If you happen to’re on the lookout for a brand new Android telephone, a Google Pixel is sort of sure to be in your record.
Since returning to smartphones in 2016, Google has shortly established itself as a key rival to Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy handsets. Pixel telephones constantly rank as a number of the best possible telephones you should purchase, providing an enviable mix of {hardware} and software program that few firms can match.
There are numerous causes to purchase a Pixel over the competitors, together with a number of the greatest cameras you’ll discover on any smartphone. It’s also possible to count on a clear, bloatware-free software program expertise and wonderful long-term help. And, as Google makes Android, Pixels are all the time first in line for the following main model.
However which Pixel is best for you? The vary has grown so much in recent times, and Google now tends to launch 5 fashions annually. Word that the Pixel 10 collection is about to be launched on 20 August on the subsequent Made by Google occasion.
Tech Advisor has reviewed each Pixel telephone in the marketplace, and the 9 we suggest shopping for are included beneath. Whereas they’re ranked, you would possibly discover that one thing decrease down the record fits you greatest. And on the backside of the web page, you’ll discover in-depth shopping for recommendation.
Not set on a Pixel? Think about among the best finances telephones, greatest mid-range telephones or greatest telephones total.
Finest Google Pixel telephone evaluations
1. Google Pixel 9 Professional XL – Finest Pixel General
Execs
- Glorious digicam system
- Beautiful show
- Updates till 2031
- Robust battery life
Cons
- Massive and heavy
- 37W charging requires Pixel Stand
- Costly
Worth When Reviewed:
From $1,099
The 9 Professional XL is the very best Pixel telephone you should purchase proper now, and among the best telephones from any model.
It excels in a number of the most necessary areas for a smartphone, together with top-tier cameras (all 4 of them), a surprising 6.8-inch show and spectacular battery life. Google’s slick software program expertise is backed up by its full suite of AI options and 6 extra years of updates.
Nonetheless, it’s not proper for everybody. The 9 Professional XL is an enormous, cumbersome telephone, whereas the charging pace enhancements are offset by the necessity to purchase a devoted accent.
It’s additionally not low-cost by any means, however in order for you the best Pixel telephone expertise, that is it.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 9 Professional XL?
Anybody who needs the very best Pixel telephone expertise, together with the best point-and-shoot cameras on any smartphone.
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you a compact design or one thing extra inexpensive.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL evaluation
2. Google Pixel 9a – Finest Mid-range Pixel
Execs
- Engaging show
- Robust foremost and selfie cameras
- Stable battery life
- Updates till 2032
Cons
- No telephoto digicam
- Gradual charging
- Polarising design
Worth When Reviewed:
From £499
Finest Costs At the moment:
$488
$499
The Pixel 9a is a really shut runner-up to the 9 Professional XL, and arguably the simplest telephone to suggest in the marketplace. If you happen to solely have round £500/$500 to spend, simply get this – you’re unlikely to be upset.
It retains all the basics of a terrific Pixel telephone expertise, together with a superb foremost digicam, robust battery life and strong efficiency. Additionally, regardless of the extra compact 6.3-inch design, battery life remains to be strong.
That’s earlier than we even get to the software program expertise, which is lacking a couple of AI options however nothing of actual word. And Google’s seven coverage is best than most equally priced competitors.
Nonetheless, the dearth of a telephoto lens severely limits the digicam’s usability for zoom pictures, whereas 23W charging will be irritating. However on the value, it’s simple to miss these if you see every little thing else you’re getting to your cash.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 9a?
Anybody who needs a terrific mid-range telephone that may stand the check of time.
Google Pixel 9a: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you a much bigger show or higher zoom images.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9a evaluation
3. Google Pixel 9 Professional – Finest Compact Pixel
Execs
- Compact, premium design
- Beautiful show
- Robust cameras
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Frustratingly gradual charging
Worth When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 9 Professional could be very practically an excellent telephone.
It distils a lot of what the Pixel 9 Professional XL provides right into a extra compact and inexpensive package deal, making it very interesting.
The smaller 6.3-inch show is simply as spectacular right here, whereas the lowered weight and rounded corners make it snug to carry. You additionally nonetheless get these very good 4 digicam lenses, all of which have so much to supply.
Sadly, there’s one massive compromise right here – battery life. On these heavy utilization days, it may be a battle to make it to bedtime, and the underwhelming 27W wired charging doesn’t assist.
However with the identical wonderful software program, beneficiant dedication to updates and strong efficiency, the Pixel 9 Professional remains to be a terrific purchase, supplied you’re not a heavy consumer.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 9 Professional?
Anybody who needs a compact telephone that doesn’t compromise on cameras.
Google Pixel 9 Professional: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you a much bigger show or assured all-day battery life.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9 Professional evaluation
4. Google Pixel 9 – Inexpensive Pixel Flagship
Execs
- Compact, premium design
- Glorious display
- Robust cameras
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- No telephoto digicam
- Common battery life
- Gradual charging
Worth When Reviewed:
From $799
The common Pixel 9 is the most cost effective route into Google’s flagship telephone vary, although it’s £100/$100 dearer than the Pixel 8 at launch.
Primarily, it’s a extra inexpensive model of the Pixel 9 Professional that provides barely much less RAM and an inferior 10.5Mp selfie digicam. It means you continue to get the compact but premium design, wonderful 6.3-inch show and strong Tensor G4 efficiency.
Like all of the Pixel 9 telephones, software program is a key energy, and it’ll be supported till 2031 by way of common updates.
Identical to the 9 Professional, it’s held again barely by the underwhelming battery life and gradual 27W charging. However the additional compromise is the dearth of a telephoto lens, which is the principle cause for upgrading.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 9?
Anybody who needs a compact Pixel flagship however doesn’t need to pay for the 9 Professional.
Google Pixel 9: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you a telephoto lens, a much bigger show or top-tier battery life.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9 evaluation
5. Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold – Finest Foldable Pixel
Execs
- Two wonderful shows
- Sturdy, versatile design
- Glorious cameras
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- Not nice for gaming
- Gradual charging
- Very costly
Worth When Reviewed:
$1799
Finest Costs At the moment:
Google’s second try at a book-style foldable is an enormous step ahead, and sufficient to make it the go-to in its class.
Primarily, you’ve received two gadgets in a single right here: a 6.3-inch telephone that opens to disclose an 8-inch pill. The standard of each screens is great, although the crease throughout the interior panel could be very noticeable.
Google has executed a fairly good job of adapting its wonderful telephone software program for the larger show, with some helpful app design adjustments and multitasking options. Efficiency from the Tensor G4 chipset is lots ok for most individuals, although it’s not supreme for gaming.
Regardless of some small digicam downgrades in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional XL, you’ll be able to nonetheless count on robust efficiency throughout all 4 of the principle lenses, together with selfie cameras on the high of each shows.
Battery life is strong, whereas 21W charging is slower than any of the opposite Pixel telephones. However in the end, it’s the excessive price ticket that’s its greatest draw back.
It’s the very best instance of a book-style folding telephone proper now, however most individuals will probably be higher off with one thing else.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold?
Anybody who needs a book-style foldable system. Pixel or not, you received’t discover something higher.
Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold: Additional issues
Look elsewhere should you don’t desire a 2-in-1 system or to pay a lot for a telephone.
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold evaluation
6. Google Pixel 8a – Finest Worth Pixel
Execs
- Robust cameras
- Engaging design
- Stable efficiency
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
- Gradual charging
- Barely dated design
Worth When Reviewed:
From $499
The Pixel 9a is our high mid-range telephone suggestion. Nonetheless, if you’ll find the older Pixel 8a with an enormous low cost, it could possibly be even higher worth.
