- Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is the thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) with a titanium frame, weighing just ~165g, featuring a 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display and a single 48MP rear camera [1] [2]. It launches with Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, iOS 26, and promises “all‑day” battery life despite its ultra-slim build [3] [4].
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a pocket-friendly foldable flip phone with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED main screen (1–120Hz) plus a 3.4-inch cover screen [5]. It sports a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, dual rear cameras (50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide), a 4,000mAh battery, and improved durability (stronger hinge, IPX8 water resistance) [6] [7]. Samsung promises 7 years of software support [8].
- Google’s Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold) is a book-style foldable with an 8-inch inner OLED (120Hz LTPO) and a 6.3-inch outer display [9] [10]. It packs Google’s Tensor G4 processor, 16GB RAM, and a triple camera system (48MP main, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP 5× telephoto) for versatile shooting [11]. It runs Android 15 (upgradeable) with 7 years of updates and heavy AI integration (on-device Gemini assistant) [12] [13].
- Design & Build: The iPhone 17 Air’s claim to fame is its “impossibly thin and light” design with a 5.6 mm profile – an elegant titanium chassis that’s lighter and slimmer than any competitor [14]. By contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 folds in half, offering a compact square form when shut and a sleek aluminum-and-glass build with a less visible crease than before [15] [16]. The Pixel Fold 2 is one of the thinnest foldables when open (just 5.1 mm) and has a robust, flat design, but weighs 257g due to its tablet-sized screen [17] [18].
- Unique Features: iPhone 17 Air introduces an Action Button and Apple Intelligence features (like real-time translation and Visual Look Up on-device) and forgoes a SIM tray (eSIM only) [19] [20]. Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers Flex Mode tricks – it can half-fold to act as its own tripod for selfies or video calls – and is the first Flip with a vapor chamber for better cooling [21]. Pixel Fold 2 stands out with its wider outer screen (more usable folded phone experience) and deep AI features (voice/image commands via Google’s Gemini AI and magic editing tools) [22] [23].
- Pricing & Availability: iPhone 17 Air starts at $999 (256GB) [24] and is available for pre-order September 12, shipping September 19. Galaxy Z Flip 6 launched at $1,099 (256GB) [25] in mid-2024 and is widely available (often on sale by now). Google’s Pixel Fold 2 debuted at a premium $1,799 (256GB) [26] in August 2024 and can be purchased through Google and carriers. All three come in multiple colors: Apple offers four polished finishes [27], Samsung has both standard and exclusive colorways [28], and Google offers at least two (Obsidian and Porcelain) [29].
Now, let’s dive deeper into how Apple’s newly unveiled iPhone 17 Air stacks up against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Google’s Pixel Fold 2 across design, displays, performance, software, cameras, battery life, unique innovations, and early expert reviews.
Design and Build Quality
Apple made a bold design statement with the iPhone 17 Air. This new model lives up to its name – it’s incredibly thin and light. At just 5.5–5.6 mm thick and around 165 grams [30], the iPhone Air is significantly slimmer than typical smartphones. (For perspective, last year’s iPhone 16 Plus was 7.8 mm and 199g, so Apple shaved off roughly 30% of the thickness and weight [31].) The frame is grade 5 titanium – durable yet lightweight – and Apple gave it a high-gloss mirrored finish for a premium feel [32] [33]. Both front and back are protected by Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 glass, which the company claims is 3× more scratch-resistant on the front and 4× more crack-resistant on the back than before [34] [35]. The camera and internal components are housed in an “elongated plateau” that stretches across the back, rather than a small bump, to maximize internal space for the battery [36] [37]. This plateau design also means the phone lies more evenly on a table (with less of the wobble that a tiny camera bump would cause) [38]. The iPhone Air’s edges are subtly rounded, hearkening back to earlier iPhone generations for comfort in hand [39]. Overall, it’s a striking device that “nearly disappears in your hand” and “you have to hold to believe”, according to Apple [40]. Of course, such extreme thinness comes with trade-offs – we’ll discuss those (like the single camera and battery capacity) in later sections.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6, by contrast, embraces a foldable clamshell design that prioritizes pocketability and style. Unfolded, it’s a tall, slim smartphone; folded, it snaps shut into a compact square that can easily slip into a pocket. Samsung didn’t radically change the Flip’s look from the previous generation – in fact, one reviewer noted it’s “a millimeter-for-millimeter, gram-for-gram copy” of the Z Flip 5 on the outside [41]. But there are some refinements. The Z Flip 6 uses an Armor Aluminum frame and hinges, with tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and cover screen [42]. It’s built to be Samsung’s most durable Flip yet – it even added an official IPX8 water resistance rating (so it can survive splashes or dunks, though like other flip phones, it’s not dust-resistant) [43]. Samsung’s engineering improvements have made the screen crease less visible than before: the Flip 6’s internal 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display uses a new ultra-thin glass that’s 60% thicker and a redesigned hinge that folds the screen in a gentler curve [44] [45]. Many early users found the crease shallow enough that they “stopped noticing it after just a few days” [46]. The hinge is also sturdier, allowing the phone to stay open at various angles (useful for “Flex Mode” – e.g. propping it halfway open on a table to take hands-free selfies or video chat). In terms of feel, the Flip 6 has flat metal sides and now comes in a matte/satin finish (a switch from the glossy look of its predecessor) [47]. It weighs about 187g and is roughly 15.9mm thick when folded (slim for a foldable, though of course much thicker than the iPhone Air’s rigid body). Samsung offers the Flip 6 in fun colors like yellow, mint, blue, and more (with some exclusive shades on Samsung’s website) [48]. Overall, the Z Flip 6’s build quality has earned praise – “Samsung’s build quality is second to none” for foldables [49] – but its design is iterative. It’s essentially a refined version of an already successful formula: a stylish, sturdy flip phone that nails the “modern retro” vibe.
Google’s Pixel Fold 2 (officially named the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) takes a different approach: it’s a book-style foldable, meaning it opens like a mini tablet. When closed, it looks and functions like a regular phone; when opened, you get a much larger screen for multitasking. Google significantly redesigned the Fold for its second generation. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is thinner and lighter than the first Pixel Fold – when open, it’s just 5.1 mm thin, which Google touts as one of the thinnest foldables on the market [50]. Folded up, it’s about 10.5 mm thick (thanks to a redesigned hinge that closes without a gap) and measures 155×77 mm in footprint [51]. Its weight of 257g is still hefty compared to a normal phone, but that’s the trade-off for its big screens and battery. The Pixel Fold 2’s aesthetics align with Google’s Pixel 9 series: a flat, angular design replacing the rounded looks of older Pixels [52]. It has a camera bar across the back (much like Pixel slab phones, but wider to accommodate the hinge) and comes in subtle colors like Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (off-white) [53]. The build uses a mix of metal and glass; interestingly, Google switched to a hinge design that improves durability and got the device to be remarkably robust for a foldable. Reviewers noted it’s “incredibly thin and sleek” yet feels solid – one even dropped their Pixel Fold a few times (accidentally) and reported only minor dings until the outer screen eventually cracked on a third or fourth drop [54] [55]. (That said, the Pixel Fold lacks an official IP water resistance rating, unlike Samsung’s foldables.) The wider aspect ratio of the Pixel’s outer screen also means the folded device is wider than a Galaxy Z Fold – more like a conventional phone in hand, which many find more practical to use when folded [56]. In summary, the Pixel Fold 2’s build quality shows Google learning quickly: it’s slim, premium-feeling, and more ergonomic than its predecessor, though still a bit weighty. It truly feels like a cutting-edge gadget, essentially merging a phone and tablet in one.
Verdict on Design: Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is a triumph of sleek engineering – if you value an ultra-slim, featherweight phone with luxurious materials, it’s in a class of its own [57] [58]. However, it’s not foldable – you get a fixed display size and the traditional smartphone form factor (albeit extremely refined). Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a completely different kind of portability: it’s thicker and heavier than the Air, but folds in half, so it’s shorter in your pocket. It marries a retro flip-phone feel with modern tech, and Samsung’s iterative improvements have made it sturdier and more fun (with that Flex Mode hinge) than ever [59] [60]. Google’s Pixel Fold 2 is about maximizing screen real estate – it’s the bulkiest of the trio when closed, but it transforms into an 8-inch mini tablet, which the others simply can’t do. Google has refined the Fold’s design nicely (thin profile, better durability), but it remains a device for those okay with a larger, heavier phone in exchange for a big display on demand. In short: iPhone Air wins on sheer thinness and elegance, Flip 6 wins on pocketable foldability, and Pixel Fold 2 offers unrivaled screen size in your pocket – so your choice may depend on which design philosophy you prefer.
