Greatest Google Pixel telephones in 2024: Knowledgeable examined

When Google’s Pixel telephones first hit the market, they have been form of an enthusiast-wonder. Many tech fans cherished them for his or her clear software program and second-to-none cameras, however for most people they have been slightly unknown, with folks selecting both Apple smartphones, or going for Samsung telephones.

This stuff, nevertheless, are slowly altering and, with every new generation, Google’s telephones are getting extra widespread. The Pixel 4a was a funds marvel, and with the introduction of the Pixel 6, and later fashions that use Google’s semi-custom silicon, issues are actually trying good for Google’s {hardware} workforce.

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One of many causes that Google telephones are getting extra widespread is their glorious worth and approachable value factors that they intention at. The corporate at the moment presents seven completely different Pixel fashions, which embody the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Professional, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Professional and the Pixel Fold. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional are the latest additions to the choice, introduced in October 2023.

Between these, you will discover the best Pixel cellphone for you, choosing from an older mannequin that sells for a superb value, however due to long software support, nonetheless has loads of life left, to the highest-end flagships and even a foldable cellphone. Listed below are all of the fashions that Google is at the moment promoting and all it’s good to know to choose one of the best one for you.

The most effective Google Pixel telephones: Our prime picks

Google Pixel 8 Professional

1. Greatest Google Pixel cellphone general

A game-changing digicam expertise

SoC: Google Tensor G3
Show: 6.7-inch Tremendous Actua OLED, 2992 x 1344 (489ppi) 1-120Hz, as much as 2400nits
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Battery: 5050mAh, 30W quick charging, 12-18W wi-fi

Professionals

Excellent imaging providing
7 years of software program updates
Great show

Cons

Battery life nearly okay
Some software program options nonetheless to return

At a floor stage, the Pixel 8 Pro is a tweak of the Pixel 7 Professional. Hanging on to that Pixel model design with the digicam bar throughout the again, it is clear that Google has elevated the standard of the design, making this machine a bit of extra refined, and a world other than the Pixel 6 Professional that first launched with these seems when it comes to end. So the 6.7-inch OLED show with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh charge won’t sound like a lot of a change, however once you hear it has a peak brightness of 2400nits, one of many brightest in the marketplace, you will look once more.

That peak brightness is partly to spice up the Extremely HDR help this cellphone presents, which boosts the visuals from pictures captured on the machine, nevertheless it bolsters maybe an important a part of the Pixel 8 Professional: the digicam. Whereas the digicam system is refreshed over the Pixel 7 Professional, slightly than being completely new, it is the AI powers that it packs which might be noteworthy. Seize is great, however the abilities afforded by Magic Editor are unparalleled on smartphones and solely out there on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional, so it truly is one thing particular.

Efficiency is boosted by the Tensor G3 {hardware}, with a 5050mAh battery to see you thru the day. There are storage choices starting from 128GB as much as 512GB, and the Pixel 8 Professional is available in Obsidian, Porcelain and Bay colours, and a new Mint version unique to the Google Retailer. The bundle is protected by IP68 safety, making this a super-smart cellphone for everybody.

However past the {hardware}, it is the expertise that sells this cellphone. There are seven-years of software updates, with the Pixel at all times being the primary to get the newest model of Android, whereas the extra options supplied by Google for its Pixel line make it a compelling selection of Android machine. There’s extra to return too, with Video Increase and Video Evening Sight options as a consequence of be added, once more boosting its AI photography skills. The Pixel 8 Professional is one of the best Pixel cellphone and the pure selection if you’d like one of the best: this cellphone has develop into my day by day driver.

Google Pixel Fold

2. Greatest foldable Pixel cellphone

Folding cellphone executed the Pixel method

Google’s Pixel Fold is the corporate’s first foldable smartphone and it certain is a looker. It takes a distinct method than Samsung’s Z Fold line, and also you’re both going to like or hate it.

