If you look at the pure diagonals of the outer displays, Samsung is ahead. However, in practice it turns out that you can do much more with Google’s device when folded than with the Z Fold 5.
Almost all apps work better on the Pixel Fold because the aspect ratio of the outer display is much closer to the dimensions of a regular smartphone. It’s also easier to type on it.
On the hyper-slim Z Fold 5, it’s possible to perform simple tasks, such as reading notifications or directions and controlling the music player. However, it’s better to open the device for typing and other more extensive tasks.
On their fifth attempt, Samsung’s engineers have managed to design a hinge that closes in such a way that the two halves of the display lie flat on top of each other without a gap when the phone is folded. This not only looks better, but also reduces the risk of dust or dirt getting inside.
By eliminating the gap, the Z Fold 5 is now also thinner, measuring 13.4mm. In comparison, the thickest part of the previous model was 15.8mm.
Nevertheless, the Pixel Fold is the winner here. The designers have not only managed to create a gapless design on their first try, but, at 12.1mm, their phone is also thinner than the Z Fold 5.
When it comes to chip performance, the Samsung Z Fold 5 is ahead. In benchmark tests, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 system in the Samsung phone scores significantly higher than Google’s Tensor G2 chip system.
In practice, this performance difference is really only noticeable when playing complex games or editing video.
Samsung’s Z Fold 5 has the same 50-megapixel main camera as its predecessor. Nothing has changed with the 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and the 10-megapixel telephoto camera with optical triple zoom either.
With this set-up, photos are exposed very well during the day with a wide dynamic range.
The colour reproduction in photos and videos looks natural and not too colourful. The high detail accuracy in video recordings is also positive.
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However, the Z Fold 5 often runs out of steam in low light, which shows up as visible image noise. The autofocus also has problems focusing on a subject in difficult lighting conditions.
The camera system of Google’s Pixel Fold consists of a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.8-megapixel sensor for ultra-wide-angle shots, and a 10.8-megapixel lens with fivefold optical zoom. This allows for good exposure in most conditions.
The Pixel also impresses with effective video stabilisation as well as a fast and accurate autofocus. There’s slight image noise in backlit and lowlight conditions, but it is not as noticeable as on the Samsung device. The Pixel Fold also does a better job of zooming in on distant objects.
In terms of battery life, the Pixel Fold is slightly behind. In our video playback test, it lasted 15 hours and 25 minutes on the main screen and 22 hours and 30 minutes on the outer display. The Samsung managed just under 20 hours on the main screen and more than 23 hours on the outer one.
There’s no clear objective winner, but for individual buyers there might be. If you play games, you’re better off with Samsung. Photo enthusiasts meanwhile are better off with Google’s device. The Pixel Fold also has the advantage that you can do more without opening it.
While you can buy the Pixel Fold in Hong Kong – price ranges between HK$12,500 and HK$14,500 depending on storage capacity – it does not have 5G support, whereas the Z Fold 5, which costs between HK$13,598 and HK$16,598, is 5G capable.
The Pixel Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 cost around €1,900 in Europe and US$1,800 in the US, with 256GB of storage and an optional additional charge for 512GB.
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