Galaxy Z Fold 7 Still King? 5 Reasons It Outshines the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Foldable phones have truly come into their own, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a prime example. Since its release, I've been captivated by it. While it isn't my everyday device, it's become my go-to for work. Samsung has really proven that foldables are here to stay, setting a high standard that others are struggling to meet.
When Google unveiled the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, it faced immense pressure due to Samsung's earlier success. While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold boasts impressive durability and software, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels in overall refinement. Here's why I believe Samsung's foldable outshines Google's ambition in five key areas, with a few nods to where Google is putting up a good fight.
Design and Build
The design difference between these two foldables is striking. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn't unattractive, but it feels clunkier than the sleek Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Samsung device weighs a mere 215 grams, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is noticeably heavier at 258g. I particularly loved the Moonstone color Google sent me, but the Galaxy Z Fold 7's Blue Shadow is equally appealing. The Z Fold 7's taller, narrower design also makes it more comfortable for one-handed use. It just fits better in the hand.
I must admit, Google is trailing behind in foldable design. If it doesn't improve, it risks falling behind as sleeker foldables become commonplace. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold earned points for its IP68 rating, making it the most water- and dust-resistant foldable available. However, a durability test raised concerns about the hinge's ability to withstand dust damage. It broke during a bend test, with the battery catching fire, something the tester had never experienced before. That worries me a bit, especially given the Galaxy Z Fold 7's structural integrity in the same test, even with its IP48 rating. While the Z Fold 7 may not be fully protected against submersion, it seems built to last.
Display Quality
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold boasts a brighter inner display, peaking at 3,000 nits compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7's 2,600 nits, which is particularly noticeable in direct sunlight. However, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold suffers from a more prominent crease. When you run your finger across the folding displays, you'll feel a deeper dip on the Pixel, which can interfere with content.
Samsung has truly worked wonders with its thin, light folding screen and minimized crease. The Galaxy Z Fold 7's display, reinforced with a titanium plate, should also be more durable, which is crucial for a foldable that endures repeated opening and closing.
Camera Performance
Pixel phones are known for their photography. However, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't quite live up to that reputation. Foldable cameras have often disappointed me, but the Galaxy Z Fold 7 changed my mind. Google's camera setup feels somewhat outdated, carrying over the same hardware and issues as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While stills are decent in good lighting, video quality suffers, particularly when zooming. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 handles zooming with greater finesse.
The Fold 7's camera represents a significant leap, with a 200MP main sensor, autofocus on the ultrawide lens, and enhanced video processing. The results speak for themselves. The Fold 7 feels like a step forward, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold feels stagnant. Still, Google's camera software is commendable, offering features like quick shot previews and automatic dual-screen camera activation.
Software and Multitasking
Samsung's software shines when it comes to multitasking. One UI feels like it was specifically designed for a foldable, not just adapted to one. From app resizing to window management, everything feels refined. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 provides a seamless experience as you switch between screens. Fold it into tabletop mode, and apps naturally align. You can even open three apps in split-screen, compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's two.
Years of fine-tuning have made One UI feel intuitive and tailored to the foldable form factor. Google's multitasking, on the other hand, feels like a stretched-out Pixel interface. I encountered delays when switching between screens, and some streaming apps wouldn't adapt properly. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 handles these transitions seamlessly. It reinforces the idea that Google's software needs to catch up to its hardware.
Performance and Battery
The performance gap between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is evident. Samsung's phone, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, feels faster and more fluid. App launches, multitasking, and animations are smoother than on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's Tensor G5. Even for someone who doesn't obsess over specs, the Galaxy Fold 7 feels snappier and more responsive. The Pixel 10 Pro, in contrast, can feel sluggish at times.
While the Pixel's performance isn't drastically behind, it does offer better battery life with its larger 5,015 mAh battery compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7's 4,400mAh cell. However, for overall snappiness, I'd still choose the Snapdragon-powered Galaxy Z Fold 7.
In conclusion, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn't a failure. Google is progressing in durability, display brightness, and software features. But the Galaxy Z Fold 7 wins in most areas, including design, display, camera, software, and performance. While pricier, the Fold 7 is my top pick for the ultimate foldable experience.
Source: AndroidAuthority