There has been limited competition in the foldable smartphone market in recent years, with Samsung dominating the field. However, the introduction of the Google Pixel Fold may change the game. Google launched this product in May 2023, generating significant buzz in the technology world.
Although Google seems to aim for competition with the iPhone, the real rival for the Pixel Fold is Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022. So, let's compare these two foldable phones and see how they stack up against each other.
Design and Appearance
The Google Pixel Fold is available in two colors and boasts a size that resembles a more standard smartphone, thanks to its narrow bezels. It is also more manageable with one hand. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 comes in four colors, and it is longer, slimmer, and unfolds into a square-like shape, which may feel a bit unfamiliar to those accustomed to traditional smartphones.
Both phones have an IPX8 rating for dust and water resistance. Experts have praised the overall build quality of both devices, particularly the tightness of the hinges and the use of premium materials. However, the Pixel Fold's design is generally considered more comfortable to use. It is worth noting that the Galaxy Z Fold4 supports stylus input, whereas the Pixel Fold does not offer that option.
The Google Pixel Fold features a 5.8-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch main screen, making it the thinnest foldable smartphone available. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, on the other hand, has a 6.2-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch main screen. With a weight of 9.28 ounces, it is slightly lighter than the 10-ounce Google Pixel Fold.
Cameras
The Pixel Fold is equipped with three rear cameras, including a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.8-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold4 also features three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
Both phones capture high-quality photos that surpass many smartphones on the market in 2023. However, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is generally favored by experts and photography enthusiasts, mainly due to its diverse range of modes for capturing portraits, panoramas, and videos. Nonetheless, the Pixel Fold excels at close-up shots, thanks to its superior zoom capabilities.
Battery Life
When buying a new smartphone, one of the crucial aspects to consider is battery life. Few things are as frustrating as having to stop and charge your phone in the middle of a busy day. Unfortunately, foldable phones do not always excel in battery life, but both the Pixel Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold4 offer approximately nine to ten hours of usage.
Due to its larger battery, the Pixel Fold tends to last a little longer, making it the preferred choice for most experts in terms of battery life. However, the Galaxy Z Fold4 charges faster, which can be advantageous when you're in a hurry. Therefore, consider your personal priorities before making a decision.
Usability
As previously mentioned, the Google Pixel Fold provides a familiar smartphone experience akin to an iPhone, which many users find comfortable to hold and easy to handle. It is particularly convenient for one-handed use. Both phones feature large 7.6-inch main displays, but the Pixel Fold has a slight advantage in brightness, with a maximum of 1,172 nits compared to the Galaxy Z Fold4's maximum brightness of 905 nits. Moreover, the Pixel Fold adjusts well to bright light conditions, especially sunlight.
Multitasking
If you enjoy multitasking, such as watching YouTube while making a grocery list or sending work emails, both phones offer an ideal experience for running two apps simultaneously. However, the Galaxy Z Fold4 has the advantage here as it allows you to add a third app to your multitasking setup.
Extra Features
Both phones come with unique features that set them apart from others on the market, so your choice may depend on what you prioritize.
The Pixel Fold offers exciting features such as multiple translation abilities, including a real-time translation app, impressive photo editing options, and the ability to screencast to a computer or television.
The Galaxy Z Fold4 boasts exclusive early access to new Android updates, the ability to connect wirelessly to a monitor, mouse, or keyboard and use the phone like a computer, and support for the S Pen stylus. This is particularly appealing to artists, writers, and anyone seeking a traditional writing or drawing experience on their smartphones.
