Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
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This autumn marked the highly anticipated debut of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold — a device that has instantly entered the competitive arena of premium foldable smartphones. Its arrival has been underscored by the formidable presence of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, a flagship that continues to dominate the category with its refined craftsmanship and technological edge. Although Google has refrained from unveiling a drastically new aesthetic design this year, the company has focused on enhancing practical, user-centric aspects of the device — subtle yet groundbreaking refinements that represent firsts within the foldable market.

For consumers considering an upgrade from a traditional slab-style phone to the new foldable form factor, this season arguably presents the ideal opportunity. However, with both Google’s and Samsung’s latest book-style foldables setting extremely high benchmarks in design, software, and performance, the ultimate purchasing decision can feel remarkably complex.

**Also:** Your Android phone is getting three major upgrades — and Google has officially ended its yearly update structure.

After thoroughly testing both devices, the following comprehensive comparison explores how the Pixel 10 Pro Fold measures up to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, helping you determine which device best suits your specific needs and preferences.

### You should buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold if…

**1. You work in a dust-prone environment**
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold distinguishes itself as the first book-style foldable ever to secure an IP68 durability rating, a certification that assures exceptional resistance against both fine dust particles and water intrusion. By contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 holds an IP48 rating, offering only limited protection against solid particles larger than one millimeter. Because dust almost always measures below this threshold, the Fold 7’s protection against environmental debris is comparatively weaker. Consequently, professionals or residents in arid, dust-filled regions — such as construction zones or areas with heavy particulate presence — will likely find the Pixel’s fortified enclosure substantially more reassuring. Though it is not absolutely impervious to dust, the phone provides a level of resilience rare among foldables, offering users peace of mind during daily use in challenging conditions.

**2. You are transitioning from an iPhone**
For users eager to embrace a foldable smartphone experience yet impatiently awaiting Apple’s still-hypothetical foldable iPhone, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers one of the most seamless transitions available. While both the Pixel and Samsung foldables present similar levels of challenge when it comes to migrating from iOS, Google’s solution integrates a key compatibility advantage. By incorporating the all-new **PixelSnap** technology — an Android interpretation of Apple’s MagSafe system — the device enables users to continue employing MagSafe-compatible accessories, such as wireless chargers, power banks, and camera tripods. Based on the latest **Qi2** charging standard and capable of 15W wireless output, PixelSnap essentially bridges the gap between ecosystems. For former iPhone owners heavily invested in magnetic accessories, this makes the switch not only less daunting but also economically sensible.

Though on paper the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s 48MP primary camera might appear less powerful when compared to Samsung’s commanding 200MP sensor, its **5x optical zoom** capability delivers superior reach for capturing distant subjects with clarity — a feature that mirrors the zoom experience of Apple’s iPhone Pro lineup. For photography enthusiasts who often take landscape or event shots from afar, this difference in optical zoom translates into a tangible advantage.

**3. You want full access to Pixel-exclusive Gemini features**
If you are intrigued by artificial intelligence and eager to experience the most integrated form of Google’s AI at no extra cost, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold presents a compelling case. Google is including a full year’s subscription to **Gemini AI Pro**, a service that unlocks advanced features such as access to **Gemini 2.5 Pro**, **Veo 3** for AI-assisted video generation, 2TB of cloud storage, and early previews of forthcoming AI innovations. By comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 only includes six months of complimentary access to the same service. In addition, Google provides several on-device AI utilities — including **Magic Cue**, which intelligently predicts and suggests responses in messaging or calls, and **Auto Best Take**, which composites the ideal frame from multiple shots to create flawless group images. Together, these Pixel-exclusive enhancements confirm that Google’s foldable is the superior choice for users who wish to explore AI capabilities deeply integrated throughout their smartphone experience.

### You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if…

**1. You desire the slimmest and lightest foldable phone available**
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 continues Samsung’s relentless refinement of the folding form factor. Sleek, well-balanced, and visually striking, it now occupies a unique position as **one of the most elegant and comfortable foldables** on the U.S. market. Weighing a mere **215 grams**, the device feels lighter and more manageable than even traditional flagships like the iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung’s own Galaxy S25 Ultra. When folded, it measures just **8.9mm** in thickness — expanding to **4.2mm** when opened — offering a design so slim it almost defies the physics of foldable construction. Its proportions emulate those of a typical slab-style smartphone, meaning the device never feels awkward or cumbersome in one hand. For users prioritizing comfort, aesthetics, and a sense of futuristic minimalism, this is the pinnacle of engineering refinement.

**Also:** I spent a week in New York City with the Samsung Z Fold 7 — and it entirely redefined my expectations.

**2. You find creases and glare distracting**
Samsung’s expertise in display technology shines most clearly through the Fold 7’s impressively subtle inner screen crease. Upon unboxing, users will notice the near-flatness of the internal display surface — a triumph over one of the most persistent drawbacks in foldable designs. While no folding screen can be completely crease-free, Samsung’s near-invisible inner fold reduces visual and tactile interruptions to a negligible level. Conversely, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s crease remains noticeably more prominent, and its glossy internal display can produce glare that hampers readability, especially on text-heavy web pages or when streaming video content in bright environments. If display smoothness and optical comfort matter most to you, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers a significant advantage.

**3. You prefer a polished and mature suite of AI features**
Although both devices support Gemini AI, a key distinction lies in exclusivity: the Pixel 10 Pro Fold cannot utilize Samsung’s proprietary **Galaxy AI** features. The Fold 7 benefits from a far more established ecosystem of AI-driven tools, including **AI Select** for context-driven actions, one of the most effective **object erasers** available, and intuitive live translation and summarization utilities. Furthermore, its six-month Gemini AI Pro trial allows users to experience features such as **Veo 3** and **NotebookLM**. While Google’s Magic Cue and Camera Coach offer impressive capabilities, Samsung’s AI experience currently feels more refined, reliable, and extensively integrated across the system interface.

**4. You seek the most cost-effective foldable flagship**
Timing plays an unexpectedly pivotal role in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s market positioning. As Google’s new entrant reaches retail shelves, major platforms like Amazon have simultaneously enacted significant price reductions — sometimes exceeding **$400** — on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This adjustment brings Samsung’s base model down to roughly **$1,599**, undercutting the Pixel by about $200. The result is clear: in terms of financial value, Samsung’s offering represents a more accessible entry point into the foldable flagship experience. Despite this lower price, users still receive an exceptional 200MP camera array and long-term software support equivalent to Google’s — both brands now promising up to **seven years of updates**. Therefore, choosing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 not only secures a high-caliber camera system and proven design but also ensures broad longevity at a more appealing cost.

In conclusion, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold stands as an exemplar of innovation grounded in practicality — emphasizing durability, AI integration, and compatibility for those transitioning from iOS. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 refines nearly every design element of the foldable concept, delivering an unmatched combination of elegance, display quality, and affordability. Ultimately, your choice between these two technological marvels depends on which priorities define your mobile experience: the pioneering intelligence and unique features of the Pixel, or the perfected craftsmanship and balanced value of Samsung’s ever-evolving Fold series.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-pixel-10-pro-fold-vs-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-we-tried-both-and-heres-who-wins/