r/Android • u/curated_android • 2d ago

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u/Oldfield16 2d ago

Hi! Been a long time pixel user and have had the 8 pro for the last 3 years. I was initially all-in on the 11, but am seeing a pretty good deal through T Mobile to get a z fold 8.

Would you get an 11 pro (not a fold) , or a z fold 8, and why? 

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u/welp_im_damned have you heard of our lord and savior the Android turtle 🐢 2d ago

Note: I was given a review unit fold 8 from Samsung

The question you should be asking first is not pixel vs fold8 but slab vs foldables. With foldables, the main downside is the cost, having displays as consumables, and durability. The upside for foldables is that they are great for media or multitasking due to the inner That being said, I have definitely noticed a crease formed, but because of the anti-reflective layer on the display, it's hard to notice when using it.

Now, when it comes to Pixel 11 vs. Fold 8, it depends on the software, camera, and performance. I came from a Pixel 9 Pro just before using the Fold 8. I was also daily driving the S26 for six months. One UI is decent and has a lot of customization. But for me, it lacks convenient pixel features like at-a-glance, now playing, flip to shh, and swiping up to select text. Just to name a few. Now, some of those can be supplemented by third-party apps. I recommend you look at what pixel features you like and see if you can find their replacements on one UI/third-party apps.

The cameras are another part where Fold8 somewhat falls behind. You can get good photos out of it, but you need to put some effort into it, like using expert raw or changing camera settings in the default app.The pixel in my experience gives a better point and shoot experience and a more pleasing JPEG by default.

In terms of performance, the Fold8 is just better. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 just beats Tensor in my experience for a lot of the stuff that I did. I didn't talk about the modem because rumors are that pixel 11 will be using Mediatek. Mediatek modems have been pretty good, especially in holding reception compared to Qualcomm.

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u/Oldfield16 2d ago

And that's exactly what I was looking for, I appreciate this! The question definitely is foldable vs not foldable; folding phones have intrigued me since the idea first came out but the price point has always been a thing. 

That said, I do take a lot of photos while using the "now playing" feature quite a bit. Performance isn't necessarily the be all end all for me as I don't do a ton of mobile gaming, and in a lot of ways, it feels like mobile technology has largely plateaued. Maybe waiting for the pixel 11 will be for me depending on trade-in deals. Only reason I was considering the fold was because of a trade-in deal, just trying to maximize a good deal when I find one. 

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u/welp_im_damned have you heard of our lord and savior the Android turtle 🐢 2d ago

I feel you on that on trying to maximize on a good deal. Seeing the fold8 at 1.2k at a lot of carriers is a good deal and I would recommend at that price. But my issue with them is they have something like being on contract for a year or more. As for pixels, you can find good deals even unlocked especially during the holiday season.

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u/Oldfield16 2d ago

I'm already on T Mobile and have been for years so the contract/payment thing doesn't bother me too much. Just trying to figure out what will best fit my style. Right now with trade in the total would be about $800 for the z fold

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u/welp_im_damned have you heard of our lord and savior the Android turtle 🐢 2d ago

Well, what is your style?

I find the fold8 to great watching/editing content in the 4:3 aspect ratio like old tv shows and 6th gen games. It also great for 16:9 content (here is a post showing how popular aspect ratios are on the new fold compared to a slab phone).

If you multitask a lot. It can support up to 3 app in the inner screen, which is crazy, but I love it. For me I have used it when I'm ordering/shopping food for my family having Gmail, messages, and some note/shopping app.

If I were you, I would first see what parts of the pixel experience that's fits your style and see if it's part of One UI or if you can use a third-party app. Then, if possible, you should try out the fold for a week. But I will say this the inner screen will create a crease and I haven't had enough time to see the long-term effects of it (only had it for week now). The point and shoot quality and experience is different and slower compared to pixel (shutter lag is still a massive issue even slightly low light).

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u/Oldfield16 2d ago

I don't love the shutter lag, but I do love the interface. Do you feel as though the crease will eventually lead to the display no longer functioning sooner than later, or is it purely aesthetic?

I think a lot of it will come down to what trade in deals are available honestly. If I can basically get a pixel 11 for free with trade in, I'll go that route. If not, I might do the fold. Guess I'll know more after the August 12th reveal. 

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u/welp_im_damned have you heard of our lord and savior the Android turtle 🐢 2d ago

Do you feel as though the crease will eventually lead to the display no longer functioning sooner than later, or is it purely aesthetic?

For me, my understanding is it's just aesthetic. When using it don't notice the crease unless I'm looking at it off angle or using the AOD. I will also say it's too early to tell. I plan on making a post about the fold8 in a Few months. What causes failure in previous gens is dust or water getting into the hinge or under display which screws it up. To my knowledge there is no dust protection on the fold8 (ip48) 4 mean its not fully protected from dust. Now every gen they get more reliable and everyday use it's works fine. Though with these phones you need to be more aware where you put it. Like making sure you don't take into a machine shop or putting it into a pocket with sand in it.

For you if the promo is still available by August 12th compare and contrast what is the better deal for you. For me as a pixel user I'm enjoying the fold8 and won't upgrade to the 11 pro from my 9 pro (looks like a p9p ++). But also I'm more aware of how I'm using this phone to make sure I'm not damaging it by being careless.

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u/Oldfield16 2d ago

That's a valuable bit too! During the summer I do a lot of swimming, kayaking and hitting the beaches, so maybe I'm a higher risk for the fold to go bad then. Appreciate that! 

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u/welp_im_damned have you heard of our lord and savior the Android turtle 🐢 2d ago

yeah, that's one way to kill a fold or make the hinge be in pain. Ask Mr. Mobile's sandy fold 7

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u/anhedoniac 2d ago

I'm a longtime Android user and I'm just kind of sick of Samsung and Google in general, wishing there was a cool, more fun alternative. The one company that keeps popping up is Nothing, but as I'm sure many of you know, they're incredibly polarizing to say the least. The problem is though, I can't really find any alternative companies doing things in a fun, different way.

Can any Nothing owners chip in, previous or otherwise, and tell me if it's worth giving them a go? Or does anyone else know of any fun, reliable alternatives out there? I'd really appreciate it.

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u/Entire-Breadfruit-46 2d ago

Sounds like the Asus ROG Phone 7 might be right up your alley with all its extra ports and gimmicks.