Phagocytosis and endocytosis are both methods cells use to transport substances into themselves. Both endocytosis and phagocytosis involve the cell taking in materials. Phagocytosis is a specialized form of endocytosis. The process works similarly in both cases: the cell's plasma membrane folds inward to form a pocket around the target particle. This pocket then pinches off, creating a new vesicle inside the cell.