Exploring the Competing Android Foldables: A Look at Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 versus Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The tech world is abuzz with the release of two highly anticipated foldable smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Both devices, unveiled in 2025, offer unique features and key differences across design, hardware, specs, battery, charging, cameras, and pricing.
Design: A Matter of Preference
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 undergoes a major redesign, making it slimmer and lighter. When closed, it is approximately 0.5 inches (1.6 mm) thinner than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and 0.03 inches slimmer when open. Weighing over 15% less than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Fold 7 feels more like a standard phone when closed [1][2][5]. The Fold 7 boasts larger external and internal displays (6.5-inch outside, 8-inch inside) compared to the Pixel’s 6.3-inch external and 8-inch internal displays [1][2][5].
Hardware and Specs: Power and Performance
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite processor, a bespoke, overclocked version for Samsung, paired with 12GB RAM (16GB for the 1TB model) and starts at 256GB storage. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, runs on Google’s Tensor G4 processor, the same as the Pixel 9 line, with no mention of RAM but generally lower than Samsung’s for multitasking [1][2][5].
Both devices sport 8-inch internal displays with 120 Hz refresh rates, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold lacks LTPO technology in its cover display, which may impact battery life negatively. The Pixel’s unique aspect ratio offers more horizontal space for multitasking apps, while Samsung excels in overall smooth multitasking and app compatibility [1][2][5].
Battery and Charging: Efficiency and Capabilities
The Fold 7 retains a battery size similar to its predecessor but benefits from improved efficiency. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, however, has been noted to have more problematic battery life, possibly due to lacking LTPO on the cover display [4][5]. Specific charging speeds and capabilities were not detailed, though Samsung typically supports faster wired and wireless charging than Pixel devices [4][5].
Camera: Capturing the Moment
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s rear cameras are more advanced, boasting a 200 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephoto. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while offering a solid camera quality for a foldable, features a 48 MP main sensor, 10.5 MP ultrawide, 10.8 MP telephoto, and 10 MP selfie cameras on both displays [1].
Pricing: Affordability and Value
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced at $2,000, making it one of the most expensive foldables. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, is priced lower at $1,799, offering a somewhat cheaper alternative with some tradeoffs in hardware power and design finesse [1][2][4].
Additional Insights
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has superior haptics and face unlock recognized for payments, whereas the Fold 7 offers regular 5G with limited millimeter wave support based on region [3]. Samsung’s Fold 7 is praised for being thinner and lighter with a more refined foldable experience, while Pixel has advantages in multitasking due to screen ratio and better biometric security [1][3][5].
In essence, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 leads in design refinement, processing power, camera quality, and build lightness, but at a higher cost. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold provides a competitive foldable with a brighter outer display, better haptics, and biometric security, at a relatively lower price but with some compromises in hardware performance and battery efficiency.
[1] TechRadar. (2025). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: The best foldable phone yet? [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7
[2] Engadget. (2025). Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: A foldable phone that doesn't fold like a cheap suit [online] Available at: https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-review-234751591.html
[3] Android Central. (2025). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Which is the best foldable phone? [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-vs-google-pixel-9-pro-fold
[4] Phone Arena. (2025). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Specs Comparison [online] Available at: https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-vs-Google-Pixel-9-Pro-Fold/s/13767
[5] The Verge. (2025). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: A foldable phone that’s finally ready for the mainstream [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/23487624/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-review-2025
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its redesign resulting in a slimmer and lighter form factor, offers a more pocket-friendly experience than the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
- With its advanced rear cameras featuring a 200 MP main sensor and improved hardware specs, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 sets a high standard for photography among foldable devices, surpassing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's offering of a 48 MP main sensor.