Display Technology
All three devices boast cutting-edge displays, but each approaches the screen experience differently – one normal smartphone, one small foldable, and one large foldable.
iPhone 17 Air comes with a single, non-folding 6.5‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Apple managed to fit a fairly large screen into the Air’s slim body by greatly reducing the bezels compared to previous iPhones [61]. This display supports ProMotion (Apple’s adaptive 120Hz refresh rate technology) for smooth scrolling and responsiveness [62]. Notably, Apple improved the brightness substantially: the iPhone Air’s screen can reach up to 3,000 nits peak brightness (for HDR or outdoor use) [63]. That’s extremely bright – in fact, the highest ever on an iPhone – ensuring the screen remains visible even in harsh sunlight. The panel uses LTPO tech to vary the refresh rate from 1Hz up to 120Hz, which also enables an Always-On Display feature that can show a clock or notifications in a power-efficient way [64] [65]. Apple’s displays are known for accurate color and sharp resolution; the 6.5″ Air likely has the same 2796×1290 resolution (around ~460 ppi) as the iPhone 17 (though official specs weren’t explicitly given yet). Apple also touts improved anti-reflective coating on the Ceramic Shield 2 glass to reduce glare [66] [67]. In sum, the iPhone Air’s screen is flat, high-refresh, very bright, and protected by tough glass – it should deliver an excellent viewing experience for a phone this size. The lack of any notch or cutout mention suggests it uses the Dynamic Island (a pill-shaped cutout) like recent iPhones for the front camera and FaceID sensors.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 actually has two displays: a 6.7-inch internal main screen and a 3.4-inch external cover screen. The main display is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Full HD+ resolution (~2640×1080) and an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate [68]. It’s essentially as large and high-quality as a regular flagship phone screen, just that it can fold in half. Samsung improved its peak brightness to 2,600 nits for the Flip 6 [69] [70], which is a huge jump from the previous gen (and one of the brightest in any phone, only surpassed by a few devices like certain iPhones). This means even on sunny days, the Flip’s inner display should be easy to read [71]. The company also reduced the crease visibility – by using a new waterdrop hinge mechanism and tougher ultra-thin glass, the crease is less pronounced and shouldn’t detract much from viewing content [72] [73]. The inner screen supports HDR10+ and has vibrant colors typical of Samsung OLEDs, making it great for watching videos or gaming. The cover screen on the Flip 6, introduced in the Flip 5 generation, is a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED (720×748 resolution) that occupies much of the front when the phone is closed. It’s big enough to read notifications, use widgets, take selfies with the rear cameras, and even run certain apps. Out of the box, Samsung limits the cover screen’s app usage to specific functions, but power users can enable more apps via Samsung’s Good Lock app [74]. Still, it’s a secondary display mainly for quick glances and basic tasks. In terms of durability: the main folding screen has multiple layers including a flexible glass and protective plastic film – you have to treat it more carefully (no screen protectors or sharp objects) compared to a regular glass screen. Samsung’s improvements mean it’s more robust than earlier foldables, but it’s not as hard as the iPhone’s Ceramic Shield. Overall, the Z Flip 6 provides a unique display experience: a big, beautiful screen that can fold, plus a handy mini-screen on the outside. It’s the best of both worlds for those who want a large display sometimes and a compact device at others.
The Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold) offers the most screen real estate of the trio. Like Samsung’s larger Z Fold (not Flip) series, the Pixel has a cover display and a fold-out inner display. The outer screen is a 6.3-inch Actua OLED with a 20:9 aspect ratio – essentially a normal phone screen in dimensions [75]. Its resolution is 1080×2424 (~422 ppi), and it’s an OLED with 60–120Hz adaptive refresh. Impressively, it can hit 1,800 nits HDR brightness and 2,700 nits peak in high-brightness mode [76], making it even brighter on paper than the Z Flip’s already brilliant screen. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability [77]. Because Google avoided the ultra-narrow design that Samsung’s Z Fold had, this outer display on the Pixel Fold is quite comfortable to type on and use – it “feels like a normal phone” when closed, as many reviewers note [78]. Now, opening up the device reveals the huge inner display: an 8.0-inch flexible OLED that Google calls a “Super Actua” display [79]. It’s nearly square (aspect ratio roughly 13.5:12), with a resolution of 2076×2152 (~373 ppi). Like the cover screen, it’s an LTPO panel 1–120Hz, and it matches the brightness specs (up to 2,700 nits peak) [80] [81]. In essence, the Pixel Fold’s inner screen gives you tablet-like real estate – fantastic for multitasking (two or three apps side by side), watching videos on a larger canvas, reading, or using desktop-like interfaces. Google also optimizes many apps for the big screen, and features like split-screen and taskbars make good use of it. The inner display is made of ultra-thin glass with a plastic coating (standard for foldables). One advantage of the Pixel Fold’s design is that it’s wider; when opened, it’s not as tall as some competitors, but more like an almost-square mini tablet, which some find more natural. However, you will see a crease down the middle – although Google’s hinge design keeps it as subtle as possible. The Pixel Fold’s inner screen has fairly thin bezels, but notably there is a bezel strip on one side housing the inner selfie camera (instead of a punch-hole in the display). Google likely did this to avoid any notch or cut-out interrupting the big screen (and perhaps for durability). While not edge-to-edge, the design choice is generally accepted for function. In summary, the Pixel Fold 2 provides a stunning viewing experience when open – it’s like carrying a high-res mini tablet in your pocket. You can comfortably run multiple apps or enjoy immersive content. The trade-offs are that the device is larger and heavier, and foldable screens remain slightly more delicate. But if screen size and versatility are your priorities, the Pixel’s displays are hugely compelling.
Verdict on Displays: If we’re comparing raw display quality, all three have top-tier OLED panels with high resolution, rich colors, and high brightness. The iPhone 17 Air’s 6.5″ display will likely be regarded as one of the best single screens in a phone – especially with its 120Hz ProMotion and tremendous brightness (3000 nits) for HDR content [82]. The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s uniqueness is in having two screens – its inner 6.7″ display is basically on par with other flagship phones (smooth and vibrant [83]), while its outer 3.4″ display, though much smaller, adds convenience that candybar phones lack. The Pixel Fold 2 is in another league size-wise: its outer 6.3″ is perfectly good for normal use, and the inner 8″ is a joy for productivity and media [84]. In exchange, you deal with a crease and thicker body. Apple’s approach is flat and traditional (relying on refined OLED tech), Samsung’s is innovative and fun (small + big screen combo, but with a crease and aspect ratio quirks), and Google’s is about maximizing capability (turn a phone into a tablet on demand). Depending on the user, either the simplicity of a great single screen (iPhone), the novelty of a flip-to-open screen (Z Flip), or the expansiveness of a fold-out tablet screen (Pixel Fold) will sound most appealing.
Performance (CPU, GPU, RAM)
Under the hood, these devices have very different silicon powering them, each with its own strengths – Apple’s latest A-series chip, Qualcomm’s top Snapdragon for Samsung, and Google’s own Tensor chip for the Pixel.
Starting with the iPhone 17 Air, it is equipped with Apple’s new A19 Pro chip [85]. Apple’s A-series chips have traditionally led the industry in raw performance, and the A19 Pro is no exception. Apple claims this chip offers “MacBook Pro levels” of performance in a phone [86]. It’s a 3nm-class processor (following Apple’s A17 and A18 generations), likely carrying a 6-core CPU (with high-performance and efficiency cores) and a custom Apple GPU. Without delving into too many speculative details, we can confidently say the A19 Pro will excel in both CPU and GPU tasks – expect it to handle any app or game with ease and have plenty of headroom for AI and computational photography tasks. In fact, Apple mentioned that the iPhone 17 series features multiple Apple-designed chips: not just the A19 Pro, but also a dedicated N1 neural engine and a C1X coprocessor [87]. These likely assist with on-device AI, camera processing, and connectivity. The iPhone Air (and all iPhone 17 models) come with 256GB base storage (double the previous base) [88], and presumably 8GB of RAM (Apple doesn’t officially list RAM, but experts expect 8GB, same as last year’s models) [89]. In use, iOS is highly optimized, so the combination of the A19 Pro and 8GB RAM should feel extremely snappy and fluid, even with many apps open. The A19 Pro’s GPU will enable smooth high-end gaming and even console-quality visuals, especially on that 120Hz display. It also likely includes hardware ray-tracing support (given Apple’s recent focus on gaming). Another aspect is efficiency: Apple says the A19 Pro is part of what makes the iPhone Air the “most power-efficient iPhone ever” [90] – crucial for maintaining battery life in such a slim device. Bottom line: the iPhone 17 Air has top-of-the-line performance; it should outrun the Pixel’s Tensor and compete closely (if not surpass) the Snapdragon in many metrics, especially CPU. Early benchmarks aren’t in yet, but based on Apple’s track record, the A19 is likely a beast.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – one of the fastest chips available for Android phones as of 2024. This 4nm chipset features an octa-core CPU (with a prime Cortex-X series core, performance cores, and efficiency cores) and an Adreno GPU. In daily use, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers flagship-grade speed: apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and demanding games run very well. One report mentions that Samsung even included a vapor chamber cooling system in the Flip 6 (a first for the Flip series) to help the chip sustain performance without throttling [91]. This indicates Samsung expected users to push the device (gaming, etc.) and wanted to manage heat better – a welcome addition in a compact foldable. The Flip 6 typically comes with 8GB of RAM (LPDDR5X) and either 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage [92]. That memory and storage combo is plenty for multitasking and storing tons of photos/videos. The day-to-day performance of the Flip 6 has been praised; Android Central noted it “performs extremely well” with great performance in all tasks [93] [94]. Samsung’s software (One UI) is fairly heavy, but the Snapdragon handles it effortlessly. Additionally, the Flip 6, like Samsung’s S24 series, integrates some on-device AI features (“Galaxy AI”) leveraging the Snapdragon’s Hexagon processor – e.g. camera scene recognition, voice assistants, etc. These features are neat, though one reviewer felt many of the new Galaxy AI tricks were “undercooked” and didn’t yet justify the phone’s price increase [95] [96]. In summary, the Z Flip 6’s performance is flagship-level. While synthetic benchmarks might place it slightly behind Apple’s A19 in raw figures (Apple has led in CPU performance per core historically [97]), in real-world use the Flip is fast and fluid. The inclusion of a vapor chamber also suggests it can sustain performance for longer sessions (e.g. extended video recording or gaming) better than previous flips.
The Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold) runs on Google’s own Tensor G4 chip. This is Google’s fourth-generation custom SoC, built in partnership with Samsung. The Tensor G4’s CPU architecture reportedly consists of 1× Cortex-X4 at 3.1 GHz, 3× Cortex-A720 at 2.6 GHz, and 4× Cortex-A520 at 1.95 GHz [98]. Compared to its predecessor (Tensor G3), Google claims about a 17% boost in app performance and 20% boost in web browsing speed [99]. In practice, the Tensor G4 still may not match the raw horsepower of Apple’s A19 or Qualcomm’s latest in purely CPU-bound tasks – past Tensor chips have trailed a bit in benchmarks. However, Google prioritizes AI and machine learning capabilities with Tensor. The G4 has an upgraded TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) that enables advanced AI features directly on the device. For instance, it can run Gemini (Google’s next-gen AI assistant model) in a “Nano” form on-device, with multi-modal input (text, voice, image) and a large context window [100] [101]. This means the Pixel can do things like complex text generation, image interpretation, real-time language translation, etc., without needing the cloud – a big differentiator. The Pixel Fold 2 comes with a whopping 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM [102], which is double what the iPhone or Flip have. This was likely to ensure smooth multitasking on the large screen and to accommodate heavy AI and camera processes. It’s also offered in 256GB or 512GB storage options (UFS 4.0). In everyday use, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels very smooth – Google’s Pixel UI is optimized, and the high RAM means apps stay in memory longer, which is great for multitasking on that 8″ display. When it comes to gaming or intensive tasks, the Tensor G4’s GPU (a Mali or Samsung Xclipse variant) can handle most games at high settings, but might not hit the absolute frame rates that the Snapdragon’s Adreno can achieve in some cases. An advantage for Pixel is sustained performance: since it’s a larger device, it can dissipate heat better than a smaller phone, and Google also fine-tunes performance to balance heat and battery. One downside historically for Tensor has been efficiency – they tend to run hotter and consume more power than Apple or Qualcomm chips for the same work. The Pixel Fold 2’s battery life and thermals have improved (we’ll discuss battery soon), but under heavy load it might warm up more. Nonetheless, the Pixel’s performance highlight is AI-driven functionality. It enables features like Magic Editor (advanced photo editing), on-device voice typing that’s incredibly fast, live translation in calls, and 7 years of major OS updates ensuring it stays current [103]. Google is basically saying: maybe the Tensor isn’t the fastest chip in raw numbers, but it’s smart and long-lasting. To quote a review, “it’s not just a foldable gimmick — it’s a true flagship,” largely thanks to those AI and software capabilities [104].
Verdict on Performance: For typical tasks (social media, web, messaging, media consumption), all three phones are overkill – they’ll be buttery smooth. The iPhone’s A19 Pro likely holds the edge in CPU and perhaps GPU brute strength, making the iPhone 17 Air arguably the fastest device here [105]. The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is not far behind and excels especially in graphics and global app compatibility (plus Samsung has optimized One UI nicely for it). The Pixel Fold 2’s Tensor G4 is more than capable for any real-world use, and its 16GB RAM and on-device AI chops set it apart in multi-tasking and smart features, even if its raw speed might lag a bit behind the other two in benchmarks [106]. In a sentence: iPhone has the muscle, Pixel has the brains, Samsung strikes a balance. Depending on whether you care about having the absolute highest FPS in a game (iPhone/Samsung) or having next-gen AI features at your fingertips (Pixel), you might lean one way or the other. But practically, none of these phones will leave you wanting for performance in 2025 and beyond.
Operating System and Software Ecosystem
Software can heavily influence the user experience, and here the three devices diverge as they belong to different ecosystems: iOS for the iPhone, and Android (with different flavors) for Samsung and Google.
The iPhone 17 Air runs iOS 26, Apple’s latest operating system (launching alongside the device) [107] [108]. iOS 26 brings refinements and some new features – notably, Apple has integrated more AI-driven “Apple Intelligence” features. For example, one headline feature is real-time voice translation in iMessage (you can have a conversation with someone in another language and it translates on the fly) [109]. There’s also enhanced image identification and visual lookup capabilities (point your camera at an object or photo and the phone can identify plants, animals, landmarks, or pull text from images – similar to Google Lens) [110]. Apple has also opened up some AI APIs to developers, meaning third-party apps can tap into the iPhone’s on-device intelligence for things like advanced autocorrect, personal voice assistants, etc [111]. The iPhone Air, despite being a new category in hardware, runs the same iOS as other iPhone 17 models, so you get the full Apple ecosystem: Face ID for secure unlock, iCloud services, the App Store with its vast selection (and generally high-quality, optimized apps), plus exclusive apps like FaceTime, iMessage, and the tight integration with other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, etc.). The Air supports all the new iOS 26 perks – e.g., a redesigned Control Center, new interactive widgets, and possibly an updated visual style (Apple hinted at a “new design interface” across products in 2025) [112]. Because it’s Apple, software support will be excellent: expect around 5+ years of iOS updates for the iPhone 17 Air (if history is a guide, maybe up to iOS 31 or so, around 2030). One notable change for the Air: it only supports eSIM (no physical SIM tray) [113]. In software terms, that means setup involves activating an eSIM with your carrier via iOS, which is usually straightforward but can be a slight hassle if you swap phones frequently or travel internationally (though eSIM is increasingly common). The lack of dual cameras also affects software: features like optical zoom or wide-angle in the Camera app are absent; Apple compensates with a 2× digital crop mode on the 48MP sensor to mimic optical zoom [114], and likely leverages computational tricks to still deliver good results (more on cameras in the next section). All told, iOS 26 on the iPhone Air will feel familiar to any iPhone user – smooth, privacy-focused, and with that Apple polish – with some new smarts under the hood to keep up with the AI times.
On the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, the software is Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 (at launch). Samsung has likely updated it to One UI 7 / Android 15 by late 2025 (as they release updates relatively quickly for flagships). One UI is known for its extensive features and customization. On the Flip series, Samsung’s software includes special adaptations for the foldable form: Flex Mode panel (when you half-fold the phone, certain apps can automatically split controls on the bottom and content on top), the ability to use the cover screen for widgets and even full apps (with tweaks) and a feature to use the rear cameras for selfies using the cover display as a viewfinder. Out of the box, Samsung provides some cover-screen apps/widgets (music controls, weather, calendar, etc.), and with Good Lock (a Samsung app for power users) you can enable virtually any app to run on that tiny screen if you desire [115]. One UI also offers Samsung’s rich customization (themes, always-on display styles, etc.), a robust Multi-Window system (you can run two apps split-screen on the main display, or a floating window), and integration with the wider Samsung ecosystem (SmartThings for smart home, Galaxy Watch, etc.). Samsung’s own apps like the Gallery, Internet, etc., are present alongside Google’s apps. There’s also the Galaxy AI features that debuted with the Galaxy S24 and carried into the Flip 6 [116] [117]. These include things like “Circle to Search” (point your camera in a circle motion to search what you see, similar to Google Lens), a ChatGPT-like assistant built into the device, real-time translation, Note/Voice transcription assistants, and even creative tools (photo/drawing assistants) [118] [119]. While ambitious, some reviewers felt these are cool but not yet killer features [120] [121] – they somewhat duplicate what Google already offers, and a few were quirky at launch. Still, they hint at the direction Samsung is taking. One big win for Samsung: they announced an extended support policy. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 gets 4 Android OS version updates and 5 years of security updates, which by Samsung’s phrasing might equate to around 7 years of total support (this was noted as a plus in reviews) [122] [123]. That’s on par with or even exceeding Google’s own promise, ensuring the Flip 6 will stay up-to-date for a long time. Overall, One UI on the Flip 6 is feature-packed and versatile – perhaps a bit complex for some, but it lets you use the device in lots of different ways (from flexing it as a mini laptop to customizing the cover screen). Samsung’s ecosystem also includes the Galaxy Store (for themes and apps), Samsung Pay, and others, but you also have full access to Google’s Play Store and services, of course. If you like customizing and tinkering, Samsung’s software offers more options than Apple’s; if you prefer simplicity, it can feel a bit much (though One UI has been refined to be user-friendly despite the options).
The Google Pixel Fold 2 naturally runs Google’s flavor of Android – it launched with Android 14 and quickly got Android 15, and will get updates up to at least Android 21 given Google’s unprecedented 7-year update promise [124]. Pixel’s software is known for being clean and “pure” Android with helpful additions. On the Pixel Fold, Google took care to optimize the UI for the big screen: Android 14/15 on the Fold has features like a persistent taskbar (for quickly launching and switching apps on the big display), easy drag-and-drop in split-screen mode, and continuity that lets you open an app on the cover screen and seamlessly expand it to the big screen when you unfold. Many Google apps (YouTube, Maps, Photos, etc.) are optimized for foldables, showing tablet-style layouts when appropriate. One of Google’s unique offerings is the Pixel software features: things like Call Screen (the phone can answer unknown callers and transcribe what they say), Hold for Me (Google Assistant waits on hold during phone calls), Recorder app that transcribes audio in real-time, Magic Eraser and the new Magic Editor for photos (where AI can remove or even reposition subjects in your shots), and so on. In the Pixel 9 series, Google introduced a “Pixel Studio” and “Reimagine” in Photos – which are AI tools to generate or massively edit images on the device [125]. For instance, you could use the big screen and stylus (if you have one) to create AI art or drastically alter photos; TechRadar humorously noted the Pixel’s AI image generator is powerful (maybe too powerful), as it could create bizarre images easily [126] [127]. Another neat feature on the Pixel Fold is “Made You Look” – using the back camera and outer screen to show an animation or funny face to get a child to look and smile for a photo [128]. Small touches like that leverage the foldable form factor in software. Being a Pixel, you also get the latest Google Assistant features and deep integration with Google services (Drive, Gmail, Photos backup, etc.). Crucially, the Pixel Fold 2’s software was designed to make the device a productivity machine: the wide big screen and multi-tasking let you, say, have a doc open on one side and a browser on the other, or watch a video while messaging, etc. And since the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was launched alongside the Pixel 9 phones, it has parity in most features – except a few camera software tricks that the flat Pixel 9 Pro might do slightly better due to its different sensor hardware. But the Pixel Fold is definitely treated as a first-class Pixel citizen in Google’s lineup, not a niche experiment. The promise of 7 years of OS updates is a game-changer in Android land (meaning it could get updates until 2031!) [129]. This, combined with Google’s continuous feature drops for Pixel, means the Fold 2 will only get more capable over time. One could argue Pixel offers the best long-term software support now among Androids, and being Google’s own, it’s free of bloatware and gets updates fastest.
