Samsung Galaxy Z Flip vs. Google Pixel Fold: A Detailed Comparison

The foldable phone market is maturing, offering distinct choices beyond the initial hype. We pit the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, a long-standing champion of compact foldables, against the Google Pixel Fold, a newcomer aiming to redefine the experience with software and a larger form factor. This comparison focuses on the core hardware differences and how they translate to real-world usage.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing portability and a lower price point, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip remains a compelling choice. However, the Google Pixel Fold’s more modern chipset and larger, more versatile display offer a superior experience for power users and those heavily invested in the Google ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Google Pixel Fold
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 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, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 711, 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, 71
5G bands-1, 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/mmWave
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, February 112023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, February 14Available. Released 2023, June 27
Body
BuildPlastic front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 167.3 x 73.6 x 7.2 mm Folded: 87.4 x 73.6 x 17.3 mmUnfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight183 g (6.46 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
Resolution1080 x 2636 pixels (~425 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 101.6 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+Foldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 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)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.95 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.41 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 640 (700 MHz)Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1.1Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-48 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@60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single10 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1.22µm8 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 PDAF
Video4K@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging15W wired WirelessWired, PD3.0 Wireless
TypeLi-Po 3300 mAhLi-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsMirror Black, Mirror Purple, Mirror Gold, Thom Browne EditionPorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsSM-F700, SM-F700F, SM-F700F/DS, SM-F700U/DS, SM-F700U1/DS, SM-F700N, M-F7000, SM-F700W/DS, SM-F700U1G9FPL
PriceAbout 770 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99
SAR0.54 W/kg (head)     0.96 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.37 W/kg (head)     1.55 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

  • More affordable price point
  • Highly portable and pocketable design
  • Unique and stylish form factor

  • Outdated Snapdragon 855+ chipset
  • Slow 15W charging
  • Lower peak display brightness

Google Pixel Fold

  • Modern Google Tensor G2 chipset
  • Larger, more versatile display
  • Advanced Google software features

  • Likely higher price
  • Potentially less pocketable design
  • Battery life dependent on optimization

Display Comparison

The Galaxy Z Flip boasts a 596 nit peak brightness, adequate for outdoor visibility but noticeably less vibrant than modern flagships. The Pixel Fold’s display specifications are not provided, but its larger size suggests a focus on immersive content consumption. The Z Flip’s smaller display is optimized for one-handed use, while the Pixel Fold aims for a more tablet-like experience when unfolded. The absence of LTPO information for either device makes it difficult to assess power efficiency gains from variable refresh rates.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Pixel Fold, a direct comparison is limited. However, Google’s computational photography prowess is a known strength. The Z Flip’s camera details are also missing, but its market positioning suggests a focus on social media-friendly images. The Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP) likely offers advanced features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, enhancing image quality and editing capabilities. The absence of sensor size information for both devices makes it difficult to assess low-light performance.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+, a 7nm chipset that, while capable, is several generations behind. Its octa-core configuration (1x2.95 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.41 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks. The Google Pixel Fold, equipped with the Google Tensor G2 (5nm), offers a significant performance leap. The Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 cores (2x2.85 GHz) provide superior single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth scrolling. The 5nm process node also translates to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits users who engage in mobile gaming or video editing.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Z Flip’s 15W wired charging is comparatively slow, requiring significant time to reach a full charge. Wireless charging is available, but adds further to the charging duration. The Pixel Fold supports faster PD3.0 wired charging, and wireless charging, but specific wattage is not provided. The Tensor G2’s improved power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity in the Pixel Fold, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The Z Flip’s smaller battery capacity, combined with the power demands of the Snapdragon 855+, likely necessitates more frequent charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip if you need a genuinely pocketable foldable that prioritizes style and affordability. It’s ideal for users who want a unique form factor without breaking the bank. Buy the Google Pixel Fold if you prefer a larger, more tablet-like unfolded experience, demand the latest Google software features, and value performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in the Galaxy Z Flip struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 855+ is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset's age and thermal limitations mean it's prone to throttling during extended gaming sessions, leading to performance dips.
❓ How does the Google Tensor G2's machine learning capabilities enhance the Pixel Fold experience?
The Tensor G2 excels at on-device machine learning, powering features like improved voice recognition, real-time translation, and advanced camera features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. These features are deeply integrated into the Pixel Fold's software, providing a more intelligent and intuitive user experience.
❓ Is the Galaxy Z Flip's hinge durable enough for long-term use?
Samsung has significantly improved the durability of its foldable hinges over generations. While not indestructible, the Z Flip's hinge is generally considered reliable and capable of withstanding hundreds of thousands of folds. However, proper care and avoiding extreme temperatures are still recommended.