In case you’re searching for a brand new Android cellphone, a Pixel is nearly sure to be in your listing.
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 few of the absolute best telephones you should purchase, providing an enviable mix of {hardware} and software program that few corporations can match.
There are just a few key causes to purchase a Pixel over the competitors, together with a few of the greatest cameras you’ll discover on any smartphone. You can too count on a clear, bloatware-free software program expertise and glorious long-term help. And, as Google makes Android, Pixels are all the time first in line for the subsequent 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 every year.
Tech Advisor has reviewed all of them, and the 9 we suggest shopping for are included beneath. Whereas they’re ranked, you may discover that one thing decrease down the listing fits you greatest. And on the backside of the web page, you’ll discover in-depth shopping for recommendation.
Not set on a Pixel? Contemplate top-of-the-line finances telephones or greatest mid-range telephones.
Greatest Google Pixel cellphone critiques
1. Google Pixel 9 Professional XL – Greatest Pixel General
Execs
- Glorious digital camera system
- Beautiful show
- Updates till 2031
- Robust battery life
Cons
- Large and heavy
- 37W charging requires Pixel Stand
- Costly
Value When Reviewed:
From $1,099
Greatest Costs At this time:
$789.99
$899
$1099
$1539.99
The 9 Professional XL is the very best Pixel cellphone you should purchase proper now, and top-of-the-line telephones from any model.
It excels in a few of the most essential areas for a smartphone, together with top-tier cameras (all 4 of them), a shocking 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 cellphone, whereas the charging velocity enhancements are offset by the necessity to purchase a devoted accent.
It’s additionally not low cost by any means, however if you’d like the best Pixel cellphone expertise, that is it.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 9 Professional XL?
Anybody who desires the very best Pixel cellphone expertise, together with the best point-and-shoot cameras on any smartphone.
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like a compact design or one thing extra inexpensive.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL assessment
2. Google Pixel 9a – Greatest Mid-range Pixel
Execs
- Enticing show
- Robust major and selfie cameras
- Stable battery life
- Updates till 2032
Cons
- No telephoto digital camera
- Gradual charging
- Polarising design
Value When Reviewed:
From £499
Greatest Costs At this time:
$484.99
The Pixel 9a is a really shut runner-up to the 9 Professional XL, and arguably the best cellphone to suggest in the marketplace. In case you solely have round £500/$500 to spend, simply get this – you’re unlikely to be disillusioned.
It retains all the basics of an ideal Pixel cellphone expertise, together with a wonderful major digital camera, sturdy battery life and strong efficiency. Additionally, regardless of the extra compact 6.3-inch design, battery life continues to be strong.
That’s earlier than we even get to the software program expertise, which is lacking just a few AI options however nothing of actual observe. And Google’s seven coverage is best than most equally priced competitors.
Nonetheless, the dearth of a telephoto lens severely limits the digital camera’s usability for zoom photographs, whereas 23W charging could be irritating. However on the worth, it’s simple to miss these whenever you see the whole lot else you’re getting to your cash.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 9a?
Anybody who desires an ideal mid-range cellphone that can stand the take a look at of time.
Google Pixel 9a: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like a much bigger show or higher zoom images.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9a assessment
3. Google Pixel 9 Professional – Greatest Compact Pixel
Execs
- Compact, premium design
- Beautiful show
- Robust cameras
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Frustratingly sluggish charging
Value When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 9 Professional may be very practically an excellent cellphone.
It distils a lot of what the Pixel 9 Professional XL presents 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 comfy to carry. You additionally nonetheless get these excellent 4 digital camera lenses, all of which have so much to supply.
Sadly, there’s one huge compromise right here – battery life. On these heavy utilization days, it may be a wrestle to make it to bedtime, and the underwhelming 27W wired charging doesn’t assist.
However with the identical glorious software program, beneficiant dedication to updates and strong efficiency, the Pixel 9 Professional continues to be an ideal purchase, supplied you’re not a heavy consumer.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 9 Professional?
Anybody who desires a compact cellphone that doesn’t compromise on cameras.
Google Pixel 9 Professional: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like a much bigger show or assured all-day battery life.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9 Professional assessment
4. Google Pixel 9 – Inexpensive Pixel Flagship
Execs
- Compact, premium design
- Glorious display
- Robust cameras
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- No telephoto digital camera
- Common battery life
- Gradual charging
Value When Reviewed:
From $799
Greatest Costs At this time:
$525.2
$599
$599
$649
$1001.73
The common Pixel 9 is the most affordable route into Google’s flagship cellphone 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 gives barely much less RAM and an inferior 10.5Mp selfie digital camera. It means you continue to get the compact but premium design, glorious 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 through common updates.