SoC: Google Tensor G2
Show: 5.8-inch OLED, 2092 x 1080, 120Hz (cowl) / 6.7-inch OLED, UTG, 2208 x 1840, 120Hz (fundamental)
Battery: 4821mA / 30W quick charging, 7.5W wi-fi charging
RAM and Storage: 12GB, 256/512GB

Professionals

Nice high quality design
Exterior show may be very usable
Nice digicam outcomes

Cons

Some software program optimization nonetheless to occur
Expensive
Middling battery life

Google’s Pixel Fold, is the corporate’s first smartphone that veers from the normal slab type issue and contains a foldable show. At $1800, it is also the costliest Pixel. The general design is just like Samsung’s Z Fold 5 in that there is an outer show you should utilize for extra routine and mundane duties, however once you want a bigger display, the Pixel Fold opens like a e-book to disclose a a lot bigger, tablet-like inside show.

Solely as a substitute of being tall and slender just like the Z Fold 5, Google took a shorter and wider method to the general design of the Pixel Fold. Personally, I like this foldable design as a result of it makes the outer show far more usable in additional situations, and the inside show is not as tall when the Fold’s open. The Fold is obtainable in obsidian or porcelain coloration choices.

The outer show of the Pixel Fold is a 5.8-inch OLED show with 1550 nits peak brightness. The inner show is a 7.6-inch OLED show with 1450 nits of peak brightness. Each screens have as much as a 120Hz refresh charge. The Fold’s hinge closes utterly shut, leaving no hole between the display, stopping mud and particles from getting inside when it is closed and in your pocket. The listing of elements powering the Pixel Fold will look comparable, because it makes use of Google’s Tensor G2 processor, and has 12GB of reminiscence and 256GB or 512GB of storage. The battery is 4,821mAh and has been greater than sufficient to final a full day in my use over the past six weeks or so. That is with combined inside and outer show utilization, I would say 40 to 60 %, respectively.

As for the digicam setup of the Pixel Fold, you possibly can anticipate an analogous expertise to Pixel 7 Professional. There are three rear-facing cameras on the Fold, with a 48-megapixel extensive digicam, a ten.8-megapixel ultrawide, and a ten.8-megapixel telephoto digicam with 5x optical zoom and Tremendous Res Zoom as much as 20x. There are two front-facing cameras, a 9.5-megapixel digicam above the entrance show and an 8-megapixel shooter above the inside show.

You are not going to get the identical general high quality from the Pixel Fold’s digicam setup as you’d the Pixel 7 Professional, however I’ve captured some actually spectacular pictures with it which have made me all however overlook in regards to the {hardware} variations between the 2. Plus, you should utilize the rear cameras to take selfies on the Pixel Fold as a consequence of how the cellphone folds open, and also you’re ready to make use of the entrance show to border the shot.

The place the Pixel Fold will undoubtedly fall quick for some customers is with app compatibility. All Android apps open and run positive on the Pixel Fold, in fact, however as a consequence of Google’s option to go along with a widescreen design, not all apps are optimized to take up the whole lot of the interior show. As a substitute, you see black letterboxes on both facet of the app’s window. It may be annoying, and it is absolutely not as polished as Samsung’s Z Fold 5.

That mentioned, should you’re somebody who’s bored with Samsung’s considerably heavy-handed One UI Android tweaks and customizations or do not just like the design of the Z Fold 5, the Pixel Fold is a positive selection for a foldable cellphone.

Google Pixel 7a

3. Greatest mid-range Pixel cellphone

The plain selection of reasonably priced cellphone

$475 $500 Save $25

The Pixel 7a is Google’s newest mid-range cellphone. It succeeds the Pixel 6a, and sits alongside the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional, providing numerous nice specs and options and bridging the hole much more between flagship and mid-range.

SoC: Google Tensor G2
Show: 6.1-inch, FHD+, 90Hz, as much as 1,000nits
Battery: 4,385 mAh
RAM and Storage: 8GB / 128GB

Professionals

Flagship energy
High quality Pixel digicam (with a caveat)
Stable construct
Good clear software program and well timed updates

Cons

Ultrawide digicam switching bug
Show not the brightest

Just a few months after Google updates its core Pixel cellphone line, the corporate has a behavior of releasing an A-series mannequin that makes use of a number of the extra enticing options of its newest smartphones however cuts corners to make the cellphone extra reasonably priced. The most recent on this line is the Pixel 7a. It comes with a 6.1-inch OLED show with the identical decision because the Pixel 7, however with none kind of listed peak brightness. You will nonetheless stand up to a 90Hz refresh charge for easy scrolling, nevertheless. It is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 processor, has a 4,385mAh battery, 8GB of reminiscence and comes at a storage dimension of 128GB.

