Google’s Pixel phones have carved a niche for themselves in the smartphone market. They’re lauded for their exceptional cameras, clean Android experience, and timely software updates. While the latest Pixel models offer cutting-edge features, Google’s approach of keeping older generations on the market means there’s a surprisingly wide range of Pixel phones available.
Whether you’re looking for abudget-friendly phonefor under $500, or a flagship experience nearing $1000, there’s a Pixel phone to suit almost every person and price point. This guide will help you navigate the extensive Pixel lineup and find the perfect phone to meet your needs.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 7a
The best Google Pixel devices today
Good things come in smaller packages
The Pixel 9 Pro is a new addition to Google’s lineup, slotting in as a smaller premium flagship to pair with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The latter is the direct successor to 2023’s Pixel 8 Pro despite its new XL moniker, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro brings a new form-factor to Google’s high-end offerings, sporting the same dimensions as the standard Pixel 9 model while packing all the AI and camera prowess we’ve grown accustomed to from Google’s Pro lineup.
It’s no secret how much we love the Google Pixel 9 Pro. We’re big fans of the entire Pixel 9 series, but the Pixel 9 Pro represents the best combination of performance and value. It’s a compromise-free flagship experience in a more compact package, something we haven’t seen recently. It features a gorgeous 6.3-inch Super Actua display with an increased max brightness over last year’s model.
The Pixel 9 Pro is powered by a Tensor G4, giving the phone impressive performance with improved thermals. Google paired that with 16GB of RAM, with the additional RAM geared towards AI features and functionality. Battery life is also improved this year, with the Pixel 9 Pro easily providing over 8 hours of screen-on time from a single charge. Google finally listened to consumers and improved recharge speeds, as the Pixel 9 Pro features 45W wired charging.
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Of course, no discussion about a Pixel is complete without mentioning the cameras. The Pixel 9 Pro includes three lenses: a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide. They produce fantastic images with excellent low-light photography performance. Google is also extending seven years of software support again this year. It’s an impressive number, meaning your Pixel 9 Pro will receive features and support through 2031. All told, the Pixel 9 Pro is impressive and is potentially Google’s best Pixel in years.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a new name, but it fills the same slot as 2023’s Pixel 8 Pro, having similar specs with roughly the same footprint. The non-XL Pixel 9 Pro is new to the lineup as a smaller premium flagship offering. With the 9 Pro XL, however, you get Google’s fastest charging, a bigger screen and battery, and all of the camera and Gemini AI smarts you’d get in the smaller 9 Pro.
We wouldn’t say the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a carbon copy of the Pixel 9 Pro, but it’s pretty close. It takes everything we love about the Pixel 9 Pro and adds a larger display and battery. It has a 6.8-inch Super Actua display refreshing at 120Hz. Like the Pixel 9 Pro, it’s a gorgeous panel with vibrant colors and a 3,000 nits max brightness. It also sports the same Tensor G4 and 16GB of RAM as the smaller model.
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Google used the larger frame of the Pixel 9 Pro XL to fit a larger battery. The Pixel 9 Pro XL includes a 5,060mAh cell, providing over 9 hours of screen-on time from a single charge. While there isn’t much difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, it might be worth spending more to pick up our premium pick if you need a larger screen and better battery life.
Great performance and camera for less
The Pixel 9 is Google’s most affordable 2024 flagship, making a few compromises when compared to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL while retaining the Google smarts the lineup has become known for. An upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera is paired with a 50MP main shooter, and the selfie cam added autofocus. All of this comes with new Gemini AI features and a 2,700-nit Actua display for exceptional value at its price point.
Google did make some compromises to the Pixel 9 compared to the phone’s more expensive siblings, but it’s still good enough to make us question whether we need to spend more. It has a 6.3-inch Actua display, and while it doesn’t get quite as bright as the Super Actua display on the Pro models, it’s still a vibrant 1080p panel. The Pixel 9 also includes a Tensor G4 and 12GB of RAM — impressive specs for the price.
