RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Google just unveiled the new Pixel 11 series, and while much of the attention will inevitably go toward the flagship models, the base should not be overlooked. Personally, I prefer smartphones that strike a balance between performance, features, and affordability rather than boasting the most expensive hardware. The Pixel 11 looks like it'll deliver exactly that kind of experience. Also: Google's new Pixel 11 makes a strong case for skipping the Pro models - here's whyHowever, I'd be lying if I said I haven't been tempted to buy Samsung's latest foldable: the . They represent two very different approaches to flagship smartphones. The Pixel 11 prioritizes a traditional, single-screen experience, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 focuses on versatility by having a multi-screen form factor.So, which one would you buy? I've spent some time looking at what each phone brings to the table. Here's where each device succeeds. Specifications Google Pixel 11Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8Display6.3-inch Actua OLED (1080 x 2424), 120Hz5.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2X (1248 x 1972), 120Hz / 7.6-inch AMOLED (1828 x 2448), 120HzWeight195.6g201gProcessorTensor G6Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyRAM/Storage12GB / 256GB, 12GB / 512GB12/256, 12/512, 12/1TGB, 16/1T Battery4985 mAh4,800 mAh Rear cameras48MP Quad PD wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)50MP main, 50MP Ultrawide, 10MP telephoto Front cameras10.5MP Quad Dual PD10MP (cover and main)DurabilityIP68IP48PriceStarting at Starting at You should buy the Google Pixel 11 if... 1. You just want a "normal" phoneLook, as impressive as a foldable phone may be, it's hard to beat a traditional slab-style smartphone. The Z Fold 8 is a whole lot of wow factor, but not everybody needs that. The Pixel 11 still looks great -- it has a 6.3-inch Actua OLED screen with plenty of space, and runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz and up to 3,000 nits of brightness. That's a display bright enough to shine through the sun's glare while delivering smooth on-screen animations.Also: This new Google product flew under the radar - but you can bet Apple took noteFor software, the phone runs on the easy-to-navigate Android 17, which brings in multiple new features. Users can turn any app into a small, floating bubble. The update also introduces new privacy controls, like the ability to temporarily share precise location data.2. You want a better valueThe Pixel 11 offers stronger value. At around , it's roughly half the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. What's great is that it doesn't feel like Google cut any corners with the base model. It uses the same Tensor G6 processor found throughout the entire Pixel 11 lineup, along with the Titan M3 security chip for superior hardware-level protection. It also comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as standard. That's notable as it shows Google has moved away from 128GB of storage as the entry-level option. You're also getting a triple-camera system, a 4,985mAh battery rated for more than 30 hours of use, and support for the Pixel Snap accessories. Add in Google's latest AI features and seven years of continuous updates, and the Pixel 11 looks less like a stripped-down base model and more like a flagship in its own right.3. You want more interesting softwareThe Pixel 11 has an interesting mix of established AI features with new, ambitious tools. Like other recent Pixel phones, this model comes with Gemini of course, along with Circle to Search, a feature that lets you identify objects and translate text on-screen. As for the new inclusions, one of my favorites is Magic Capture. This allows the camera to record video and shoot high-quality still photographs simultaneously, automatically cropping the photos and making them ready to share. The Pixel 11 can even recognize sign language through the camera and translate it into text. You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 if... 1. You want better screensFull stop, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has the better screens. When closed, the device has a 5.5-inch AMOLED cover screen that offers the traditional phone experience. Open it up, and the screen turns into a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED with a ton of room for reading, watching videos, or scrolling through multiple webpages. Imagine being able to read an article on one side of the inner display, and on the other, have a YouTube playlist running. That functionality is thanks to OneUI 9. Also: The new Pixel 11 isn't enough to make me give up my Pixel 9 Pro - here's why Samsung also made other improvements. The glass is now 50% less reflective compared to the previous generation, making it significantly easier to see in bright environments. Samsung even changed the folding structure to make the crease a lot less noticeable. The technology has advanced so much that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels more like a small tablet than a conventional phone. And despite all that extra screen, the Fold 8 is quite portable. At 201 grams and just 9.7mm thick when closed, it's Samsung's lightest Z Fold yet. It's so sleek that you'll hardly know it's there. So, if you decide to buy this phone, make sure you're carrying it with you. 2. You want better performanceThe hardware on both smartphones provides more than enough power for everyday tasks, but Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the stronger of the two. It comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, which is the same chipset found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As a result, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is better suited to heavy workloads. The phone can comfortably handle jumping between multiple apps, editing photographs, and playing demanding mobile games. It's well-suited to power users who heavily multitask. Samsung also redesigned the internal components of its foldables to create more space for better thermal management. With a mobile device this thin and powerful, you really need all the help you can get to keep the Galaxy Z Fold 8 fr...
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