The Best Google Pixel Phones to Buy 2024

What you’ll love about Google Pixel phones

Pixel phones have many lovable characteristics, from AI-powered features to software-first performance and sharp cameras. Here they are in-depth:

Camera specs are reasonable

You won’t find a 200MP camera on any Pixel smartphone, which is really overkill when you think about it. It’s harder to manage and share images. Your phone may struggle to process and render them efficiently, causing slower performance and reduced battery life. 

Also, you won’t see much of the benefits in low-light conditions because of the smaller pixel sizes. