Is the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold worth buying over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8?

Google and Samsung have landed at the same price for their new book-style foldable devices. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 for the model with 256GB of storage, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899.99 for the same capacity. Both run Android 17, both open to a roughly 8-inch internal display, and both are sold on the promise that Gemini will handle even more than last year. But that’s where the similarities end.

Samsung used this generation to redesign the Z Fold into a short, wide slab that folds out into a 4:3 screen designed for looking at things, in the same style as the new iPhone Duo (and ironically, the first Pixel Fold). Google, on the other hand, kept the Pixel’s shape like the book-style foldable phones you’re familiar with that open into a nearly square tablet — the same layout it’s used for three generations now. Instead of focusing on a new design, Google focused its efforts on durability and a camera system that the Fold 8 can’t match.

Although the two phones are quite different, you might be considering both for your next foldable phone. I’ve used both devices since their launch and I’m here to break down the differences to help you determine which might be the right choice for you.

Although the two foldable phones are quite different, there are some similarities between them. Both phones start at 256GB, both offer a 16GB RAM configuration and both launch with Android 17 and focus on AI software features powered by Gemini. Connectivity matches too, with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G, and eSIM on both devices.

The screens are also quite similar, although they are completely different shapes. Both phones offer an adaptive refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz on the cover screen and inner panel, so scrolling and always-on content is identical on both. The battery capacity is also the same. Samsung lists a 4,800 mAh cell for the Fold 8, while Google lists a 4,750 mAh cell for the latest foldable Pixel. This 50mAh gap isn’t something you’ll notice during everyday use.

The Fold 8 is short and wide. When folded, it measures 3.2 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches and weighs 7 ounces. It has a 5.5-inch cover screen in a square 16:10 ratio that opens to a 7.6-inch inner screen in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold looks like a regular phone when folded, measuring 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches, with a 6.5-inch 19.5:9 cover screen and an 8-inch interior panel. It weighs 8.4 ounces, more than an ounce heavier than the Samsung, although you’re unlikely to notice.

As mentioned, the two foldable phones differ a lot when it comes to cameras. The Fold 8 has two 50-megapixel rear cameras, with 2x optical zoom and no dedicated telephoto lens. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has three cameras, adding a 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto lens to its 48-megapixel wide and 10.5-megapixel ultra-wide offerings. Despite the Pro name, Google’s camera system is unfortunately the same as the regular Pixel 11 rather than the Pixel 11 Pro. However, Google offers its AI-powered Super Zoom 30x. When it comes to image processing, Google and Samsung opt for different color and saturation styles. Having used both phones, I much prefer the way the Pixel’s photos look, although that’s entirely subjective. But both carry a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover display and a second 10-megapixel camera on the inner display, each at f/2.2.

The Pixel is rated IP68 water and dust resistant compared to the Fold 8’s IP48 rating, meaning the Pixel is better protected against dust. This is especially important for foldable phones, as dust can damage the flexible screen, hinge, and folding mechanism. Additionally, the Pixel reaches 3,600 nits of peak brightness, compared to Samsung’s 3,000.

The two devices offer very different performance. Samsung uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for Galaxy and starts with 12GB of RAM. Google’s Tensor G6 chip comes with 16GB of RAM in each configuration. When it comes to raw power, the Galaxy Fold 8 is miles ahead of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. In fact, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is around 30-50% faster than the Tensor G6 in raw CPU performance, depending on benchmarks, around twice as fast overall in AnTuTu, and over four times faster in GPU benchmarks.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 charges faster via cable at 45W, reaching around 63% in 30 minutes, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold charges at 30W and will reach around 50% in 30 minutes. Google tries to compensate for slower charging with its 25W Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging. Coming from an iPhone with MagSafe, I have a soft spot for Pixelsnap and accessories designed to work with Pixel phones.

When it comes to which of the two foldable phones you should buy, I think they separate pretty evenly. You should buy the Pixel 11 Pro Fold if you take a lot of photos. The 5x telephoto lens is one of the biggest advantages here, and it’s why I’d choose the Pixel over the Galaxy: I just don’t use the ultra-wide lens very often. It’s also the best choice if you frequently read or work on documents, as the larger internal screen is more ideal for text. It’s also the best option if you want a cover screen that you can use all day without thinking about it.

You should buy the Galaxy if you want to use the internal screen primarily for content. The internal 4:3 display is the best shape for movies and gaming, and the Snapdragon chip is far better suited to gaming. 45W charging is a feature you’ll be glad to have when you need to top up the battery in a pinch, and being around 15% lighter makes this phone easier to carry around. While I prefer the portability of the smaller, boxy screen, it’s a radically different experience than using a regular phone, which may not be for everyone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra adds the telephoto lens that the Fold 8 lacks alongside a 200-megapixel main camera, an 8-inch display, and a 5,000 mAh battery. If the Pixel’s camera turns you away from Samsung, this might be the phone to look at.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold costs $1,899 on the Google Store, Best Buy, or Amazon. The Galaxy Fold 8 costs $1,899.99 directly from Samsung, and goes up to $2,499.99 for the 1TB model.