Regardless of some variations, this older mannequin nonetheless has lots to supply. Efficiency from the Tensor G3 is sort of nearly as good because the G4, whereas the 64Mp foremost digicam provides comparable (and really spectacular) picture high quality.
Some individuals may choose the smaller 6.1-inch show, although that’s offset by a reasonably chunky bezel round it. You’ll additionally need to put up with disappointing charging speeds and mediocre battery life.
Finally, regardless of being launched in mid-2024, the 8a will nonetheless get OS and safety updates for 5 extra years. Alongside good availability and the excessive likelihood of a reduction, the Pixel 8a is our high choose from the earlier technology of Pixels.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 8a?
Anybody who’s on a finances however needs a terrific Pixel telephone.
Google Pixel 8a: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you the most recent specs or high-quality zoom images.
Learn our full Google Pixel 8a evaluation
7. Google Pixel 8 Professional – Flagship Earlier-gen Pixel
Execs
- Nice construct high quality
- Glorious cameras
- First rate efficiency
- Updates till 2030
Cons
- So-so battery life
- Gradual charging
- Massive and heavy
Worth When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 8 Professional was our favorite telephone of 2023, and it stays a terrific choice two years later.
Quite a lot of that comes all the way down to the superb software program help – the telephone will nonetheless be protected to make use of in 2030. The software program itself is simply nearly as good as we’ve come to count on from a Pixel, with most AI options coming to this older mannequin.
A wonderful show and very good construct high quality imply it’ll stand the check of time, whereas the triple rear cameras stay up there with the perfect. And don’t fear, the Tensor G3 chipset remains to be completely tremendous for on a regular basis utilization and a few extra demanding duties.
Battery life isn’t nice, and the charging scenario doesn’t assist. It’s additionally an enormous, heavy telephone, however that shouldn’t come as an enormous shock.
Finally, if you’ll find it with a major low cost, the Pixel 8 Professional remains to be a terrific selection.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 8 Professional?
Anybody who needs a full flagship telephone, however doesn’t need to splash the money on the 9 Professional or 9 Professional XL.
Google Pixel 8 Professional: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you the most recent specs or high-quality zoom images.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 8 Professional evaluation
8. Google Pixel 8 – Compact Earlier-gen Pixel
Execs
- Excellent foremost digicam
- Spectacular efficiency
- Compact, premium design
- Updates till 2030
Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
- Gradual charging
- No telephoto digicam
Finest Costs At the moment:
The common Pixel 8 is a telephone that’s received higher over time. It wasn’t precisely unhealthy worth at its £699/$699 launch value, however the mediocre battery life made it exhausting to suggest.
Whereas the latter hasn’t been magically fastened, the telephone has already seen an official £100 value drop within the UK, and steeper reductions at the moment are possible. Contemplating the telephone will nonetheless be supported with common updates for 5 extra years, you shouldn’t rule it out.
Every thing else we stated beforehand nonetheless applies, together with very good foremost rear digicam, better-than-expected efficiency and a stunning 6.2-inch show.
Apart from battery life, the principle compromises are 27W charging speeds and the dearth of a telephoto lens. However should you’re not a heavy telephone consumer and like a compact telephone, the Pixel 8 remains to be price contemplating.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 8 Professional?
Anybody who needs a compact flagship telephone, however doesn’t need to splash the money on the 9 Professional or 9 Professional XL.
Google Pixel 8: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you the most recent specs or nice battery life.
Learn our full Google Pixel 8 evaluation
9. Google Pixel 7a – Finest Price range Pixel
Execs
- Nonetheless a terrific foremost digicam
- Newest Google software program
- First rate efficiency
- Safety updates till 2028
Cons
- Android 16 will probably be final main model
- Gradual charging
- Show solely 90Hz
Worth When Reviewed:
$499
Finest Costs At the moment:
$329
The Pixel 7a is now two generations outdated, and a few of its specs are a little bit underwhelming in 2025.