Verdict on Software: If you’re entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem or prefer a no-frills, privacy-centric experience, iOS on the iPhone 17 Air will delight you – it’s smooth, secure, and now sprinkled with a bit more AI magic [130]. It lacks some of the deep customization of Android, but often people appreciate its consistent, polished interface. Samsung’s One UI on the Z Flip 6 is great for feature lovers – you can change just about anything, and it’s tailored well to the Flip’s dual screens and unique use-cases (Flex Mode, etc.). It might feel heavier, but it’s also extremely mature and reliable, and Samsung’s improved their update policy to ensure longevity [131]. Google’s Pixel UI on the Fold 2 strikes a balance: it’s clean and fast like stock Android, yet it’s stuffed with genuinely useful smart features that you’ll actually use day-to-day (call screening, best-in-class voice typing, photo editing tools, etc.). And its foldable optimizations make it arguably the best software experience on a book-style foldable to date – many called it the first foldable that “truly nails” the phone-to-tablet transition [132] [133]. Additionally, consider ecosystem: iPhone ties into Macs, iPads, Apple Watches seamlessly. Samsung phones work nicely with Windows PCs (Link to Windows) and Galaxy wearables, plus have DeX if you want a desktop interface. Google’s Pixel benefits from things like ChromeOS integration and is trying to build out its device ecosystem (Pixel Watch, Buds), though it’s not as expansive as Apple’s. In any case, all three phones will let you do essentially everything you’d want; it comes down to whether you prefer iOS or Android – and if Android, whether you lean towards Samsung’s flavor or Google’s flavor.
Camera System and Video Capabilities
Smartphone cameras are often a deciding factor, and here the three devices take very different approaches: Apple prioritized simplicity and slimness (one camera on the Air), Samsung offers a solid but not overly elaborate setup (two cameras on the Flip), and Google packed in a full trio of lenses on the Fold.
The iPhone 17 Air makes a controversial choice for 2025: it has only a single rear camera. This is unusual for a flagship-priced phone – even the base iPhone 17 (non-Air) has a dual-lens system. Apple did this likely to keep the Air ultra-thin (no bulky camera modules). The rear camera is a 48MP wide-angle lens (the “Fusion Main camera”), presumably the same sensor used in the iPhone 17/17 Pro for their main cameras [134]. It has a large aperture (around f/1.6) and sensor-shift stabilization, capturing high-resolution shots by default (possibly 12MP binned or even 24MP by default given Apple’s trend). Apple claims this 48MP sensor can provide the equivalent of multiple lenses – basically by cropping from the center for a 2× zoom that still outputs a 12MP image, similar to what the iPhone 14 Pro did [135]. Indeed, Apple’s marketing calls it “two advanced cameras in one” [136]. What you won’t get on the Air is an ultra-wide or a true telephoto lens – so no 0.5× fisheye perspective for large group shots or broad landscapes (a feature present on most phones now), and no optical zoom beyond that 2× digital crop. This puts more weight on Apple’s computational photography. Apple’s image processing is top-notch; the iPhone will use Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Photonic Engine algorithms to maximize detail and dynamic range from that single lens. It also likely has a new image signal processor in the A19 to improve low-light performance. On the plus side, the 48MP sensor allows for full-resolution ProRAW photos and high-quality 4K video. Video is an area iPhones traditionally dominate: the iPhone 17 Air, like its siblings, can probably shoot 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilization, and maybe even do 4K/30 ProRes or some advanced mode (though ProRes might be reserved for Pro models; unclear). It will certainly support Cinematic Mode (fake bokeh video) likely in 4K this generation, and maybe new video tricks given the A19’s power. The front camera on the iPhone Air is actually quite special: it’s a new 18MP “Center Stage” front camera [137]. Center Stage is Apple’s tech (from iPads) that automatically pans and zooms in video calls to keep you centered in frame. Bringing that to iPhone suggests the Air’s front camera has a wider field of view so it can crop and follow you. Apple even enabled a neat trick: you can take landscape-oriented selfies while holding the phone vertically [138] – essentially the front camera is so wide that you no longer have to rotate the phone for a wide-angle group selfie; just hold it normally and it fits everyone, possibly using Center Stage to frame it. That’s great for convenience. The front camera likely also is used for Face ID and is housed in the Dynamic Island area. As for results, we’ll have to see – but given Apple’s track record, the iPhone Air should capture superb photos and class-leading video in most conditions, held back only by the lack of secondary lenses for more versatility. Photography enthusiasts might miss an ultrawide or zoom, but casual shooters may not mind if 2× digital is enough reach. Expert tip: This is basically the thinnest camera system Apple could engineer, and early impressions are that it’s good but perhaps not “Pro”-level. One reviewer lamented that a single camera “doesn’t sit right for a flagship phone”, even if it’s decent [139]. We’ll see if Apple’s one-camera strategy pays off in user satisfaction.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a dual rear camera setup, which is typical for flip-style foldables (they generally omit telephoto lenses due to space). The cameras are: a 50MP main camera (wide, with OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide camera [140]. These are actually an upgrade over the Z Flip 5’s 12MP main sensor – Samsung bumped it to a larger 50MP sensor this generation, aligning it with what you’d find on a Galaxy S23, for example [141]. The 50MP main likely bins down to 12MP images for a good balance of detail and low noise, and has optical stabilization and an f/1.8-ish aperture for solid low-light performance. Reviews indicate the Flip 6 takes consistently good photos: colors are vibrant (a Samsung staple), the main cam produces sharp, clear shots, and the improved sensor helps in darker scenes. The 12MP ultrawide offers that wide field of view for group shots, architecture, or creative angles; it’s not the highest-res, but gets the job done and keeps consistency with the main camera’s color tuning. There is no telephoto lens – so zooming beyond ~4–5× is purely digital. However, Samsung’s software does offer up to 10× or so digital zoom; the 50MP resolution helps for mild zoom (e.g. 2× or 4× may be reasonably good via cropping). On the front, the Z Flip 6 has a 10MP selfie camera embedded in the internal screen (pinhole cutout) [142]. But interestingly, thanks to the cover screen, you can also use the far superior rear cameras for selfies: just open the camera with the phone closed, and the cover display becomes a viewfinder – then the 50MP main or 12MP ultrawide can be used to snap selfies with better quality. Many Flip users do this for the best results (especially for wide group selfies using the ultrawide, or for sharp portraits with the main sensor). Video-wise, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 can shoot up to 4K 60fps on its rear cameras, and likely 4K30 on the selfie cam. It also supports features like Super Steady mode (using the ultrawide for gimbal-like stabilization at 1080p), slow-motion, and Samsung’s Single Take mode. One area flips often struggled was night photography, but the Flip 6 reportedly improved there due to the new sensor and Snapdragon’s better image processing – night mode shots are decent, though not Pixel-level. Overall, while the Z Flip 6’s camera setup isn’t trying to compete with the multi-lens systems of larger phones, it’s been described as reliable and fun. Android Authority said it’s a “solid dual-camera setup” and the phone “has a lot of shooting features” [143] [144]. Most importantly, it’s versatile enough for most casual needs, and the ability to prop the phone half-folded for hands-free photos (Flex Mode) or use the rear cam for selfies adds creative flexibility that slab phones don’t have. The main drawbacks: no optical zoom, and smaller sensors than some big flagships, meaning in extreme low light or at high zoom, it can’t match something like an S23 Ultra. But for a compact foldable, it’s arguably the best camera system in its class (Motorola’s Razr had a similar setup but with a smaller main sensor in 2024).
The Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold) goes all-in on cameras, bringing a triple rear camera array akin to what you’d expect on a flagship slab phone. It consists of a 48MP main wide camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto (5× optical zoom) [145]. This is essentially the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera setup (which had 48MP main, 48MP 5× tele, 13MP ultrawide) tweaked for the foldable format (Google used a 10.5MP for ultrawide probably due to space). The 48MP main sensor has all of Google’s computational photography prowess behind it: it delivers sharp, balanced photos with Google’s signature color science and dynamic range. It likely bins to ~12MP output normally. The ultrawide at 10.5MP is interesting – it even has auto-focus and macro capability [146], meaning you can use it for close-up macro shots (something Pixel 8 Pro introduced). Field of view ~127° which is plenty wide for big scenes [147]. The telephoto lens of 10.8MP provides 5× optical zoom (around 120mm focal length equivalent) [148] [149]. That gives the Pixel Fold a huge advantage in long-range shots versus the iPhone Air or Z Flip, which have no optical zoom. You can capture distant details or nice compressed-perspective portraits. And with Google’s Super Res Zoom, you can go up to 20× digitally with surprisingly usable results [150] [151]. For selfies, the Pixel has two options: a 9.5MP front camera on the outside cover screen (for quick selfies when closed) and an 8MP inner camera on the big display for video calls when the device is open (these specs from first Pixel Fold; PhoneArena notes both are 10MP with Dual PDAF now [152], possibly slightly upgraded). However, like the Flip, you can also use the rear cameras for selfies by unfolding the phone halfway and using the outer screen as a viewfinder – though it’s a bit clunkier than on a Flip because of the form factor. In terms of image quality, Pixel phones are often top of the class. The Pixel Fold 2 has the benefit of Google’s latest HDR+ and AI photography features, including the new “Pro HDR” which might take multiple exposures from all three lenses for even better dynamic range. Google’s night mode (Night Sight) is excellent, and the Fold can do astrophotography, etc. There is also Portrait mode that leverages the main or tele lens and now even can be adjusted after the fact (Pixel’s Magic Editor can refocus shots or change background blur). Video on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is improved to up to 4K 60fps on rear cameras, with solid stabilization (though historically Pixels were slightly behind iPhone in video, G4 may narrow that gap). One niche detail: Moor Insights noted an issue on the Pixel Fold where the camera preview doesn’t match the final image exactly due to processing – the final image is often better, but it’s something Google hadn’t solved fully [153] [154]. However, that’s a minor quirk. By having a full tri-camera system, the Pixel Fold 2 truly aims to be “no compromise” on photography despite being a foldable. DXOMark actually ranked its camera highly, reportedly the best among folding form factor devices [155]. So if camera flexibility is key, Pixel offers wide, ultrawide, and 5× zoom – covering essentially all bases in mobile photography.
Verdict on Cameras: This is where user needs might diverge. The iPhone 17 Air, with its single lens, will take fantastic general photos and stellar videos – Apple’s image pipeline ensures that – but it simply cannot do ultrawide scenery or true telephoto shots [156]. It’s great for everyday snapshots, and the new Center Stage selfie cam is a plus for vloggers or FaceTime, but photography enthusiasts might find it limiting. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a wider range thanks to its ultrawide lens, and its 50MP main sensor gives it a fighting chance in clarity [157]. It’s a very good all-rounder for casual shooters – you get the versatility of two focal lengths and the convenience of that cover screen for selfies. Its weakness is long zoom and perhaps extreme low-light (where larger cameras perform better). The Google Pixel Fold 2 is the clear winner for camera enthusiasts: it has a lens for every occasion (0.6× ultrawide, 1× standard, 5× zoom), and Google’s computational photography means you’ll capture some of the best still images possible on a phone [158]. Whether it’s sweeping landscape, a close-up of a flower, or a distant clocktower, the Pixel can handle it. Plus features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur can further enhance your shots after the fact, all on-device. For video, iPhone likely remains king in consistency and polish (e.g., reliable focus, natural-looking HDR, etc.), Pixel is much improved and quite capable, and Samsung is strong too (with perhaps more saturated output). It’s worth noting none of these are “bad” – it’s 2025 and all take excellent photos. But if forced to rank photography prowess with versatility, Pixel Fold 2 comes out on top, followed by Galaxy Z Flip 6 (good, but missing zoom) then iPhone Air (great quality, but single focal length). One expert quote sums up the iPhone Air stance: “a beautifully skinny piece of kit – but [having only one camera] still hasn’t fixed my key problem with these ultra-slim smartphones” [159] [160] – that key problem being compromised camera flexibility. Apple is betting that many users won’t mind as long as that one camera is excellent.
Battery Life and Charging
Despite their differences in size, all three phones claim “all-day” battery life, but their actual battery capacities and charging speeds vary significantly.
The iPhone 17 Air’s battery is something Apple didn’t specify in terms of mAh (which is typical for Apple). Given the ultra-thin 5.6mm body, the battery capacity is likely lower than the standard iPhone 17 or Pro. Some estimates put it around <3,000 mAh, but Apple has made a point to say the Air still achieves “all‑day battery life” [161]. In Apple’s terms, that usually means at least ~15 hours of mixed use or, for video playback, maybe around 17-18 hours. Apple mentioned that it redesigned the internal architecture to maximize battery size, including moving components around the single camera and even removing the SIM tray, to free up space for battery [162]. The Air also benefits from the A19 Pro chip’s efficiency and iOS optimizations. Additionally, the new plateau design apparently allowed Apple to fit a slightly larger battery than if they had separate camera bumps [163] [164]. There’s also a hint that the Air might use some of the new battery technology that the Pro Max got (Apple mentioned the 17 Pro Max has new battery tech for longest life [165], not sure if Air shares it). That said, physics is physics – a thinner phone generally means a smaller battery. It’s possible heavy users might find the iPhone Air just okay in endurance, not a two-day phone. We should note Apple typically excels in standby drain; if you’re not actively using it, it will sip very little power. On the charging front, iPhone 17 Air likely supports similar charging speeds as recent iPhones: around 20W wired charging via USB-C (since iPhones switched to USB-C by 2025 due to regulations) and MagSafe wireless charging at 15W, plus standard Qi wireless. Apple hasn’t dramatically improved charging speeds – no indication of super fast charging was given. So expect ~50% charge in 30 minutes with a decent charger, full charge in about 1hr15 or so. Notably, Apple introduced a new MagSafe Battery Pack that is only compatible with the iPhone Air’s design [166] – this suggests Apple expects some users may need a top-up on the go for the Air, and they made a custom accessory for it. We’ll have to see if the Air can truly last a full day under moderate use; Apple’s confidence implies it should in typical scenarios, but early skeptics point out Apple was “coy” about battery specifics which “makes me think it’s going to be a disappointment” if pushed hard [167]. In sum, for light to moderate usage, the Air should get you through a work day. Power users might be searching for a charger by evening.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a known battery spec: a total of ≈4,000 mAh capacity (split between two cells because of the foldable design, e.g. ~2,700 + 1,300) [168]. This was an increase from the Flip 5’s ~3,700 mAh. Samsung used clever engineering (like shrinking circuit boards) to carve out more space for battery in the Flip 6 [169]. In real-world use, that 4,000 mAh paired with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s efficiency made for decent battery life. One test cited ~7 hours 12 minutes of screen-on time in a controlled test [170], which translates to comfortably one full day of typical use (calls, messaging, social media, some video). Most reviews found the Flip 6 improved battery life over its predecessors – “battery life is also a plus”, noted Android Central [171], and many could make it to bedtime on a single charge now (whereas older Flips often struggled by late afternoon). The Flip’s smaller cover screen actually helps conserve power since you can do quick tasks on it without lighting up the big 6.7″ screen each time. As for charging, Samsung gave the Flip 6 the same charging as its other flagships: 25W wired fast charging, about 15W wireless, and it supports reverse wireless charging (to charge earbuds or a watch on its back). 25W isn’t very fast by some Android standards (where 45W, 65W, even 100W exist), and indeed Android Central listed “comparatively slow charging” as a con [172]. In practice, 25W can recharge the Flip 6 from 0 to ~50% in around 30 minutes, and a full charge in roughly 70-80 minutes. That’s fine for overnight or a quick top-up, but not the speed demons some Chinese phones offer. Given the Flip’s all-day battery claim, most users won’t need multiple charges a day unless they’re heavy power users. The phone also has the Smart Battery modes, and an Extreme Battery Saver was mentioned (though that might be a Pixel feature specifically, Samsung has power saving modes too). Standby drain is usually low on Samsung devices but maybe slightly more than iPhones. One point: foldables inherently have more screen area to potentially drive (if you use them a lot when open). The Flip with its one big screen (plus small cover) is simpler than the Pixel Fold in that regard. All said, the Flip 6’s battery life is “good, not great” – for most, a full day is achievable, but it won’t go two days. The bump to 4,000 mAh and efficient chip make it adequate, and certainly an improvement over early flips, but physics limit how large a battery fits in a compact flip.
The Google Pixel Fold 2 packs a 4650 mAh battery (actually two batteries combined) [173]. That’s a reasonable size considering it has to power a tablet-sized display. Google advertises “24+ hours” of typical use and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver [174]. In reality, early users have found the Pixel Fold 2 can get through a day comfortably, but if you’re using that big 8″ screen a lot (for YouTube, multitasking, etc.), it can drain faster. Still, 4650 mAh is larger than what Samsung’s Z Fold5 had (~4400 mAh), and Google’s Tensor G4 was said to have improved efficiency. The Fold supports 45W wired charging, which is notably faster than the Pixel Fold 1 (which was ~30W). Google claims “hours of power in just minutes” with a compatible charger [175], though they don’t include a charger in-box. Real-world, 45W can likely charge the Fold 2 about 50-60% in half an hour. Full charge might take around 1 hour or a tad more. It also supports Qi wireless charging (likely ~15W) [176], so you can drop it on a wireless pad. Reverse wireless charging is also supported, I believe (for Pixel Buds etc.). One area to consider: the Pixel’s large inner display will consume a lot of power when used extensively at high brightness. But when closed and using just the outer 6.3″ screen, power draw is like a normal phone. Many Pixel Fold owners find they can manage battery by only unfolding when they truly need the big screen. Standby on Pixel can be very good especially with Android’s Adaptive Battery and the Extreme Battery Saver mode (which can extend usage by limiting apps and refresh rates). Another factor: the Pixel has a high degree of background AI processing (for example, on-device Assistant and live transcription, etc. run continuously). Google likely optimized these to not kill the battery, but they do use the TPU which is power-hungry. That might be why some reviews mention battery life is “not amazing”, just okay [177]. Still, given its size, most have been satisfied that Pixel Fold 2 meets the all-day bar for normal use. It’s not a multi-day phone (most foldables aren’t, if heavily used). But critically, Google providing 45W fast charging is great – it leapfrogs Samsung’s foldables which are still at 25W. If you plug it in for even 10-15 minutes, you’ll see a substantial jump.
