The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold are two of the latest 2026 Android foldable smartphones, each offering unique features tailored to different user preferences. The Samsung model includes two 50-megapixel sensors for wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle photography, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is equipped with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10.5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor. The Samsung lacks a telephoto lens, which is a notable drawback, while the Pixel’s secondary cameras have smaller sensors, which can affect image quality in low light.
During a visit to Düsseldorf and Cologne, Germany, for the GamesCom video game trade show, both phones were tested for their camera performance. Both devices captured good details and rendered colors well, but they reflect different photographic styles. Samsung’s images are generally brighter, but this can make them look more washed out compared to other phones. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, on the other hand, shows more shadows and sharper contrast in low-light conditions, offering a more natural look in darker environments.
In low-light scenarios, Samsung’s photos tend to be brighter but with darker shadows, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold restores more colors and textures in the dark. Both phones handle light sources well, but neither handles movement very effectively in low-light conditions. Samsung’s photos may lose sharpness in the background with bokeh effects, while the Pixel’s surrounding areas become grainy in the dark.
For ultra-wide-angle shots, both phones deliver a good level of detail. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a slight fisheye effect, causing objects at the edges of the image to appear slightly distorted. Despite the smaller sensor, the Pixel still manages surprisingly good detail in these shots. Both phones handle zoom up to 10x well, even in challenging lighting. The Samsung’s 50-megapixel sensor allows for high-quality cropped zooms, while the Pixel offers zoom levels up to 30x with good resolution.
For selfies, both phones have adequate front cameras, but neither is truly exceptional. The Pixel produces better results, especially at night, with more precise details and softer background lighting. Samsung’s selfies are bright but can lose some detail. Both phones allow using the external screen to preview photos, with the Pixel performing this function more effectively than Samsung. The Pixel disables the touch function on the internal screen to prevent accidental touches, while Samsung does not, leading to unintended changes in focus or zoom.
Overall, both phones have performed well, though they each have some technical limitations. The Samsung lacks a telephoto lens, and the Pixel has smaller secondary sensors. Both exceeded expectations, but if camera performance is the main consideration, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is preferred for its versatility and superior color science.
2026 Foldable Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
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