Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 48MP, and there's more battery in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, 4650mAh to 3900mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" against 6.1", while the S23 5G has the sharper one at 422 PPI, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 5G tops out at 256GB. Only pay up for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 5G makes more sense.

The S23 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £544 over a typical contract, £696 less than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Expert Rating
4.2
13 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen
8" 6.1"
Display
Foldable LTPO AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
2076 x 2152 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
374 422
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery
4,650 mAh 3,900 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 13
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight
257 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£100.25/mo (£30.00 upfront) £20.00/mo (£19.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£619.99 £239.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23
Expert Rating 4.2
13 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen 8" 6.1"
Display Foldable LTPO AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 2076 x 2152 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 374 422
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery 4,650 mAh 3,900 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 13
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight 257 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £100.25/mo
£30.00 upfront
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront
SIM-free £619.99 £239.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

12 Months

256GB

Obsidian

5GB

Data

£100.25 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23

24 Months

128GB

Cream

100GB

Data

£20 per month, £19 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £544.00 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 374, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses a Foldable LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 90g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slimmer at 5.1mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.