Google is one of the most recognizable names in modern smartphones. The very first Pixel handset launched back in 2016, and since then, we’ve seen numerous generations of impressive smartphone tech from Google.
They lead the industry with amazing camera quality and get security and software updates directly from Google. As a top Android brand they believe in premium Pixel phones that don’t break the bank.
In addition to handsets, the Pixel lineup includes Chromebooks, tablets, and accessories such as earbuds.
Whether it’s budget devices like the Pixel 6a, flagships like the Pixel 7 pro or some of the top foldable phones, Google delivers a diverse set of offerings reflected in our list of the best Pixel phones.
Let’s explore the best Google Pixel phones on the market and discover the right choice for your needs and budget.
What are the advantages of Google pixel Phones?
The Google Pixel lineup of phones are the cleanest Android experience you can get. The Pixel is close to stock Android and fully embraces the Material You design theme.
Being a Google-made phone, the Pixel is optimized to make better use of Google apps and services than any other Android phone.
It’s also free from bloatware, receives quick updates, and gets new Pixel Feature Drops every few months to increase the device’s usability.
A lot of the focus on Pixel phones revolves around the cameras. If you want a dead-simple camera experience that will give you some amazing-looking photos, a Pixel is the best choice.
Of course, it’s not just camera hardware that you have to look forward to with Pixel devices, with a bevvy of AI-powered features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, Face Unblur and Night Sight all present and accounted for on the Pixels.
Google offers good software support, though it’s not quite as good as Samsung’s. Newer Pixel phones receive three years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates. Older models only get three years of Android upgrades and security updates.
Which Google Pixel model is better?
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the newest phones in the range, but what is the best Pixel phone? Here’s a breakdown of the different Pixel models:
Pixel: This is Google’s flagship smartphone, with a premium design and an advanced set of features. The standard model is often denoted with just a number, the Pixel 7, for example.
Pixel Pro: The Pro model of the Pixel is essentially identical to the standard Pixel, just with a larger display and a larger battery. Sometimes it will also feature a different camera setup.
Pixel A: The Pixel A series is Google’s affordable smartphone range. These models generally share many of the features of the flagship range, but have a less premium display and build quality.
Pixel Fold: The Google Pixel Fold series aims to shake up the foldable market .
How to pick the right Google Pixel phone for you?
Like many purchasing decisions, deciding which Google Pixel phone is right for you comes down to preference, what you want in a phone and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you want the largest screen available on a standard Samsung phone, and need a camera with a significantly closer zoom, the Pixel 7 Pro or Pixel 6 Pro is the right choice.
Those who prefer more compact devices and still want a top-notch camera should consider the Pixel 7 or Pixel 6. And if you really just want the basics, like a spacious screen, 5G and a decent camera, consider the Pixel 7a or Pixel 6a.
Those looking for the flashiest tech around — who also have deep pockets — should consider the Google Pixel Fold.
It’s also important to consider whether now is the right time to upgrade. If you have a relatively new phone that’s two to three years old and still functions properly, you can probably wait.
Which Google Pixel phone you choose will depend on a range of factors. Budget is likely the primary component when making this decision, but you’ll also want to weigh up other important factors such as screen size, display quality, battery life and camera characteristics.
6 Best Google Pixel Phones in 2024
To make it easier for you to find the one that best suits your needs, we have created this list of the best Google Pixel smartphones.
We’ll explain precisely why a device has made it onto our list. This will help you cut through the noise and make an informed decision.
Our list has a great variety of phones, Whether you need one of the best camera phones or a budget handset, the best Google Pixel devices have you covered.
1. Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro is more expensive than the Pixel 7, but it brings with it an extra camera sensor, larger battery, more RAM and a lovely curved display.
It has a huge 6.7-inch OLED display with 3,120×1,440-pixel resolution, 1500 nits peak brightness and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The display is sharp, vibrant, bright enough to easily see outside. Animations on the 7 Pro are smooth, swiping through apps is fast.
With the new google Tensor G2 processor, the Pixel 7 Pro gets a boost in efficiency, performance, and a series of practical software features like Unblur, Guided Frame, and Magic Eraser.
On the technical front, the Pixel 7 Pro has plenty of RAM and storage options, with options for up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
It features a triple-lens camera set-up, including a 50 megapixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 5x optical zoom lens.
