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Now that both Google and Samsung have held their annual summer events, it's time to take stock of what each is offering. Both launched a new generation of book-style foldables, but Samsung changed the script by introducing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, a shorter, wider diversion from its usual fare. It comes with premium specs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor and dual 50 MP cameras.

Also: Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: I compared the two Android flagships, here's my pick

Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is Google's latest foldable, and brings a number of improvements over last year's model. Specifically, you get a slimmer and more durable build, which can be important for some people. You also get Pixel Drops, which continually add new features to your existing phone. More than just security updates, Pixel drops are additional capabilities that your phone couldn't do before. 

Specifications

You should buy the Pixel 11 Pro Fold if...

1. You value durability

Last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold came with IP68 water and dust resistance, so it already had a leg up on some competition. This year's model has that same resistance, but Google also added back glass that it says is "nearly impossible to crack" -- a bold claim, indeed.

Also: Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: I compared both foldables, and this one wins

So many smartphones succumb to drops and spills, it's tragic to see this happen on a phone that costs almost $2,000. So if Google can add glass that is that durable, it's a major win. Plus, IP68 water and dust resistance shouldn't be underestimated. If you're going to the beach -- which is where I'm writing this by the way -- you will want to leave your foldable phone back in the hotel room, and preferably as far away from sand as possible. I switched away from my Galaxy Fold 8 for the trip I'm on, and frankly that annoyed me.

2. You're a fan of PixelSnap

Google is the first mainstream phone maker in the U.S. to add a ring of magnets to its phones, and I'm here for it. Pixel Snap is Google's name for it, and it comes with a line of accessories, including the Snap Ring that works so well with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (and a case). But you don't need a case for the Snap Ring or any other MagSafe accessory you have -- it's built into the phone.

Personally, I love Pixel Snap/MagSafe/Qi2 magnetic charging (whatever name you want to call it). I have a host of charging stands, wallets, and other accessories that I can use with Pixel phones which is why I'm such an advocate for it and I wish every Android manufacturer would just climb on board already.

3. You like experimental AI features

Both phones come with a novel approach to photography. On the Pixel, you have Magic Capture, an AI-powered feature that allows you to capture up to a two-minute video. From there, the AI will pull out up to five frames it thinks you were going for. You will of course, retain the original video, so you won't lose anything even if AI doesn't know what the heck you're trying to do.

This is an untested feature so far, so wait for our full review, but I like the idea of it. In fact, I've attempted it myself, but I found that pulling single frames from a video always ends in sub par results. I assume the AI will pick the frames and clean them up so they look like good photos, but we'll have to wait for full testing to determine how useful it actually is.

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 if...

1. You dig the unique size and shape 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold has a squat and wide form factor which can be very polarizing. My own journey with this form factor was a bit of a roller coaster. At first I really liked it, then I found some flaws with it, and then I gradually came to accept it as my preferred form factor. It just took me a while to get there.

Also: I've used Samsung foldable phones for 7 years, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra finally gets it right

The one-handed use of the phone on the cover screen is particularly good. The 5.5-inch cover screen is very one-handed, even for someone with tiny baby hands like me. The phone is like a hybrid of the Z Flip 8 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and I really dig it, especially once I added the right accessories to it. It's also the lightest book-style foldable you can buy in the U.S.

2. You're a mobile worker 

The 4:3 aspect ratio of the fold 8's inner screen looks like a small tablet. Previous generations have been basically square, which isn't ideal for side-by-side apps and multitasking. This gives you a much more immersive experience, and the wider aspect ratio is good for things like researching and writing. Add in a phone stand and a portable keyboard, and this is basically a tiny laptop -- but not as tiny as it could be!

The square aspect ratio of most other foldables can work, I've used it, but this just feels more natural. When people dreamed of carrying a tablet in their pocket, this is what we always had in mind. Square is fine, but rectangles rule.

3. You use your camera mostly for portraits

The specialized feature the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 brings is called My Fan Cam. It's an AI-powered feature that allows you to capture a video of a group and keep a single subject in the center of the frame. It's pretty cool for those who might want to capture a single player on a field with other teammates, or a single dancer in a group.

This feature just came out with the Fold 8, so it too requires more extensive testing to get a sense of how it works, but as the father of a child on a soccer team, I can definitely think of a good use case for this feature when the season starts in the spring.

Writer's choice

While I'm definitely smitten with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, I'm even more smitten with MagSafe compatibility and not breaking my phone, so in this case, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold earns its place in my pocket -- at least for now. Samsung is making strides, for sure, but I'm clumsy and I like sandy beaches, so the Pixel will go with me where the Fold 8 simply cannot.