The recent arrival of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold marks a significant advancement in foldable technology, featuring an IP68 rating and the introduction of Pixelsnap magnets. If you’re considering an upgrade, this might be the perfect opportunity to explore the foldable experience.
However, Google faces stiff competition in the foldable market. Just months ago, Samsung impressed us with the revamped Galaxy Z Fold 7. So how does this new model stack up against its predecessor?
After spending some time with both devices, I have numerous observations. Let’s delve into the comparisons of these foldable smartphones.
Design
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7 embody contrasting design philosophies. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has undergone a substantial redesign for 2025, while the Pixel retains a similar look to its predecessor. Each model presents distinct advantages; your preference will largely depend on which design resonates with you more.
Luke Baker
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 prioritizes a slim and lightweight design. When folded, it could easily be mistaken for a conventional flagship phone. Surprisingly, it weighs even less than the non-folding Galaxy S25 Ultra and is only marginally thicker.
If you prefer a folding phone that mimics the feel of a standard device, the Z Fold 7 stands out. Additionally, its ultra-slim bezels and bold angular design enhance the display area on both the internal and external screens.
Luke Baker
In stark contrast, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is notably thicker at 10.8mm when closed, compared to the Galaxy’s 8.9mm. With a weight of 258g, it also feels heftier than the 215g Galaxy. This difference is palpable during hands-on use. Its rounded corners and somewhat plump bezels provide a distinctive aesthetic.
Nonetheless, the Pixel’s design has its own allure. It feels robust and reliable, especially for a foldable device—a sentiment not commonly expressed. This durability is supported by its IP68 rating, making it the first foldable capable of withstanding both dust and water. Conversely, the Z Fold 7 holds a lower IP48 rating, which presents potential dust issues.
Luke Baker
The Pixel is also the inaugural foldable to feature the Pixelsnap technology—similar to Apple’s MagSafe, it permits compatibility with most MagSafe accessories from Apple, albeit with some exceptions.
Samsung provides magnetic cases with equivalent functionality; however, cases for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold are optional.
Displays
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a 6.4-inch cover display, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts a slightly larger 6.5-inch cover screen, both sporting 8-inch foldable interiors.
The variations may seem minor, but in practical use, they feel considerably different. The Pixel’s rounded corners contribute to a softer appearance, whereas the Samsung’s sharper edges enhance perceived screen size.
In my experience, the Samsung’s displays feel substantially more expansive because content extends to the sharper corners. This is especially noticeable on the outer screen, although less so on the foldable display. The Pixel’s cover screen, by comparison, feels more constricted.
Conversely, the softer curvature of the Pixel screens enhances comfort when holding the device opened. Additionally, the thicker bezel on the foldable screen provides a gripping point without the risk of unintentionally touching the display.
The Pixel screens present a slightly brighter maximum brightness, though in general use, they appear quite similar. It’s important to mention that the Samsung may reduce display brightness under direct sunlight to prevent overheating; the Pixel might do the same, but the gloomy weather since its arrival has limited testing.
Luke Baker
Regarding the crease, Samsung clearly outperforms; the crease in the Z Fold 7 is far less prominent than in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Of course, acclimatization will occur over time, but if you’re sensitive to such distinctions, the Samsung model is likely more appealing.
Performance
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, previously acclaimed as the fastest mobile chip until the recent announcement of the 8 Elite Gen 5. Conversely, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold operates on Google’s Tensor G5 chip.
The Tensor G5 represents a marked improvement over its predecessor, achieving higher benchmark scores overall and delivering a snappier performance in everyday use. However, it still falls short of the Snapdragon in raw speed.
Luke Baker
The impact of this difference will depend on your usage. For activities such as social media browsing, email management, and photo editing, you likely won’t detect much of a difference between the two. Both devices are exceptionally responsive, performing effortlessly even with multiple apps open.
However, during intense activities—such as playing demanding games like Wuthering Waves or performing video editing tasks with numerous 4K clips in LumaFusion—the Z Fold 7 is definitively more suitable.
The Pixel can still handle most tasks, but you will notice it struggling under extreme conditions, often heating up during intensive operations.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Both smartphones start with 256GB of storage in their base models, with upgrade options for 512GB or even 1TB. The Pixel, however, boasts an advantage in RAM: every Pixel 10 Pro Fold model comes equipped with 16GB of RAM.
The 256GB and 512GB Z Fold 7 options only feature 12GB, and you’ll need to purchase the more expensive 1TB variant to have 16GB.
