Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold: There's a clear winner for me
Although the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was a close rival to the Galaxy Fold 6, Samsung's latest model brings enough improvements to widen the gap. Below, I'll dive into why I recommend the Z Fold 7 over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for most users. For context, while I haven't yet used the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in person, I'm very familiar with the Fold and Flip families, as well as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Which of the two phones would you rather buy?
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
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Similar on the surface, yet very different approaches
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
At first glance, there are quite a few similarities between these two phones. Both offer a similar form factor with an 8-inch folding display and run the latest version of Android, complete with plenty of AI features. As usual, though, Samsung and Google take fairly different paths beyond the basics.
For starters, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is actually thinner and lighter than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by a fairly noticeable margin. The former measures only 8.9mm thick when folded and 4.2mm unfolded, with a weight of 215g, compared to the Pro Fold's 10.5mm folded, 5.1mm unfolded, and 257g weight. Of course, the thinner design comes with a bit of sacrifice, as the S Pen is no longer built in, which might be a turn-off for some.
Traditionally, Samsung and Google have been a bit behind the curve when it comes to the thickness and weight of their foldables, at least compared to some of the Chinese alternatives, including the OnePlus Open. Thankfully, Samsung has been working hard to address this, and with the Fold 7, it finally achieves a thickness that shames almost every one of its rivals, though the Magic V5 and a few other Chinese models still have a marginal lead.
It's not just the size and design differences between the two, as Samsung and Google have a very different approach to hardware as well. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues Google's tradition of focusing on ease of use, simplicity, and software refinement over pure muscle. You'll find fewer features than on Samsung's UI, but what's there is carefully curated and usually aimed at mainstream users over the more niche-specific features you'll find with Samsung if you look deep enough.
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
The Tensor G4 is a solid chip, though it isn't nearly as capable as the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset when it comes to raw power. In reality, the weaker performance won't be very noticeable day-to-day, but it does mean Samsung is the better pick for hardcore mobile gamers, content creators, and power users. It's also better suited to make it through the full seven years of software updates without becoming underpowered as it ages.
The camera configurations are also quite distinct. While the Pro Fold has a 48MP wide shooter backed by a 10.8MP 5x telephoto and 10.5MP ultrawide lens, the Z Fold 7 gives you a much more impressive 200MP main camera, supported by a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 12MP ultrawide. It's important to point out that this is the same main camera found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a notable upgrade from the 50MP shooter on its predecessor.
Samsung continues its kitchen sink approach while bringing plenty of refinement into the mix.
Of course, there's more to a good camera experience than megapixels alone, so I can't officially say which is best for photography. That said, I'm fairly confident the Fold 7 will come out on top, especially since neither foldable previously excelled in this area.
Samsung has always taken a heavier approach to software as well, loading users up with customization options and extras. The idea is to throw in so much functionality that almost anyone's tastes can be met with a bit of personalization. This remains true with its foldables. Even though Google offers solid features specifically for the foldable form factor, Samsung has simply had more time to refine its package and, in many ways, still leads here.
The Fold 7 doesn't massively shake things up from its predecessor, though it does offer a few improvements, including Audio Eraser support in more apps like Samsung Notes, the video player, and voice recorder. You'll also find a new AI feature in the Gallery app that can suggest objects to erase by automatically detecting distractions, plus Circle to Search support during gameplay. The latter lets you get real-time game tips without ever leaving your game.
