Google Pixel Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold4

There hasn’t been a ton of competition in the foldable smartphone world during the last few years — Samsung tends to dominate — but the addition of the Google Pixel Fold to the mix could just be a game changer. Google launched the product in May 2023, and it’s got the technology world buzzing.

While Google seems to want to compete with the iPhone, the Pixel Fold’s real competition is the Galaxy Z Fold4, which was released by Samsung in August 2022. So, how do these two foldable phones stack up against each other? Let’s take a look.

Overall Design and Appearance

The Google Pixel Fold comes in two colors, and its size feels like a more standard smartphone, thanks to the narrow bezels. It’s also easier to handle with one hand. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 comes in four colors, and it’s longer, slimmer, and unfolds into a square-like shape, which can feel a bit awkward if you’re used to a traditional smartphone.

Both have an IPX8 rating for dust and water resistance. Experts have been impressed with both phones’ overall construction quality, particularly the tightness of the hinges and the use of solid, premium materials. However, the Pixel Fold’s design is usually deemed the most comfortable to use. That said, you can use a stylus with the Galaxy Z Fold4, and the Pixel Fold does not come with that option.

The Google Pixel Fold has a 5.8-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch main screen. It’s also the thinnest foldable smartphone that you can buy. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 6.2-inch cover screen with a 7.6-inch main screen. At 9.28 ounces, it’s slightly smaller than the 10-ounce Google Pixel Fold.

Cameras

The Pixel Fold has three on the back, including a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.8-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also has three cameras on the back, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

Both cameras take high-quality photos that are probably better than many smartphones on the market in 2023. However, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is typically favored by experts and photography enthusiasts. Much of that has to do with the modes available to take portraits, panoramas, and videos. That said, the Pixel Fold is great for taking close-ups, thanks to its ability to zoom in better.

Battery Life

One of the first things you probably want to know when buying a new smartphone is how long the battery lasts. Few things are worse than having to stop to charge your phone in the middle of a busy day. Unfortunately, foldable phones and excellent battery life don’t always go hand-in-hand, but you should be able to get about nine to 10 hours out of each of these options.

The Pixel Fold’s battery is larger overall, so it does last a little longer, and most experts consider it the winner when it comes to battery life. But don’t count the Galaxy Z Fold4 out. It tends to charge faster, which can be great when you’re in a hurry, so take your own priorities into consideration before making a choice.

Usability

As mentioned, the Google Pixel Fold has the feeling of a standard smartphone, such as an iPhone, so many users like the way it feels in their hands and claim it’s easier to handle, especially if their previous experience is with a standard smartphone. It’s also easier to use with one hand.

Both phones’ main displays are large enough for any user at 7.6 inches, but the Pixel Fold has a slight advantage when it comes to brightness. Its maximum brightness is 1,172 nits, while the Galaxy Z Fold4’s maximum brightness is 905 nits. The Pixel Fold also adjusts itself when you use it under bright light, particularly in sunlight.

Multitasking

Do you enjoy watching YouTube while making your grocery list or sending work emails? You’re in luck. Both phones are ideal for multitasking between two apps at once. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has the advantage here though, because it allows you to add a third app to your multitasking experience.

Extra Features

Both phones come with extra features that you won’t find anywhere else, so your choice here may depend on what you’re looking for.

Some of the Pixel Fold’s exciting features include multiple translation abilities, including a live translation app that works in real-time, cool photo editing options, and screencasting to a computer or television.

Some of the Galaxy Z Fold4’s exciting features include early exclusive access to new Android updates; the ability to connect a monitor, mouse, or keyboard wirelessly and use the phone like a computer; and the ability to use a stylus. The phone supports the S Pen, which is a plus for artists, writers, and anyone who wants an old-fashioned writing or drawing experience on their smartphones.