Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the Google Pixel 9a packs the bigger battery, 5100mAh against 4400mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The Galaxy Z Fold6 has the bigger screen at 7.6" against 6.3", while the Pixel 9a has the sharper one at 421 PPI, and storage goes higher on the Galaxy Z Fold6, up to 1TB against 256GB. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the Pixel 9a is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £415 all-in, about £783 less than the Galaxy Z Fold6.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 7.6"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1856 x 2160
Pixels Per Inch
421 375
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 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 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm
Weight
186 grams 239 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £96.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£264.99 £584.99
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 7.6"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1856 x 2160
Pixels Per Inch 421 375
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 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 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm
Weight 186 grams 239 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£96.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £264.99 £584.99
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 Fold6
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

12 Months

256GB

Silver Shadow

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£96.50 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 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 Fold6?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9a has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 375, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 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 Fold6?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £264.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 9a is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is more compact. It's 53g lighter at 186 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is actually the more compact phone at 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm, the Google Pixel 9a is slimmer at 8.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6?

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 Fold6 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.