Similar to the 9 Professional, it’s held again barely by the underwhelming battery life and sluggish 27W charging. However the further compromise is the dearth of a telephoto lens, which is the principle purpose for upgrading.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 9?
Anybody who desires a compact Pixel flagship however doesn’t wish to pay for the 9 Professional.
Google Pixel 9: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like a telephoto lens, a much bigger show or top-tier battery life.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9 assessment
5. Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold – Greatest Foldable Pixel
Execs
- Two glorious shows
- Sturdy, versatile design
- Glorious cameras
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- Not nice for gaming
- Gradual charging
- Very costly
Value When Reviewed:
$1799
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 acquired two units in a single right here: a 6.3-inch cellphone that opens to disclose an 8-inch pill. The standard of each screens is great, although the crease throughout the interior panel may be very noticeable.
Google has completed a reasonably good job of adapting its glorious cellphone software program for the larger show, with some helpful app design modifications and multitasking options. Efficiency from the Tensor G4 chipset is loads ok for most individuals, although it’s not supreme for gaming.
Regardless of some small digital camera downgrades in comparison with the Pixel 9 Professional XL, you’ll be able to nonetheless count on sturdy efficiency throughout all 4 of the principle lenses, together with selfie cameras on the prime 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 largest draw back.
It’s the very best instance of a book-style folding cellphone proper now, however most individuals might be higher off with one thing else.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold?
Anybody who desires a book-style foldable system. Pixel or not, you received’t discover something higher.
Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere should you don’t need a 2-in-1 system or to pay a lot for a cellphone.
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold assessment
6. Google Pixel 8a – Greatest Worth Pixel
Execs
- Robust cameras
- Enticing design
- Stable efficiency
- Updates till 2031
Cons
- Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
- Gradual charging
- Barely dated design
Value When Reviewed:
From $499
Greatest Costs At this time:
$349
$399
$479.99
$487
$499
The Pixel 9a is our prime mid-range cellphone advice. Nonetheless, if you will discover the older Pixel 8a with an enormous low cost, it may very well be even higher worth.
Regardless of some variations, this older mannequin nonetheless has loads to supply. Efficiency from the Tensor G3 is sort of pretty much as good because the G4, whereas the 64Mp major digital camera presents comparable (and really spectacular) picture high quality.
Some folks may want 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.
In the end, 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 prime decide from the earlier technology of Pixels.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 8a?
Anybody who’s on a finances however desires an ideal Pixel cellphone.
Google Pixel 8a: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like the newest specs or high-quality zoom images.
Learn our full Google Pixel 8a assessment
7. Google Pixel 8 Professional – Flagship Earlier-gen Pixel
Execs
- Nice construct high quality
- Glorious cameras
- Respectable efficiency
- Updates till 2030
Cons
- So-so battery life
- Gradual charging
- Large and heavy
Value When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 8 Professional was our favorite cellphone of 2023, and it stays an ideal choice two years later.
A number of that comes all the way down to the superb software program help – the cellphone will nonetheless be secure to make use of in 2030. The software program itself is simply pretty much 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 excellent construct high quality imply it’ll stand the take a look at of time, whereas the triple rear cameras stay up there with the easiest. And don’t fear, the Tensor G3 chipset continues 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 cellphone, however that shouldn’t come as an enormous shock.
In the end, if you will discover it with a big low cost, the Pixel 8 Professional continues to be an ideal alternative.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 8 Professional?
Anybody who desires a full flagship cellphone, however doesn’t wish to splash the money on the 9 Professional or 9 Professional XL.
Google Pixel 8 Professional: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like the newest specs or high-quality zoom images.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 8 Professional assessment
8. Google Pixel 8 – Compact Earlier-gen Pixel
Execs
- Excellent major digital camera
- Spectacular efficiency
- Compact, premium design
- Updates till 2030
Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
- Gradual charging
- No telephoto digital camera
The common Pixel 8 is a cellphone that’s acquired higher over time. It wasn’t precisely unhealthy worth at its £699/$699 launch worth, however the mediocre battery life made it arduous to suggest.
Whereas the latter hasn’t been magically mounted, the cellphone has already seen an official £100 worth drop within the UK, and steeper reductions are actually possible. Contemplating the cellphone will nonetheless be supported with common updates for 5 extra years, you shouldn’t rule it out.
Every part else we mentioned beforehand nonetheless applies, together with excellent major rear digital camera, better-than-expected efficiency and a beautiful 6.2-inch show.
