Are you considering purchasing one of the exciting new generation of foldable phones? As this category continues maturing, two models stand out that every buyer should have on their list – the Google Pixel Fold and Oppo Find N.
I‘ve researched both phones extensively, including hands-on testing. In this comprehensive comparison guide, I‘ll analyze how they stack up across all the key metrics you should care about before deciding which is truly the best foldable phone of 2023.
First, let‘s set the stage by looking back at the development histories of the Pixel Fold and Find N…
Foldable Timelines: Pixel Fold vs. Find N Origins
Google and Oppo took distinct approaches when engineering their maiden foldable smartphones. Examining their timelines reveals much about the priorities each manufacturer set.
Pixel Fold: Google‘s Long-Rumored Foldable Finally Emerges
Talk of a foldable Pixel first leaked as early as 2019. At the time, many failed Samsung Fold units strained consumer confidence in the form factor. Google wisely bided its time.
In 2021, developers discovered early Android 12 builds with foldable and dual-screen optimizations. Code names like "Jumbojack", "Passport", and "Pipit" hinted at THREE distinct foldable Pixel prototypes under testing.
Google seemed poised for a late 2021 Pixel Fold launch. But as 2022 arrived minus any announcements, supply chain shortfalls likely derailed their schedule.
Finally, at May 2023’s Google I/O conference, the Pixel Fold became reality with a later June release date.
Google‘s patience in perfecting durability and optimizing Android for folds paid off. Over 3+ years of iteration now culminates in the Pixel Fold.
Oppo Find N: Pioneering Foldables for the Chinese Market
Oppo took a vastly different approach from Google by accelerating its Find N foldable into production on a rapid timeline.
Rumblings of Oppo‘s foldable ambitions began mid-2021 with their INNO Day conference promising bleeding-edge technology like rollable displays.
Mere months later in December, Oppo surprised the industry by formally unveiling the Find N. This marked one of China‘s first consumer foldable phones as domestic brands raced to compete against Samsung.
Rather than aiming globally from the start, Oppo smartly targeted tech enthusiasts within China. This allowed refining foldables quickly via localized feedback.
Now 18 months after launch, Oppo just announced the Find N2 successor. But the OG model remains exclusive to Chinese consumers. Did Google‘s patience give it an edge? Let‘s dive deeper…
Design & Displays: How Pixel Fold and Find N Differ
Google and Oppo pursued divergent design directions resulting in two vastly unique-looking devices. They similarly leveraged Samsung display technology but with different implementations.
| Specification | Google Pixel Fold | Oppo Find N |
|---|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 5.7 x 2.9 x 0.67 inches | 5.33 x 2.84 x 0.68 inches |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 6.2 x 5.5 x 0.22 inches | 5.49 x 6.66 x 0.29 inches |
| Weight | 263 g | 275 g |
| Outer Display | 5.8" AMOLED 1080 x 2100 pixels |
5.49" AMOLED 1972 x 988 pixels |
| Inner Display | 7.6" LTPO AMOLED 1848 x 2208 pixels |
7.1" LTPO AMOLED 1792 x 1920 pixels |
| Cover Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Schott Ultra Thin Glass |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz/120Hz Adaptive (Outer) 120Hz Adaptive (Inner) |
120Hz Adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 1000 nits (Inner/Outer) | 1000 nits (Inner/Outer) |
Dimensionally, the Pixel Fold and Find N differ only slightly thanks to continued miniaturization. But their folding mechanisms result in very distinct appearances.
Google opted for a vertical hinge akin to opening a book. This enables clearly segmented front and back covers. Opened, you gain a large square display surface.
Conversely, Oppo adopted Samsung‘s style of horizontal clamshell folding. The Find N promises a more natural smartphone feel when closed. But opened vertically, its narrower aspect ratio looks somewhat awkward.
Build quality and durability remain huge concerns on inaugural foldables. Google claims to have hardened the Pixel Fold via multiple materials innovations. These include a variable hinge tailored to mimic behaviors of hard book covers when opened/closed. Oppo‘s Find N hinge allows slightly more flex but touts tested longevity.
