Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Google Pixel Fold: The Best Foldable Phone?

The foldable smartphone market has evolved significantly since its tumultuous beginnings, transforming from experimental concept devices to refined productivity tools that increasingly appeal to mainstream consumers. As we navigate through 2025, two industry titans—Samsung and Google—continue to refine their flagship offerings in this specialized segment.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 represents the culmination of five generations of foldable technology refinement, building upon a substantial lead in manufacturing experience and market presence. Meanwhile, Google's Pixel Fold, now in its second iteration after the original 2023 release, brings the company's software expertise and computational photography prowess to the folding phone format.

This comprehensive analysis examines how these premium devices compare across essential metrics: design philosophy, display technology, performance capabilities, camera systems, software experiences, and overall value proposition. Rather than merely tallying specifications, we'll evaluate how these technical elements translate to real-world usage scenarios for potential buyers considering a premium foldable investment.

Design and Form Factor

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung has maintained evolutionary consistency with the Z Fold 5, refining rather than revolutionizing its established book-style design:

• Dimensions (folded): 154.9 × 67.1 × 13.4mm
• Dimensions (unfolded): 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1mm
• Weight: 253g
• Hinge mechanism: Enhanced "droplet" design with improved durability ratings
• IPX8 water resistance (no dust resistance rating)
• Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on exterior surfaces

The fifth-generation Z Fold has addressed many early criticisms of the form factor, particularly regarding the folding mechanism. Samsung's extensive engineering refinements have resulted in a more robust hinge that allows the device to close completely flat while maintaining structural integrity through Samsung's rated 200,000 fold cycles. The folding mechanism implements a "droplet" design that creates a teardrop-shaped gap when closed, reducing stress on the internal display.

While still substantial at 253g, the Z Fold 5 represents incremental progress in Samsung's ongoing effort to reduce the inherent bulk of folding devices. The weight distribution has been optimized to improve one-handed usability when folded, though the device remains primarily two-handed when unfolded.

Google Pixel Fold

Google's approach to the foldable format prioritizes different aspects of the form factor:

• Dimensions (folded): 139.7 × 79.5 × 12.1mm
• Dimensions (unfolded): 139.7 × 158.7 × 5.8mm
• Weight: 283g
• Hinge mechanism: Custom multi-axis design with emphasis on display crease minimization
• IPX8 water resistance (no dust resistance rating)
• Aluminum and glass construction with additional protective coatings

The Pixel Fold adopts a wider, shorter profile that results in a more conventional smartphone experience when closed and a more landscape-oriented tablet experience when open. This form factor decision represents a fundamental philosophical difference from Samsung's approach, emphasizing usability in folded state over maximizing the unfolded display area.

Google's hinge system, while newer to market, demonstrates impressive engineering that results in a notably less prominent display crease—a persistent point of criticism for foldable devices. However, the Pixel Fold's greater width when folded impacts pocket comfort and one-handed usability compared to the narrower Z Fold 5.

Design Comparison

The core design differentiation between these devices reflects divergent priorities:

• Samsung prioritizes maximizing the unfolded display size while minimizing folded width
• Google emphasizes a more natural aspect ratio in both states, particularly for the external display
• Both implement IPX8 water resistance, though neither offers certified dust protection
• The Z Fold 5's narrower folded profile improves pocketability and one-handed operation
• The Pixel Fold's wider external display provides a more conventional smartphone experience

Regarding build quality, Samsung's five generations of foldable phone development are evident in the refined feel of the Z Fold 5. However, Google's later market entry has allowed them to learn from competitors' challenges, resulting in impressive first-generation hardware that minimizes common complaints like display creasing.

Display Technology

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung Display's vertical integration gives the company significant advantages in folding screen technology:

• External display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2316 × 904 (23.1:9), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Internal display: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2176 × 1812 (21.6:18), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Peak brightness: 1,750 nits
• UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) construction with enhanced durability
• S Pen compatibility with reduced latency over previous generations

Samsung's display technology represents the current pinnacle of flexible OLED development, with the internal panel offering excellent color reproduction, brightness, and viewing angles. The flexible display utilizes Samsung's Ultra Thin Glass technology, providing improved tactile sensation compared to purely plastic alternatives.