Other than battery life, the principle compromises are 27W charging speeds and the dearth of a telephoto lens. However should you’re not a heavy cellphone consumer and like a compact cellphone, the Pixel 8 continues to be price contemplating.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 8 Professional?
Anybody who desires a compact flagship cellphone, however doesn’t wish to splash the money on the 9 Professional or 9 Professional XL.
Google Pixel 8: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like the newest specs or nice battery life.
Learn our full Google Pixel 8 assessment
9. Google Pixel 7a – Greatest Finances Pixel
Execs
- Nonetheless an ideal major digital camera
- Newest Google software program
- Respectable efficiency
- Safety updates till 2028
Cons
- Android 16 might be final main model
- Gradual charging
- Show solely 90Hz
Value When Reviewed:
$499
Greatest Costs At this time:
$370
$425
The Pixel 7a is now two generations old-fashioned, and a few of its specs are just a little underwhelming in 2025.
Nonetheless, it’s now extensively out there at a finances cellphone worth, making it nice worth for cash. You continue to get that top-tier Pixel digital camera expertise, which hasn’t been improved a lot on subsequent generations, plus first rate
There’s good and unhealthy information on the software program facet. The most recent model of Android 15 is right here and the cellphone might be secure to make use of till 2028, however Android 16 might be its final main model. Alongside sluggish charging and a show that’s a step down from different Pixels, there are key downsides to concentrate on.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 7a continues to be extensively out there, and at this worth, you’ll be able to’t actually go unsuitable.
Who should purchase the Google Pixel 7a?
Anybody who desires a Pixel cellphone however can solely afford a finances handset.
Google Pixel 7a: Additional concerns
Look elsewhere if you’d like the newest specs or lengthy software program help.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 7a assessment
Different Google Pixel telephones examined
The primary purpose you’ll solely discover 9 units on this round-up is that they’re the one Pixel telephones which are nonetheless extensively out there.
If we had 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 might be receiving software program updates from Google for just a few 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 an ideal refurbished cellphone deal, however the worth and situation will differ considerably.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
Google Pixel information that would have an effect on your shopping for determination
Google has already launched its mid-range cellphone for 2025 within the type of the Pixel 9a, however we’re anticipating 4 extra handsets earlier than the 12 months is out.
Similar to the present flagship lineup, the upcoming Pixel 10 collection is more likely to embody 4 fashions: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Professional, Pixel 10 Professional XL and Pixel 10 Professional Fold. With rumours suggesting an August 2025 launch, we don’t have lengthy to attend.
The arrival of a brand new technology often implies that earlier fashions get discounted, so that you may wish to maintain off on shopping for your new Pixel cellphone for now.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Can I get a greater Google Pixel cellphone deal?
Costs on Google Pixel telephones fluctuate usually, particularly on older fashions. However the costs in our Greatest Picks (together with this one) are up to date every day, so they need to be correct whenever you land on the web page.
Nonetheless, whereas worth for cash is a vital consideration in our product suggestions, we can’t account for any time-limited offers that will expire quickly after they go reside.
Typically, procuring occasions supply the very best likelihood to get a deal on a Google Pixel cellphone. These embody Amazon Prime Day, with the subsequent one confirmed to happen in July.
Then, in fact, there’s Black Friday. The day itself is on 28 November this 12 months, however loads of gross sales will happen for days and even weeks earlier than. Many are additionally more likely to proceed into Cyber Monday (1 December) and past.
How we take a look at Google Pixel telephones
We assessment Google Pixel telephones in the identical method as we do all smartphones – we put our SIM card into it and use it as our major cellphone for a minimum of per week. In lots of circumstances, for much longer.
That is the one correct solution to take a look at 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 prospect to become familiar with all of the out there options, together with new AI.
On prime of that, we run the identical set of efficiency, battery and charging exams throughout all Android telephones (and iPhones the place potential), enabling direct comparisons between them. In all our cellphone critiques, you’ll additionally discover a number of digital camera samples that we’ve taken utilizing the cellphone and never edited.
After all, fashionable smartphones embody a tonne of various options, so there could also be issues we are able to’t absolutely take a look at. However we purpose to get as wide-ranging an expertise as potential.
Why you must belief Tech Advisor for Google Pixel cellphone critiques and shopping for recommendation
We’ve been testing know-how for nearly 30 years at Tech Advisor, and we’re specialists at offering shopping for recommendation. We’ve examined lots of of smartphones through the years, together with each single Pixel cellphone 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 lots of of various units, so he is aware of what makes for an ideal cellphone. He’s assisted by our Opinions Editor, Chris, who has been masking smartphones for properly over a decade.
How to decide on the very best Google Pixel cellphone
In case you’re trying to purchase a Google Pixel cellphone, there are some key issues to look out for.