Both screens dazzle with 1000+ nit brightness, silky smooth 120Hz refresh rates, and HDR compatibility. The Pixel Fold‘s additional LTPO variable technology boosts power efficiency. And its inner display measurements give you more real estate for apps or movies versus the Find N.
I‘d declare screens a tie but the Pixel Fold‘s user flexibility wins out. Speaking of power, how do these phones‘ internals compare?
Performance Benchmarks: Pixel Fold vs. Find N Speed Tested
Cutting-edge processors and ample memory lie vital for smoothly running two displays simultaneously. Let‘s scrutinize what powers the Pixel Fold and Find N.
| Category | Google Pixel Fold | Oppo Find N |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 |
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP07 | Adreno 660 |
| AI Processor | Tensor Processing Unit | Hexagon 780 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 | 256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 |
| Geekbench Score | 1316 Single / 4860 Multi | 1137 Single / 3685 Multi |
Google‘s second-gen Tensor G2 silicon built using a 4nm Samsung process powers the Pixel Fold. This chip shows significant gains versus last year‘s debut Tensor inside the Pixel 6 series.
For the Find N, Oppo tapped the leading Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 system-on-chip available at launch. Announced back in 2021 on a 5nm node, it remains very speedy but can‘t quite keep pace with the Tensor G2.
You can see this play out in benchmarks. Tensor G2 extends its performance lead particularly for AI tasks by around 15-20% over the 888. Both leverage 12GB of fast LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage.
So while Find N buyers get previous-gen silicon, real-world usage stays blazing fast. From an aging perspective as 2023 progresses though, the Pixel Fold‘s Tensor G2 will likely overtake the 888 further.
Let‘s examine how their camera gear compares next.
Camera Tests: Pixel Fold vs Find N Image Quality
People routinely capture life‘s moments on smartphones these days. And a tablet-sized viewfinder sounds wonderful. Do the Pixel Fold and Find N deliver pixel-peeping image quality?
Pixel Fold: Masterful Photography Powered by AI
Cameras represent a historic strength for Google‘s Pixel lineup. The company aims to continue that pedigree despite adopting an unfamiliar form factor.
The Pixel Fold incorporates a highly-similar imaging rig compared to the flagship Pixel 7 Pro:
- 50MP wide angle lens with f/1.9 aperture plus OIS
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom
More important than hardware lies Google‘s industry-leading imaging algorithms. These enable:
- Phenomenal low light Night Sight photography
- 30x high resolution Super Res Zoom
- Natural portrait bokeh simulation
- Astrophotography timelapses of the stars
- Vivid HDR scenes with balanced lighting
While resolved detail lags slightly behind the Find N‘s sensors, the Pixel Fold‘s photos display incredible processing. This helps them appear more natural and pleasing to the human eye.
Find N: Megapixels Meet Custom Silicon
Alternatively, Oppo jam-packed extra megapixels into the Find N to champion image sharpness:
- 50MP wide angle lens with f/1.8 aperture plus OIS
- 16MP ultra-wide lens
- 13MP telephoto lens
But hardware marks only half the equation. The Find N further ships with Oppo‘s custom MariSilicon X imaging NPU. This 6nm chip enables advanced features via local computational photography:
- Premium 4K HDR video recording
- Ultra-clear 20x zoom
- Enhanced low light photography
- Reduced noise in all conditions
- Lightning-fast, real-time processing
Testing reveals outstanding resolved detail from the Find N benefitting from high megapixels and ample image stacking. Contrast feels slightly more saturated as well versus the Pixel Fold‘s natural color science.
Both produce gorgeous, shareworthy images. But Google‘s renowned processing algorithms impress me more despite fewer megapixels.
Software Experience: Pixel Fold vs. Find N OSShowdown
A phone‘s software and UI comprise your day-to-day interactions. Google and Oppo take vastly distinct approaches here as well.
The Pixel Fold runs Android 13 with Google‘s Material You interface. This promises 3+ years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches. User customization feels minimal but remains clean and intuitive.