Nonetheless, it’s now extensively out there at a finances telephone value, making it nice worth for cash. You continue to get that top-tier Pixel digicam expertise, which hasn’t been improved a lot on subsequent generations, plus respectable
There’s good and unhealthy information on the software program aspect. The newest model of Android 15 is right here and the telephone will probably be protected to make use of till 2028, however Android 16 will probably be its final main model. Alongside gradual charging and a show that’s a step down from different Pixels, there are key downsides to concentrate on.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 7a remains to be extensively out there, and at this value, you’ll be able to’t actually go incorrect.
Who can buy the Google Pixel 7a?
Anybody who needs a Pixel telephone however can solely afford a finances handset.
Google Pixel 7a: Additional issues
Look elsewhere in order for you the most recent specs or lengthy software program help.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 7a evaluation
Different Google Pixel telephones examined
The primary cause you’ll solely discover 9 gadgets on this round-up is that they’re the one Pixel telephones which are nonetheless extensively out there.
If we have been to finish the highest 10, it’d be with the unique Pixel Fold, whereas the marginally older Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional are nonetheless price contemplating. All three will probably be receiving software program updates from Google for a couple of extra years.
Nonetheless, none can be found new from Google or any of the principle third-party retailers, so that you’ll need to depend on a reseller or get a refurbished mannequin. Supplied you purchase from a good vendor, the latter is a good way to get a terrific refurbished telephone deal, however the value and situation will fluctuate considerably.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
Google Pixel information that might have an effect on your shopping for choice
Google has already launched its mid-range telephone for 2025 within the type of the Pixel 9a, however we’re anticipating 4 extra handsets very quickly.
On the subsequent Pixel launch occasion on 20 August, Google is predicted to disclose the Pixel 10 collection. It’s prone to consist of 4 fashions as soon as once more: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Professional, Pixel 10 Professional XL and Pixel 10 Professional Fold. In depth leaks have revealed virtually every little thing concerning the telephones already, however there are nonetheless a couple of issues we don’t but know.
If you happen to’re curious about having one of many newest and best Pixel telephones, it is best to positively maintain off for now. And even should you’re contemplating a Pixel 9 or older technology, costs might drop even decrease as soon as the brand new handsets are official.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Can I get a greater Google Pixel telephone deal?
Costs on Google Pixel telephones fluctuate frequently, particularly on older fashions. However the costs in our Finest Picks (together with this one) are up to date each day, so they need to be correct if you land on the web page.
Nonetheless, whereas worth for cash is a crucial consideration in our product suggestions, we can not account for any time-limited offers that will expire quickly after they go reside.
After the Pixel 10 collection launches, we’d count on even higher offers on the Pixel 9 telephones than you’ll find at the moment, however that’s not assured.
Exterior of that, buying occasions supply the very best likelihood to get a deal on a Google Pixel telephone. These embrace Amazon Prime Day, with the following one prone to happen in October.
Then, in fact, there’s Black Friday. The day itself is on 28 November this yr, however loads of gross sales will happen for days and even weeks earlier than. Many are additionally prone to proceed into Cyber Monday (1 December) and past.
How we check Google Pixel telephones
We evaluation Google Pixel telephones in the identical manner as we do all smartphones – we put our SIM card into it and use it as our foremost telephone for a minimum of every week. In lots of instances, for much longer.
That is the one correct option to check telephones to see how the likes of the efficiency, show, cameras and battery life carry out in real-world utilization. It additionally provides us the possibility to become familiar with all of the out there options, together with new AI.
On high of that, we run the identical set of efficiency, battery and charging assessments throughout all Android telephones (and iPhones the place doable), enabling direct comparisons between them. In all our telephone evaluations, you’ll additionally discover a lot of digicam samples that we’ve taken utilizing the telephone and never edited.
After all, trendy smartphones embrace a tonne of various options, so there could also be issues we will’t absolutely check. However we goal to get as wide-ranging an expertise as doable.
