Google Pixel is a line of consumer electronics designed by Google, encompassing smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even accessories. The Pixel line is most popular for its Android-powered smartphones, which debuted in October 2016, taking the place of the older Nexus phones.
Google keeps its Pixel phones updated with the latest features and security patches, and the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are the current flagships. The Pixel story actually began in February 2013, with the launch of the Chromebook Pixel, a laptop running ChromeOS. So, whether you’re looking for a powerful smartphone, a versatile laptop, or a handy tablet, Google Pixel offers a range of devices powered by either ChromeOS or Android.
Picking the best Pixel phone depends on your needs and budget.
Here are some of the strongest contenders, categorized to help you decide:
Best Overall: Google Pixel 8 Pro: This is Google’s latest and greatest Pixel, boasting the most powerful Tensor G3 processor yet and a triple-lens camera system that takes phenomenal photos, especially in low-light conditions. It has a gorgeous, smooth display and a long-lasting battery.
Best Value: Google Pixel 7a: The Pixel 7a offers excellent value for money. It has most of the same features as the Pixel 7, including a fantastic camera and Google’s Tensor G2 processor, at a much lower price point.
Best for Power Users: Google Pixel Fold: This is Google’s first foldable phone, and it’s a real head-turner. The large, foldable display is perfect for multitasking and productivity, and the phone packs powerful specs to match. However, it’s also the most expensive Pixel on the market.
Great All-Rounder: Google Pixel 8: The Pixel 8 is a fantastic choice for those who want a balance of features and affordability. It has a great camera, a powerful processor, and a sleek design. It misses out on some of the features of the Pixel 8 Pro, like the telephoto lens and the temperature sensor, but it’s still a great phone overall.
Great Compact Option: Google Pixel 7:If you prefer a smaller phone, the Pixel 7 is a great option. It has a fantastic camera, a powerful processor, and a beautiful design. While it doesn’t have the same battery life as some of the other Pixels on this list, it’s still a great choice for those who prioritize portability.
01. Best Overall: Google Pixel 8 Pro
4.4 out of 5 star Ratings
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a high-end smartphone released in late 2023. It is the successor to the Pixel 7 Pro, and it features a number of improvements, including a faster processor, a brighter display, and an upgraded camera system.
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is very bright and clear, and it is great for watching videos or playing games. The phone is powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor, which is one of the fastest smartphone processors on the market. The Pixel 8 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage.
One of the best features of the Pixel 8 Pro is its camera system. The phone has a triple-lens rear camera system that consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The camera system is excellent in low-light conditions, and it can take stunning photos and videos. The front-facing camera is 10.5MP and it can also take great selfies.
The Pixel 8 Pro runs Android 13, and it is guaranteed to receive updates for at least three years. The phone also has a number of other features, including a water-resistant design, wireless charging, and a fingerprint sensor.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a great option for anyone looking for a high-end smartphone with a great camera system. It is priced at $627.99 for the 128GB model.
02. Best Runner Up: Google Pixel Fold
4.3 out of 5 Ratings
The Google Pixel Fold is a foldable phone that was first released in May 2023. It has a 7.6-inch inner display that unfolds from a 5.8-inch outer display. The inner display is a 120Hz OLED display, while the outer display is a 90Hz OLED display. The phone is powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor and has 12GB of RAM. It comes with 256GB or 512GB of storage.
The Pixel Fold has a triple-lens rear camera system that consists of a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5x optical zoom telephoto sensor. The front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor. The phone is powered by a 4821mAh battery and supports fast wired and wireless charging.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Google Pixel Fold to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you:
Pros:
- Large, immersive inner display
- Powerful processor
- Excellent camera system
- Clean software experience
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Crease in the inner display
- Bulky when folded
- Limited app optimization for the foldable form factor
Overall, the Google Pixel Fold is a great option for people who are looking for a powerful foldable phone with a great camera system. However, it is also an expensive phone, and there are some limitations to consider before you buy it.
03. Best Value: Google Pixel 7a
4.3 out of 5 Ratings
The Google Pixel 7a is a mid-range smartphone that was released in May 2024. It is the successor to the Pixel 6a, and it offers many of the same features at a more affordable price.
The Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor, which is also found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The phone has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The Pixel 7a has a dual-camera system on the back, consisting of a 64-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera is 13 megapixels. The Pixel 7a is capable of taking great photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
The Pixel 7a runs Android 13 out of the box. Google promises to provide three years of major software updates and five years of security updates for the Pixel 7a. This means that you can be sure that your phone will stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
The Pixel 7a has a 4385mAh battery that supports 20W fast charging. The phone also supports wireless charging. With typical use, the battery should easily last you a full day on a single charge.
The Pixel 7a is available in three colors: Charcoal, Snow, and Sea Blue. The phone is priced at $499 USD.