Verdict on Battery and Charging: The iPhone 17 Air is the most likely to cause “range anxiety” for heavy users, simply because it likely has the smallest battery. Apple’s silicon and iOS might make it last impressively given the size, but physics suggests it won’t outlast the others in continuous use. It’s geared for efficiency and typical daily patterns (where you might have short screen sessions throughout the day rather than 6 hours straight video). The Galaxy Z Flip 6, with a ~4,000 mAh cell, actually should last a bit longer than the iPhone under similar usage (Android phones need larger batteries to match iPhone endurance due to different power management, but 4k mAh is decent). It can make it through a day for most – improved from previous flips – but you’ll likely charge each night. Its charging is middling: faster than iPhone’s 20W, but slower than Pixel’s 45W, and notably the Flip’s battery is smaller to begin with so charging times even out. The Pixel Fold 2 has the biggest battery here and thus can potentially last the longest, especially if used smartly (cover screen for quick tasks, open screen only when needed). It also charges the fastest by wire, which is handy because you can top-up quicker if needed. However, using its expansive screen extensively will drain it comparably fast. If you were to stream video non-stop, the Pixel Fold might run down similar to the Flip because it’s pushing more pixels. But for balanced use, Pixel likely edges out the Flip in endurance. One caution: first-gen Pixel Fold had some reports of not-great battery due to the Tensor’s inefficiency, but G4 improved that. So I’d rank battery life (best to worst): possibly Pixel Fold 2 ≈ Z Flip 6 (depending on usage patterns) > iPhone Air (slightly behind, just due to capacity). For charging speed: Pixel is best (45W), iPhone likely slowest (20W), Samsung in the middle (25W). All support wireless charging which is convenient (iPhone and Samsung have the magnet alignment, Pixel just standard Qi). None have something crazy like 100W charging found on some Chinese phones, so they’re somewhat conservative on battery tech – perhaps to preserve battery health long term given they all aim for long support.
Unique Features and Innovations
Each of these devices brings some unique tricks to the table beyond the usual specs, often reflecting the companies’ philosophies and recent innovations.
Starting with the iPhone 17 Air, its very existence is an innovative move for Apple. It’s the first-ever “iPhone Air” model [178], introducing a new category focused on slimness. The standout unique feature is undoubtedly its ultra-thin design – at 5.6mm, it’s a design marvel and required Apple to innovate internally (custom battery shapes, a new internal layout where chips and components are spread out around the camera plateau, etc.). Apple says the Air’s titanium chassis and internal structure exceed their bend requirements, implicitly addressing concerns about durability in such a thin device [179] [180]. On the user-facing side, a new addition is the Action Button on the side (which replaced the mute switch on iPhone 15 Pro and now appears on Air). This button is customizable to perform tasks – open the camera, start a voice memo, shortcut to an app, etc. – with a press, which is handy for quick actions (especially since an ultra-thin device might have less room for multiple side buttons). Another innovation: the Camera Control feature (mentioned on Apple’s site) which likely ties into the Action Button or allows quick camera launching and maybe toggling that Center Stage via hardware [181]. The Center Stage front camera itself is a unique addition – having an iPhone auto-track you during video calls or even group selfies is new to phones (only iPads had that before) [182]. For content creators, this could be great: imagine vlogging and the front cam keeps you centered if you move around. The Air also introduces some Apple-first wireless tech: support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3/6 (as noted in a report) [183], making it very up-to-date for connectivity. And Apple’s pushing further into on-device AI with what they brand as “Apple Intelligence” features. Two highlighted: Visual Intelligence – essentially Apple’s answer to Google Lens (point camera or select image, and get context/ID info) [184], and Personal Voice and Live Speech (announced earlier in 2025, allowing the phone to clone your voice for accessibility, etc.). The iPhone 17 series also has something called Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26 (mentioned in Apple’s showcase) – possibly a new aesthetic for app icons/widgets that adapt like dynamic glass. Another small but novel thing: Apple also unveiled Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPhone specifically leveraging the A19 Pro power, which might tie in with the Air for on-the-go video editing (though this is a software thing across 17 series) [185]. Lastly, the Air omitting the SIM tray is arguably an innovation toward eSIM-only future (Apple did it in US before, but now likely globally on Air). One can either see that as forward-thinking or inconvenient. And of course, MagSafe continues to be an iPhone unique feature – the magnetic accessory system (now with a new MagSafe battery pack for Air). In summary, iPhone Air’s unique selling point is that featherlight feel and futuristic build, complemented by Apple’s expanding ecosystem of features (the synergy of hardware-software like Center Stage selfies, the Action button, etc.). It’s basically Apple showing off what they can do when they push the envelope on miniaturization.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has the obvious unique feature: it’s a flip-foldable – the ability to fold in half is itself a huge draw. This yields practical benefits: you can hang up a call by closing it, you can end an app or put it to sleep by folding slightly, etc. The Flip 6’s hinge allows Flex Mode, which many users find delightful – for instance, set the phone in an L-shape on a table to take a group photo (the phone acts as its own tripod), or use it like a tiny laptop with YouTube playing on the top half and controls/comments on the bottom half. The cover screen is another quasi-unique feature – while other flips have it, Samsung’s 3.4″ cover display (the “Flex Window”) is particularly useful. You can check messages, control music, use Samsung Pay, view calendars, or even run Google Maps and YouTube on that little screen with some hacks [186]. It basically adds a second way to use your phone for quick tasks without unfolding. That’s something neither the iPhone nor the Pixel can do. Also, Samsung included fun software like Flex Mode Panel (when the phone is partly open, it can put media controls or a touchpad on one half), and Labs features to force apps to adapt to the split. Samsung’s long expertise in foldables shines in things like App Continuity – if you start a app on the cover screen, it smoothly transitions to the big screen when you open up (and vice versa for supported apps, e.g., you can frame a selfie with the rear cam on the cover, then unfold to edit it on the big screen). Another unique feature: because of its dual nature, you can use one half of the screen as a touchpad to navigate on the top half (like for presentations or web browsing in Flex mode). The vapor chamber cooling is a somewhat novel inclusion for a small device – making Flip 6 possibly the coolest-running flip phone for gaming [187]. Samsung’s customizable Bespoke edition might still be a thing – previously they allowed mix-and-match panel colors – giving a personalization angle. On the camera side, a neat trick is Dual Preview – when taking a photo of someone, you can show them a preview on the cover screen while you shoot with the main camera, so they can pose (Pixel Fold can do similar with its outer screen, but Flip’s is designed for that use). And the Auto Framing feature in video (similar to Center Stage) – Samsung has had that in its Camera app for some time, useful for recording yourself as you move. Summing up, the Flip 6’s uniqueness is all about foldable lifestyle: it’s a phone that’s fun and “puts the user’s creativity front and center”, as Samsung puts it [188]. From snapping it shut to end calls (satisfying!), to propping it anywhere for photos, to glancing at the cover for notifications like a smartwatch – it changes how you interact with the phone. Many reviewers found it “incredibly fun” to use and a refreshing change from slab phones [189] [190]. That intangible cool factor is something Apple’s and even Google’s device can’t replicate unless they too fold.
The Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold) stands out with the book-folding form factor, bringing tablet capabilities in your pocket. Its unique attributes include that wide cover screen – unlike Samsung’s tall skinny folds, Google’s approach makes the closed phone very usable, essentially giving you a full smartphone on the outside and a tablet inside [191]. That’s a differentiation: you don’t compromise on the outer screen experience; it’s like having a Pixel 9 Pro on the front, and an 8″ tablet when open. The massive 8-inch inner display unlocks use-cases: reading and annotating documents, playing games on a bigger canvas, watching movies in a more immersive way (the Pixel Fold’s aspect ratio is closer to 4:3, good for many videos), etc. Google’s leaning into multitasking and productivity – you can drag a file from one app to another in split-screen, or have a Meet video call on one side and notes on the other, etc. Another interesting feature is the stylus support: Pixel Fold 2 (and Pixel 9 Pro) introduced support for USI styluses. So you could use a pen on that inner screen for taking notes or drawing, effectively turning it into a mini notebook – something the Flip can’t do due to size, and the iPhone doesn’t support any stylus. Then there’s the Gemini AI integration – Pixel 9 Pro Fold owners get a year of Google AI Pro (Gemini Advanced) subscription free [192] [193]. This is unique: it gives you advanced AI features, like generating summaries of long documents (taking advantage of the 1 million token context window of Gemini) [194], or doing complex tasks in Gmail/Docs via the AI. Essentially, the Pixel can be a little AI powerhouse that might replace some PC tasks. The promise that you can “understand documents of up to 1,500 pages” on-device with Gemini Advanced [195] is wild – highlighting Pixel as an AI-first phone. Google also included fun features like live translation in calls (call assist will translate conversations on the fly), and voice message transcription in the Messages app. The Pixel Fold’s camera tricks are also an innovation: the aforementioned “Made You Look” for kid photography uses the outer screen to play an animation to catch attention [196] – a clever use of the form factor + software. And features like Face Unblur, Magic Eraser, Photo Fuse make photography nearly foolproof. On the engineering side, Google achieved the thinnest foldable design while keeping IPX8 water resistance on Pixel Fold 2 (if that’s confirmed – Pixel Fold 1 had no rating, perhaps Fold 2 might have added? The Expert Reviews snippet suggests Samsung’s S25 Edge as similar thin, but didn’t confirm Pixel’s water rating). Google also committed to 7-year updates, outdoing even Samsung and matching Apple in longevity, which is unique in Android land [197]. That means a Pixel Fold could legitimately be in use for most of a decade with support – a nod to sustainability and trust in build quality. Another niche Pixel feature: the rear fingerprint scanner on power button (some prefer that to in-screen ones; also Pixel allows face unlock as convenience). And because it’s a foldable, you can do things like tabletop mode for photography: e.g., open it in an L-shape, and use the camera timer to capture a low-angle shot of yourself – or watch YouTube with the device propped open (though the Flip is arguably better for that due to aspect ratio). In essence, Pixel Fold 2’s unique appeal is the combination of Google’s best software (AI, camera, clean Android) with the immersive screen and versatility of a folding device. It’s like having a Pixel phone and a Pixel tablet in one – and Google’s ensuring both experiences are polished.