From the natural-colored photo and video capture to the new 30x Super Res Zoom that can snap crisp and surprisingly detailed close-up shots, the flagship Pixel’s camera system is more capable than ever before.
Likewise, it’s got a big 5,000mAh battery that’ll last all day and then some, and Google’s battery optimization features ensure apps that try to drain your battery get put on lockdown with your permission.
The Pixel 7 Pro is as durable as it is elegant, available in 3 color shades: Obsidian, Hazel, and Snow. It has an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus front and back covers, so it’s pretty resistant to scratches and damage from accidental drops.
It also comes with plenty of smarts and useful features: Face Unlock, fingerprint sensor, 5G connectivity, 23W fast charging, wireless charging, IP68 rating for water and dust resistance…
If you have the budget, the Pixel 7 Pro model is the one you want. It’s a brilliant device with plenty to love.
2. Google Pixel 7
If you don’t need the large size display and pro-level camera setup in the Google Pixel 7 Pro, the scaled-down Google Pixel 7 is a strong, less costly alternative.
The Google Pixel 7 offers a 6.3-inch OLED panel with 1080 x 2400px resolution and can go up to 90Hz refresh rate. Unlike the Pro model, the Pixel 7 relies on a standard OLED screen, instead of the more advanced LTPO OLED.
And with its maximum brightness of 1,400 nits, the display is easily viewable in virtually any lighting situation, including sunlight.
The Pixel 7 uses same Google’s Tensor G2 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage space. This still delivers a great experience to juggling tasks and running multiple things.
The Pixel 7 sports the same combination of a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide, but it lacks 7 Pro model’s telephoto camera and dedicated macro mode.
No matter what you’re taking pictures of, and no matter the lighting conditions, the Pixel 7’s images and video are absolutely top-notch.
The Pixel 7 has a 4,355mAh battery which, with the help of the Tensor G2 chip’s efficiency, allowed it lasts all day, even with heavy use. Even though the device can use a 30W charger (not included), the Pixel 7’s wired charging was poor, as was its wireless charging.
Like the Pixel 7 Pro, this phone takes security rather seriously, with a fingerprint scanner, facial recognition and a built-in VPN. The phone has an IP67 water resistance rating; plus, it has a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability.
The Pixel 7 is an excellent device, and while you get some extra features on the Pro model, the Pixel 7 delivers a great experience, with a solid camera offering, battery life and plenty of power.
3. Google Pixel 7a
The latest in the budget-friendly A-series of Pixel phones, the Pixel 7a is the best mid-range Android phone you can buy.
The Pixel 7a rocks a bright 6.1-inch 1080P OLED display with a solid 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, streaming, and gaming. It is a big step up over the 60Hz screen of Pixel 6a, too.
The Tensor G2 processor is the same as the flagship Pixel 7 Pro, and offers plenty of processing power. It’s paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is plenty of oomph to cruise through games and open multiple apps at once.
You also get a 64MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide, which has more pixels than the flagship models, though the sensor is smaller. It still takes photos and videos that won’t disappoint.
The 4,385mAh battery isn’t the best but should last all day with light to moderate use. Topping the phone up is also simple, thanks to 20W wired charging or 7.5W wireless charging support.
You also get integrated stereo speakers, two microphones (with built-in noise suppression), and dual SIM support (with eSIM as well). You can choose among four casing colors—charcoal, sea, snow or coral.
There are downside, of course. Pixel 7a is made from plastic rather than glass, Phone gets rather hot in heavy use and while charging. charging speed can be slow.
The Pixel 7A is the best overall choice for most people because it provides a very similar experience as the Pixel 7 for $100 less.
4. Google Pixel Fold
The Google Pixel Fold challenges Samsung directly with a thinner design and a hinge that’s engineered to be more durable.
The Pixel Fold has an IPX8 rating for water resistance. It’s made from a multi-alloy steel and the displays are made from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Open the Pixel Fold up and you’ll be impressed with just how thin this thing is. It measures just 0.2 inches thick, which is the thinnest of any foldable. But the bezels are pretty chunky.
The Pixel Fold’s dual displays both offer up to 120Hz refresh rates and look fairly bright. The 5.8-inch OLED cover display has a resolution of 2092 x 1080 pixels. The inner 7.6-inch display (when the phone is unfolded) has a resolution of 2208 x 1840 pixels.
The Pixel Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip and 12GB of RAM, so you should have plenty of oomph for multitasking. There’s also 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, although you can spring for the 512GB version.
