Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Google Pixel Fold: which one wins the game hands down, thanks to an essential point

June Wan/ZDNET

2023 will probably be the year of foldable smartphones, with, among other things, the launch of the Motorola Razr 40, Samsung’s two Galaxy Z models, Google’s Pixel Fold and the probable OnePlus model (Open or Fold?)

But two proposals still stand out from the others if you are looking for performance and power: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold. They both start at 1800 dollars in the United States. In France, the cheapest version of the Fold 5 costs 1800 €. For the moment, Google does not market its foldable in France but it is possible to buy it online (where it was seen at 2500 €…). Both devices turn into 7.6″ mini-tablets when unfolded. And these two models are clearly what their respective manufacturers have the best to offer in this foldable format.

And these two models happen to be the foldable devices that have accumulated the most time… in my pocket during the last summer. The Pixel Fold having been my daily device from June to August and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 took over last month.

One aspect makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 the big favorite for me

After having tested both devices over the long term, one aspect makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 the big favorite for me.

If you have ever held a foldable mobile in your hand (and I am talking here about smartphones that turn into tablets) your enthusiasm must have come from the design and a little curiosity about how to use it. There must have also been a lot of “Wow, this thing is heavy!”in your entourage. This is what happens every year when I pass the latest models around the table. And this was especially true with the Pixel Fold.

At 283 grams, the Pixel Fold is noticeably heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (253 g) and even more when compared to Apple’s latest model (240g). So what’s the problem?

Contact is one of the most neglected aspects of the user experience

If there is one thing that I have learned using foldable smartphones, over all these years, it is that contact is one of the most neglected aspects of the user experience. It’s easy to get lost in all the multitasking functions and immersive display that a pocket tablet can bring. But at the end of the day, these are gadgets that you will hold in your hand for hours, every day.

When you lift this device to scan a map, read the news on the subway and watch videos late at night, the tension and stress that a heavier device exerts on your wrist slowly become noticeable. And I’m not even mentioning the long-term effects.

After performing all the above tasks with the Pixel Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, I can confidently say that if a comfortable mobile experience is what you are looking for, choose the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The Samsung Z Fold 5 is easier to hold in your hand. June Wan/ZDNET

“Wow, it’s heavy!” : well, no!

In fact, this is the first large foldable screen that did not arouse in my entourage the remark “Wow, it’s heavy!”when he went around the table. And that’s when I knew that Samsung’s latest model was special.

Maybe it’s the new hinge design or the use of lighter materials, but the difference in feel in the hand is huge compared to the Pixel Fold. And that’s what makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 the €1,800 foldable device that I’m recommending right now.

Source: “ZDNet.com “