Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Pixel 9 delivers exceptional value with flagship performance in a conventional form factor, featuring Google's superior computational photography, a brighter Actua OLED display (2700 nits), and the latest Tensor G4 chip optimized for AI tasks. Samsung's Z Fold 5 prioritizes innovation with its transformative foldable design and larger 7.6-inch inner display, paired with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 raw power and a telephoto lens—but costs $1000 more, weighs 253g, and offers noticeably dimmer screens (1750 nits). Battery life favors Pixel 9 slightly due to better efficiency. For most users seeking premium performance and photography without sacrificing practicality, Pixel 9 is the smarter choice. Z Fold 5 excels for those willing to pay significantly more for cutting-edge form factor and productivity features.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 198 g | 253 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm unfolded |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP cover, 4 MP under-display |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP, f/1.7, 123-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W (Qi) | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.3 inches | 7.6 inches inner, 6.2 inches cover |
| Type | Actua OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2424 x 1080 | 2176 x 1812 inner, 2316 x 904 cover |
| Refresh rate | 60-120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2700 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 9
Pros
- Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- Seven years of OS updates
- Premium flat-edge design
- 12 GB RAM is generous for the price
- Bright 2700-nit display
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Slower charging than competitors
- Tensor G4 not a benchmark leader
- Only two storage options
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Pros
- Slimmer hinge with zero-gap fold eliminates the gap seen on Fold 4
- Large 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking and productivity
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
- IPX8 water resistance
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
Cons
- Very expensive starting at $1799
- Heavy at 253 g
- Visible crease on inner display
- Slow 25W charging for a premium device
- Under-display camera is noticeably lower quality
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