Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold
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Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
Google Pixel Fold
Starting at
£440.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel Fold?
Google Pixel 3a vs Fold comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £285 less than the Google Pixel Fold. The Google Pixel Fold is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on the Google Pixel Fold.
- The Google Pixel Fold has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel Fold has a bigger battery: 4821 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold specs
The Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel Fold offer different experiences tailored to distinct needs. The Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch OLED screen and 4 GB RAM, suitable if you want a lightweight device with straightforward use. The Pixel Fold is a larger device with a 7.6 inch foldable OLED screen, 12 GB RAM, and a bigger battery. It suits those who need more screen space for multitasking and higher performance for demanding tasks. Storage options differ considerably, with the Pixel Fold offering 256GB and the Pixel 3a 64GB.
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design features that affect how the device performs over time and daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery suited for typical daily use on a smaller screen. The Pixel Fold offers a larger 4821 mAh battery, which supports its bigger foldable screen and more powerful hardware. This means the Pixel Fold can sustain longer usage periods, especially when multitasking or using demanding apps.
Foldable Design
The Pixel Fold features a foldable design, allowing you to switch between a compact phone and a larger tablet-like screen. This provides flexibility for on-the-go use and expanded workspace. The Pixel 3a has a traditional fixed screen.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, memory, and storage, which determine how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor
The Pixel 3a is powered by the Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chipset built on a 10 nm process, which handles everyday apps and tasks adequately. The Pixel Fold uses the Google Tensor G2 chipset with a 5 nm process, designed for higher efficiency and better handling of demanding applications.
Memory
With 4 GB RAM, the Pixel 3a is suitable for basic multitasking and everyday use. The Pixel Fold's 12 GB RAM allows it to keep many apps open at once and supports more intensive multitasking, ideal if you use your phone for work or complex applications.
Storage Capacity
The Pixel 3a comes with 64GB of storage, enough for daily media and apps. The Pixel Fold has 256GB storage, providing ample space for large files, multiple apps, and media collections.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and type, affecting how you view content and interact with the device.
Screen Size
The Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch screen, compact and easy to handle with one hand, suitable for users who prefer smaller phones. The Pixel Fold's 7.6 inch foldable screen opens up to a much larger display area, great for watching videos, reading, and multitasking.
Resolution
The Pixel 3a offers a 1080 x 2220 resolution, delivering sharp and clear images on a smaller screen. The Pixel Fold's 1840 x 2208 resolution supports its bigger display, providing detailed visuals and a spacious viewing experience.
Screen Type
Both devices use OLED screens, which offer bright colours and deep blacks. The Pixel Fold's screen is foldable OLED, allowing the device to switch between a phone and tablet mode, adding versatility to your viewing options.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold camera
Audiovisual specs cover cameras and the quality of photos and video calls you can expect from each device.
Front Camera
Both the Pixel 3a and Pixel Fold have an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with clear detail.
Main Camera
The Pixel 3a has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, good for everyday photography. The Pixel Fold offers a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing images with more detail and clarity, which benefits users who prioritise photography quality.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, network capabilities, and design aspects that affect everyday comfort and connectivity.
Network Support
The Pixel 3a supports 4G networks, handling standard mobile data needs. The Pixel Fold supports 5G, offering faster data speeds where available, which suits users who want quicker downloads and smoother streaming.
Physical Dimensions
The Pixel 3a is lighter and slimmer, weighing 147 g with a depth of 8.2 mm, making it easy to carry and use one-handed. The Pixel Fold is heavier at 283 g and thicker at 12.1 mm, reflecting its foldable design and larger screen.
Size and Handling
The Pixel 3a measures 151.3 mm tall and 70.1 mm wide, fitting comfortably in pockets. The Pixel Fold is shorter at 139.7 mm but wider at 79.5 mm, giving a broader grip especially when unfolded.
SIM and Carrier
Both devices are unlocked and support physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility for different carriers and plans. Neither has an SD card slot, so storage relies on internal capacity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or Google Pixel Fold: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £285 less than the Google Pixel Fold
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 283 g)
Buy the Google Pixel Fold if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4821 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 5.6 inch)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Google Pixel 3a appreciate its good condition and reliability as a refurbished phone. Many find it easy to set up and suitable for everyday use, noting it shows little sign of wear. Some mention slower performance and occasional hardware issues like a faulty power button or charging problems. A few users have experimented with installing alternative operating systems, recommending it for those comfortable with such setups. Overall, customers value the Pixel 3a for its simplicity and dependable performance at a lower price point.
Reviews for the Google Pixel Fold highlight its excellent condition and almost new feel. Users enjoy the foldable design, praising the larger screen for multitasking, watching videos, and reading. The phone is described as high tech and versatile, functioning well as both a regular phone and a tablet device. Some customers note the battery does not last long with heavy use, especially video calls. Colour availability has been an issue for a few buyers, but most are very pleased with the phone's performance and appearance. The Pixel Fold appeals to users who want advanced features and a generous screen size.
In summary, the Pixel 3a suits buyers seeking a straightforward, lighter phone for everyday tasks. The Pixel Fold fits those who prioritise screen space, higher performance, and 5G connectivity for multitasking and media consumption.
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel Fold FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs Fold comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on the Google Pixel Fold. The Google Pixel Fold has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £440 for the Google Pixel Fold.
The Google Pixel Fold has a bigger battery: 4821 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Google Pixel Fold has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. The Google Pixel Fold gets updates until Jun 2028.
The Google Pixel Fold adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4821 mAh vs 3000 mAh) and a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 5.6 inch). Refurbished, it costs £285 more (from £440 vs £155).
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the Google Pixel Fold in 256GB.