The Pixel Fold packs a trio of rear cameras. There’s a 48MP main sensor, a 10.8MP ultrawide camera and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom and 20x Super Res Zoom (digital). The camera system excels in various lighting conditions, delivering impressive low-light photography results.
The Pixel Fold packs a 4,727 mAh battery, which gets about a day of battery life. It also supports 30W wired charging and Qi wireless charging.
Though this is Google’s first attempt at a folding phone, there’s a lot to like here. And while the $1,799 price matches the Galaxy Fold series, it’s still exorbitant.
5. Google Pixel 6 Pro
Even as an older device, the Pixel 6 pro is still an excellent smartphone with solid performance, a beautiful design, and a reliable camera.
Pixel 6 Pro has a 6.7-inch OLED panel with 1440 by 3120 pixels resolutions, it’s tack sharp. Scrolling and playing games feels smooth on the Pixel 6 Pro since it features a full 120Hz refresh rate.
Google Pixel 6 Pro comes with its proprietary Google Tensor G1 5nm octa-core chipset, much in the same competitive as Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. It’s joined by a 12GB of RAM and plenty of built-in storage options.
The Pixel 6 Pro comes along with exceptional detail and sharpness with the 50mp main camera, 12 MP ultrawide camera, and the 4X zoom 48MP telephoto camera, as well as superb dynamics and quite punchy colors.
The Pixel 6 Pro has a hefty 5,003mAh battery so it should easily get you through a full day with at least six hours of screen-on time. It supports both 21W fast wireless charging and 30W rapid wired charging, and both work at-par.
It’s not all rose though: No charger included in the box, 30W charging is not the quickest, the under-display fingerprint sensor has been unreliable , And it doesn’t include face unlock function.
Its camera is still top-notch, and the overall performance is still more than adequate for most needs. So there’s still a whole lot to like about it, especially at its new price.
Google Pixel 6 offers almost all the same features as the Pixel 6 Pro, minus the 4x telephoto camera, a little less 8gb ram, smaller 6.3-inch 90Hz screen, but is considerably cheaper, making this premium smartphone seriously good value for money.
6. Google Pixel 6a
The Pixel 7a may be here, but that doesn’t mean the Pixel 6a has to go away. Google’s keeping the phone around for $349, so you can still get an excellent if older devices, provided the 7a’s new features don’t matter to you.
The phone is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, featuring an 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display and a peak brightness of 1100 nits, but unfortunately does not support a fast refresh rate.
Some people might prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay or video editing, but 60Hz will probably suffice for most users. And you still get a screen with nice and vibrant colors.
With 6GB of RAM and the same Google Tensor G1 chipset that powers the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, it’s certainly capable of very good overall performance.
The Pixel 6a is built with a dual camera module, comprising a 12.2 MP wide-angle lens and another 12 MP ultrawide lens.
While it doesn’t share the Pixel 6’s big 50-megapixel primary camera sensor — the 6a uses the same sensor that was in the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a — it still takes outstanding photos.
The Tensor chip brings additional benefits you won’t get on the Pixel 5A, such as Real Tone for more equitable skin tones, Face Unblur, Night Sight for low-light photography and the Magic Eraser for removing unwanted elements from a photo.
The phone’s 4,410mAh battery is on the small side, but overall battery performance is excellent. It managed to last a day with heavy use and up to a day and a half with regular usage.
Unfortunately, the fingerprint sensor under the display is on the slow side. Charges quite slowly at a maximum of 18W, lacks wireless charging and there’s no charger in the box.
The 6A also comes with an IP67 water resistance rating, 5G connectivity, and it’ll receive security patches until at least July 2027. so it’s still a good all-around bet if you want a budget phone that will last.
Conclusion
You should pick the Pixel Phone if you want more bang for your buck, more camera features, the best of Google services, quick Android updates, and a smarter voice assistant.
Pixels are high-spec, super-fast, long-lasting phones that appeal to anyone from the cost conscious to those on the cutting edge.
Whether you want the best camera or something affordable, here are our recommendations for the best Google Pixel phones of 2024. You’ll find the one that suits you best!
Depending on what your expectation and budget are, the ‘best’ Pixel changes. So, while the 7 Pro is the best for all the features and performance, the 6a and 7 definitely have their place elsewhere.
What do you think? Let us know what you think in the comments.