The Z Fold 5's external display maintains Samsung's characteristically narrow aspect ratio, which facilitates one-handed use but can feel cramped for typing and content consumption. The internal display's nearly square aspect ratio excels for productivity tasks and split-screen multitasking but requires app optimization to avoid formatting issues.

Google Pixel Fold

Google has sourced high-quality display components while focusing on aspect ratio optimization:

• External display: 5.8-inch OLED, 2092 × 1080 (17.4:9), 120Hz refresh rate
• Internal display: 7.6-inch OLED, 2208 × 1840 (5:6), 120Hz refresh rate
• Peak brightness: 1,450 nits
• Custom UTG implementation with anti-reflective coating
• No stylus compatibility

Google's approach to foldable displays emphasizes usability in both configurations. The external display's wider aspect ratio provides a more traditional smartphone experience, while the internal display offers a slightly different aspect ratio than Samsung's that better accommodates certain content types.

The Pixel Fold's displays demonstrate Google's focus on color accuracy and brightness uniformity, with excellent calibration that maintains the Pixel line's reputation for display quality. The internal screen's crease is noticeably less pronounced than Samsung's implementation, particularly when viewed at off-angles.

Display Comparison

The display technology comparison reveals meaningful differences in approach:

• Samsung offers marginally higher peak brightness and more advanced adaptive refresh rate implementation
• Google delivers a less noticeable display crease and more traditional aspect ratios
• Samsung's S Pen support provides significant differentiation for note-taking and artistic applications
• Both deliver excellent color reproduction and HDR performance
• The Pixel Fold's wider external display improves the everyday smartphone experience

For display quality, the decision involves prioritizing either Samsung's technical superiority and stylus support or Google's more conventional aspect ratios and reduced display crease.

Performance and Hardware

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

The Z Fold 5's hardware configuration emphasizes premium performance:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (custom high-frequency variant)
• RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X
• Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB UFS 4.0
• Battery: 4,400mAh dual-cell
• Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB, NFC, 5G (mmWave and sub-6GHz)

Samsung's implementation of Qualcomm's flagship silicon delivers exceptional processing power, with the "for Galaxy" variant offering slightly higher clock speeds than the standard version found in competitor devices. The generous RAM allocation ensures smooth multitasking even with demanding productivity applications.

Storage performance impresses with UFS 4.0 technology delivering sequential read speeds approaching 4,000MB/s—critical for handling large files and app data. However, the lack of expandable storage means users must carefully consider their storage needs at purchase.

The Z Fold 5's 4,400mAh battery capacity represents a modest improvement over previous generations but continues to face the inherent challenge of powering two displays in a constrained physical footprint. Battery life typically delivers a full day of mixed usage, though intensive use of the internal display can necessitate mid-day charging.

Google Pixel Fold

Google's hardware approach combines solid specifications with optimization:

• Processor: Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 security coprocessor
• RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
• Storage options: 256GB, 512GB UFS 3.1
• Battery: 4,821mAh dual-cell
• Charging: 30W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, UWB, NFC, 5G (mmWave and sub-6GHz)

The Pixel Fold leverages Google's custom Tensor processor, which prioritizes machine learning and computational photography capabilities over raw benchmark performance. While conventional performance metrics place the Tensor G3 below Qualcomm's flagship offerings, Google's software optimization creates a responsive experience for everyday tasks.

The device's larger battery provides an advantage in battery performance, with the Pixel Fold typically delivering more screen time between charges despite the comparable display specifications. Google's software-level battery optimization further enhances longevity during standby periods.

Storage technology utilizes the older UFS 3.1 standard, which remains sufficiently fast for most applications but falls behind Samsung's implementation in benchmarks and large file transfers.

Performance Comparison

The performance comparison highlights the different priorities of each manufacturer:

• Samsung delivers superior raw processing performance and storage speeds
• Google offers longer battery life and specialized AI processing capabilities
• Both provide excellent everyday performance with 12GB RAM
• Samsung's UFS 4.0 storage provides tangible advantages for large file handling
• Google's Tensor processor excels in computational photography and AI tasks

For performance specifications, Samsung maintains a technical edge in most conventional metrics, though Google's focus on specific computational strengths and battery optimization creates a more balanced real-world experience.