Value
The very first thing to think about is how a lot you’re prepared to spend.
Google Pixel handsets differ massively in worth, all the best way as much as the £1,749/$1,799 Pixel 9 Professional Fold. On the different finish of the size, Google doesn’t make a real finances cellphone, however older fashions such because the Pixel 8a have been discounted from their authentic £499/$499 beginning worth.
And there are many choices in between, together with the entire non-folding flagship telephones. For a high-end Pixel, you would simply spend in extra of £1,000/$1,000, although widespread community availability within the UK and US may also help unfold the fee out over time.
Luke Baker
Design and show
Then there’s design. Would you like a comparatively compact cellphone, 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 may have an enormous impact on visibility, particularly in vivid outside environments.
And normally, the larger and extra versatile your show/s are, the heavier the system might be.
Cameras
Other than design, that is the largest variation between Pixel telephones. All fashions have a tendency to supply a robust major rear lens and selfie digital camera, however what else they provide can differ considerably.
4 high-quality lenses (major, ultrawide, telephoto, selfie) are the best, however that often ends in the next price ticket. Typically, it’s the telephoto that’s sacrificed to be able to hit a extra inexpensive worth level.
It’s additionally essential 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 make sure to verify our full critiques for detailed evaluation and digital camera samples.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Battery life and charging
Typically, 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 wrestle – try our full critiques in case you have considerations.
Sadly, Pixel telephones are recognized for his or her sluggish charging, with 37W on the Pixel 9 Professional XL the very best you’ll get presently. And with no chargers included within the field, you’ll want to produce 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 all its key strengths, with a so-called ‘inventory’ Android expertise that’s simple to make use of and filled with options. Nonetheless, it’s price noting that not all of Google’s AI options can be found throughout all fashions, so verify to verify if that’s essential 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 might be their final main model.
We wouldn’t suggest utilizing a Pixel cellphone (or any cellphone, for that matter) as soon as it’s now not supported, because it represents an enormous safety danger. In case your system will get a bug or is contaminated with malware, Google received’t patch it.
Google Pixel cellphone FAQ
What’s the greatest Google Pixel cellphone?
For most individuals, the very best Google Pixel cellphone is the Pixel 9 Professional XL.
It presents probably the most full efficiency, show, digital camera and software program expertise of any Pixel cellphone, whereas nonetheless making certain sturdy battery life.
What’s the greatest low cost Google Pixel cellphone?
The perfect low cost Google Pixel cellphone is the Pixel 9a.
It presents the entire fundamentals of the flagship Pixel 9 collection in a way more inexpensive system, and presents sturdy 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 sturdy cameras, nice shows and strong battery life) with intuitive software program and lengthy help.
Like all telephones, they’ve some weaknesses, with comparatively sluggish charging affecting all fashions. Learn our full critiques for particulars of the particular strengths and weaknesses of particular person units.
Are Google Pixel telephones higher than Samsung?
That each one relies on what you’re searching 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 relating 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 resembling Gmail, Pictures, Chrome and Calendar. Samsung has its personal model of those and lots of extra, a few of which may’t be eliminated.
One other plus for Pixel is immediate updates – supplied it’s nonetheless supported, your Pixel cellphone will get the subsequent main model of Android inside days of it being launched. Against this, the equal model of One UI typically takes a number of months to totally roll out.
However which design you favor will come down to non-public choice, and each have an identical suite of AI options, together with Google Gemini integration.
Nonetheless, should you’re searching for a finances cellphone, Samsung is your solely actual choice. Its Galaxy A collection consists of a few of the greatest low cost handsets you should purchase. It’s additionally the one one of many two with a folding flip cellphone, the newest of which being the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Flagship efficiency can be barely higher on Samsung telephones, with the present Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset outperforming Google’s Tensor G4 in most exams. And charging speeds are sometimes increased, although there typically isn’t a lot in it.
Every part 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 units have their weaknesses.
Typically, there are two major areas the place Pixel telephones typically fall behind the competitors.
The primary is charging speeds, that are properly beneath the business commonplace. The quickest within the present vary the Pixel 9 Professional XL, is restricted to 37W, and even that depends on you shopping for an adjunct that’s bought individually. Many cost considerably slower.
The opposite one is efficiency. Google’s newest Tensor G4 chipset nonetheless delivers sturdy efficiency, but it surely’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 differ between fashions. Examine above or learn our full critiques for element on particular units.
Which Google Pixel cellphone is the most recent?
The most recent Pixel cellphone 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 identify for Google’s mid-range telephones, which supply 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 just a few 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.