Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold formally went on sale this week, and it already faces stiff competitors from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Whereas Google is not bringing a flashy redesign like Samsung this yr, it rivals the Galaxy with quality-of-life options — a few that are delicate however industry-firsts for the foldable market.
In case you are able to improve from a slab cellphone to a foldable one, now’s the very best time to take action. Nevertheless, it may be complicated to decide when each Google and Samsung book-style foldables are so good this yr.
CNET: iPhone Battery Showdown: 3 Years of Data Show How the iPhone 17 Models Measure Up
Having completely examined each gadgets now, here is how the brand new Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold compares to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and which one is the very best for you.
You should purchase the Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold if…
1. You’re employed in a dust-prone surroundings
The Pixel 10 Professional Fold is the primary book-style foldable to sport an IP68 score, which implies it’s really resistant in opposition to minute mud particles. Compared, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated IP48 for mud and water resistance, so it’s protected in opposition to strong particles greater than 1 millimeter. Since mud particles are smaller than 1mm, there isn’t any assure {that a} Z Fold 7 will do nicely in opposition to mud.
If you happen to stay in a spot inclined to mud or work in a dusty surroundings, the Google foldable will serve you higher. It is not utterly dustproof, per se, however you will get additional peace of thoughts when utilizing it in these environments.
2. You’re switching from an iPhone
If you cannot await a foldable iPhone and need to swap to a book-style foldable this yr, the Pixel 10 Professional Fold is the cellphone we advocate shopping for. Whereas switching to a Samsung foldable is equally as straightforward or tedious, you’ll retain your iPhone’s MagSafe-compatible equipment if you happen to purchase the Google foldable.
Additionally: Google just settled the foldable phone debate with one number — and I hope Samsung is watching
The Pixel 10 sequence comes with a brand new characteristic referred to as PixelSnap. Consider it as MagSafe for Android, the place you get magnets to connect a slew of equipment. The brand new tech relies on Qi2 requirements and provides 15W wi-fi charging on the Pixel 10 Professional Fold. So, when you have MagSafe-compatible charging pads, energy banks, and even tripods, they need to theoretically be suitable with the brand new Google telephones. This makes shifting to an Android foldable simpler for an iPhone consumer.
Whereas the Pixel 10 Professional Fold has an inferior digicam system on paper, with its 48MP primary sensor competing in opposition to Samsung’s 200MP, it does have the power to shoot at 5x optical (versus Samsung’s 3x), permitting you to seize extra element at a distance. The 5x telephoto zoom can be nearer to the iPhone Professional telephones, if it is a digicam instrument you usually use.
3. You need to use all of the Pixel-exclusive Gemini options
In case you are new to the AI world and need to strive the very best of Google AI options without spending a dime, Pixel 10 Professional Fold is the way in which to go. The corporate is providing a yr’s value of Gemini AI Professional subscription without spending a dime with its Pixel 10 Professional sequence. This implies you will get enhanced options like entry to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Veo 3 for AI-generated movies, 2TB of cloud storage, and previews of upcoming AI instruments. In contrast, Samsung is giving six months of free access to the identical service with its Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold additionally options the corporate’s newest on-device and hybrid AI instruments, similar to Magic Cue, which mechanically populates responses, useful context, and extra, whether or not you are within the messages app or in a cellphone name. The Pixel additionally helps Auto Greatest Take, which stitches the very best pictures of individuals in your images to create a great one with no anomalies.
You should purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if…
1. You need the slimmest and lightest folding cellphone
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is undisputedly the best-looking foldable within the US proper now, because it flaunts a brand new slim and light-weight design. In truth, we have discovered it to be extra snug to carry and use than bigger flagship telephones just like the iPhone 17 Professional Max and Samsung’s personal Galaxy S25 Extremely. At 215 grams, it is likely one of the most snug telephones to make use of available on the market proper now. Plus, it measures simply 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded, which feels surreal at instances.
Additionally: I spent a week in New York City with the Samsung Z Fold 7 – and it spoiled me the entire time
Samsung has nearly perfected the shape issue with its newest foldable. When folded, the side ratio is much like a standard bar-style handset, and the thickness makes the gadget burdenless to handle. The Pixel 10 Professional Fold? Not a lot.
2. You are much less captivated with creases and glare
Once I first unboxed the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I used to be amazed by the interior display’s flatness once I rubbed my hand over it. If in case you have used a folding cellphone earlier than however could not stay with it due to a big crease operating down the center of its massive display, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will probably be a breath of recent air for you.
Samsung’s newest folding cellphone options the smallest crease in its phase. You may nonetheless see it at sure angles, but it surely will not trouble you in any respect. Compared, Google’s crease aesthetic nonetheless wants work, and once you pair it with the shiny interior show, studying text-heavy pages and watching content material might be discomforting.
3. You desire a polished suite of AI options
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 also can run Gemini, however the Pixel 10 Professional Fold cannot run Galaxy AI features. That is to not say the Google cellphone would not have exclusives. The brand new Magic Cue and Digital camera Coach options, talked about earlier, are nicely value making an attempt.
Additionally: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android phones we’ve been waiting for – here’s our first look
Nevertheless, Galaxy AI has a extra tried-and-tested suite of comparatively extra polished AI options, similar to AI Choose, a rattling good object eraser, and extra. It’s also possible to avail free six months of Gemini AI Professional to strive Veo 3, NotebookLM, and so on., with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
4. You need the higher foldable cellphone deal
There is not any denying that Google could have mistimed the launch of the Pixel 10 Professional Fold. As a result of on the week that it is launching, Amazon and most main retailers have discounted the now months-old Galaxy Z Fold 7 by upwards of $400. That places the bottom mannequin of the Samsung foldable at round $1,599, $200 lower than the Pixel.
If we’re evaluating real-time costs, the Samsung not solely provides a greater digicam expertise with its 200MP-led configuration, but additionally undercuts its closest competitor by a significant quantity. When it comes to software program help and longevity, each gadgets are anticipated to obtain seven years of updates, so you are not essentially shedding out by choosing Samsung over Google on this situation.
