Google Pixel Fold vs. Pixel 7: A Detailed Comparison

Google's Pixel lineup continues to impress, but choosing between the innovative Pixel Fold and the refined Pixel 7 can be tough. Both offer exceptional software and camera capabilities, but cater to different user needs. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every aspect to help you decide which phone is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel Fold is a groundbreaking foldable offering a unique form factor and multitasking advantages, but at a premium price. The Pixel 7 remains a fantastic choice for those prioritizing value, a smaller form factor, and top-tier camera performance in a more traditional smartphone design.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel Fold Google Pixel 7
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GQML3
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GQML3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GVU6C
Launch
Announced2023, May 102022, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 27Available. Released 2022, October 13
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight283 g (9.98 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 IPX8 water resistantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)
Size7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)
 Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 5.8 inches, 1080 x 2092 pixels, 17.4:9 ratio, 408 ppi 1200 nits (HBM), 1550 nits (peak)Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G2 (5 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MP7Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgradesAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 121˚, (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.25µm-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Cover camera: 9.5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Ultra Wideband (UWB) support-
Battery
ChargingWired, PD3.0 Wireless20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4821 mAhLi-Ion 4355 mAh
Misc
ColorsPorcelain, ObsidianObsidian, Lemongrass, Snow
ModelsG9FPLGVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5
Price€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 96h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel Fold

  • Unique foldable design
  • Excellent multitasking capabilities
  • Large, immersive display
  • Premium build quality
  • Google's software experience

  • High price
  • Shorter battery life compared to Pixel 7
  • Camera not as versatile as Pixel 7
  • Thicker and heavier than Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7

  • Excellent value for money
  • Compact and comfortable design
  • Outstanding camera performance
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Bright and vibrant display

  • Less innovative design
  • Limited multitasking compared to Pixel Fold
  • 90Hz refresh rate (vs. 120Hz on Fold)
  • No dedicated telephoto lens

Display Comparison

The Pixel Fold boasts a 7.6-inch foldable OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a tablet-like experience for multitasking and media consumption. The Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch OLED display, also with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a more pocketable and comfortable experience for one-handed use. Brightness is a key differentiator, with the Pixel 7 reaching 974 nits, offering better outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature Google's renowned computational photography. The Pixel 7 has a slightly more versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, offering greater zoom capabilities. The Pixel Fold's camera setup is competent but doesn't quite match the Pixel 7's overall photographic prowess, especially in zoom scenarios. Both excel in low-light photography.

Performance

Both devices share the same Google Tensor G2 chipset, ensuring comparable performance in everyday tasks and demanding applications. However, the Pixel Fold's larger form factor allows for potentially better thermal management during extended gaming sessions. Software optimization is excellent on both.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7 demonstrates exceptional battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 96 hours. The Pixel Fold's battery life is respectable, but the larger display and foldable design inherently consume more power, resulting in shorter overall usage times. Charging speeds are similar, with both supporting 20W wired and wireless charging.

Buying Guide

The Pixel Fold is ideal for power users, multitaskers, and those seeking a unique, premium foldable experience. The Pixel 7 is perfect for everyday users, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a flagship phone with excellent value and a compact design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel Fold worth the extra cost?
The Pixel Fold is worth it if you value the foldable form factor, multitasking capabilities, and a larger display. However, the Pixel 7 offers a more compelling value proposition for most users.
❓ Which phone has the better camera?
The Pixel 7 generally has the better camera system due to its dedicated telephoto lens and slightly more versatile capabilities, especially in zoom scenarios.
❓ How does the Pixel Fold's battery life compare to the Pixel 7?
The Pixel 7 offers significantly better battery life than the Pixel Fold due to its smaller size and more efficient power consumption.