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When choosing a new phone for that special gift, the choice is often between one of the big tech giants – Apple, Samsung, or, later into the game, Google. The Pixel 7 line hit the shelves a couple of months later than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 but has certainly made a splash in its own right.
At first glance, these smartphones have some remarkable differences. The most obvious one is that the Z Fold 4, well… folds in half like a book! There’s more than that to set the two models apart, though, so we’re going to look at the vs Galaxy Z Fold 4 debate in closer detail to help you decide which one to go for.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm unfolded, 155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2-15.8 mm folded |
| Weight | 212 g | 263 g |
| Display | 6.7” OLED, 1440 x 3210px resolution, 120Hz refresh rate | 7.6” AMOLED, 2176 x 1812px resolution, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Aspect Ratio | 19:5:9 | 6:5 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 |
| GPU | Mali-G710 | Adreno 730 |
| Camera | 50 MP rear, 12 MP ultrawide, 48 MP telephoto, 10.8 MP front | 50 MP rear, 12 MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto, 16 MP front, 4 MP under-display |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,400 mAh |
| Charging | 23 W fast charging, 23 W Qi wireless charging | 25 W fast charging, 15 W Qi wireless charging, 4.5 W reverse wireless charging |
| Storage | 128 or 256 GB | 256 or 512 GB |
| Pricing | From $899.99 | From $1,799.99 without discount |
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: What’s the Difference?
Performance
There are some similarities between the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy Z Fold 4 where performance indicators are concerned, but we can also see some differences. While the amount of RAM for both models is the same, the processors and GPUs used are very different.
The Pixel 7 Pro uses Google’s second-generation processor, the Tensor G2, while the Galaxy Z Fold 4 makes use of the latest processor from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen1. The highest performance Cortex-X1 core of the Pixel 7 Pro has a clock speed of 2.85GHz, but the clock speed of the equivalent core in the Galaxy Z Fold 4 clocks higher at 3GHz. So, performance is expected to be just that little bit better.
- Unlocked 5G Android Phone
- Powered by Google Tensor G2 for faster speeds, more efficiency, and better security
- Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver
- 6.7-inch Smooth Display makes everything stunning and immersive; intelligently adjusts up to 120Hz for smoother, more responsive performance
- 5x telephoto lens with 30x Super Res Zoom; the upgraded ultrawide lens powers Macro Focus to capture the smallest details
- 128GB
- Obsidian (black) color
The Adreno 730 of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the newest of their Adreno GPUs which generally tend to outperform their Mali equivalents, just like their processors. The Pixel 7 Pro’s hardware should be enough to handle any common applications you could throw at it, and shows improvements in the performance of 20% over its predecessor, but the fact still stands that the Snapdragon 8+ performs better.
However, the power efficiency of the Pixel 7 Pro’s hardware is undoubtedly superior, so it is something to consider. It’s also nice that there’s a lower memory option available with the Pixel 7 Pro of 128 GB. So, if storage isn’t particularly important to you, this may be just fine.
Design
First off, there’s an additional color to choose from with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The phone comes with 4 color options, which are Phantom Black, Graygreen, Beige, and Burgundy. The Pixel 7 Pro, however, only has 3 options: Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel.
The color choices are all fairly muted but are significantly different in shade, so if you’re into your aesthetics this is something to think about. Concerning size, you’re generally getting a much larger phone with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Even when it’s folded, the thickness is almost double that of the Pixel 7 Pro.
Bulkiness is definitely not something Samsung has shied away from with this model. The contrast in weight is nothing to sniff at either, as the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is an appreciable 24% heavier than the Pixel 7 Pro, making an already hefty phone even bulkier.
Users of the Z Fold 3 may notice the Z Fold 4 is slightly lighter, but honestly, it’s not by much. The Pixel 7 Pro features an aluminum bar across its rear cameras and has more rounded and smoother edges than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. This, along with its more lightweight feel, does help to give it a sleeker handling experience.
A big drawback with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for some people is the visible crease down the middle of the screen. While not always too noticeable, the super-observant will potentially become annoyed by this.
Most phone users will be quick to put their device in a case these days, but if you’re one of those that like to go rogue, there is some substantial slippiness expected with the Pixel 7 Pro. This is one area where the brickier Galaxy Z Fold 4 may pull ahead.
