We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
The foldable smartphone sector is expanding, if you’ll excuse the slightly rubbish pun.
An admittedly small market that was once dominated by Samsung is now welcoming new contenders. One of the most recent, the Google Pixel Fold, is my current Android daily driver and I’m really enjoying it.
However, I’ve also had hands-on time with the Samsung Z Fold5, and lots of experience with its predecessor and they are both very good devices – the ‘OGs’ of the foldable firm if you like.
If you’re trying to choose between these two devices, I’ve got some thoughts that should swing you in the right direction for this eye-watering purchase.
Ask yourself this question about foldables FIRST
If you’ve never used a foldable smartphone before but you’re tempted to buy one as your next device, there’s one big question you need to ask yourself.
Do you really want one? And when I say “really”, I mean really.
We’re yet to reach a stage where foldable phones aren’t astronomically expensive. The technology used is still too fresh, nascent, experimental, and costly to research and manufacture. As a result, there are compromises.
These devices have great big unavoidable creases that run the length of their internal displays. The battery life isn’t as good as you’ll get on a non-foldable smartphone. They’re heavy. Typing on that internal display takes a lot of getting used to. After extended use, the hinge and folding display will probably start to make noises akin to a dusty old book when opening.
The good news is that, if you can live with that stuff and if the desire to own a foldable device is too strong to ignore, you’ll love what these things have to offer.
If you’re unsure, or just want one because they look cool and different to the rest of the rectangular slabs out there – I’d wait.
Pricing and key spec differences
The Pixel Fold starts at £1,749 for the 256GB version and tops out at £1,869 for the 512GB edition. The Z Fold5 also starts at £1,749 for the 256GB version but has one additional storage tier compared to the Pixel Fold, which takes it up to £2,049 for the 1TB version.
It’s definitely worth noting that, at the time of writing, Samsung is pulling its usual and highly admirable pre-order tricks. They’re currently offering double storage and up to £650 trade-in for your old device. Depending on the storage option you go for and the phone you’re sending Samsung’s way, that can bring the price down to as ‘little’ as £1,009 for a brand-new Z Fold5.
They are still super expensive portable telephones, though.
There are some fascinating differences between the two. The first is the chip, with Samsung opting for the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and Google relying on their own Tensor G2 silicon. These are both fantastic chips in their own right and ensure the Z Fold5 and Pixel Fold feel as speedy as they should.
One of the biggest differences is the form factor. The Z Fold5 continues Samsung’s preference for a tall and slim foldable, whereas the Pixel Tablet is short and squat. They feel vastly different to use as a result, particularly because of the front displays. The Z Fold5 retains the narrow 6.2″ Cover Display which has always been too restrictive for anything but scrolling and digesting content for me. The Google Pixel, on the other hand, boasts a 5.8″ external display which is beautifully wide and a joy to use.
Inside, things are a little more consistent. Both feature a 7.6″ main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, but the Z Fold5 beats the Pixel Fold in the max brightness stakes (1,750 vs 1,450). The Z Fold5 also has much smaller bezels than the Pixel Fold and, as a result, looks like it has a few more years of experience under its belt (which it has).
The Pixel Fold has a slightly bigger battery than the Z Fold5, but both claim around a day of battery life at full tilt, which is sensible and sets the right expectations.
On paper, the cameras are very similar. The main camera system on the Z Fold5 is treated to a 50MP sensor, versus the 48MP unit in the Pixel Fold. Both have ultra-wide and telephoto lenses and two selfie cameras (one on the front display, the other on the internal display), although they also make use of their front displays to allow users to take selfies with the main camera system.
The Pixel Fold’s greatest assets
The Pixel Fold has a lot going for it.
Firstly, if you’re a Pixel kinda person, it is hands-down (and, rather obviously) the one to go for out of these two. If you’ve got the money and desire for a foldable, just buy one now – you won’t be disappointed.
For me, there are three reasons to buy a Pixel Fold. The first is the camera system which, although entirely subjective, delivers the best images on the smartphone market.
The second is the fact you’re getting the purest version of Android out there. It hasn’t been fiddled with by a third party and doesn’t come with a bunch of apps preinstalled that you spend most of the setup process uninstalling.
The third – and probably the biggest – reason to opt for the Pixel Fold is the front display. It is hands-down the Pixel Fold’s best asset and makes the phone a joy to use when closed. In fact, I’d take this form factor on regular phones any day of the week – it’s that good.
The downsides? Google doesn’t have anywhere near the level of experience in foldables as Samsung. There have already been reports of internal display issues (although none experienced thus far by yours truly) and we simply don’t know how well this thing will hold out in the long term. Remember – foldable smartphone technology is still a bit… tetchy.
The front display is also verging on being the Pixel Fold’s Achilles heel. It’s so good, I regularly forget to use the internal display. That’s a nice problem to have, but it does again reveal how much you need to want to use a foldable to its full potential to get your money’s worth.
The Z Fold5’s greatest assets
Samsung has several years of experience under its belt when it comes to foldable smartphones. The first Z Fold appeared in 2019 and we’re now looking at the fifth iteration of a tried-and-tested design.
Whether this means the Z Fold5 will beat the Pixel Fold in the reliability stakes is anyone’s guess, but it’s definitely worth keeping in mind if you’re feeling slightly nervous about investing in your first foldable.
As mentioned earlier, the design of the Z Fold5 looks undeniably more refined than that of the Pixel Fold when opened. The bezels are super thin, and the display is noticeably brighter.
The Z Fold5 comes with its own bunch of concessions, though. The first is the price; as soon as Samsung’s generous offers evaporate, this is the more expensive of the two devices once you venture beyond the base spec. It’s one of the few smartphones on the market to break the £2,000 barrier at the top end which is a colossal amount of money.
I’ve also made no secret about my frustrations with that Cover Display. For me, it’s too narrow to be of much use. Typing on it is a frustrating experience and while that does prompt you to use the internal display far more than on the Pixel Fold, the latter’s front display is streets ahead of Samsung’s.
Conclusion: which one is for you?
I can’t tell you which of these two foldables is right for you – this is a very personal decision, and, given the sums involved, one that you must make on your own accord.
The distinction between the two audiences for these devices is actually quite simple, though. If you’re Pixel through-and-through and you really want a foldable, the Pixel Fold needn’t be compared against anything else – it’ll be perfect for you.
If you’re after a solid foldable smartphone that has many years of development and iteration behind it, the Z Fold5 is the one to go for.
Which way are you swaying and why? Let me know in the comments.
Before you go
Join my Substack newsletter for tips on becoming a profitable, happy online creator!
