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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the better buy for most people - its upgraded 50MP camera crushes the Google Pixel 8a's 64MP in detail and zoom capabilities. You'd expect the Pixel to dominate with its unmatched 7-year software support, but after testing both, the Z Flip6's foldable design and vibrant display truly stand out. In real-world use, the Samsung's 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED display peaks at 2,600 nits, making it brighter than the Pixel's 2,000 nits. So, if you're after a unique design and superior camera, the Z Flip6 is worth the extra investment.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.7"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 4000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 6.60 oz
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Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
★4.2
(115)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
6.7" Main (unfolded) + 3.4" CoverWinner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Main: 1–120Hz (Adaptive); Cover: 60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)Winner
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
4,000 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
6.60 oz (187 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Unfolded: 6.50" x 2.83" x 0.27" (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm); Folded: 3.35" x 2.83" x 0.59" (85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
★4.2(115)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.2(115)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.7" Main (unfolded) + 3.4" Cover |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Main); Super AMOLED (Cover) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | Main: 1080 x 2640 pixels (FHD+); Cover: 720 x 748 pixels |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | Main: 1–120Hz (Adaptive); Cover: 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 2,600 nits (Peak, Main) / 1,600 nits (Peak, Cover) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | N/A (Enables 2x Optical Quality Zoom via 50MP sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 10x Digital Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 85° FOV) |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 4,000 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP48 (Water resistant up to 1.5m; Protected against foreign objects >1mm, not dust tight); Armor Aluminum; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | Unfolded: 6.50" x 2.83" x 0.27" (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm); Folded: 3.35" x 2.83" x 0.59" (85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Galaxy AI; FlexWindow with Widget support; Flex Mode; Samsung Knox |
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Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Rating:★4.2(115)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.7" Main (unfolded) + 3.4" Cover
Screen Type:Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Main); Super AMOLED (Cover)
Resolution:Main: 1080 x 2640 pixels (FHD+); Cover: 720 x 748 pixels
Refresh Rate:Main: 1–120Hz (Adaptive); Cover: 60Hz
Peak Brightness:2,600 nits (Peak, Main) / 1,600 nits (Peak, Cover)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Enables 2x Optical Quality Zoom via 50MP sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x Digital Zoom
Video Recording:4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps
Front Camera:10MP Front (f/2.2, 85° FOV)
Battery:4,000 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP48 (Water resistant up to 1.5m; Protected against foreign objects >1mm, not dust tight); Armor Aluminum; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dimensions:Unfolded: 6.50" x 2.83" x 0.27" (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm); Folded: 3.35" x 2.83" x 0.59" (85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Galaxy AI; FlexWindow with Widget support; Flex Mode; Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Upgraded 50MP main camera provides significantly better detail and 2x crop zoom
- • Larger 4,000mAh battery and vapor chamber cooling improve longevity and performance
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy offers top-tier speed and AI capabilities
- • Bright 2,600-nit main display matches the S24 Ultra's visibility
- • Compact form factor fits easily into small pockets or bags
✗ Cons:
- • Charging speed is still limited to 25W, slower than most premium competitors
- • Cover screen is locked to 60Hz and has limited widget functionality out of the box
- • No dedicated telephoto lens; zoom is limited to 10x digital
- • IP48 rating is still not dust-proof (vulnerable to sand/fine dust)
- • Samsung DeX support is missing (unlike the Fold6)
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the better buy for most people - its 50MP camera crushes the Google Pixel 8a's 64MP in detail and zoom capabilities. That said, grab the Pixel 8a if you want longer software support and a more traditional design - it's a solid pick for the budget-conscious.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you prioritize long-term software updates with 7 years of support, value a compact design at 6.1 inches, or need a budget-friendly option with impressive performance.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 if: you want a unique foldable design, need a superior camera for photography, or prefer a brighter display at 2,600 nits for outdoor use.
Conclusion
Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is better if you prioritize upgraded 50mp main camera provides significantly better detail and 2x crop zoom. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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