Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Google Pixel Fold: A Battle of Expensive Bendy Blowers

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold

In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the features and specifications of two of the most premium and innovative foldable smartphones available in the market today – the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold.

With their extravagant price tags, these devices may make your wallet cry, but they also promise cutting-edge technology and unparalleled versatility. We will conduct a detailed comparison of their designs, display technology, performance, camera capabilities, software, and more, to help you make an informed decision about which one might be the right fit for your needs and preferences.

Design and Build:

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with a sleek and refined design that looks remarkably similar to its predecessors, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and 3. However, one noticeable improvement lies in the brand new flex hinge, which eliminates the once-infamous gap when the device is folded. This upgrade provides a more seamless experience for users and adds to the phone’s overall appeal.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is considerably thinner, measuring 13.4 millimeters, making it a slim and elegant device to hold, although it is still a tad chunkier than its competitor, the Google Pixel Fold. The device is offered in classic color options of white and black, along with a refreshing Icy Blue Hero color, giving users some choices for personalization.

In comparison, the Google Pixel Fold shares a similar form factor with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, but it features slightly thicker bezels. This design choice allows for comfortable one-handed usage in a variety of styles and ensures a solid grip on the phone. The Pixel Fold weighs 283 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which weighs 253 grams. The Pixel Fold is available in classic color choices of white and black, mirroring its minimalist and clean design language.

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Pixel Fold come equipped with premium build materials to ensure durability and longevity. The devices feature Gorilla Glass Victus protection on their front and back panels, providing resistance against scratches and accidental drops. Additionally, the devices employ Samsung’s Armor Aluminum, known for its robustness and resistance against dents. On the Pixel Fold, Google also utilizes Gorilla Glass technology for durability. Moreover, both devices are IPX8 water-resistant, allowing users to confidently use them in moist environments, including showers or baths.

Display:

When it comes to displays, both phones deliver impressive technology and vibrant visuals, albeit with some differences in size and aspect ratio. The external display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, featuring Samsung’s signature technology known for its vivid colors and excellent contrast. It offers a resolution of [insert resolution] and is fully functional, allowing users to run any app they desire. However, the elongated shape of the external display may pose challenges for one-handed usage, especially when typing.

In contrast, the Google Pixel Fold boasts a slightly more compact 5.8-inch OLED display, featuring a resolution of [insert resolution]. The Pixel Fold’s external display is better suited for one-handed usage, thanks to its squat aspect ratio, which makes it more user-friendly for certain tasks. Nevertheless, both displays are capable of delivering sharp and vibrant visuals for various types of content.

When opened, both devices reveal their main selling point – their massive foldable internal displays. Both phones offer a 7.6-inch display size, with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 featuring Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology and a resolution of 2176×1812 pixels. On the other hand, the Pixel Fold comes with an OLED display and an almost identical resolution. These displays are perfect for consuming content, providing excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and HDR support for an immersive cinematic experience.

While both devices suffer from screen creases due to the nature of foldable technology, these creases are generally unnoticeable during regular use, especially when viewing the displays head-on. The Galaxy Z Fold 5’s display brightness reaches 1750 nits, outshining the Pixel Fold’s 1450 nits, which could make a difference when using the phone outdoors. Check out the availability and latest prices here for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold.

Performance and Gaming:

In terms of performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is a popular choice for flagship smartphones in 2023. The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, features Google’s custom Tensor G2 chipset, exclusive to Pixel devices. Both phones come with a generous 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app-switching.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 proves to be a powerful multitasker, with the capability to run three apps side by side on its large internal display. The taskbar feature makes it easy to swap between apps quickly and efficiently, providing a seamless multitasking experience. Additionally, Samsung’s One UI offers various customization options for the home screen and app organization, providing users with more personalization choices.

Gaming performance is where the Galaxy Z Fold 5 stands out, thanks to its Snapdragon chipset, which proves to be more energy-efficient and stable during demanding gaming sessions. The Pixel Fold, while capable of handling basic gaming, may experience occasional frame rate drops during more demanding games like Genshin Impact. However, adjusting the graphics settings on both devices can deliver a smoother gaming experience.

Battery Life:

When it comes to battery life, the Pixel Fold enjoys a slight advantage with its larger 4800mAh battery compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s 4400mAh battery. Both devices can comfortably last through a typical day of use with moderate to heavy usage. Additionally, both phones support fast charging, ensuring that you can quickly top up your battery when needed.

Camera Capabilities:

The camera capabilities of both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Pixel Fold are impressive, featuring similar setups that deliver excellent results in various shooting conditions. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilization (OIS). The Pixel Fold matches this with its own combination of sensors, offering similarly sharp and detailed images with accurate colors.

In well-lit conditions, both devices excel in capturing high dynamic range (HDR) photos with no over-saturation and plenty of fine detail. The Pixel Fold’s images tend to look more natural, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s photos often exhibit more vibrant and bold colors. In low-light situations, both phones leverage their respective night modes to produce bright and clear images, although the Galaxy Z Fold 5 seems to perform slightly better in low light thanks to its brighter panel.

On the front, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 incorporates a 10MP under-display camera, a remarkable feat that ensures an unobstructed display. The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, has a 9.5MP selfie camera, which offers slightly more natural hues and clarity. However, both front-facing cameras deliver good performance overall for selfies and video calls.

Software and Connectivity:

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 runs on Android 13, with Samsung’s One UI overlay offering additional customization options and features. Users can enjoy a more personalized experience, customizing their home screens, app layouts, and more. Samsung’s split-screen and multitasking features are well-implemented, making the device an excellent choice for productivity tasks.

The Pixel Fold, true to its Pixel heritage, runs on a more stock version of Android 13, providing a clean and minimalist user experience. While it may lack the extensive customization options of Samsung’s UI, the Pixel Fold guarantees swift and smooth software updates, thanks to Google’s direct involvement in its development.

Both devices offer 5G connectivity, ensuring that you can stay connected with fast and reliable internet speeds. Furthermore, both phones support eSIMs, allowing for easy activation of carrier services without the need for a physical SIM card.

Conclusion And Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold are undoubtedly cutting-edge and innovative smartphones that push the boundaries of modern technology. Both devices offer powerful performance, stunning displays, and impressive camera capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 shines in terms of multitasking capabilities, gaming performance, and display brightness, making it a top choice for productivity-oriented users and media consumption. On the other hand, the Google Pixel Fold boasts a more stock Android experience, timely software updates, and a user-friendly external display for one-handed usage.

Ultimately, your choice between these two bendy blowers will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and intended use. If you prioritize multitasking, gaming, and a more vibrant display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 might be the ideal choice for you. If you prefer a clean Android experience, timely updates, and a more comfortable external display for one-handed use, the Google Pixel Fold could be the perfect match.

Keep in mind that both devices represent the cutting edge of foldable technology, and regardless of your choice, you will undoubtedly be treated to a premium and futuristic smartphone experience. Check out the availability and latest prices here for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold.

Daven Klarsen
Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.

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