Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the choice mostly comes down to portability versus display quality. The Pixel gives you a sharper 460 PPI display, its LTPO AMOLED panel, and a higher-resolution 42MP front camera, while the Samsung is more appealing for a larger 7.6-inch screen and its Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the Pixel for portability; choose the Samsung if display quality matters more.

Over a full contract, the Galaxy Z Fold5 5G works out around £900 all-in, about £534 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen
6.8" 7.6"
Display
LTPO AMOLED Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch
460 373
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Battery
5,060 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 14 Android
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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight
199 grams 275 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£45.00/mo (£299.00 upfront) £71.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£364.00 £399.99
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen 6.8" 7.6"
Display LTPO AMOLED Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch 460 373
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Battery 5,060 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 14 Android
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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight 199 grams 275 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts £45.00/mo
£299.00 upfront
£71.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £364.00 £399.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

24 Months

512GB

Hazel

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£45 a month, £299 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

12 Months

512GB

Icy Blue

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£71.50 a month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is cheaper on contract at £900.50 over the life of the deal from £71.50 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's 6.8", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 373, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £364.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is more compact. It's 76g lighter at 199 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is actually the more compact phone at 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.