From the classic Motorola StarTAC, the first recognized foldable, to more sophisticated models like the Samsung Z Fold series, foldable tech has significantly progressed.

Nowadays, when we discuss foldables, we’re mainly talking about smartphones with bendable, foldable screens. What constitutes a foldable might differ, but typically, they have a hinge for folding, and their screens are made from flexible material.

As the popularity of foldables surges, several mobile phone makers have launched their versions. In this piece, we’ll pit Google’s Pixel Fold against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4. Let’s dive in and see which foldable takes the crown.

Design and Dimensions

Google Pixel FoldSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
DesignBook-style designImproved design from Z Fold 3
Dimensions (Folded)139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1mm155.1 x 67.1 x 15.8mm
Dimensions (Unfolded)139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8mm155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3mm
Dust ResistanceYesNo
Water ResistanceIPX8IPX8
Fingerprint Sensor LocationPower buttonPower and sleep button
Weight283g (10 ounces)263g (9.28 ounces)

Google’s Pixel Fold, with its book-like design, is hailed as the thinnest foldable phone. It boasts a thickness of 6.4mm when closed and a mere 4.2mm when opened. In terms of dimensions, it goes from a convenient 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1mm when folded to a more expansive 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8mm when unfolded. Its unique hinge design provides improved dust resistance and an IPX8 water resistance rating.

Echoing the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel Fold features a sleek unibody design with a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor and high-quality stereo speakers. Its standout feature is the Tabletop Mode, ensuring an ideal viewing angle. The device’s internal screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, covered by a protective plastic layer.

On the other hand, Samsung’s Z Fold 4 presents significant design improvements. When closed, it measures 155.1 x 67.1 x 15.8mm, extending to 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3mm when open. It has a slimmer, shorter design when folded compared to its predecessor, the Z Fold 3.

The Z Fold 4 is equipped with a SIM slot, speaker and mic holes, a speaker grille, a main microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a power/sleep button with an embedded fingerprint sensor. Its redesigned hinge blends seamlessly with the frame when folded. While it also boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, it lacks dust resistance.

Considering weight, the Pixel Fold is slightly heavier for a foldable, tipping the scale at 283g (10 ounces), while the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is lighter at 263g (9.28 ounces).

Display

Google Pixel FoldSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Inner Display Size7.6-inch7.6-inch
Outer Display Size5.8-inch6.2-inch
Inner Display Resolution2208 x 1840 pixels2176 x 1812 pixels
Outer Display Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels2316 x 904 pixels
Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz
Peak Brightness (Inner Display)1,450 nits1,000 nits
Peak Brightness (Outer Display)1,550 nits1,000 nits
HDR Brightness (Inner Display)1,000 nits1,000 nits
HDR Brightness (Outer Display)1,200 nits1,000 nits
Display Aspect Ratio (Inner)6:521.6:18
Display TypeOLEDAMOLED
BezelsThickerSlimmer

The Pixel Fold sports a 7.6-inch OLED screen when open, reducing to a 5.8-inch OLED display when closed. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate and an always-on display feature, peaking at a brightness of 1,550 nits. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 showcases a 7.6-inch primary display and a 6.2-inch cover display, both supporting an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and a consistent brightness of 1,000 nits.

Interestingly, the Pixel Fold’s front display is shorter but wider than the Z Fold 4’s, leading to different aspect ratios, which could impact user preference. Also, the Pixel Fold features thicker screen bezels than the Z Fold 4’s. While this design may prevent accidental touches, some users may find it less aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, this aspect could be both a plus and a minus, depending on personal taste.

Performance and Hardware

Google Pixel FoldSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G2Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
CPU Configuration2x Cortex-X1 (2.85 GHz), 2x Cortex-A78 (2.35 GHz), 4x Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz)1x Cortex-X2, 3x Cortex-A710, 4x Cortex-A510
GPUArm Mali-G710 MP7Adreno 670
RAM12GB12GB
Storage Options256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB, 1TB
AnTuTu 9 Benchmark Score789,2371,054,587

Google’s Pixel Fold runs on its exclusive Tensor G2 chipset, which features an 8-core setup with two Cortex-X1 cores, two Cortex-A78 cores, and four Cortex-A55 cores. Graphics are powered by an Arm Mali-G710 MP7. It’s equipped with a substantial 12GB RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, consisting of a Cortex-X2 CPU core, three Cortex-A710 cores, and four Cortex-A510 cores. Graphics are handled by an Adreno 670 chip. It also carries 12GB of RAM and offers storage starting at 256GB, upgradable to 512GB or a whopping 1TB.