Display
The all-important display shows some big contrasts between the two models. Firstly, and rather obviously, you have the option of folding the Galaxy Z Fold 4 like a book, which lends itself to pretty awesome multitasking capabilities. These include gaming while checking emails, and even dragging and dropping photos from your gallery into your cloud storage.
- Take notes while on a conference call or watching a video
- Hands-free video chat allows you to multitask
- Open multiple windows when working
- Customize how apps display on your phone
The key difference between the displays is that the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s screen size is substantially larger. The screen quality is also a lot better too, due to the more flexible AMOLED display. We see an identical refresh rate, but the peak brightness of the Pixel 7 Pro beats out the Galaxy Z Fold 4 by around 100 nits.
All things considered, the display quality of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is appreciably better and the size is greater. But if the brightness of your screen is non-negotiable, the Pixel 7 Pro may be the winner. The main situation where the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will clearly take the top spot is if you like to use your device for reading; the book-fold design practically lends itself to this.
Camera
Both models are quite similar in the quality and distribution of their cameras. They both have a 50 MP rear camera, 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens; except, the quality of the Pixel 7 Pro’s telephoto lens is substantially greater by 36 MP.
This means the Pixel 7 Pro will be much better at taking more detailed zoomed-in photos. However, the front camera of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 takes the lead, so if front-facing selfies are your thing, then this is definitely a bonus.
Both phones have night mode functionality, and the ability to focus an image and blur the background, so rest assured you’ll get these cool camera effects with either model. The under-display camera of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is unique, but also has a pretty mediocre MP count of 4.
So, realistically, you’re not going to get much use out of this additional lens. Generally, you’re going to get better quality photos in most cases with the Pixel 7 Pro, unless you use the front camera heavily.
Battery Life
You get a slightly larger battery with the Pixel 7 Pro so, naturally, you’ll expect it to last longer. This is definitely a good thing, as the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s battery reportedly lasts around 8 to 9 hours, which definitely isn’t leading the charge.
The Pixel 7 Pro can be expected to last a good few hours longer, but this advantage is reduced once you consider how quickly both models can charge. While the Pixel 7 Pro will take around 2 hours for wired charging, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 should obtain a full charge in just over an hour due to a smaller battery and greater wattage for charging.
So, all in all, there isn’t much of a real-world difference; perhaps a couple of hours more downtime for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It’s worth mentioning the Galaxy Z Fold 4 does have reverse wireless charging functionality, so you can use it to charge your earbuds or smartwatch while on the go.
Price
When it comes to price, there’s a humongous difference between these two phones – the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is essentially double the price of the Pixel 7 Pro. While you may be able to find some discounts at this time of year, the price contrast still stands.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 becomes even more expensive if you want to upgrade the storage. This model is no small investment, so you’ll really want to consider if the faster performance, bigger and crisper display and multitasking capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 are worth it for you.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a larger screen and weighs 24% more than the Pixel 7 Pro.
- The Pixel 7 Pro takes better-quality photos in all cases, except for the front-facing camera.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 4 has the option of having double the amount of storage.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is essentially designed for multitasking uses and reading.
- The price for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a lot higher than the Pixel 7 Pro.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 4 gives better performance speeds due to its processor.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Which Is Better?
In summary, both of these models are realistically going to be more than suitable for most use cases, such as intense gaming sessions, taking photos and videos, and hours of streaming quality content. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 will probably appeal more to die-hard fans of a large display screen, as well as those particularly used to multitasking during their work and leisure time.
The Fold 4 definitely takes the top spot when it comes to things like e-books, since its foldable nature delivers a wonderful reading experience. If you’re budget-conscious and like to go with the most lightweight and convenient option, however, the Pixel 7 Pro will likely be a better fit for you. The Pixel 7 Pro generally takes better-quality photos as well, so this is something to consider if you’re interested in photography.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z fold 4: Further Reading
Are you still wondering what device to get this season? Don’t fret, just take a look at the articles below to figure out how the competition compares.
- iPhone 14 Pro vs Google Pixel 7 Pro: Full Comparison – Maybe you want to see what Apple has to offer before you go with a Pixel model. See how they compare here.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: Features and Full Comparison – Check this article out if you’re considering the pricier of the iPhone 14 models.
Last update on 2023-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
