on a full charge and retains over 90% of its full capacity, even after 1,000 charging cycles.

Display

Phone (2a) Plus has a flexible FHD+ 6.7” AMOLED display that can deliver stunningly accurate colour reproduction of 1.07 billion colours. Boasting a peak brightness of 1300 nits, it ensures superb visibility, even when the sun is shining at its brightest.

Phone (2a) Plus retains the thinnest bezels in Nothing’s smartphone line-up, measuring just 2.1 mm symmetrically on all four sides of the screen. This achievement results in an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 91.65%, made possible through the combination of a flexible panel with structural engineering. The display also boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate.

Glyph Interface

On the back of the phone, Phone (2a) Plus retains the iconic Glyph Interface. A new way to interact with a smartphone that encourages people to put their screens down and refer to light and sound patterns for key information. The focused Glyph Interface holds on to all the capabilities of Phone (2a), including the Glyph Timer and Glyph Progress that utilises third party integrations, whilst illuminating the distinct new metallic aesthetic of Phone (2a) Plus.

Sustainability

Phone (2a) Plus continues Nothing’s commitment to sustainability, with a carbon footprint of 53.34 kg CO²e. Contributing to its sustainable credentials are the use of recycled materials.

Phone (2a) Plus contains:

• ● 100% recycled aluminum used in the mid-frame
• ● 100% recycled tin on 5 circuit boards
• ● 100% recycled copper foil on the main circuit board
• ● Recycled steel on 24 steel stamping parts
• ● Over 50% of the plastic parts are sustainably sourced
• ● Plastic waste from the Ear (2) production line is repurposed into Phone (2a) Plus

Foldables belong to a niche category of the flagship smartphone segment. These cutting-edge, dual-screened gadgets are reserved for the ones willing to spend considerably more than what a regular (still expensive) flagship like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra costs. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold are two of the latest and greatest entrants into this elite arena. They are the most advanced embodiments of the foldable smartphone tech, flaunting thinner bodies, larger screens, and sturdier, more efficient hinges. So then, which of these state-of-the-art, futuristic pieces of consumer tech is the best? Moreover, which one would suit your needs the best? Find out in this in-depth Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold comparison. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 — The Trailblazer Of Foldable Smartphones 

Ever since its inception, the Samsung Fold series has played a pivotal role in popularizing foldable smartphones. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is the latest heir of this innovative bloodline. The Fold6 sports a squared-off design compared to the more rounded-off aesthetics of its immediate predecessor. Upgrades underneath its skin are incremental and there isn’t much to be super-excited about, except for the new AI features. However, Samsung has strengthened the dual rail hinge of the Fold6 with a more rigid folding edge, which they claim is better at distributing the shock of external impacts. While we see that smartphone hardware is generally evolving at a slower pace, it is actually satisfying to know that Samsung putting in significant effort to make their foldables more durable. While the Fold6 shares all other technological aspects with regular smartphones, including performance and cameras, enhancing and upgrading the foldable components, seems like the right move. On top of that, the more squarish design doesn’t just deliver sleeker aesthetics but also provides a better in-hand feel, thus enhancing the user experience. 

Keeping the tech aspects apart, from a user perspective, the Fold6 is the most polished iteration of the Fold series, not simply because it’s the latest but because of the re-proportioning of the design. The cover screen is now slightly wider, and less like a TV remote, and the weight has come down by around 14 grams compared to the Fold5. Another groundbreaking upgrade is on the ingress protection front. While the previous Fold models were limited to only water resistance, the Fold6 offers IP48 dust and water resistance. In simple words, the 4 in the rating ensures that no particles larger than 1 mm can enter the device. As it happens every year, the chipset has been upgraded to the latest in the market. Powering the Fold6 is the best of Android chipsets, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Other than these significant upgrades, the Fold6 mostly matches its predecessor’s hardware components including camera hardware, battery size, and charging speeds. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Vanilla Foldable Experience

Software experience is the paramount strong point of any Pixel phone. However, that isn’t only how the first Pixel Fold amazed us. Google’s first foldable was a well-proportionate device in terms of screen real estate. However, these user advantages were overshadowed by some of the disadvantages of the design itself. The Pixel Fold was too bulky to deliver the goodness of the proportionate screen during prolonged usage. On top of that, the original Pixel Fold didn’t open or fold flat, which further took away from the user experience, when compared to the more refined competitor of the time — the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. However, for a first-generation foldable, it can undeniably be said that the Pixel Fold was a superlative product. 