Both phones have impressive octa-core processors. However, benchmark tests indicate that the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 slightly outperforms the Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2. AnTuTu 9 benchmark results show the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 surpassing the Tensor G2 in CPU, GPU, Memory, and UX performance. So, while both devices are powerhouses, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 edges ahead in raw processing power

Camera

Google Pixel FoldSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Primary Rear Camera48MP50MP
Ultra-Wide Rear Camera10.8MP12MP
Telephoto Rear Camera10.8MP (5x optical zoom, 20x digital zoom)10MP (3x optical zoom, 30x Space Zoom)
Cover Screen Selfie Camera9.5MP10MP
Foldable Screen Selfie Camera8MP4MP
4K Video RecordingYesYes (also supports 8K 24fps)
Unique Camera FeaturesMagic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Rear Camera Selfie, Tabletop mode, Tent modeNightography, Flex mode, Rear Cam selfie mode, Pro mode

The Google Pixel Fold features a three-lens rear camera setup, similar to the Pixel 7 Pro, with a 48MP primary, 10.8MP ultra-wide, and 10.8MP telephoto lens. Its telephoto lens offers 5x optical and 20x digital zoom. There are two front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls, and a unique Rear Camera Selfie feature. New camera modes have been introduced to suit its foldable design.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 follows the Galaxy S22 series’ camera configuration with a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lens. It impresses with a 3x optical zoom and 30x Space Zoom. It also includes two selfie cameras, 8K 60fps recording capabilities, Nightography for improved low-light photography, and a Flex mode for hands-free shooting.

Comparing the two, both have similar three-lens rear setups and dual front-facing cameras. However, the Pixel Fold has a slight edge with Google’s advanced image processing for clearer, more vibrant images. 

Operating System and Software

FeaturePixel FoldGalaxy Z Fold 4
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 12
Unique Software FeaturesDisappearing taskbar, split-screen and tabletop modes for video appsImproved multitasking with Taskbar and customizable favorites
Simultaneous App UseYesYes
Drag and Drop Between AppsYesYes
Software-Hardware IntegrationPotential advantages due to Google’s ownership of AndroidMore years of experience in optimizing software for foldables

The Pixel Fold, operating on Android 13, offers new features like a disappearing taskbar and split-screen and tabletop modes, improving multitasking and user experience. The Galaxy Z Fold 4, powered by Android 12, also presents enhanced multitasking, a customizable favorites section, and easy drag-and-drop file sharing between apps. 

While both devices showcase unique software improvements, Google’s Android ownership may give the Pixel Fold an advantage for more seamless software-hardware integration in the future. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4, however, benefits from the company’s extensive foldable market experience, assuring optimized software application. 

Network Connectivity

FeatureGoogle Pixel FoldSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
2GYesYes
3GYesYes
4GYesYes
5GYesYes
Ultra-WidebandYesNo
Bluetooth 5.2YesYes
Wi-Fi 6/6EYesYes

Google’s Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 both provide a broad range of network options, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and the speedy 5G. They also support Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6/6E, ensuring strong and flexible connectivity. Both devices are future-ready with 5G, promising quicker data transfer rates than 4G. However, the Pixel Fold takes a slight lead by including Ultra-Wideband technology, a feature absent in the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Battery and Charging

DeviceBattery CapacityWired Charging SpeedWireless Charging SpeedBattery LongevityUnique Features
Pixel Fold4,727mAh21W7.5WOver a day (up to 3 days with Extreme Battery Saver)
Galaxy Z Fold 44,400mAh25W10WNot specifiedSupports reverse wireless charging

Google’s Pixel Fold boasts a slightly larger battery of 4,727mAh compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s 4,400mAh. Both support wired and wireless charging. The Pixel Fold, however, holds a charge longer than the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with Google promising up to three days’ life with Extreme Battery Saver. 

But note that its charging speeds, 21W wired and 7.5W wireless, are slower. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 charges faster at 25W wired and 10W wireless and uniquely offers reverse wireless charging. So, if battery longevity matters most, go for the Pixel Fold; but for faster charging, consider the Galaxy Z Fold 4. 

Price and Availability

DeviceBase Price256GB Price512GB Price1TB PricePre-order DateShipping Date
Pixel Fold$1,799$1,799$1,919May 10, 2023June 2023
Galaxy Z Fold 4$1,799$1,799$1,919.99$2,159.99August 26, 2022

The Pixel Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 4, both high-end devices, share a base price of $1,799 for their 256GB models. The Pixel Fold’s 512GB version costs $1,919, with pre-orders starting from May 10, 2023, and shipping expected in June. 

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4, already available since August 26, 2022, offers 512GB and 1TB models priced at $1,919.99 and $2,159.99, respectively. These premium smartphones are similarly priced, but the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has an additional 1TB model, a storage option not available with the Pixel Fold. 

Pixel Fold vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4; What’s the Difference? 

The Google Pixel Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 are two of the hottest foldable devices in the smartphone market right now. We have shed light on their specifications and capabilities to highlight just how powerful these flagship devices are. If you choose to purchase either of the devices, keep in mind what works best for you. Both foldables function better in different departments, and it is important to choose carefully according to your preference,  needs, and budget. 

Aremu Adams Adebisi is an experienced tech writer and editor. He's written extensively on gadgets and technology, including smartphones and hardware, web apps, mobile apps, and software. His work has appeared...

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