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The Pixel 9 has everything most people want from a phone
The Pixel 9 has a dual camera setup: a 50MP primary shooter and a 48MP ultrawide lens. As expected, it’s still a Pixel, so Google’s computation magic is available on the Pixel 9. If you’re a shutterbug on a budget but don’t want to compromise performance, the Pixel 9 is worth a look. It will also receive seven years of software support and Gemini Advanced features. The Pixel 9 includes the same 4,700mAh battery as the Pro model, giving it fantastic battery life.
The most premium A-series Pixel ever
The Pixel 8a further blurs the line between the A-series and flagship Pixel devices. It features the same chipset as its flagship siblings and has the same 120Hz, super-bright display as the Pixel 8. And with seven years of OS upgrades, it’s the longest-lasting $500 smartphone you’re able to find today.
The Pixel 8a offers all the convenience you’d expect from a flagship phone. It supports wireless charging, it’s IP67 rated, and despite its unchanged camera setup, it can still deliver the same Pixel-looking photos that made the series popular in the first place. Plus, Google confirmed the Pixel 8a will get a taste of Gemini nano in the future, so you’re not missing out on anything important.
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That being said, the Pixel 8a is still stuck at 18W wired charging speeds and its wireless charging speeds are also much slower than the flagship Pixels. If aesthetics are important to you, the Pixel 8a’s uneven, more prominent bezels might be an eyesore for you. But the biggest deal-breaker against the Pixel 8a is the fact that Google’s discounts often bring the Pixel 8 down to the same price as the 8a.
Much improved over last year
Google’s foldable series now has a new name! The successor to the 2023-released Pixel Fold is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, starting at $1,800.The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a bigger eight-inch Super Actua inner display, paired with a 6.3-inch outer display. It is powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and a Titan M2 security coprocessor, making it faster than its predecessor, at least on paper.Apart from the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, Google’s flagship foldable is now also available in Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, India, Singapore, and Taiwan.
We weren’t overwhelmingly positive about the original Google Pixel Fold. We felt it was more a rough draft than a finished product, with several features omitted. Thankfully, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold corrects many of our concerns with fantastic hardware and software. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses less of a landscape-dominant aspect ratio for its inner display, opting for a form factor similar to theOnePlus Open.
It still provides plenty of space for your thumbs on its 6.3-inch external display, unfolding to reveal an 8-inch LTPO OLED panel refreshing at 120Hz. Both are gorgeous displays, helping content pop off the screen. Google fitted the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a Tensor G4, eliminating a major concern of the first Pixel Fold. Instead of being slightly underpowered, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold now features Google’s best, and we’d expect nothing less for such a hefty price tag.
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The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a triple camera setup: a 48MP primary camera, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto, and a 10.5MP ultrawide. Like last year, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still takes some of the best photos you can get from a folding phone, so if you’re into photography but need the extra internal display space of a folding phone, Google has an answer with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Last generation still gets the job done
The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s premier flagship product from 2023. It comes with a large display that is beautiful to look at, a triple camera setup, and the same great seven years of software support. The caveat is, to get all of these great features, you are going to have to spend a thousand dollars or more.
If you want some of the best Google offers, thePixel 8 Prois your phone. It’s powered by the Tensor G3 chipset with 12GB of RAM, which is more than enough power and performance for your daily needs. It also features a 48MP telephoto camera, giving the 8 Pro a level of camera versatility that the non-pro version can’t match, including the ability to zoom up to 5x optically and hit 30x with Super Res Zoom.
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Design-wise, Google eliminated the curved display, instead opting for a flat 6.7-inch display. The 120Hz display is plenty bright and beautiful to use daily. It also gets the same fantastic seven years of software support as its smaller sibling. At full price it’s $1000, but these days it’s usually available for much less.
Still a fantastic phone for the money
The Google Pixel 8 is a great device for those who want a device that still performs well but don’t want to spend a thousand dollars to get one. The Pixel 8 is an amazing device that is incredibly close in performance and features to its more expensive sibling, the Pixel 8 Pro. Its smaller size is also fantastic for those who prefer smaller devices.
