Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Between the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) comes out ahead in weight, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold wins on ram and main camera. Overall, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) scores 40.7 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold scores 67.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 26.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.
Pick the Pixel 9 Pro Fold if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are ram, main camera, battery capacity, among others.
Both ship with comparable 5g support, optical image stabilization, wireless charging, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) wins
- ▲Weight — 113.00 g less. 144 vs 257.
Why Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold wins
- ▲RAM — 300.00% more. 16 GB vs 4 GB.
- ▲Main camera — 300.00% more. 48 MP vs 12 MP.
- ▲Battery capacity — 130.43% more. 4650 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
- ▲Refresh rate — 100.00% more. 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Screen size — 70.21% more. 8.0 " vs 4.7 ".
- ▲AnTuTu — 58.97% more. 1240000 vs 780000.
- ▲Front camera — 42.86% more. 10 MP vs 7 MP.
- ▲Pixel density — 14.42% more. 373 ppi vs 326 ppi.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 144 glead | 257 g |
| Thickness | 7.3 mmlead | 10.5 mm |
| Water resistanceⓘ | IP67 | IPX8lead |
| Form factor | bar | foldable_booklead |
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 4.7 " | 8.0 "lead |
| Pixel densityⓘ | 326 ppi | 373 ppilead |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 60 Hz | 120 Hzlead |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 625 nits | 2700 nitslead |
Performance
Cameras
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Main cameraⓘ | 12 MP | 48 MPlead |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 10 MPlead |
| Optical image stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 2018 mAh | 4650 mAhlead |
| Wired chargingⓘ | 20 W | 21 Wlead |
| Wireless chargingⓘ | 7.5 W | 7.5 W |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| 5G supportⓘ | true | true |
| Headphone jack | false | false |
| microSD slot | false | false |
Operating System
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOSlead | Android |
| Promised OS updates | 5 years | 7 yearslead |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9 Pro Fold?+
Pixel 9 Pro Fold has 130.4% more battery — 2018 mAh vs 4650 mAh.
Which is lighter, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9 Pro Fold?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 113g lighter — 144g vs 257g.
Is iPhone SE (3rd gen) waterproof?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) has an IP67 rating.
Does Pixel 9 Pro Fold support 5G?+
Yes, Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports 5G.
Which has more RAM, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9 Pro Fold?+
Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers 16GB of RAM.
Which has a better camera, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9 Pro Fold?+
Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 48 MP main camera vs 12 MP.
Spec-level deep dives
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