Updated
Updated · CNET · Sep 2
CNET Finds Pixel 11 Pro Fold Edges Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in Camera Test
Updated
Updated · CNET · Sep 2

CNET Finds Pixel 11 Pro Fold Edges Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in Camera Test

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Sep 2

Summary

  • CNET’s side-by-side shooting test found Google’s $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold generally produced brighter, softer photos, giving it the edge in several scenes over Samsung’s $2,100 Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
  • Low-light and outdoor shots drove that result: the Pixel more often lifted shadows and kept brightness even, while the Galaxy leaned toward deeper color, stronger saturation and sharper contrast.
  • Hardware differences help explain the trade-offs. Samsung matches the Fold 8 Ultra’s rear cameras to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while Google’s foldable trails the Pixel 11 Pro on paper but still delivered strong real-world results.
  • Zoom remained hard to compare directly because the Pixel offers 5x optical zoom and the Galaxy 3x, though both kept subjects clear in the tested night and daylight scenes.
  • The broader takeaway is that premium foldables no longer require major camera compromises, even as these models carry steep starting prices and distinct image-processing styles.

Insights

Reviewers claim foldable cameras rival standard flagships, but what hidden compromises still lurk behind these massive $2,000 price tags?
With both tech giants relying heavily on AI enhancements, are these premium foldables actually capturing reality or simply generating it?
How does the ultra-thin folding chassis impact the long-term durability and precise alignment of these highly advanced optical lenses?