Camera Systems

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung's camera implementation balances versatility with space constraints:

• External rear cameras:
  • 50MP primary (f/1.8, OIS, dual pixel PDAF)
  • 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 123° FoV)
  • 10MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS)
• Internal camera: 4MP under-display camera (f/1.8)
• Cover display camera: 10MP (f/2.2)
• Video capabilities: 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps, Super Steady mode at 1080p/60fps

The Z Fold 5's camera system represents a modest iteration on previous generations, with hardware specifications largely unchanged but enhanced by improved computational photography. The primary 50MP sensor produces detailed images with Samsung's characteristic vibrant color processing, while the ultrawide and telephoto lenses provide versatile framing options.

The under-display internal camera remains technically impressive but delivers subpar image quality compared to conventional front-facing cameras. This technology prioritizes an uninterrupted display experience over imaging performance.

Samsung's camera software leverages the foldable form factor creatively, with features like Flex Mode positioning the device as its own tripod and dual-preview allowing subjects to see themselves on the cover screen during rear camera photography.

Google Pixel Fold

Google brings its renowned computational photography to the foldable format:

• External rear cameras:
  • 48MP primary (f/1.7, OIS, dual pixel PDAF)
  • 10.8MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 121° FoV)
  • 10.8MP telephoto (f/3.1, 5x optical zoom, OIS)
• Internal camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
• Cover display camera: 9.5MP (f/2.2)
• Video capabilities: 4K at 60fps, enhanced stabilization modes with Active and Cinematic features

The Pixel Fold leverages Google's computational photography expertise to extract exceptional performance from its hardware. While the specifications appear comparable to Samsung's on paper, the image quality from the Pixel Fold demonstrates Google's software advantages with superior dynamic range, low-light performance, and more natural color processing.

Google's conventional internal selfie camera avoids the image quality compromises of Samsung's under-display technology, though at the cost of a visible camera cutout in the internal display.

The Pixel Fold's camera software includes signature Google features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Best Take, while also implementing foldable-specific capabilities that utilize the dual-screen nature of the device.

Camera Comparison

The camera comparison reveals strengths aligned with each company's broader expertise:

• Google delivers superior computational photography, particularly in challenging lighting conditions
• Samsung offers greater versatility with 8K video recording and more advanced Flex Mode implementations
• Google's telephoto lens provides superior reach with 5x optical zoom versus Samsung's 3x
• Samsung's under-display camera improves the visual experience at the cost of image quality
• Both implement creative uses of the foldable form factor for photography

For camera performance, Google maintains its reputation for exceptional still photography, particularly in challenging conditions, while Samsung offers more versatile video capabilities and creative shooting modes.

Software Experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung's software approach emphasizes productivity and multitasking:

• One UI 6.1 based on Android 14
• Commitment to 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches
• Advanced multitasking with Multi-Active Window, App Pair, and Taskbar functionality
• Flex Mode for split-screen content when partially folded
• Samsung DeX desktop interface mode via external display
• Enhanced S Pen integration with Air Command and screen-off memo

Samsung's One UI for foldables has matured significantly, with thoughtful adaptations that leverage the unique form factor. The multitasking capabilities are particularly refined, allowing users to run up to three apps simultaneously with intuitive gesture controls for window management. The persistent taskbar feature, reminiscent of desktop operating systems, facilitates rapid app switching and split-screen activation.

Samsung's partnership with Microsoft enhances productivity with optimized Office applications and features like drag-and-drop between apps. The inclusion of Samsung DeX transforms the Z Fold 5 into a viable laptop alternative when connected to an external display, with a desktop-like interface that supports windowed applications.

Google Pixel Fold

Google's software approach emphasizes clean design and intelligent features:

• Android 14 with Pixel UI
• Commitment to 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches
• Split-screen multitasking with app continuity between displays
• Google AI features including Call Screen, Live Translate, and Recorder with transcription
• Tabletop mode for split content viewing when partially folded
• Advanced camera features leveraging Google's computational photography

The Pixel Fold showcases Google's vision for foldable Android, with a clean, cohesive interface that adapts intelligently between display states. While the multitasking implementation lacks some of Samsung's advanced features, the user experience benefits from Google's focus on simplicity and intuitive design.

