Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a far higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 48MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" against 6.8", while the S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper one at 500 PPI. The S23 Ultra 5G is the lighter phone at 233g against 257g, and only the S23 Ultra 5G has a water-resistance rating (IP68); the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has none. Get the Pixel 9 Pro Fold if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S23 Ultra 5G covers the basics for less.
The S23 Ultra 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £746 over a typical contract, £495 less than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
13 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 13 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 8" | 6.8" |
| Display | Foldable LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2076 x 2152 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 374 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,650 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 257 grams | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £619.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £745.50 over the life of the deal from £59.00 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 374, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses a Foldable LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £279.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 233 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 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 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra run?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.