Not a typo — this insane 73% off deal makes the Pixel Fold cheaper than the Pixel 9a

Google Pixel Fold in hand with Price Drop deal tag — (Image credit: Future)

All of the Pixel 10a rumors I’ve been reading hint at meager upgrades for Google’s upcoming budget phone, which my colleague Tom Prichard says could 'break the record for laziest phone upgrade in history.' Unless the leaks are completely wrong, the current Pixel 9a looks like the better buy — at least until I found this deal.

Woot currently has the original Google Pixel Fold on clearance for the jaw-dropping price of $479, down from its $1,799 launch price. This 73% discount makes it a much better value than the Pixel 9a (and possibly the Pixel 10a) for a number of reasons.

It's foldable and already has way more utility

Google Pixel Fold shown in hand — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Beyond its core features, the Pixel Fold’s form factor adds utility you’ll never get with slate devices like the Pixel 9a. When closed, you can use it much like an ordinary phone via its 5.8-inch outer display — but opening it reveals a sprawling 7.6-inch OLED.

I’ve always found the larger canvas way more suitable for watching videos. If that’s not enough, you can fold it halfway and apps like YouTube will adapt so that videos remain in the upper half of the screen — acting much like a built-in kickstand.

Because there's so much more room, the inner display also makes side-by-side multitasking a breeze. It’s one thing to switch between apps, but my workflow completely changes when I can access two at once on the same screen.

You’ll continue to get software updates

Google Pixel Fold camer app. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Secondly, Google pledged five years of software support for the Pixel Fold. Since it launched in June 2023, it will continue to receive security updates until 2028. This is a vital window, especially given how Google’s frequent Pixel Drops often breathe new life into older hardware with fresh capabilities.

Even though it lacks a few of the latest on-device AI tricks, you can still access one of my favorite tools via Google Photos: Ask Photos. This allows you tou make complex photo edits by simply typing or describing what you want with the help of generative AI. I've tested it out with fantastic results.

Admittedly, the Pixel 9a offers newer AI tools that the original Fold skips, such as Add Me for group photos, Magic Editor to remove backgrounds, and Best Take for picture perfect smiles. But unless you find those specific tools indispensable, the Fold's hardware advantages far outweigh the software gap — and you can always find third-party apps to pick up the slack.

The price is just unbelievable for a foldable phone

Foldable phones are notoriously expensive, but it’s even crazier to know that this deal makes the Pixel Fold cheaper than the best cheap phone around. I’ve tested practically all of them, including the Pixel 9a that currently tops the list, but it’s hard to recommend it over the Pixel Fold at this $479 price point.

This is even more affordable than flip-style phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which costs twice as much. In today’s market, where new phone prices are unpredictable due to the RAM crisis, there’s nothing wrong with looking at older models. With this Woot offer, you’re getting a brand-new, factory-unlocked Pixel Fold for less than the cost of a new Pixel 9a.

Who knows if Google will raise the price of the Pixel 10a when it eventually debuts? That uncertainty is exactly why you shouldn’t overlook this deal. It’s also worth noting that the Fold comes with 256GB of storage — double the 128GB found in the entry-level Pixel 9a.

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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