Why it is best to belief Tech Advisor for Google Pixel telephone evaluations and shopping for recommendation
We’ve been testing know-how for nearly 30 years at Tech Advisor, and we’re consultants at offering shopping for recommendation. We’ve examined a whole lot of smartphones over time, together with each single Pixel telephone that Google has ever launched. All our in-house staff and freelance contributors are extremely skilled in reviewing tech merchandise.
Who curated this text?
Anyron is Tech Advisor’s Cellular Editor and has been reviewing smartphones for six years, together with a number of Pixel handsets. He’s examined and written about a whole lot of various gadgets, so he is aware of what makes for a terrific telephone. He’s assisted by our Critiques Editor, Chris, who has been masking smartphones for nicely over a decade.
How to decide on the very best Google Pixel telephone
If you happen to’re trying to purchase a Google Pixel telephone, there are some key issues to look out for.
Worth
The very first thing to think about is how a lot you’re prepared to spend.
Google Pixel handsets fluctuate massively in value, all the way in which as much as the £1,749/$1,799 Pixel 9 Professional Fold. On the different finish of the dimensions, Google doesn’t make a real finances telephone, however older fashions such because the Pixel 8a have been discounted from their authentic £499/$499 beginning value.
And there are many choices in between, together with all the non-folding flagship telephones. For a high-end Pixel, you can simply spend in extra of £1,000/$1,000, although widespread community availability within the UK and US may help unfold the associated fee out over time.
Luke Baker
Design and show
Then there’s design. Would you like a comparatively compact telephone, one thing with a much bigger show and even one thing that folds?
Google has choices for all three, with display sizes starting from 6.2 inches to eight inches. On most fashions, you’ll be able to count on a minimum of Full HD high quality, vibrant OLED screens and easy refresh charges of 90Hz or increased, whatever the mannequin you select.
You should definitely look out for brightness, which might have an enormous impact on visibility, particularly in vivid out of doors environments.
And generally, the larger and extra versatile your show/s are, the heavier the system will probably be.
Cameras
Apart from design, that is the most important variation between Pixel telephones. All fashions have a tendency to supply a powerful foremost rear lens and selfie digicam, however what else they provide can fluctuate considerably.
4 high-quality lenses (foremost, ultrawide, telephoto, selfie) are the perfect, however that normally leads to the next price ticket. Usually, it’s the telephoto that’s sacrificed with a view to hit a extra inexpensive value level.
It’s additionally necessary to notice {that a} increased megapixel rely doesn’t imply a greater picture or video. A lot of the result’s reliant on Google’s computational images processing, so be sure you test our full evaluations for detailed evaluation and digicam samples.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Battery life and charging
Usually, Pixel telephones have comparatively constant battery capacities, however there’s some variation. A battery of 5000mAh or extra ought to guarantee all-day battery life, however something smaller than that will battle – try our full evaluations if in case you have issues.
Sadly, Pixel telephones are recognized for his or her gradual charging, with 37W on the Pixel 9 Professional XL the very best you’ll get at the moment. And with no chargers included within the field, you’ll want to provide your individual or go for even slower wi-fi charging, which isn’t current on all fashions.
Software program
The software program expertise on Pixel telephones is one in every of its key strengths, with a so-called ‘inventory’ Android expertise that’s simple to make use of and stuffed with options. Nonetheless, it’s price noting that not all of Google’s AI options can be found throughout all fashions, so test to ensure if that’s necessary to you.
Whereas all of the telephones on this article are nonetheless receiving software program updates from Google, the size of this varies considerably. Current fashions profit from Google’s class-leading seven years of working system and safety updates, whereas for others, Android 16 will probably be their final main model.
We wouldn’t suggest utilizing a Pixel telephone (or any telephone, for that matter) as soon as it’s now not supported, because it represents an enormous safety threat. In case your system will get a bug or is contaminated with malware, Google received’t patch it.
