Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Our Verdict: Pixel 9a has the more practical angle here, centred on the lower contract price from £14.99/mo and the sharper 421 PPI display. Galaxy Z Fold 7 responds with the larger 8" screen and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera, which could be more valuable for buyers focused on a bigger screen. Pick Pixel 9a for contract value; pick Galaxy Z Fold 7 if its advantages line up with your daily use.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £411 over a typical contract, £933 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 8"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch
421 367
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight
186 grams 215 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) £54.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£289.99 £959.99

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 8"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch 421 367
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight 186 grams 215 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
£54.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £289.99 £959.99
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

24 Months

256GB

Jet Black

Refurbished

30GB

Data

£54.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 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 Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 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 367, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 200 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 Fold 7?

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

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 29g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer at 4.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

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 Fold 7 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 Fold 7 run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.