Verdict on Unique Features: The iPhone 17 Air pushes the envelope in design innovation and seamless user experience – its uniqueness is subtle (thinness, new UI tricks like Center Stage selfies, the Action button) but meaningful if you value a futuristic-feeling device that doesn’t weigh you down [198]. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 oozes cool factor and flexibility – its uniqueness is immediately visible and practical: a phone that can fold to fit anywhere and be used in modes no flat phone can match. It’s a conversation starter and lifestyle device, arguably the most fun of the bunch with features like Flex Mode and a personalizable cover screen [199] [200]. The Google Pixel Fold 2 is all about expanding possibilities – it’s unique in how it seamlessly transforms from phone to tablet and integrates Google’s AI prowess to make you more productive and creative on the go [201]. If you’re the kind of user who wants the latest AI tools and a mini-computer in your pocket, Pixel Fold offers something truly special. Each device innovates in different directions: Apple in extreme hardware refinement, Samsung in form-factor enjoyment, Google in software intelligence and multitasking. “Unique” depends on what excites you: the Air will wow you with its build, the Flip with its folding fun, and the Fold with its do-everything nature.
Pricing and Availability
All three phones are premium devices, and their pricing reflects their flagship status and, in the case of foldables, costly new technology. Here’s how they break down:
- iPhone 17 Air: Apple priced the Air starting at $999 for the base model with 256GB storage [202]. This slots it right between the regular iPhone 17 ($799) and the Pro ($1,099) in Apple’s lineup [203]. So essentially, you’re paying a $200 premium over the base model to get that thinner design and some upgraded specs (and also $100 less than a Pro, which has more cameras but is chunkier). Higher storage options (512GB, 1TB) likely add a couple hundred dollars each tier (Apple hasn’t officially listed them in the snippet we have, but historically +$200 for 512GB, etc.). The iPhone 17 Air was announced on Sept 9, 2025 and pre-orders begin Friday, Sept 12 [204] [205]. It will ship on Sept 19, 2025, with availability in Apple Stores and major carriers on that date (initially in launch countries like US, UK, etc., and expanding after). Apple usually offers installment plans, trade-in credits (you could trade in an older iPhone to knock down that price), and it comes in four colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue [206]. Being an iPhone, expect wide carrier support and deals (like AT&T or Verizon offering it on contract, possibly even “free” with certain trade-ins and plans as they often do for new iPhones). Also notable: Apple kept the iPhone 17 (non-Air) as a slightly cheaper option, but the Air might appeal to those who were previously buying the “Plus” model (since Air replaced the Plus in the lineup) [207]. For many consumers, $999 is not cheap, but it’s on par with other high-end phones – and cheaper than any foldable.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: At launch (July 2024), the Flip 6 was priced at $1,099 for 256GB and $1,219 for the 512GB model [208]. That represented a $100 increase over the Flip 5’s launch price (which some reviewers questioned, given the iterative upgrades) [209]. By now (2025), the Flip 6 has been on the market for over a year, so its price might have seen some drops or promos – for instance, one might find it for ~$999 on sale or with a bundle, especially with the Z Flip 7 on the horizon (which is expected mid-late 2025) [210]. Samsung also often runs promotions (e.g., if you buy from Samsung.com, they sometimes throw in a case or upgrade storage for free, etc.). Carriers too had deals – it’s common to see “$0 with trade-in and bill credits” type deals for Galaxy foldables. In terms of availability: the Flip 6 is widely available globally. It launched in key markets (US, UK, Europe, Korea, etc.) in late July 2024 and became available in August 2024 (some regions on July 24, some a week later) [211]. By now, it’s in most electronics stores and carrier shops. It comes in multiple colors – four standard (Yellow, Mint, Silver Shadow, Blue) and three online exclusive (Crafted Black, Peach, White) [212] – giving consumers a nice range of choice. Given that the Flip series is Samsung’s more “mainstream” foldable (cheaper than the Fold series), Samsung pushes it strongly in marketing. If you’re buying one in late 2025, you might weigh it against the newer Z Flip 7 (if that’s out by then) or perhaps get a discount on the Flip 6. But as our comparison is as of iPhone 17’s launch, we consider Flip 6 a current competitor. Also, Samsung provides at least a year of warranty and maybe special foldable care (earlier they had one-time screen replacement discounts, etc.). For potential buyers, at ~$1,100, the Flip 6 offers the foldable experience at roughly the same price as a flagship slab phone – that’s been a selling point (it’s about the cost of an iPhone Pro or Galaxy S Ultra, making foldables more accessible).
- Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold): Google’s foldable is the priciest of the trio. It starts at $1,799 for 256GB and goes to $1,919 for the 512GB variant [213]. There’s also a high-end 16GB RAM standard, but that’s included in both models. $1,799 is a substantial investment – notably more than the Flip 6 or any conventional phone, but on par with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series (the Z Fold 6 launched around $1,799 as well for base). Google positions it as a high-end flagship + tablet combo, hence the cost. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was officially released August 2024 (announced Aug 13, 2024) [214]. It initially was sold in select markets (US, UK, maybe some EU like Germany, and possibly Japan and Australia) – Google tends to have limited regional availability for Pixels, though they expanded Pixel 8/9 to more countries than before. It comes in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white) [215]. Availability might still be somewhat niche – you typically buy it from the Google Store, or a few carriers that partnered (in the US e.g., Verizon and Google Fi carried the first Pixel Fold, and maybe AT&T for the second). By 2025, Google may have done discounts or bundle deals (for instance, Pixel Fold 1 often had $500 off promotions or included Pixel Watch, etc.). For Pixel 9 Pro Fold, by next year’s Pixel, one might find deals. But as of now, $1,799 is the price. Google does offer financing (e.g., $58.29/month for 24 months as the UK Google Store snippet shows [216]) which can soften the blow. There are also likely trade-in offers if you have an older Pixel or another phone – Google was giving hefty trade-in values to encourage adoption. One interesting aspect: because Pixel Fold is expensive, Google might include some premium perks – e.g., that 1-year Google One AI Pro subscription (~$227 value) we mentioned [217], maybe some preferred care or extended warranty offers at purchase. Also, Google’s warranty includes foldable-specific coverage (the first gen had some issues with screen protectors peeling – hopefully gen 2 is smoother). In terms of after-sales, Google’s partnership with iFixit means you can get repair parts for Pixel devices, which is good for long-term ownership [218]. All considered, Pixel Fold 2 is the costliest, and its availability, while growing, is not as ubiquitous as an iPhone or Galaxy (for example, it might not be officially sold in some countries where Samsung and Apple are). It targets enthusiasts and professionals who are willing to pay a premium for a productivity powerhouse.
Verdict on Price/Value: If budget is a concern, the iPhone 17 Air at $999 is the least expensive of the three by a notable margin. You could almost buy two iPhone Airs for the price of one Pixel Fold 2. However, value is subjective: the Air is more traditional and lacks some features (like multiple cameras, folding screens) that the others have – you’re partly paying for the extreme engineering. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 sits in the middle ground – around the same price as other flagship phones – offering the foldable novelty without a huge price premium over a regular phone. Some might see that as a sweet spot: flagship specs + foldable = $1,100 feels almost reasonable these days. The Pixel Fold 2 is a commitment – it’s for those who are sure they want that large foldable experience and Google’s software, and are willing to pay top dollar. When comparing, note that the Pixel Fold gives you 16GB RAM and a tablet screen, so part of that cost is more hardware. But it’s still expensive, no way around it. One could argue the Pixel Fold 2 competes more with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 (book-style foldable) than with the flip-style or standard phones. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air competes with other slab phones but carves its own niche due to thinness.
In summary, iPhone 17 Air is relatively more affordable and broadly available (with Apple’s massive retail presence). Galaxy Z Flip 6 is moderately priced for a foldable and widely available with many deals – likely the one to choose if you want a foldable without breaking the bank as much. Pixel Fold 2 is the premium choice with a premium price, available in fewer channels – it offers a lot, but you pay a lot too. All three will undoubtedly see price drops or successor models in the coming year, but as of now, those are the figures.
