Google Pixel Fold alleged benchmarks just leaked — and it’s not good

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Google Pixel Fold performance looks similar to the Pixel 7 Pro

Image of a leaked render of the Google Pixel Fold opened out
(Image credit: Front Page Tech)

Newly discovered benchmarks allegedly for the Google Pixel Fold show that, like the Pixel 7, it likely won't be a top performer.

The Geekbench 5 listing (shared by TheGalox) for an unknown "Google Felix" device shows results for a phone using a Tensor G2 chip, 12GB RAM and Android 13, just like the Pixel 7 Pro. It scores slightly worse than the Pixel 7 Pro in the single-core portion of the test, although it does a little better in the multi-core test.

Google Pixel Fold leaked benchmarks

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Row 0 - Cell 0 Google Pixel Fold (alleged)Google Pixel 7 ProSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
ChipsetTensor G2Tensor G2Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
Geekbench 5 single-core score1,0471,0601,328
Geekbench 5 multi-core score3,2573,0463,831

Comparing this to the Galaxy Z Fold 4's result shows how Google's proprietary chip lacks power compared to the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 that Samsung uses in the current best foldable phone. And no doubt when it is succeeded by the even more potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, phones using the latest Qualcomm silicon will be even more powerful.

Users who need the most speed possible — which is important for running multiple apps on screen — may be better off going for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. That said, we did not particularly enjoy the Z Fold 4 as a gaming phone due to games not being optimized for its unique design. 

Pixel Fold: Beyond the benchmarks

Raw performance isn't everything on a phone, though. After all, we rate the Pixel 7 series as two of the best Android phones and best phones overall even though the Galaxy S22, Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 score higher on benchmarks. The Pixel 7 offers an attractive phone with excellent cameras and software smarts like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and live translation that rivals can't match.

Plus, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro cost less than comparable flagships. If the Pixel Fold inherits all of these characteristics, it could pose a big threat to Samsung's foldables. Unfortunately, the only leaked Pixel Fold price we've heard so far is $1,799, which is steep and matches up with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. 

We could see the Pixel Fold arrive in May 2023, or potentially earlier depending on which rumor you go by. The Fold's thought to feature a Pixel 7-like design with a 7.6-inch main display and a 5.8-inch outer display and the same rear camera array as the Pixel 7 Pro. That all sounds like a top-notch device, but we hope Google can address the short battery life we saw in the Pixel 7 Pro. 

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Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.