Will this RAM difference significantly affect your experience? Based on my tests, it’s negligible. Both smartphones excel in multitasking, with the 12GB RAM of the Fold 7 proving to be sufficient for smooth performance.
Cameras
On the rear, both devices feature a triple camera configuration, accompanied by selfie cameras on each screen. They encompass an ultrawide camera, a primary shooter, and a telephoto; however, the Pixel is equipped with a 5x lens, while Samsung’s version sports a 3x lens.
Luke Baker
The most significant disparity lies in the primary sensor specifications. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold employs a 48Mp 1/2-inch sensor, whereas the Z Fold 7 is equipped with a 200Mp 1/1.3-inch sensor. This higher resolution not only yields better details but excels in low-light conditions as well.
After thoroughly exploring both camera systems, I found that the Samsung generally offers superior image quality. Although often, the Pixel can produce visually appealing shots, a closer examination shows it struggles with detail retention compared to its competitor’s photos.
The Pixel’s advantage lies in its user-friendly camera experience. Its app is straightforward and filled with features specifically aimed at novice users, including a Camera Coach mode that aids in capturing impressive social media shots.
Luke Baker
In contrast, Samsung’s app caters to more experienced photographers. Packed with advanced controls, it even allows for Log video recording.
Your choice between these systems depends on your personal needs. Having a photography background, I appreciate the depth Samsung offers, but I also see the charm of Google’s streamlined app.
Other Differences
Another notable distinction lies in the software experience. While both devices run on Android 16 and promise 7 years of updates, Samsung’s One UI skin imparts a different aesthetic and functionality compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s standard Android experience.
Luke Baker
Which software is superior depends on your preferences. I appreciate the simplicity of Google’s interface; it’s user-friendly and offers swift access to notifications through features like Now Playing, which identifies songs around you. Additionally, Pixel Drop updates roll out promptly with additional features and OS enhancements.
Conversely, I favor Samsung’s visual appeal and find its multitasking capabilities slightly more sophisticated than Google’s offerings.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Functionality-wise, both systems are rich in AI-driven features, providing services from translation to summarization and image/video generation. While most features can be found on both devices, navigating Samsung’s options can be trickier since they are often embedded within proprietary applications compared to the straightforward integration present in Google services like Google Photos.
Notably, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold includes a considerably larger battery, featuring a 5015mAh capacity as opposed to the 4400mAh on the Z Fold 7. However, this larger battery didn’t seem to substantially enhance endurance during my testing; I often found myself needing to recharge the Pixel more frequently.
Luke Baker
In general usage, both devices could comfortably last a full day, but under heavy use—especially when gaming on the internal display and recording videos—you should anticipate a need to connect to a charger before the day concludes.
Regarding charging speeds, both phones are relatively slow. However, the Pixel edges out with a charging rate of 30W via wired, while the Samsung operates at 25W. For wireless charging, both devices deliver 15W, but the Pixel’s built-in magnets enhance the experience, allowing compatible chargers to attach effortlessly without requiring a case.
Pricing
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold begins at £1,749/$1799 for the 256GB model, undercutting the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 256GB MSRP of £1,799/$1,999 (with even larger discrepancies in the US).
That said, as the Samsung has been available longer, there’s potential for finding deals or pre-owned options. Check our widgets below for current offers.
If you’re looking for added storage, the 512GB Pixel is priced at £1,869/$1,919, while the 1TB version will cost you £2,099/$2,149. The 512GB Z Fold 7 is £1,899/$2,119 and the 1TB model is priced at £2,149/$2,419.
Thus, while the Pixel tends to be slightly cheaper based on official pricing, the margins are narrow—especially for US customers. Both models are widely available and various contract deals can be found in the UK.
Verdict
Ultimately, your choice will hinge on what matters most to you. Should you prefer a sleek and lightweight device, the Samsung is the clear winner. Its camera performance is also commendable, exhibiting less visible creasing on the folding screen and greater suitability for gaming.
On the flip side, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold boasts numerous benefits, such as exceptional durability and its IP68 rating, providing peace of mind in outdoor conditions. Furthermore, it stands out as the only foldable equipped with integrated magnets, allowing you to make use of Pixelsnap/MagSafe accessories without encumbering it with a case. Its initial retail price is also more favorable, and software updates roll out faster.
As a user who leans toward heavy engagement—particularly in graphic-intensive gaming, utilizing advanced camera features, and multitasking—the Galaxy Z Fold 7 emerges as the clear choice for my needs. However, this does not diminish the Pixel’s appeal; its intuitive usability and impressive features may be significantly beneficial for some users.