Recently, Google introduced the successor to the original Fold, along with the Pixel 9 series. Now called the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a name that aligns better with the current flagship lineup, the new folding smartphone is seemingly leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor. For starters, the new phone is taller and slimmer, while the fluid-friction hinge has been upgraded for increased durability and delivering a satisfying snap when the phone is opened. Both the displays are now larger, delivering a more immersive user experience. The cover screen has grown from a 5.8-inch unit with a peak brightness of 1,550 nits in the previous FOld to a 6.3-inch unit with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. The larger inner screen of the Pixel Fold measured 7.6 inches diagonally (1,450 nits peak brightness) which is now upgraded to a massive 8-inch unit (2,700 nits peak) in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has also gained a superior ultra-wide lens which now features a larger sensor, offering 127 degrees of truly “ultra-wide” coverage. Furthermore, both the front cameras (cover screen and inner screen) have been upgraded to the same 10 mp shooter. On the battery front, it is surprisingly a downgrade from the 4,821 mAh unit of the original Pixel Fold to a 4,650 mAh cell in the 9 Pro Fold. However, as Google is a smartphone company focused primarily on software experience and optimization, we’ll have to test the phone out extensively to determine whether the downsizing has inversely affected the battery life or ended up boosting it. These are the groundbreaking upgrades Google has bestowed upon the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, resulting in an all-encompassing redesign of their foldable. For a second-generation foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro is now up to the mark and capable of competing with the mighty Samsung. However, there is one major drawback, which we will address in the comparison. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: So Then, Which Foldable Triumphs Over The Other?

It’s time for the battle now and firstly, let’s discuss similarities and keep them apart. Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold run Android 14 out of the box and are promised seven major updates. Both feature crisp and bright OLED displays inside out, although of different sizes and specs. Also, both the phones are equipped with three rear cameras each and a total of two front cameras, one on the cover screen and one inside. Now for the differences, I’ll lay them out sector by sector. 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Is The More Powerful One

Processing power is one of the central factors when it comes to the performance of any smart device or computer, including smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is powered by the latest and greatest processor from Qualcomm — the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold on the other hand is invigorated by Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chipset. While both of these powerhouses are built on the 4 nm architecture, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is far superior to the Tensor G4 in terms of sheer processing power and gaming performance. 

According to tests conducted by NanoReview, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performs 76% better in floating-point computation and shows up to 55% higher AnTuTu 10 benchmark scores. The 8 Gen 3 also supports 20% higher memory bandwidth (77 against 64 GB/s) and runs on a 6% higher CPU clock speed (3300 Vs 3100 MHz). On paper, the only pro in favor of the Google Tensor G4 over the Snapdragon is its higher GPU frequency (~22%). However, when tested out by NanoReview, the GeekBench compute score of the Adreno 750 GPU in the 8 Gen 3 completely obliterates the Mali-G715 of the Tensor G4. The Adreno 750 scored 14,269, which is around 148% higher than the 5,758 score of the Mali-G715. 

This means that regardless of whether it is single-core, multicore, or GPU performance, the 8 Gen 3 is miles ahead of the Tensor G4. We hope the Tensor series to evolve into a more capable and potent chipset as its next iteration, the Tensor G5, is reportedly being built on TSMC’s 3 nm process. But as of now, it is no match to the mighty, Snap-py, Dragon. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold Takes The Cake For The Software Experience

Google offers arguably the best Android user experience because the OS itself is made by Google in the first place. Hence, the vanilla Android experience provided by Google phones remains unmatched and unaffected by competitors. It is just so pleasantly designed, with the right amount of simplicity and vibrancy. There is absolutely zero bloatware, and it is exceptional to use in both screens of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And then there are the clever features Google has reserved for their own phones. These features such as Live Caption, Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots Circle To Search, and Now Playing, all contribute to delivering a superior user experience. 