Early Reviews and Expert Commentary
Initial hands-on reports and expert reviews have provided insightful commentary on each of these phones – highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and how they compare in real-world use. Here’s a roundup of what tech journalists and YouTubers are saying:
- iPhone 17 Air: The iPhone Air has turned heads for its design. Reviewers who got to hold it are impressed by how unbelievably thin and light it feels. “It’s 5.6mm thin and it sure is light… as slim as it looks in photos,” notes The Verge, mentioning the Air’s rounded edges evoke classic iPhones [219] [220]. Many are marveling at the engineering – “you really have to hold it to believe it’s real,” one Apple exec said during the demo [221]. Allison Johnson from The Verge observed that the Air was getting “at least as much interest here at the hands-on area as the freshly redesigned Pro phones”, underscoring how the new form factor is stealing some spotlight [222]. On the flip side, experts are cautious about the compromises. Expert Reviews praised the Air as “a beautifully skinny piece of kit” but quickly added “it still hasn’t fixed my key problem with these ultra-slim smartphones” [223]. That key problem, as author Ben Johnston elaborates, is battery life and the single camera – he suspects the battery might disappoint and is puzzled that a $999 flagship has only one rear lens [224] [225]. Some early camera tests indicate the 48MP shooter is great in daylight (even offering 2× lossless zoom [226]), but the lack of an ultrawide was noted. TechRadar’s early breakdown listed the Air’s pros as the 120Hz display, A19 chip, new 48MP camera, etc., but acknowledged trade-offs like “no ultrawide camera to be found” on this model [227]. Still, for a lot of users and reviewers, the novelty of having such a thin iPhone is exciting – a few have dubbed it the “Porsche 911 of phones” (refined evolution) in discussions. It’s clear that Apple’s blend of design and performance in the Air is resonating, even as they keep an eye on battery and camera compromises.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: By the time the Flip 6 came out, reviewers had a good sense of Samsung’s iterative approach. Android Authority’s Ryan Haines admitted “I didn’t want to like the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but it keeps winning me over” [228]. He concluded that while it’s not a revolutionary upgrade, “small refinements make the Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung’s best flip phone so far”. He especially praised its build quality, reliable cameras, and class-leading update commitment, saying it’s “harder to argue with… two reliable cameras, and a build quality that’s the best among flip phones right now” [229] [230]. The phone does come with caveats: the battery life is still just okay (good enough for a day, but nothing more) and the cover screen’s software is somewhat limited unless you tinker [231] [232]. Android Central’s review verdict was similar: “The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a great phone that performs extremely well and has a good set of cameras. Improved battery life is a plus… However, there aren’t enough changes… making me question Samsung’s decision to charge $100 more.” [233]. They loved the refined design matching the Galaxy S line and 7 years of support, but noted it was largely an iterative update. Gizmodo’s take was a bit more critical, quipping that “The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the best version of Samsung’s design so far, but only barely. Even with the upgrades, it costs too much at $1,100.” [234]. This encapsulates a common sentiment: it’s an excellent device, yet its improvements are incremental and the price felt a tad high at launch (especially with competition from Motorola’s Razr). On the positive side, many YouTubers and users absolutely love the form factor – seeing people actually use Flex Mode for selfies and the joy of snapping it shut. A Reddit user even joked that their nearly 60-year-old uncle got a Flip and “he’s happy his phone fits in his pocket without issues again… it does all the things normal phones do, plus folding” [235]. So, the novelty doesn’t wear off; it translates to daily convenience. In summary, expert reviews laud the Z Flip 6’s premium build, fun factor, and improved longevity, while acknowledging it’s a polish of last year’s model rather than a radical reinvention.
- Google Pixel Fold 2 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold): The Pixel Fold 2 has been hailed as a huge step up from Google’s first foldable. PhoneArena called it “Google’s second generation foldable, neatly arranged and summarized… no more guesswork, we know everything about this thrilling foldable”, highlighting Google’s decision to integrate it into the Pixel 9 lineup properly [236] [237]. Many commentators agree Google “thought this one through” more. TechRadar’s Philip Berne gave a glowing verdict: “The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is my favorite new foldable phone, and it’s all about the way it looks and feels. It looks like a normal phone, it feels thin and not bulky, and it’s incredibly fun whether I keep it open or closed.” [238]. He continued that the AI features are powerful on it and the big screen is a fantastic canvas, saying “it makes up the difference when you open up the tablet hidden in your phone.” [239]. In other words, the Pixel Fold 2 finally delivers on the foldable promise without too many compromises. Reviewers praise its thinner, lighter design and especially the wider outer display (no more “letterbox” feel as on Galaxy Fold). Moor Insights & Strategy noted “the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a huge improvement on the original Pixel Fold in nearly every way and addresses the many problems that it had” [240]. Camera quality has impressed as well – some early camera samples show it competes with top slabs, and DXOMark ranked its camera the best among foldables [241]. Of course, there are some nitpicks: battery life, while decent, isn’t stellar (Preslav Kateliev of PhoneArena said it’s “not amazing” in battery) [242]. And the price is a barrier – some tech pundits say it’s arguably worth it for what you get, but mainstream buyers might flinch at ~$1800. There’s also acknowledgment that foldables remain a bit niche. A Redditor in r/PixelFold said they “ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Pixel 9 Pro Fold” and even told their spouse it’d be the last phone they buy for years [243] – illustrating that those who have it, love it enough to stick with it. The integration of AI is a standout talking point; a reviewer humorously noted how easy it was to generate wild images on device (e.g., “I made a Pooh bear doing drugs off of Eeyore” with the AI image generator) and cautioned about the ethics [244] – highlighting how far ahead Google is pushing these features. Overall, expert opinion positions the Pixel Fold 2 as finally a foldable that nails the experience: no serious hardware flaws, top-notch cameras, and the software to make use of that big screen. It’s earned a place as a true flagship, not just a experimental gadget. The main downsides pointed out are its high cost and availability, and that some minor Pixel quirks persist (like that camera preview discrepancy Moor noted [245]).
Conclusion: Early reviews suggest that Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is a head-turner for its extreme thinness and solid performance, though some wonder if its slim battery and single camera will satisfy power users [246] [247]. It’s basically setting a new trend for super-slim flagships, and many experts think a segment of users will absolutely love it for that reason alone [248]. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is seen as the refinement of a winning formula – experts call it the best flip phone yet, with meaningful (if not groundbreaking) improvements [249] [250]. It remains arguably the most fun phone, and reviewers found themselves charmed by it in daily life, though they do point out it’s an evolution, not a revolution, compared to last year. Google’s Pixel Fold 2 has impressed critics by fulfilling the promise of the foldable format with minimal compromise – it’s praised for design, camera, and especially its integration of Google’s powerful AI and software support [251] [252]. The cost is high, but many say if you want the ultimate do-it-all device, this might be it.
In a competitive sense, each device is carving its own path: the iPhone 17 Air challenges the notion that bigger (or more cameras) is always better by focusing on thin and premium, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 makes foldables fun and relatively affordable, and the Pixel Fold 2 pushes foldables into productivity powerhouse territory with Google’s software smarts. It’s a great time for smartphone enthusiasts – whether you’re drawn to the sleek Air, the versatile Flip, or the ambitious Fold, early feedback indicates there’s a lot to be excited about with all three. As the reviews roll in and people get these in hand, we’ll see how well each one delivers on its promises over the long term. But one thing is clear: Apple, Samsung, and Google have each brought something distinct to the table, giving consumers a remarkably diverse choice at the high end of the smartphone market [253] [254].
Sources:
- Apple Newsroom – “Introducing iPhone Air: a powerful new iPhone with a breakthrough design” (Sep 9, 2025) [255] [256]
- ABC News – “Apple unveils iPhone 17, including first-ever iPhone Air” (Sep 9, 2025) [257] [258]
- The Verge – Allison Johnson, “iPhone Air hands-on” (Sep 9, 2025) [259] [260]
- Expert Reviews – Ben Johnston, “The iPhone 17 Air has apparently learned nothing from Samsung’s mistakes” (Sep 9, 2025) [261] [262]
- Axios – Ina Fried, “Apple debuts iPhone 17 and thinner iPhone Air” (Sep 9, 2025) [263] [264]
- Samsung Global Newsroom – “A Look Inside the Galaxy Z Flip6” (Jul 23, 2024) [265] [266]
- Otofly Blog – “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review: Price, release date, features…” (Aug 5, 2024) [267] [268]
- Android Authority – Ryan Haines, “Galaxy Z Flip 6 review” (Feb 10, 2025) [269] [270]
- Android Central – Derrek Lee, “Galaxy Z Flip 6 review: A great flip phone that misses the point” (June 18, 2025) [271] [272]
- Gizmodo – “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review: A Beautiful but Limited Foldable” – via Hivebrite (Aug 3, 2024) [273]
- PhoneArena – Mariyan Slavov, “Pixel 9 Pro Fold: release date, price, and must-know features” (Apr 22, 2025) [274] [275]
- PhoneArena – Preslav Kateliev, “Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: does the next Google foldable soar high?” (May 29, 2025) [276] [277]
- TechRadar – Philip Berne, “Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: the sum of great parts” (Sep 3, 2024) [278] [279]
- Moor Insights & Strategy – Anshel Sag, “Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: Google’s Best Foldable — With Caveats” (Feb 18, 2025) [280] [281]
- Tom’s Guide – “iPhone Air announced — thinnest iPhone ever, specs, features” (Sep 2025) [282]
- ABC News – Max Zahn, Event coverage of Apple iPhone 17 launch (Sep 9, 2025) [283] [284]
- TechRadar – “BREAKING: Here’s what you need to know about the iPhone 17” (Sep 9, 2025) [285]
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