Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold
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Google Pixel 4a
Starting at
£135.00
Google Pixel Fold
Starting at
£440.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel Fold?
Google Pixel 4a vs Fold comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4a starts at £135, £305 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 SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) on the Google Pixel 4a, Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on the Google Pixel Fold.
- The Google Pixel Fold has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Google Pixel Fold has a bigger battery: 4821 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold specs
The Google Pixel 4a and the Google Pixel Fold are suited to different needs. The Pixel 4a is a straightforward phone designed for everyday use with a smaller screen, moderate battery, and 6 GB of RAM. The Pixel Fold offers a larger, foldable screen ideal for multitasking and media consumption, backed by a more powerful chipset, 12 GB RAM, and a bigger battery. Buyers wanting a compact device with a headphone jack might prefer the Pixel 4a. Those who want a versatile phone with a bigger screen and more storage will find the Pixel Fold better suited for their needs.
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and design features that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 4a has a 3140 mAh battery, which suits users with moderate daily use needs. The Google Pixel Fold features a larger 4821 mAh battery, which is better for those who use their phone heavily or want longer screen-on time between charges.
Design Features
The Google Pixel Fold is foldable, offering a flexible design that lets you switch between a compact phone and a large screen. The Pixel 4a has a traditional, non-foldable design, suited to those who prefer a straightforward phone without hinges.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold performance
Performance differences focus on processing power, memory, and storage. The Pixel Fold offers more RAM and storage, alongside a newer chipset, making it suitable for heavier multitasking and larger apps. The Pixel 4a fits everyday performance needs.
Chipset
The Google Pixel 4a uses a Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G chipset, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. The Google Pixel Fold has a Google Tensor G2 chipset built on a smaller process, offering stronger performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
Memory
The Pixel 4a provides 6 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The Pixel Fold doubles this with 12 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open at once and improves multitasking.
Storage
The Pixel 4a is available with 128GB of storage, which is adequate for personal photos, apps, and media. The Pixel Fold offers 256GB, ideal for users with larger storage needs such as extensive media libraries or many apps.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold screen
Screen quality is a key difference. The Pixel Fold's larger, higher refresh rate foldable OLED screen suits immersive media and multitasking. The Pixel 4a's smaller P-OLED screen is good for everyday use and fits comfortably in one hand.
Screen Size
The Pixel 4a has a 5.81 inch screen, which is comfortable for one-handed use and fits easily in pockets. The Pixel Fold's screen measures 7.6 inches when unfolded, providing a much larger display area for watching videos or working on multiple apps.
Refresh Rate
The Pixel 4a comes with a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth everyday scrolling and navigation. The Pixel Fold doubles this with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother visual experience especially noticeable when scrolling or gaming.
Resolution
The Pixel 4a features a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, delivering clear and sharp images on its smaller screen. The Pixel Fold's resolution is 1840 x 2208 pixels, providing detailed visuals on a larger display that is well suited for video and reading.
Screen Type
The Pixel 4a uses a P-OLED screen, known for vibrant colours and good contrast in a traditional form. The Pixel Fold has a foldable OLED screen, which combines flexibility with high-quality visuals, allowing it to transform between a phone and a tablet experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold camera
Audiovisual features highlight camera capabilities. Both devices have the same front camera resolution, but the Pixel Fold's main camera offers a higher megapixel count, which is suited for users wanting more detailed photos.
Front Camera
Both the Pixel 4a and the Pixel Fold have an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with similar image quality.
Main Camera
The Pixel 4a's main camera has a 12.2 megapixel sensor with features like dual pixel PDAF and optical image stabilization, which works well for everyday photography. The Pixel Fold offers a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and better suited for users who prioritise photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold size and design
Miscellaneous specs include network support, physical dimensions, connectors, and weight. These differences affect how each phone fits in daily life and connectivity choices.
Network Support
The Pixel 4a supports 4G mobile networks, which works well for general internet use. The Pixel Fold supports 5G, offering faster data speeds for compatible networks and users who need quicker connectivity.
Connector Types
The Pixel 4a features both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing wired audio without an adapter. The Pixel Fold has a USB Type-C connector but no headphone jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are needed.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 4a measures 144 mm in height, 80 mm in width, and weighs 143 g, making it compact and lightweight. The Pixel Fold is shorter at 139.7 mm tall, wider at 79.5 mm, deeper at 12.1 mm, and heavier at 283 g, reflecting its foldable design and larger screen.
SIM and Storage
Both phones support physical SIM and eSIM cards and do not have an SD card slot. The Pixel 4a offers 128GB of storage, while the Pixel Fold doubles that with 256GB, accommodating more apps and files.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 4a or Google Pixel Fold: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 4a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £135, £305 less than the Google Pixel Fold
- you want a lighter build (143 g vs 283 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Google Pixel Fold if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4821 mAh vs 3140 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 5.81 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Google Pixel 4a mention that the phone generally works well for everyday use but often requires a battery replacement. Several reviews note short battery life and warnings about battery health. Despite this, some users find the phone performs as expected and appreciate the condition when the battery is healthy. The screen condition is generally good, and the device suits users looking for a straightforward smartphone.
Google Pixel Fold customers praise the device for its excellent condition, impressive design, and large foldable screen that supports multitasking and media viewing. Many describe the phone as feeling like new and highlight its high-tech features and strong performance. Users appreciate the bigger screen for reading and watching video and generally find the device suitable as a main phone. Some mention the battery life could be better with heavy use, and a few note issues with order accuracy or personal preference.
The Pixel 4a fits those who want a compact, simple phone for everyday tasks with a headphone jack and moderate storage. The Pixel Fold suits buyers who want a versatile device with a large screen, more memory, 5G connectivity, and advanced multitasking capabilities.
Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel Fold FAQs
Google Pixel 4a vs Fold comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) on the Google Pixel 4a, Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) on the Google Pixel Fold. The Google Pixel Fold has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Google Pixel 4a is cheaper refurbished, from £135 compared with £440 for the Google Pixel Fold.
The Google Pixel Fold has a bigger battery: 4821 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
The Google Pixel Fold has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 4a ended in Aug 2023. Its last version is Android 13. The Google Pixel Fold gets updates until Jun 2028.
The Google Pixel Fold adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4821 mAh vs 3140 mAh) and a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 5.81 inch). Refurbished, it costs £305 more (from £440 vs £135).
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4a comes in 128GB, and the Google Pixel Fold in 256GB.
