Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Clash for Foldable Dominance
Samsung and Google are once more squaring off in the foldable smartphone landscape. With the upcoming debut of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the technology leader is striving to unseat the reigning foldable king in the U.S. market—the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While both gadgets epitomize the forefront of mobile technology, they adopt distinct strategies concerning design, performance, and user engagement. Here’s an in-depth examination of how Samsung’s forthcoming flagship foldable compares to Google’s finest.
Release Date and Pricing
Anticipated to launch in July 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will follow the company’s typical mid-year Galaxy Unpacked event. Speculations hint at a possible price rise over the $1,899 Galaxy Z Fold 6, likely due to enhanced components such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
On the other hand, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was unveiled in Fall 2024, with a base price of $1,799. Offered in 256GB and 512GB storage configurations and two color options—Obsidian and Porcelain—the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is already on the market and might see price drops as newer models are released.
Design and Build
There are rumors that Samsung is implementing subtle yet significant design updates to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Leaks indicate it will boast larger displays—an 8.2-inch main OLED screen and a 6.5-inch cover display. Additionally, the device is anticipated to be slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, potentially featuring a creaseless display for a more fluid experience.
Conversely, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is recognized for its elegant, slim design. It sports an 8-inch LTPO OLED primary screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. Its 6.3-inch cover display also accommodates variable refresh rates and high brightness, establishing it as one of the most visually captivating foldables available.
Performance and Software
Samsung is likely to equip the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset—a performance titan that is expected to surpass Google’s Tensor G4 chip present in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While the Pixel offers 16GB of RAM, Samsung may opt for 12GB, although its advanced chipset could still provide an advantage in real-world usage and gaming.
Both devices operate on Android, albeit with unique interfaces. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will probably come with Android 16 and One UI 8, presenting Samsung’s extensive multitasking and productivity capabilities. In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses Android 14 and enjoys the benefits of Google’s streamlined, AI-optimized Pixel experience.
Camera Capabilities
There are rumors that Samsung is enhancing the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s primary camera to a 200MP sensor, likely mirroring that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition. Accompanying this will be a 12MP ultrawide and a 10MP telephoto lens featuring 3x optical zoom.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. While Samsung may triumph in megapixel count, Google’s computational photography and extended zoom capacity could still provide an edge in certain contexts.
Battery and Charging
In terms of battery longevity and charging speed, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is currently in the lead. It contains a 4,650mAh battery with 45W wired charging and Qi wireless compatibility. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to maintain the 4,400mAh battery and 25W wired charging found in its predecessor, which may seem lacking by comparison.
Key Specs Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Rumored) | Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|————————–|———————————–|————————————–|
| Main Display | 8.2″ OLED, possibly creaseless | 8″ LTPO OLED, 1–120Hz, 2700 nits |
| Cover Display | 6.5″ OLED | 6.3″ OLED, 60–120Hz, 2700 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | 4,400mAh | 4,650mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 45W wired, Qi wireless |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP + 12MP + 10MP (3x zoom) | 48MP + 10.5MP + 10.8MP (5x zoom) |
