Galaxy Z Fold4 • Unlocked vs Google Pixel Fold • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, and the Google Pixel Fold, launched in June 2023, represent two distinct approaches to the foldable smartphone form factor. Both devices offer a traditional smartphone experience when closed and unfold to reveal a larger, tablet-like display. Key differentiators lie in their design philosophy, particularly the aspect ratios of their external and internal screens, and their respective camera systems, each running on the Android operating system with unique software enhancements from their manufacturers.

When considering the long-term usability of these foldable devices, software support and physical resilience are important factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, is eligible for four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The Google Pixel Fold, launched in June 2023, is set to receive five years of both OS and security updates, meaning it will continue to receive updates until at least June 2028.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IPX8 water resistance rating, indicating protection against submersion in water. The Galaxy Z Fold4 utilizes a robust hinge design that has undergone multiple iterations, contributing to its perceived durability. The Pixel Fold, being Google's first foldable, features a hinge designed to close flat, though some early durability tests raised questions about its resistance to bending forces compared to Samsung's more mature design.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices, as complex foldable smartphones, present challenges for repair. Users should consider the availability of parts and authorized service centers for potential repairs over their lifespan.

The performance of these foldable smartphones is crucial for handling demanding applications and multitasking across their unique display configurations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Fold4 is equipped with a processor known for its strong performance in graphics-intensive tasks and overall system responsiveness, allowing for smooth operation even with multiple applications running simultaneously. The Google Pixel Fold features a processor designed by Google, which is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to a fluid user experience and efficient handling of everyday operations, though some comparisons suggest it may offer slightly less raw power for intensive gaming compared to its competitor.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold4's software is highly optimized for foldable use, enabling users to run multiple apps in split-screen and floating windows, enhancing productivity. The Pixel Fold also supports multi-window functionality, allowing for side-by-side app usage, with a focus on a clean Android experience.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer 256GB and 512GB storage configurations. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also provides a 1TB option in certain markets, catering to users with extensive storage needs.

The display experience is a primary draw for foldable phones, and both the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Pixel Fold offer distinct characteristics in their screen technologies and designs.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays for both its cover and main screens, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel Fold utilizes OLED panels, also delivering rich colors and contrast. Both main displays are 7.6 inches diagonally, offering a large canvas for content.
• Aspect Ratios and Usability: The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a taller and narrower 6.2-inch cover display with a 23.1:9 aspect ratio, which some users find less ideal for typing or general smartphone use without unfolding. Its internal display has a 21.6:18 aspect ratio, closer to a square. The Pixel Fold features a wider 5.8-inch cover display with a 17.4:9 aspect ratio, making it feel more like a traditional smartphone when closed. Its internal display has a 6:5 aspect ratio, which is wider and more suited for media consumption in landscape orientation.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a smooth viewing experience with 120Hz refresh rates on their main and cover displays. The Pixel Fold's displays generally offer higher peak brightness levels (up to 1550 nits on the cover, 1450 nits on the main) compared to the Galaxy Z Fold4's 1000-1200 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility.

The camera systems on both foldable phones are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach this with different hardware and software philosophies.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Google Pixel Fold also has a triple-camera array, including a 48MP main sensor, a 10.8MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens that offers a more extended 5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel Fold leverages Google's computational photography, often resulting in natural-looking photos with excellent detail and dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Galaxy Z Fold4 delivers vibrant and sharp images, with its main sensor providing strong performance. Users often note the Pixel's superior zoom capabilities due to its 5x optical telephoto lens.
• Video and Selfies: The Galaxy Z Fold4 can record video up to 8K at 24fps, offering high-resolution capture. The Pixel Fold records up to 4K at 60fps. For selfies, the Z Fold4 has a 10MP camera on the cover screen and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen. The Pixel Fold offers a 9.5MP cover camera and an 8MP internal camera, generally providing higher resolution for video calls and selfies from the internal display.