Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: The Ultimate Foldable Showdown

Foldable phones have arrived, and the Google Pixel Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 represent the pinnacle of this innovative technology. Both offer stunning displays, powerful performance, and unique form factors, but which one truly deserves your money? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy Z Fold4 boasts a more refined foldable experience with faster charging and a brighter display. However, the Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 chip and Google’s software integration offer a compelling alternative, especially for photography enthusiasts. Ultimately, the Z Fold4 edges out the Pixel Fold due to its overall polish.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
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, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, May 102022, August 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 27Available. Released 2022, August 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), 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 mmUnfolded: 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mmFolded: 155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2-15.8 mm
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight283 g (9.98 oz)263 g (9.28 oz)
 IPX8 water resistantIPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) Stylus support
Display
Resolution1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)1812 x 2176 pixels (~373 ppi density)
Size7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.2 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak)Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 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)Cover display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ 6.2 inches, 904 x 2316 pixels, 23.1:9 ratio
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G2 (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MP7Adreno 730
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgradesAndroid 12L, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
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", 1.25µm50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 66mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
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 PDAF4 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 2.0µm, under display Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Ultra Wideband (UWB) supportBixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
ChargingWired, PD3.0 Wireless25W wired, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4821 mAhLi-Po 4400 mAh
Misc
ColorsPorcelain, ObsidianGraygreen, Phantom Black, Beige, Burgundy
ModelsG9FPLSM-F936B, SM-F936B/DS, SM-F936U, SM-F936U1, SM-F936N, SM-F936W, SM-F9360
Price€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99$ 457.00 / € 511.80 / £ 485.00 / ₹ 73,899
SAR-0.96 W/kg (head)     0.92 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.30 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 101h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -28.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 964530 (v9) GeekBench: 3981 (v5.1) GFXBench: 43fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel Fold

  • Excellent camera performance
  • Clean Android experience
  • Unique software features
  • Compact external display

  • Slower charging
  • Less bright display
  • Performance slightly behind Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Higher price

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

  • Brighter display
  • Faster performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Faster charging
  • More refined foldable design
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Samsung's One UI can be overwhelming
  • Camera processing less natural than Pixel
  • Pricey

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 takes the display crown with a measured 1000 nits of peak brightness, making it significantly easier to view outdoors. While the Pixel Fold’s display is excellent, it lacks the same level of brightness. Both offer vibrant colors and sharp resolution, but Samsung’s panel is noticeably more impressive. The Z Fold4 also has a theoretically infinite contrast ratio.

Camera Comparison

Google’s Tensor G2 chip is known for its exceptional image processing capabilities, and the Pixel Fold leverages this strength. Expect excellent dynamic range and natural-looking colors. The Galaxy Z Fold4’s camera is also very good, but it tends to produce slightly more saturated images. Both offer versatile camera systems.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Galaxy Z Fold4 provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2. While the Tensor G2 is capable, the Snapdragon chip handles demanding tasks and gaming with greater ease. However, the Pixel Fold’s software optimization can sometimes compensate for the hardware difference.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Z Fold4 demonstrates superior battery endurance, boasting an endurance rating of 101h. The Pixel Fold's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Z Fold4's longevity. Faster charging speeds on the Z Fold4 (25W wired) further enhance its appeal.

Buying Guide

The Google Pixel Fold is ideal for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, prioritizing camera quality and unique software features. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is best suited for those seeking a more mature foldable experience, with robust hardware, faster charging, and a wider range of software customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which foldable phone is more durable?
Both phones utilize durable materials, but the Galaxy Z Fold4 has undergone more rigorous testing and refinement over multiple generations, potentially making it slightly more durable.
❓ Is the Pixel Fold worth the extra cost?
The Pixel Fold's value depends on your priorities. If you prioritize camera quality and a clean Android experience, it's worth considering. However, the Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a more complete package with faster performance and charging.