Meanwhile, Oppo themes Android heavily with its proprietary ColorOS 13 skin focused on extreme personalization. Software support matches Google‘s at 4 major OS updates and 5 years security patches. But excessive customization oft overcomplicates usage.
During my testing, core apps and settings mostly felt comparable during work and play. But Oppo‘s alterations cause occasional rough edges needing re-learning basic tasks. Pixel Fold behavior stays truer to pure Android 13 for better or worse.
Power users craving UI flexibility might prefer the Find N‘s approach. But for myself, the Pixel Fold‘s cohesive and Google-sanctioned software earns my vote.
Battery & Charging: All Day Endurance
Packing copious displays and 5G radios, foldables require extra battery capacity for lasting away from outlets. The Pixel Fold and Find N deliver.
Google utilizes two battery cells totaling 4821 mAh – that‘s nearly 20% more juice than typical flagship phones! Meanwhile Oppo fitted 4500 mAh into the Find N.
Both support fast charging to ~50% in just 30 minutes over USB-PD cables. Only the Find N offers reverse wireless charging to turn your phone into a Qi pad for accessories like earbuds.
In my testing, the Pixel Fold endured a full day of active use including photos, gaming, videos and web browsing. Its Extreme Battery Saver mode can extend longevity to 72 hours by disabling most features. Try topping that!
If battery life worries you, neither phone should trigger anxiety. They last shockingly long thanks to battery optimizations absent in early foldables. The Pixel Fold‘s sheer capacity gives it a tiny edge.
Availability & Pricing: Where to Buy Pixel Fold vs. Find N
With our comparison complete, where can prospective buyers snag the Pixel Fold or Find N today? geography determines your options.
The Pixel Fold sees wide release from Google across North America and Europe for $1799 USD starting June 2023. Nearly all major carriers sell it both direct and bundled with data plans.
Being over 18 months old now, the Find N remains exclusive to China for approximately $1150 USD after currency conversion. No indications exist of Oppo launching it more broadly. Your only option lies travelling there personally and importing a unit.
Used resale marketplaces frequently list Chinese Find N imports which sellers ship globally. But warranty support and after-sales servicing proves complex, so caution warrants if buying secondhand.
The Pixel Fold undoubtedly rises as 2023‘s premier mainstream foldable phone thanks to Google engineering might combined with international availability. Until Oppo announces wider sales regions, importing stays the lone avenue to experience the well-rounded Find N.
The Foldable Crown: Pixel Fold Wins For Most Users
Analyzing all aspects of the Pixel Fold versus Find N paints a clear verdict – Google claims the foldable throne in 2023.
While the Find N pioneered bringing horizontal clamshell folding mainstream over a year earlier, the Pixel Fold perfects the formula. Its Folded dimensions feel only slightly larger while unfurled you enjoy more useful real estate.
Cameras stay highly comparable but Google‘s processing algorithms retain an edge. Performance feels nip and tuck as well thanks to the Find N‘s still-blazing 2021 silicon. But improved efficiency goes to Google Tensor‘s advances.
Software and updates follow Android‘s evolution more closely on the Pixel Fold too. And battery life impresses equally across both – no complaints whatsoever.
When also factoring the Find N‘s China-only availability limiting imports, the Pixel Fold easily justifies its $250 USD premium for shoppers able access it domestically from Google.
The exclusively crafted Find N still holds its own as a marvel of Chinese innovation. But now into its twilight, the venerable foldable probably won‘t see sales expand outward.
Instead, all signs point to its rumored Find N2 successor targeting global debut later in 2023. If Oppo can translate feedback into an equally polished package priced less than the Pixel Fold, its next attempt may claim foldable fame.
But for early 2023, Google‘s patience and technical execution win out. The Pixel Fold stands poised to drive mainstream folding phone adoption thanks to its maturity out the gate.
Hopefully you found this hands-on comparison guide between the Google Pixel Fold versus Oppo Find N detailed and helpful. Please reach out with any questions!
