Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Our Verdict: For Google Pixel 9a versus Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The Samsung is ahead for display quality, with a larger 8-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera; the Pixel is the better match for a sharper 421 PPI display, its P-OLED panel, and a lighter 186g body. The Samsung is the better fit for display quality, while the Pixel is the one to consider for portability.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £415 all-in, about £1106 less than the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.2
6 reviews
Screen
6.3" 8"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch
421 367
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 5,000 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 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 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) £25.00/mo (£905.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£259.99 £1897.00
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.2
6 reviews
Screen 6.3" 8"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch 421 367
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 5,000 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 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 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
£25.00/mo
£905.00 upfront
SIM-free £259.99 £1897.00
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 Fold8 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Cream

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£25 per month, £905 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 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 Fold8 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 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 Fold8 Ultra has a LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 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 Fold8 Ultra?

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 Fold8 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?

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 Fold8 Ultra is slimmer at 4.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?

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 Fold8 Ultra 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 Fold8 Ultra run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.