Overall, the Google Pixel 7a is a great mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money. It has a great camera, a long-lasting battery, and the latest software. If you are looking for an affordable phone that can take great photos and videos, the Pixel 7a is a great option.
Pros
- Great camera: The Pixel 7a takes excellent photos and videos, thanks to Google’s powerful Tensor G2 chip and image processing software.
- Clean software: The Pixel 7a runs stock Android 13, which is free of bloatware and gets timely updates directly from Google.
- Compact size: The Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch display, which makes it easy to hold and use in one hand.
- Decent battery life: The Pixel 7a’s battery life is good enough to get you through a full day of use on a single charge.
Cons
- Plastic back: The Pixel 7a has a plastic back, which feels less premium than the glass backs found on some other phones.
- Dim display: The Pixel 7a’s display can be a bit dim, especially outdoors.
- Limited storage: The Pixel 7a only comes with 128GB of storage, and there’s no microSD card slot for expansion.
- Slow charging: The Pixel 7a doesn’t support fast charging, so it takes longer to charge than some other phones.
- Lower refresh rate: The Pixel 7a’s display has a 90Hz refresh rate, which is lower than the 120Hz refresh rate found on some other phones. This can make scrolling and animations look less smooth.
04. Great All-Rounder: Google Pixel 8
4.4 out of 5 Ratings
The Google Pixel 8 is a high-end smartphone that was released in late 2023. It is the successor to the Pixel 7, and it features a number of improvements, including a new Google Tensor G3 chip, a faster display, and an improved camera system.
The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, which is paired with 8GB of RAM. The Pixel 8 has a dual-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera is 12MP.
The Pixel 8 runs Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive updates for at least three years. The phone has a 4575mAh battery that supports 27W fast charging. The Pixel 8 is available in three colors: Black, White, and Green.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Google Pixel 8:
Pros:
- Excellent camera system
- Fast and smooth performance
- Long battery life
- Clean and up-to-date software
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No headphone jack
- Relatively expensive
Overall, the Google Pixel 8 is a great smartphone that offers excellent value for money. It is a great option for anyone looking for a phone with a great camera, fast performance, and long battery life. However, if you are looking for a phone with expandable storage or a headphone jack, you may want to consider other options.
05. Best Compact Pick: Google Pixel 7
4.4 out of 5 Ratings
The Google Pixel 7 is a mid-range smartphone that was released in late 2023. It is the successor to the Pixel 6 and features a number of improvements, including a faster processor, a better camera system, and a longer battery life.
The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor, which is paired with 8GB of RAM. The phone has a dual rear camera system that consists of a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera is 10.8MP.
The Pixel 7 is rated to be water and dust resistant and has an in-display fingerprint sensor for security. The phone is available in three colors: Obsidian, Snow, and Lemongrass. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours on a single charge, with Extreme Battery Saver mode extending that to 72 hours.
Users like the Pixel 7 for its clean software, excellent cameras, and long battery life. Some reviewers say that the phone’s design is a bit boring and that the charging speed is slow. Overall, the Google Pixel 7 is a great option for users who are looking for a mid-range smartphone with a great camera and long battery life.
The Google Pixel 7 is a strong contender for the title of best Android phone, but it does have some drawbacks to consider. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent camera: Consistently rated as one of the best phone cameras on the market, especially for low-light and detail
- Clean software: Stock Android experience with timely updates and no bloatware
- Compact design: Smaller than most flagship phones, making it easier to handle
- Bright display: Great for watching videos and using outdoors
- Solid battery life: Should last most users a full day on a charge
Cons:
- Slower charging: Compared to some competitors
- Not the most powerful processor: May not be ideal for super heavy gamers
- Lower refresh rate display: Some phones offer 120hz vs the Pixel 7’s 90hz
- Price: While not the most expensive phone out there, it’s still a premium device
Overall, the Google Pixel 7 is a great option for users who prioritize camera quality, a clean software experience, and a comfortable size. If you’re a gamer or need the absolute fastest performance, you might consider other options.
Conclusion:
Google Pixel phones are generally well-regarded, but like any phone, they have their pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent camera: Pixels are known for taking fantastic photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. This is due to a combination of good hardware and Google’s superior image processing software.
- Clean software: Pixels run a stock version of Android, free from bloatware and with timely updates straight from Google for at least 3 years.
- Competitive pricing: Pixel phones are typically priced lower than top-of-the-line models from Samsung and Apple.
Cons:
- Battery life: Battery life can be average compared to some other flagships.
- Limited hardware options: Pixels don’t offer as many variations in features or storage as some other brands. For example, you might not find a Pixel with the most expandable storage options.
- Customer service: Google’s customer service has been criticized for being difficult to reach.
Overall, Google Pixels are strong contenders in the Android phone market. If you prioritize a great camera, clean software, and a reasonable price, then a Pixel phone could be a good choice for you.
