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If you want proof of that Foldable phone Cameras have come a long way, look no further Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
For years, design and space limitations on foldable devices have shrunk the size of cameras, resulting in sub-par images. But the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold bypass these hardware limitations. Each phone features impressive cameras that are on par with what you’ll find on feature phones, which is an impressive feat.
So, how do the photos on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold compare? I took each camera for a spin to see how the phones stacked up.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET As Google’s preferred source.
First, some camera specifications. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 200MP wide angle (just like S25 Ultra), a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera on the back. It also has 10-megapixel selfie cameras on the cover and main screens.
These specifications are especially impressive considering the Z Fold 7 Ultra thin foldableIts thickness is only 4.2 mm when open and 8.9 mm when closed. This innovation is reflected in the hefty $2,000 price tag.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a 48MP wide-angle, 10.5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto camera on the back. Additionally, both the cover and internal displays have 10-megapixel selfie cameras.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold wasn’t as thin as the Z Fold 7, but it still was Doesn’t feel too bulky. It is 5.2mm thick when open and 10.8mm thick when closed. The 10 Pro Fold costs $1,799. It also has some cool new AI-powered photography features like Camera trainerwhich uses Gemini to help you take better photos.
The camera bumps aren’t taken into account in either phone’s measurements, so expect a little extra bulk there – but fortunately, nothing too annoying.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold camera comparison
Let’s start with my favorite way to take photos: portrait mode. This helps the subject matter — in this case, the stunning flower arrangements at The Palace Hotel in San Francisco — stand out and be the clear center of attention.
Both images capture the vibrancy of the floral centerpiece, but the Galaxy Z Fold’s image is noticeably brighter. The colors are more vibrant in the foreground, and there are fewer shadows between the petals, which helps them stand out more. Even the background in the Galaxy photo looks better lit. The chandelier looks less like a point of light, and you can actually decipher some of the individual crystals. It’s that extra level of detail that makes me gravitate toward the Galaxy Z Fold 7 here.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
This comparison is a bit trickier. These photos were taken in portrait mode at 2x zoom.
You’ll once again notice that the Galaxy image has slightly richer colors, especially when you look at the roses on the teacup. But the shadows are also a little harsher.
Meanwhile, the Pixel does a good job of brightening everything from the teacup to the table to the sofa in the background. Lighting appears more balanced everywhere.
Every photo is a winner in my book, but when I had to make a choice, I’d go with the Pixel shot with the better lighting.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Speaking of selfies, here’s one of CNET’s Patrick Holland. They both do a good job of focusing and lighting, but I like the way the Pixel 10 Pro maintains skin tones. If you look closely, you’ll see that Patrick has a more natural pink tinge in the Pixel photo, rather than the slightly grayish tint in the Galaxy photo. There’s also more detail on the Pixel’s shot, which makes me gravitate towards that image.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Switching to the selfie camera, the Pixel has a smoother effect on my face. Even the flowers on my veil look less detailed than they do in the Galaxy shot. And again, my skin tone in the Pixel photo has a more natural pink tint, versus the slightly gray color in the Galaxy photo. The shadows are also much softer in the Pixel shot. So, the Pixel takes the prize here.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
You will notice the main difference between these images. Even when I’m not shooting in portrait mode, the Pixel will add a sharper effect to the background. I prefer this look because it helps focus on the subject.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy shot looks a bit crowded with both the foreground and background sharper in focus – and I’ll choose portrait mode to help compensate for that here. But I appreciate the blur on those pads from the Pixel’s main camera. It’s natural bokeh from the lens and you don’t need to turn on portrait mode for it.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
The ultra-wide cameras on both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold do a good job of reducing distortion, so you don’t get the weird fisheye effect. Both phones give a nice all-round view of this hall.
The Galaxy photo was captured at 0.6x zoom, while the Pixel one was captured at 0.5x zoom – the default settings for each ultra-wide camera. There is hardly any noticeable difference there.
But again, what I’m interested in is how bright the galaxy image is overall, so I’ll make a point here.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Finally, let’s zoom in to 20x digital zoom.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a feature called Super Res Zoom, which uses AI to enhance punch-hole photos by up to 20x, so you don’t get a blurry, grainy mess.
Samsung also uses AI to polish enlarged images. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 can get up to 30 times closer. But I kept this image at 20x for a 1-to-1 comparison with the Pixel.
This is another example where the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold hold their own. The numbers on the watch and the gilt decoration surrounding the face are sharp enough in each photo, given how close I was to the perforations. The metal in the Pixel image is a richer gold color, but the watch face in the Galaxy shot is brighter and shows off the lighter specs in more detail. Ultimately, this is a toss-up.
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Final thoughts
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold can take great photos, as evidenced by how split I was during this camera comparison. The Z Fold 7 often delivers brighter images, while the 10 Pro Fold tends to apply a nice softening effect to people and objects. I also like how the Pixel’s lens naturally adds a sharper effect when you focus on a subject, so you don’t even have to switch to portrait mode.
Like many camera comparisons, it boils down to personal preference. But the basic idea is that you no longer have to compromise on camera quality when choosing a foldable phone. Considering its cost, the least you can ask for is some Instagram-worthy shots.