Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

Our Verdict: Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 suit different priorities. The Pixel is stronger for display quality, helped by its P-OLED panel and a larger 5,100 mAh battery, while the Samsung is better suited to a larger 6.9-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and 256GB to 512GB storage. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the Pixel for display quality; choose the Samsung if screen size matters more.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £415 all-in, about £420 less than the Galaxy Z Flip8.

Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2520
Pixels Per Inch
421 397
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 2600 (2 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 15 Android
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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.9 mm
Weight
186 grams 180 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £10.00/mo (£579.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£259.99 £1147.00
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2520
Pixels Per Inch 421 397
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 2600 (2 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 15 Android
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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.9 mm
Weight 186 grams 180 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£10.00/mo
£579.00 upfront
SIM-free £259.99 £1147.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

24 Months

256GB

Graphite

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£10 per month, £579 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £414.76 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9a has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 397, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 has a Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 has a 50 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £259.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 uses the Exynos 2600 (2 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is lighter but the Google Pixel 9a is more compact. It's 6g lighter at 180 grams, though the Google Pixel 9a is actually the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is slimmer at 6.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is rated IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.