While Google has finally introduced a compact Pro Pixel with thePixel 9 series, theGoogle Pixel 8still makes a good case for itself as a compact flagship. Not to mention that it offers much of the functionality and features of its big brother, but for about $300 less. It’s powered by a capable Tensor G3 and sports Google’s Super Actua display, providing a great viewing experience in any lighting.
The Tensor G3 chipset may not burn through the various benchmarks, but it can capably provide a snappy experience. The new camera sensor utilizes a 50MP main lens and a 48MP ultrawide lens that takes some great shots. Daytime photos are stunning, too, but the new sensor really excels as the lights begin to dim. Google even extended its software support with seven years of Android and security updates. The Pixel 8 isn’t for everyone, though. It lacks a telephoto lens, and its 6.2-inch display may be too small for some people.
The Pixel 8 remains the Google phone for the masses
The Pixel 8 doesn’t need every feature the 8 Pro offers
Unfortunately, some of the latest Gemini and AI-related features might remain restricted to the Pixel 8 Pro. You’ll still get seven years of software updates on the Pixel 8, but understand that higher-end AI functionality is reserved for more expensive Pixels. If you’re comfortable with a little less AI on your device, the Pixel 8 is excellent for those looking for flagship features at a mid-range price.
A flagship experience for a midrange price
The Pixel 7a delivers all the essentials of the Pixel experience at a price that keeps getting better with time. It’s 90Hz OLED display, Tensor G2 chipset and 64MP primary camera still make it one of the best phones you can buy for the price.
Even after being out for so long, thePixel 7aoffers flagship-level camera performance and robust features at a midrange price. It utilizes Google’s Tensor G2 chipset and 8GB of RAM, which gives it plenty of power to get you through your day.
Like all Pixel devices, it also provides brilliant photo capabilities, using a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide lens. While the camera may not be as capable as the Pixel 8 or 9 series, it’s still one of thebest Android camera phoneson the market.
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Just remember that the Pixel 7a launched before Google implemented a seven-year update promise for its phones, so it’ll miss out on the long-term software support the Pixel 8 and 9 series get. Plus, it’s very likely that hardware limitations and the older Tensor G2 chipset means the 7a won’t get a lot of Google’s latest AI goodness.
The best Pixel is the one that fits your needs
One of the coolest things about Google Pixel phones is there’s truly a phone for everyone. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast who always wants the latest and greatest, or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, the Pixel lineup has you covered.
If you’re the kind of person who loves cutting-edge tech, the Pixel 9 Pro is your dream phone and our top pick. It’s one of the best flagship phones of the year, packed with innovative AI features that make everything from photo editing to language translation a breeze. Plus, it’s the most powerful Pixel yet, has a gorgeous Super Actua display, and a camera system that’s hard to beat.
If you enjoy larger flagship devices, our premium pick, the Pixel 9 Pro XL gives you all the power and performance you want, with a bigger battery to last your entire day. It features the same specs as its smaller Pro sibling but with a gorgeous 6.8-inch Super Actua panel. If you like big phones, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is fantastic.
And if you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly option, the Pixel 9 is a great choice. It might not have all the bells and whistles of its flagship siblings, but it still delivers great performance with the same chipset, a camera that takes fantastic photos, and the clean, intuitive Pixel software everyone loves. Plus, it comes in a range of fun colors to match your style and will be supported for the same seven years as the rest of the Pixel 9 series.
At the end of the day, the best Pixel for you depends on what you need and what you’re willing to spend. No matter which one you choose, though, you’re getting a phone that’s known for its incredible cameras and intuitive software, so you really can’t go wrong.
Best pound-for-pound Pixel
The Google Pixel 9 Pro packs all the power and performance of its larger sibling for less, starting at $1,000. Unlike previous years, users don’t have to settle for an inferior display or camera setup simply because they want a smaller phone. It sports a Tensor G4, 16GB of RAM, and a 6.3-inch Super Actua display.