Google Pixel telephone FAQ
What’s the greatest Google Pixel telephone?
For most individuals, the very best Google Pixel telephone is the Pixel 9 Professional XL.
It provides essentially the most full efficiency, show, digicam and software program expertise of any Pixel telephone, whereas nonetheless guaranteeing robust battery life.
What’s the greatest low-cost Google Pixel telephone?
The perfect low-cost Google Pixel telephone is the Pixel 9a.
It provides all the fundamentals of the flagship Pixel 9 collection in a way more inexpensive system, and provides robust battery life inside a compact, premium design.
Are Google Pixel telephones good?
Sure. Whereas it varies by system, Google Pixel telephones are among the many greatest in the marketplace.
They’re recognized for combining premium {hardware} (together with robust cameras, nice shows and strong battery life) with intuitive software program and lengthy help.
Like all telephones, they’ve some weaknesses, with comparatively gradual charging affecting all fashions. Learn our full evaluations for particulars of the precise strengths and weaknesses of particular person gadgets.
Are Google Pixel telephones higher than Samsung?
That each one is determined by what you’re on the lookout for. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy telephones each run Android, however that’s about the place the similarities finish.
For many individuals, Pixels have the higher hand with regards to software program. In contrast to One UI on Galaxy telephones, it’s free from bloatware, which is particularly helpful should you primarily use Google apps equivalent to Gmail, Photographs, Chrome and Calendar. Samsung has its personal model of those and plenty of extra, a few of which might’t be eliminated.
One other plus for Pixel is immediate updates – supplied it’s nonetheless supported, your Pixel telephone will get the following main model of Android inside days of it being launched. In contrast, the equal model of One UI usually takes a number of months to completely roll out.
However which design you favor will come down to non-public choice, and each have an analogous suite of AI options, together with Google Gemini integration.
Nonetheless, should you’re on the lookout for a finances telephone, Samsung is your solely actual choice. Its Galaxy A collection contains a number of the greatest low-cost handsets you should purchase. It’s additionally the one one of many two with a folding flip telephone, the most recent of which being the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Flagship efficiency can also be barely higher on Samsung telephones, with the present Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset outperforming Google’s Tensor G4 in most assessments. And charging speeds are usually increased, although there usually isn’t a lot in it.
Every thing else, together with cameras, shows, construct high quality and battery life, varies significantly between fashions.
What are the disadvantages of Google Pixel telephones?
Nonetheless, like all smartphones, Pixel gadgets have their weaknesses.
Usually, there are two foremost areas the place Pixel telephones usually fall behind the competitors.
The primary is charging speeds, that are nicely beneath the trade commonplace. The quickest within the present vary the Pixel 9 Professional XL, is proscribed to 37W, and even that depends on you shopping for an adjunct that’s offered individually. Many cost considerably slower.
The opposite one is efficiency. Google’s newest Tensor G4 chipset nonetheless delivers robust efficiency, however it’s a step down from Qualcomm and MediaTek flagships within the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400, respectively.
One upside is that the mid-range Pixel 9a additionally advantages from the efficiency of the Tensor G4, making it very aggressive.
After all, there are different disadvantages, however these fluctuate between fashions. Examine above or learn our full evaluations for element on particular gadgets.
Which Google Pixel telephone is the most recent?
The most recent Pixel telephone is the Pixel 9a. It launched on 19 March 2025, earlier than being launched on 10 April 2025 within the UK and US.
What’s the Google Pixel A collection?
The Pixel A collection is the collective title for Google’s mid-range telephones, which provide a substitute for the flagship collection.
The primary mannequin was the Pixel 3a in 2019, which was considerably extra inexpensive than the Pixel 3 that launched a couple of months earlier.
It continues in 2025, with the Pixel 9a, a less expensive model of the common Pixel 9, which itself prices lower than the 9 Professional, 9 Professional XL and 9 Professional Fold.