Although the latest Galaxy devices including the Fold6 come integrated with AI features, Google is simply better in terms of overall software experience. On top of all that, the latest range of Pixel phones, also offer a bunch of cool new Camera software trickery. The most prominent one is the “Add Me” feature which allows the photographer to be in the photo by combining two consecutive images together. The results of this AI feature are too good to be true, and it is just one example of the Pixel’s impressive software prowess. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Other Significant Hardware Differences

Apart from the processor, there are some other major hardware changes differentiating these foldables from each other. They are as follows – 

Size, Convenience, And Protection: The Lighter One vs The Thinner One

The Samsung Galaxy Flip6 weighs in at 239 g whereas the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is heavier at 257 g. To put that into perspective, the iPhone 15 Pro Max weighs 221 grams, and the S24 Ultra 232 grams. So in comparison, the Flip6 is only marginally heavier, while the Pixel is considerably more hefty, which might affect day-to-day usability. On top of that, the Flip6 offers IP48 dust and water resistance, while the Pixel is limited to IPX4 water resistance. However, the Pixel is thinner and wider, both when folded and unfolded. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a thickness of only 10.5 mm when folded, against the 12.1 mm thickness of the Fold6. 

Screens: The Pixel Offers More

The cover screens of both these phones measure 6.3 inches, with negligible differences in resolution and pixel density. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a wider aspect ratio and looks more regular against the longer structure of the Flip6. Similarly, the inner screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is larger, measuring 8 inches diagonally, against the 7.6 inches provided in the Flip6. Both the inner and outer screens of the Pixel also boast a 100 nits higher peak brightness rating of 2700 nits. 

Storage: Faster, Larger Storage Options vs Extra RAM

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 offers up to 1 TB of fast UFS 4.0 storage, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is capped at 512 GB, that too, slower UFS 3.1. Conversely, the 9 Pro Fold offers up to 16 gigs of RAM, whereas the Flip6 is limited to 12.  

Camera: 8K Video Recording vs Better Front Cameras 

On the optics front, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as mentioned earlier, offers a wider ultra-wide lens — 127-degree coverage against 123 in the Fold6. The Fold6 retaliates by offering 8K video recording when the Pixel is limited to 4K. When it comes to front cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold dominates by offering the same 10 MP camera with autofocus on both its screens. The Samsung, while incorporating a 10 MP camera onto the inner screen, is limited to a 4MP sensor in the cover screen, both of them without autofocus functionality.  

Battery: Larger Battery vs Faster Charging 

Keeping the Galaxy Fold6 alive is a 4,400 mAh battery pack that supports wired fast charging of up to 25 watts and wireless up to 15 watts. It further offers reverse wireless charging functionality, rated up to 4.5 watts. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a larger 4,650 mAh battery pack. However, its wired fast charging wattage hasn’t been revealed by  Google yet, but we know that the wireless charging speed is rated at a mere 7.5 watts. Google just mentions “hours of power in minutes of charge with Google 45W USB-C Charger”, although multiple sources mention that the wired charging speed is capped at 21 watts.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Crowning the Foldable Champion

We have analyzed the specs and features of these two foldables in-depth and we conclude that we would prefer both of these devices; just for different usage styles. It might seem like the usual diplomatic answer, but hear me out. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is a more performance-oriented device, offering phenomenal processing power compared to the Pixel. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, dominates on the software front with its clever tricks that are not just gimmicks but legitimately usable in daily life. Hence, you will have to make a choice based on your needs, preferences, and aesthetic taste. To help make your decision easier, here’s a simplified list of differentiating factors that set these two impressive foldable phones apart. 

Samsung Electronics celebrated the official start of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 by welcoming visitors and fans to the new Olympic rendezvous @Samsung | Square Marigny pop-up experience, located in the heart of the City of Light and home of the Olympic Games.  