As a substitute of getting a glass again and an aluminum body, the 7a is manufactured from plastic, so it lacks the identical premium really feel and polish as the remainder of the Pixel 7 lineup. Nevertheless, it is the primary A-series Pixel cellphone to incorporate wi-fi charging. The housing additionally has IP67 water and dirt resistance. A enjoyable side of the Pixel 7a is its numerous coloration choices, which set it other than the remainder of the road. The 7a is available in very shiny coral, sea, charcoal or snow.

The bottom of the 7a has two cameras. There is a 64-megapixel extensive shooter, after which a 13-megapixel ultrawide. The front-facing digicam is 13 megapixels. In my expertise, the pictures you get from the 7a are clear and sharp however lack a number of the general high quality you get from the remainder of the Pixel 7 line and even the Pixel Fold. That is to not say you will not be pleased with the pictures. They’re nonetheless prime of the road, not even for the worth level, however may also simply compete with flagship competitors.

At its $499 common value, you are saving not less than $100 in comparison with the Pixel 7, or $400 when in comparison with the Pixel 7 Professional, and it is a wholesome drop from the newer Pixel 8 mannequin too. The Pixel 7a is a positive mid-tier smartphone from Google that does a implausible job of blending affordability with efficiency.

Google Pixel 7 Professional

4. The most effective Pixel cellphone to purchase within the gross sales

It isn’t the newest, however the value might be nice

Pixel 7 Professional builds on the muse of the Pixel 6 Professional, providing a extra refined design, beautiful digicam efficiency and clear software program.

SoC: Google Tensor G2
Show: 6.7in, LTPO, 3120 x 1440 pixels, 120Hz, as much as 1500nits
Battery: 4500mAh, Quick charging, Wi-fi charging
RAM and Storage: 12GB / 128, 256, 512GB

Professionals

Nice digicam efficiency
Unbelievable show
Clear software program expertise
Aggressive value

Cons

Not many modifications from Pixel 6 Professional
Restricted HDR sharing
Face unlock restricted

Changed by the Pixel 8 Professional, which is one of the best Pixel cellphone general, the Pixel 7 Professional remains to be worthy of your consideration for numerous causes, particularly if you may get it at a terrific low cost. Google’s Pixel 7 Pro contains a 6.7-inch OLED show with as much as 1500 nits of brightness, and as much as a 120Hz refresh charge. All of meaning you should not have any points trying on the display in direct daylight, and the excessive refresh charge of the show ensures easy scrolling and high-action scenes in movies or strikes are buttery easy. The Pixel 7 Professional is obtainable in some fairly distinctive coloration mixtures due to the horizontal metallic bar that runs throughout the again of the cellphone, as is the remainder of the Pixel lineup. The 7 Professional is available in hazel, snow or obsidian.

The Pixel 7 Professional makes use of the Tensor G2 processor, a 5000mAh battery, IP68 mud and water resistance, comes with 12GB of reminiscence, and ranges in storage from 128GB to 256GB to 512GB. The Pixel 7 Professional additionally has a complicated digicam setup. Contained in the Pixel 7 Professional’s digicam bar is a triple digicam setup, that includes a 50-megapixel extensive digicam, a 12-megapixel ultrawide digicam, and a 48-megapixel telephoto digicam with 5x optical zoom and as much as 30X Tremendous Res Zoom. It is a terrific performer, solely now outclassed by the Pixel 8 Professional.

There’s nonetheless a lot going for the Pixel 7 Professional, however as an older flagship, the factor to essentially be careful for here’s a decreased value. The Pixel 7 Professional is more likely to be actually enticing in the course of the upcoming spring-cleaning gross sales, so preserve your eyes out for one of the best offers.

Google Pixel 8

5. The most effective Google Pixel cellphone for many

Attractively reasonably priced, however very succesful

The Google Pixel 8 may get missed because it sits within the shadow of the Pixel 8 Professional, however this cellphone is extra compact, extra reasonably priced, and nonetheless packs in most of the identical abilities.

SoC: Google Tensor G3
Show: 6.3-inch, Actua OLED, 2400 x 1080, 428ppi, 60-120Hz, as much as 2000nits
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 4575mAh, 30W quick charging, 12-18W wi-fi

Professionals

Glorious new design
Brighter, quicker show
Face Unlock works in every single place now
Nice cameras

Cons

Sluggish charging pace
Face Unlock can wrestle at evening
Is there resembling factor as an excessive amount of AI?

