The foldable smartphone market is fiercer than ever, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold vying for dominance. Unveiled at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, the Z Fold 7 boasts cutting-edge features, but how does it stack up against Google’s sleek Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Size and Design: Thinner and Lighter Matters
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 redefines foldable design with its ultra-slim profile, measuring just 4.2mm when unfolded and 8.9mm when folded, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 5.1mm when unfolded and 10.5mm. At 215 grams, the Z Fold 7 is significantly lighter than the Pixel, which weighs 257 grams, making it easier to carry and use. Samsung’s refined hinge and Armour Aluminium frame, paired with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, enhance durability. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s rounded corners and glass back offer a premium feel. The Z Fold 7’s IP48 rating provides dust and water resistance, slightly edging out the Pixel’s IPX8 water resistance.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 7 for its thinner, lighter, and more durable design.
Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Creaseless
Both devices feature 8-inch inner OLED displays, ideal for multitasking and media consumption. The Z Fold 7’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X main screen offers a 1-120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits peak brightness, with a nearly invisible crease thanks to an improved hinge. Its 6.5-inch cover display, with a 21:9 aspect ratio, is wider and more practical than the Pixel’s 6.3-inch cover screen (20:9 aspect ratio). The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Super Actua Flex display matches the 1-120Hz refresh rate and reaches 2,700 nits, but its crease remains more noticeable. Unlike the Z Fold 6, the Z Fold 7 drops S Pen support to prioritise slimness.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 7 for its larger cover screen and reduced crease.
Camera: Megapixels vs. Software Smarts
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 steps up with a 200MP main camera, borrowed from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, alongside a 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom). Its 10MP selfie camera boasts a 100-degree field of view, improving group shots. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 48MP main camera (f/1.7), a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens (5x optical zoom), excelling in zoomed shots and landscapes thanks to Google’s AI-driven processing. However, the Z Fold 7’s higher-resolution sensor promises superior detail, though real-world tests are pending. Both devices feature 10MP front cameras, but Samsung’s wider field of view gives it an edge.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 7, pending further testing, for its 200MP sensor.
Performance: Powerhouse vs. Efficiency
The Z Fold 7 is powered by the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, delivering top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI features like Circle to Search. It offers 12GB RAM (256GB and 512GB models) or 16GB RAM (1TB model). The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 4nm Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB RAM across all variants (256GB/512GB), prioritises AI tasks like Gemini integration but lags in raw power, especially for intensive workloads. Both run Android 15, but Samsung’s One UI 8 offers more foldable-optimised features, while Google’s software is simpler and mainstream-focused.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 7 for its superior chipset and multitasking prowess.
Battery and Charging: A Close Call
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 4,650mAh battery outpaces the Z Fold 7’s 4,400mAh capacity, and its 45W wired charging (optional charger) is faster than Samsung’s 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. However, the Pixel’s 21W wired and 7.5W wireless charging speeds, despite marketing claims, are slower in practice. Both phones last a full day, but the Pixel’s larger battery may offer a slight edge for heavy users.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Fold for its larger battery and faster wired charging.
Price: Premium but Competitive
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model, with prices increasing to $2,259 for the 1TB model, reflecting its premium upgrades. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slightly cheaper, ranging from $1,799 (256GB) to $1,919 (512GB), with no 1TB option. Discounts on the Pixel may widen the price gap, making it more appealing for budget-conscious buyers.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro Fold for its lower starting price.
Which Foldable Should You Choose?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels in design, display, camera, and performance, making it ideal for power users and productivity enthusiasts who value a thinner, lighter device with a flagship 200MP camera. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shines with its larger battery, faster charging, and AI-driven software, appealing to those who prioritise simplicity and a lower price point. Both devices offer seven years of software updates, ensuring longevity.
