Google Pixel Fold 2023 versus Samsung's 2022 Galaxy Z Fold

16 May 2023 , 07:56
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Google's new Pixel Fold handset (Image: GOOGLE)

Launching its first ever foldable phone, Google has released pre-orders on its latest Pixel Fold handset, along with its host of 'high-bar setting' features it rivals another leading handset - the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

It's the second handset launch from Google this month, just days behind the release of the Pixel 7a handset, a budget-friendlier version of the already established Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones.

Launching another alternative for shoppers is its newly announced 2023 Pixel Fold, but instead of rivalling its own model predecessor, this latest release is a sheer competitor for Samsung's 2022 Galaxy Z Fold 4 handset.

READ MORE: Striking Pixel Fold phone is finally revealed by Google - just don't look at the price

As it currently stands the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Google's new Pixel Fold are the only 'high-end' foldable phones on the market which allow users to unfold the device from a mobile-like model into a bigger screen, like a tablet.

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Given the tech needed to pull of a fully workable folding phone, both devices cost more than £1000 to buy, but with so many similar features which one is better to buy? We've batted the two leading foldable smartphones against each other to see whether a Galaxy Z Fold 4 or a Pixel Fold is the right one for you.

Features of the new Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold 2023 versus Samsung's 2022 Galaxy Z FoldThe Google Pixel Fold has a triple rear camera (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The Pixel Fold is finally here, but as one of the brand's most expensive released handsets to date, what are customers paying for?

Google's latest handset is fitted with some of the most 'up-to-date' features in the industry; a 120HZ refresh rate, a triple-lens camera system and an impressive 72 hours of battery life, to name just a few.

Of course, the way it folds into a large 7.6-inch screen is one of many reasons why avid tech users have branded the model as a 'striking' new handset.

Like the rival Samsung model, the new Pixel Fold opens out to give users a bigger 7.6-inch screen, one of the many leading design features which have shoppers eagerly awaiting the UK sale times (June 2023). When folded back into a single screen the display is 5.8-inches.

As the name suggests, Google's Pixel phones have always taken great attention to detail when it comes to camera function, style and functionality, so it's not surprising to see the new Pixel Fold fitted with a back 48-megapixel camera. It doesn't stop there, in fact the new handset is fitted with five different cameras, similar to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro models.

Fitted with three display screens, a movable crease, and leading industry software it's not a shock to see the expensive price tag attached to this new 2023 model.

Google's £1,700 price tag - £100 more than Samsung

This is the first, and arguably most important, distinguishing factor between the two models. Tech users influenced by price may well and truly choose the older Samsung Z Fold 4 thanks to its £100 cheaper price tag.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 currently costs £1,649 to buy outright, exactly £100 cheaper than the latest Google Pixel Fold which would set users back £1,749. The same price difference can be seen along with each bigger storage size.

The 512GB Pixel Fold is also £100 cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold version, at £1,869 compared to Samsung's £1,769 option. Despite the obvious price difference, both handsets are a lot more expensive than non-foldable models released by both tech brands.

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Standout Galaxy Z Fold 4 features that 2023 Pixel Fold is missing

Google Pixel Fold 2023 versus Samsung's 2022 Galaxy Z FoldThe very similar looking Galaxy Z Fold 4

Whilst Google's latest handset may have overtaken Samsung's Z Fold 4 with its camera quality, larger double screen and no gap between the screens when folded, Samsung is in the lead when it comes to style.

Instead of Google's very simple two colour-way options, Porcelain and Obsidian, Samsung offers its foldable Galaxy in four different options. Including the colourful Burgandy and Graygreen, which may be a plus for many shoppers.

Continuing with 'pro' features and there's one standout feature Samsung has that Google seems to have steered away from; a pen stylus. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 supports the S Pen Stylus, a product which was initially released with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Although not included with the Z Fold handset, Samsung shoppers could use this product on the dual screen, giving it even more of a tablet feel.

Another trumping feature of the Galaxy model compared to the Pixel is it's weight, 9.28 ounces, compared to the 10 ounces on the newer Pixel handset. This may sway shoppers 'on paper' but it could feel significantly lighter when taking photos or using on the go (althoug hwe are yet to get our hands on the nw model to try this out).

Samsung's rumoured Galaxy Z Fold 5 - one to beat the newest Pixel Fold?

Unlike Google, Samsung has released four versions of a foldable phone, and the latest upgrade is expected imminently.

Looking back at when all of Samsung's Z Fold phones have been released, the rumoured Galaxy Fold 5 could be expected by the end of this year, a smartphone which could rival the current newest Google Pixel Fold.

Suspected new featurea could upgrade Samsung's reputation when bidded against the newest Google handset, the suspected teardrop hinge to give more sleek folding effect and a huge update in performance software (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).

Harriet Morphy-Morris

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