Google's AI capabilities differentiate the software experience, with Pixel-exclusive features that leverage the Tensor processor's machine learning capabilities. Live Translate, in particular, delivers real-time translation across apps and even during phone calls—an invaluable tool for international travelers and multilingual users.

Software Comparison

The software comparison highlights philosophical differences between the manufacturers:

• Samsung prioritizes advanced productivity features and desktop-like multitasking
• Google emphasizes AI integration and a cleaner, more streamlined interface
• Samsung offers longer OS update support with an additional year of major Android versions
• Google provides more rapid access to new Android features as the platform developer
• Samsung's S Pen software integration provides significant differentiation for note-taking and creative work

For software features, Samsung delivers more comprehensive multitasking tools and productivity enhancements, while Google offers a more refined, intelligent experience with unique AI capabilities.

Price and Value Proposition

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung's pricing structure reflects its premium positioning:

• 256GB model: $1,799
• 512GB model: $1,919
• 1TB model: $2,159
• Additional costs: S Pen Fold Edition ($99), various case options ($59-99)

The Z Fold 5 represents Samsung's technological showcase, with pricing that positions it firmly in the ultra-premium segment. However, Samsung frequently offers aggressive trade-in values and promotional bundles that can substantially reduce the effective price, particularly for existing Samsung device owners.

The device's positioning as a productivity powerhouse provides justification for its premium pricing, especially when leveraging features like S Pen support, DeX mode, and advanced multitasking to replace both a smartphone and tablet or lightweight laptop.

Google Pixel Fold

Google's pricing strategy positions the Pixel Fold competitively:

• 256GB model: $1,699
• 512GB model: $1,819
• Additional costs: Various case options ($49-79)

The Pixel Fold undercuts Samsung's pricing by $100 across comparable storage configurations, offering a slightly more accessible entry point to foldable phone technology. Google's more limited global availability, however, restricts access for potential buyers in many markets compared to Samsung's near-universal distribution.

Google's value proposition emphasizes camera performance and software intelligence over Samsung's productivity focus, appealing to different segments of the premium phone market.

Value Comparison

The value analysis reveals different approaches to justifying the significant investment:

• Samsung commands a $100 premium but offers expanded storage options and S Pen capabilities
• Google provides competitive pricing while emphasizing camera and AI capabilities
• Both manufacturers offer trade-in programs that can significantly reduce upfront costs
• Samsung's broader ecosystem of accessories and longer software support enhance long-term value
• Google's focus on computational features provides unique value for photography enthusiasts

For foldable phone pricing, both devices require significant investment, with the decision ultimately depending on which feature set aligns better with individual priorities and usage patterns.

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Foldable

After comprehensive analysis, the decision between the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold requires evaluating which device better aligns with specific priorities:

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 if:

• Productivity features and multitasking capabilities are primary concerns
• S Pen functionality would enhance your workflow
• Maximum internal screen real estate is important
• You value Samsung's mature ecosystem of accessories and services
• DeX mode for desktop-like computing appeals to your use case

Choose the Google Pixel Fold if:

• Camera quality and computational photography are priorities
• You prefer a wider, more conventional external display
• Google's AI features would enhance your daily usage
• A less noticeable display crease improves your visual experience
• Clean software with rapid updates aligns with your preferences

Both devices represent exceptional achievements in folding smartphone technology, with strengths that cater to different segments of the premium market. Samsung's fifth-generation refinement delivers a more complete productivity package with expanded accessory support, while Google's fresh approach brings computational photography excellence and intelligent features to the foldable format.

The ideal choice ultimately depends on individual priorities and how the device will integrate into existing workflows. For productivity-focused users seeking a potential laptop replacement, Samsung's implementation offers more comprehensive tools. For those prioritizing camera performance and software intelligence in a foldable form factor, Google's approach may prove more compelling.

What remains clear is that foldable devices continue to mature into increasingly practical tools rather than merely technological showcases, with both Samsung and Google pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mobile computing through different but equally valid approaches to the foldable phone category.