This year has been monumental for Google with the launch of the Pixel 9 lineup, which not only marks the return of the XL model but also introduces the all-new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the tech giant's second attempt at a foldable phone.

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts improvements over its predecessor, including a thinner body, ergonomic design, and enhanced camera module, it comes with a hefty price tag that may not appeal to every budget. With numerous alternatives available, here are five outstanding options that could be more suitable for you if you’re considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

1. OnePlus Open

OnePlus has made a striking debut in the foldable market with the OnePlus Open. Crafted with lightweight titanium, it offers a unique aesthetic in vibrant colors, including green, red, and classy black.

The displays are remarkable too—its cover screen feels just like a traditional phone, while the inner display shines with anti-reflective features and a peak brightness of up to 2800 nits. Packed inside is the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 16GB RAM. The triple-camera setup includes a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, all designed to capture stunning images. Plus, the impressive 4,805mAh battery supports 67W fast charging, allowing users to recharge in just 42 minutes, making it a formidable competitor to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

With six years of experience in the foldable market, Samsung continues to impress with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Though its design mirrors its predecessor, it has been refined for a sleeker profile and offer greater functionality.

The Z Fold 6 features a generous 6.3-inch cover display and a stunning 7.6-inch inner screen, both compatible with the S Pen, offering unmatched productivity. Inside, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy draws your attention, backed by 12GB RAM and various storage options from 256GB to 1TB. The camera system comprises a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto lens, providing vibrant photography abilities. With a 4,400mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging, the Z Fold 6 is an excellent choice for those considering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

For those enamored by the Pixel experience but less enthused about foldable tech, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a fantastic alternative. Featuring Google's groundbreaking Super Actua OLED display with a dazzling 6.8 inches and 3000 nits peak brightness, it outshines the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in both functionality and price.

Powered by the Tensor G4 and 16GB RAM, it swings massive storage options from 128GB to 1TB. The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro XL includes a superior 50MP primary, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom for stunning photography—a notable upgrade compared to the Fold. The 5,060mAh battery supports a wide range of charging options, making the XL a solid choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a large display without the foldable gimmick.

4. Motorola Razr Plus (2024)

For those keen on foldables but preferring a flip design, the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) is an appealing pick. One of its standout features is a new vegan leather back that adds a touch of luxury while ensuring grip and comfort.

This model sports a striking 4-inch pOLED external display with 2400 nits of peak brightness and an impressive 165Hz refresh rate. The inner display, measuring 6.9 inches and also featuring 165Hz refresh, surpasses expectations in terms of visuals. With its upgraded camera system including a 50MP primary and telephoto lens, this flip phone delivers on performance. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip combined with 12GB RAM makes it more than capable for daily tasks, while the 4,000mAh battery ensures reliability throughout the day, all at a competitive price point compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

5. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Last but not least, if you're gravitating towards high performance but want to skip the foldable hype, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra deserves your attention. Combining style and substance, its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display boasts 2500 nits peak brightness and a glorious 120Hz refresh rate, offering a viewing experience that’s hard to match.

Inside lies the robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered by 12GB RAM and storage options reaching 1TB. The camera capabilities are extraordinary, with a 200MP primary camera alongside a formidable quad-camera system that excels in every photography scenario. A massive 5,000mAh battery combined with various charging methods positions the S24 Ultra as not just an alternative but a powerful contender against the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Choosing the right smartphone can be daunting with so many options out there. If you’re considering a folding device, remember there's a host of alternatives offering impressive specs and performance without breaking the bank. Each of the phones listed above offers unique features that may appeal more to your needs than the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.