That's far from an exhaustive list of what's new with the Fold 7 software, though most other changes are relatively minor refinements.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Specs
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Displays
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Exterior:
- 6.3-inch OLED Actua
- 60-120Hz refresh rate
- 1080 x 2424 resolution
- 20:9 aspect ratio
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Interior display:
- 8-inch LTPO Super Actua
- 1-120Hz refresh rate
-2076 x 2152 resolution
- Ultra Thin Glass
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Exterior:
- 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED
- 120Hz refresh rate (LTPO)
- 2,520 x 1,080 resolution
- 21:9 aspect ratio
- Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Interior:
- 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED
- 120Hz refresh rate (LTPO)
- 2,184 x 1,968 resolution
- Ultra Thin Glass
Processor
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Tensor G4
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
16GB
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
12GB (16GB for 1TB model)
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
256 or 512GB
No expandable storage
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
No expandable storage
Power
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
4,650mAh battery
45W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging
No charger in box
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
4,400mAh dual-battery
25W wired charging
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Wireless PowerShare
No charger in box
Cameras
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Exterior rear:
- 48MP Quad Wide, ƒ/1.8, 1/2" sensor
- 10.5MP Dual PD ultrawide,ƒ/1.8, 1/3.4" sensor, 23-degree FoV
- 10.8MP Dual PD telephoto,1/3.2" sensor, 23-degree FoV, 5x optical zoom (20x digital), ƒ/3.1
Exterior front:
- 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 87-degree FoV
Internal camera:
- 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 87-degree FoV
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Exterior rear:
- 200MP wide, 0.6μm, OIS, Quad Pixel AF, ƒ/1.7
- 12MP ultra-wide, 1.4μm, ƒ/2.2
- 10MP telephoto, 1.0μm, OIS, 3x zoom (30x digital), ƒ/2.4
Exterior front:
- 10MP ƒ/2.2, 1.12μm, 85-degree FoV
Internal front:
- 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.12μm, 100-degree FoV
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
5G (mmWave + Sub6)
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11/be)
Bluetooth 5.3 (dual antenna)
Ultra-wide band chip
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
5G (mmWave + Sub6)
Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth 5.4
NFC support
Durability
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
IPX8
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
IP48
SIM
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Dual SIM (nano and single e-Sim)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Dual nano-SIM tray
eSIM support
Biometrics
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Fingerprint unlock
Face Unlock
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor
Software
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Android 14
(Will be among first to have Android 15 update)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Android 16
One UI 8
Safety features
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Satellite SOS (US only)
Emergency SOS
Crisis Alerts
Car Crash Detection
Safety Check
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Emergency SOS
Dimensions and weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Folded dimensions:
- 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5mm
Unfolded dimensions:
- 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm
Weight:
- 257g
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Folded dimensions:
- 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm
Unfolded dimensions:
- 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm
Weight:
- 215g
Colors
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Obsidian, Porcelain
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Warranty
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
7 years of OS updates and security patches
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
7 years of OS updates and security patches
Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold: For me, the choice is clear
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Both Samsung and Google have built solid handsets, but if you're looking for a new foldable, you're better off with the Z Fold 7.
For me, it's obvious: Samsung has more experience with foldables, a much thinner and lighter design, a likely better camera, and a stronger chipset. It's true that Google still leads in AI, but Samsung has been embracing Gemini more and more to help close that gap alongside refining its existing AI features.
Of course, not everyone loves Samsung's software, and some will prefer Google's AI-centric approach. Google's foldables also cost a bit less, with a retail price of $1,800 (often available for less on sale), versus the Fold 7's $1,999 starting price.
Even if you prefer Google's take, I still wouldn't bother with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold unless you can get it at a steep discount. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is likely just a month or so away, so you're better off waiting to see what the new model brings rather than picking up the outgoing one.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Thinnest, lightest Z Fold to date • More durable design • 200MP primary camera • Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
MSRP: $1,999.99
Thin, light, high-powered, and it folds!
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an 8-inch OLED screen, a 200MP camera, the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and a 4,400mAh battery. The Galaxy AI experience is baked in, offering tools across the camera, Circle to Search, and much more. Best of all, Samsung continues to evolve their fold folding hinge assembly, promising reduced visibility of the crease.
See price at Samsung
See price at Amazon
The same is true if you are on the fence about the Fold 7. Waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will not only give you a better idea of how Google will compete in 2025 and beyond, but Google's foldable could even result in the first round of price cuts and sales for the Fold 7 as we approach the holiday season.
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