Sharing many options with the flagship Pixel 8 Professional, the Pixel 8 runs the danger of getting missed. This smaller, extra compact model packs in a lot of the identical expertise, has the identical energy because the Tensor G3 {hardware}, however takes just a few steps again in different areas. The 6.2-inch show is not as superior, with its 60-120Hz refresh charge, neither is it as shiny at 2000 nits (which remains to be glorious, thoughts you).

Then there’s the digicam, which misses out on the optical telephoto lens, and retains an older 12-megapixel ultrawide, slightly than the 48-megapixel ultrawide of the Pixel 8 Professional. It additionally misses out on the autofocus on the entrance digicam. However behind it, there’s nonetheless a terrific AI imaging system, in addition to options like Magic Editor, though the Pixel 8 does not get the Professional Controls that the Pixel 8 Professional options. So it is a terrific digicam, it is simply not fairly as nice. In fact, the principle sensor remains to be the star of the present, and this one isn’t downgraded from the 8 Professional. It is as great as a cellphone digicam may be these days.

However you continue to get a terrific expertise and might relaxation assured that you’re going to get seven-years of updates for this cellphone, in addition to getting that uncluttered Android interface that Pixel house owners relish. It is a terrific all-rounder performer, whereas the marginally decreased spec positioning additionally makes this cellphone a bit of extra reasonably priced than the Professional mannequin. For a lot of, that can make it a gorgeous choice for a Pixel machine.

Google Pixel 6a

6. Greatest funds Pixel cellphone

The most affordable path to Pixel cellphone possession

$200 $349 Save $149

The Pixel 6a is Google’s funds smartphone that brings a lot of the identical Pixel 6 expertise, condensing it right down to a extra reasonably priced bundle. Although it has been changed by the Pixel 7a, it is nonetheless a implausible choice.

SoC: Tensor G1
Show: 6.1-inch, OLED, Full HD+, 60Hz
Battery: 4410mAh, Quick charging
RAM and Storage: 6GB / 128GB

Professionals

Stunning type issue, even for a funds cellphone
Flagship energy
Nice updates coverage
Pixel digicam magic

Cons

Storage restricted to 128GB
Show solely 60Hz

When Google introduced the Pixel 7a, it saved final 12 months’s A-series cellphone within the lineup. Priced at $349, the Pixel 6a has a robust case for being thought-about one of the best funds smartphone out there by anybody, not to mention Google. The 6a matches lots of what the 7a is supplied with when it comes to specs, however consider, that it’s a 12 months older than the 7a, so the interior {hardware} will not fairly be on the identical stage of efficiency.

With the 6a, you possibly can anticipate a 6.1-inch OLED show, as much as 60Hz display refresh charge, and a 4410mAh battery. It lacks wi-fi charging and is made with the identical plastic materials because the Pixel 7a. You may decide from three completely different coloration mixtures with the 6a, that are sage, charcoal and chalk. Contained in the cellphone is 6GB of reminiscence, Google’s first Tensor processor, and 128GB of storage.

The 2 rear-facing cameras are a particular weak spot within the general Pixel 6a expertise, with a 12.2-megapixel extensive digicam and a 12-megapixel ultrawide digicam, whereas the front-facing digicam comes with an 8-megapixel sensor.

Basically, all of those specs imply that with the Pixel 6a you are getting a dependable cellphone that may run any of the present apps and companies from Google and the Play Retailer, has loads of battery life with a digicam setup that is going to take ok pictures for on a regular basis use.

The underside line: What’s the greatest Pixel cellphone?

For my part, the Pixel 8 Professional is one of the best Pixel cellphone general. It is the latest, packing in the newest know-how from Google, together with a digicam system and picture expertise that is like nothing else you will discover on different smartphones – together with Google’s older Pixel gadgets. This can be a cellphone that is actually worthy of the flagship cellphone badge, with a stellar show, nice frosted end to the rear and loads of energy from the brand new Tensor G3 {hardware}. It is costly, certain, however with seven years of software program help, it should final a very long time. Hold an eye-on trade-in presents to convey the worth down and get an ideal Pixel in your pocket.