The space transported guests through a range of immersive experiences – from a visual journey through Samsung’s Olympic heritage to hands-on demonstrations of the latest Samsung Galaxy innovations – and opened up new ways to celebrate the Olympic spirit in a way that only Samsung could, with Galaxy AI.

“We are proud to collaborate with Paris 2024 to deliver on its promise to be a ‘Games Wide Open.’ This motto holds an even deeper meaning as we are now able to come back together and connect in person at the Olympic Games after past challenging Games. Through this new Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung | Square Marigny pop-up experience, Samsung is honored to have opened up new perspectives and possibilities for athletes and fans in Paris and around the world – for what will be a truly unifying and powerful celebration of sport and the human spirit,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

Samsung has once again collaborated with award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, who also designed the façade of the Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 space, on the new Square Marigny site, which spans from the famed Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde. Located near some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks and the open arena where the highly anticipated breaking and skateboarding competitions are held, the space boasts a striking glass façade that uses colors and angles to pique visitors’ curiosity and give them a glimpse of the open, light-filled space in which they can enjoy Samsung’s most immersive pop-up experience yet. The multi-media façade also displays images of athletes from across the globe to celebrate the unifying power of sport with Samsung Galaxy.

Embark on a Visual Journey Through Samsung’s Olympic Heritage

Upon entry, visitors can learn more about how Samsung has been supporting the Olympic Games for almost four decades, following the brand’s journey to becoming a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, and the role that its technology has played in evolving and enhancing the Games.  They will also be able to get up close to every Olympic Edition phone to date, including the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition for Paris 2024, and look back at some Olympic Torches dating back to Athens 2004.

Focusing on the present, the new Square Marigny site will house the Openness Monument – a spherical screen, resembling planet Earth – that sits at the center of the space. With the help of the official Paris 2024 mascots, the Phryges, it displays hero footage of skateboarding, breaking and surfing – three of the Games’ newest sports – in addition to Samsung’s central message for Paris 2024, “Open always wins,” and is viewable from every angle.

Visitors will also have the chance to delve into Samsung’s latest technology, and explore new ways to create and communicate, with Galaxy AI. They will get a chance to try out Samsung’s latest mobile innovations including the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 and experience fan favorite features that can help with everything from devising seamless Paris travel plans to taking the perfect shot.

Opening Up the Olympic Spirit

Visitors can also join in the celebrated Olympic tradition of pin trading through Samsung’s exclusive Olympic Pin promotion. Visitors who take part in the Galaxy AI experience, or purchase any of Galaxy family products will receive a Samsung Paris 2024 Olympic Pin.

A bespoke foldable wall, created from 171 reused Galaxy Z Fold5 devices, will also display a series of breaking, skateboarding and surfing videos. Using kinetic production techniques, the screen will pulsate, creating a captivating and dynamic experience for everyone to enjoy.

The Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung | Square Marigny will host a series of special events over the course of the summer and will be open to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. It will be open 10am-10pm until August 11 for the Olympic Games and August 29 – September 8 for the Paralympic Games.

Taking the Olympic and Paralympic Experience to the Next Level with Galaxy

The opening of this new pop-up experience is one of the many ways Samsung will bring athletes and fans together, and help move the Olympic Games, and the world, forward. During the Games, Samsung will also:

• • Open up the Olympic broadcast using Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones’ 5G connectivity to stream Paris 2024’s historic Opening Ceremony on the Seine River and sailing competitions at Marseille, bringing fans and viewers closer to the action than ever before.
• • Elevate the athletes’ Games-Time experience and create new ways to connect with the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition, the first fully customized Olympic Edition smartphone to be powered by Galaxy AI, distributed to the nearly 17,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing at Paris 2024.
• • Bring a new view to the medal ceremony, by enabling athletes to take and share a Victory Selfie directly from the podium at Paris 2024, using the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition to create another Olympic Games first.

Additionally, Samsung opened its Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung | Village Plaza on July 18 to support athletes competing in Paris 2024 and help them make the most of such an incredible time in their lives with Galaxy AI. Samsung will also facilitate 11 universal Charging Stations at key Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, to give visitors peace of mind and allow them to share lifelong memories with friends and family.