Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs Google Pixel 9a

Our verdict: Choosing the Google Pixel 9a on contract will save you £854.07 compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. That said, neither phone sweeps the display: the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is bigger at 8" while the Google Pixel 9a is sharper at 421 PPI. Up front, the Google Pixel 9a wins with a 13MP selfie camera. Portability goes to the Google Pixel 9a at 186g.

Screen
8" 6.3"
Display
Foldable LTPO AMOLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
2076 x 2152 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
374 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 15
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
257 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance
IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£100.25/mo (£30.00 upfront) £13.95/mo (£75.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£1149.00 £289.99
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Screen 8" 6.3"
Display Foldable LTPO AMOLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 2076 x 2152 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 374 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 15
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 257 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £100.25/mo
£30.00 upfront
£13.95/mo
£75.00 upfront
SIM-free £1149.00 £289.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £379.80 over the life of the deal from £13.95 per month with £75.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9a has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 374, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses a Foldable LTPO AMOLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9a has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Google Pixel 9a use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two — it's 71g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slimmer at 5.1mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Google Pixel 9a run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs Android 14 and the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.