Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Best Foldable in 2026?
The two best book-style foldables you can buy in 2026 — and both have won Best Foldable at MKBHD's Smartphone Awards in different years. The Z Fold 7 won the most recent (2025) award; the Pixel 9 Pro Fold won 2024. Here's how they compare head-to-head.
Updated · Verdict based on MKBHD Smartphone Awards results and spec analysis.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung · 2025 · From $1899
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google · 2024 · From $1799
Round wins
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: 3 · Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 3 ·Ties: 2
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7.9-inch inner AMOLED, 6.5-inch outer AMOLED, 120Hz | 8-inch inner OLED, 6.3-inch outer OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB |
| Camera | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto | 48MP main + 10.5MP ultrawide + 10.8MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery | 4,400 mAh | 4,650 mAh |
| OS | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 14 |
| Starting price | $1899 | $1799 |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
Round-by-round breakdown
Hinge & build
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7Z Fold 7 is the thinnest, lightest book-fold yet — and Samsung's hinge has matured the most. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is heavier and slightly thicker but feels equally premium.
Inner display
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7Z Fold 7's inner display is brighter and larger; the crease is less visible than Pixel's. Pixel's wider aspect ratio is better for video and reading split-screen content.
Outer display
Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldPixel 9 Pro Fold's outer display has a more 'normal phone' aspect ratio (taller, less narrow). Z Fold 7's outer is narrower than most slab phones, which some users find awkward to type on.
Camera
TieZ Fold 7 has slightly better hardware on paper; Pixel 9 Pro Fold has Google's superior computational pipeline (Magic Editor, Best Take). Picks here are even-money.
Software for folding
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7Samsung has been refining foldable-specific software (split screen, app continuity) for 7 generations. Pixel is on its second-gen — solid but less mature.
AI features
Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldPixel 9 Pro Fold has the wider AI catalog: Magic Editor, Pixel Studio, Recorder, Call Screen. Galaxy AI on the Z Fold 7 is broader on paper but less consistently useful.
Battery
TieBoth around 4,650 mAh. Real-world endurance is similar — 5–6 hours of screen-on time across both inner and outer displays.
Price
Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldPixel 9 Pro Fold is $300+ off launch as of mid-2026; Z Fold 7 holds its price more stubbornly. The Pixel is the value pick.
Final verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the more refined book-style foldable and the safer recommendation in 2026 — winner of MKBHD's 2025 Best Foldable, thinnest hinge, and the broadest software ecosystem for foldables. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold (2024 winner) is the better pick if you want the cleanest Android, the best AI photo editing, and don't mind a slightly heavier device. Both are excellent — and both are now $300+ off launch price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 worth it over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Yes if you want the most refined book-fold experience and the longest update commitment. No if you'd rather have the cleaner Pixel software and save several hundred dollars on the discounted Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs Z Fold 7: which has the better camera?
Roughly even. Z Fold 7 has slightly better hardware; Pixel has Google's superior AI photo editing. For most users they shoot indistinguishably.
Which foldable lasts longer — Samsung or Google?
Samsung's hinge has more generations of refinement and a stronger track record for long-term durability. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is on Google's second-generation hinge — solid but less proven.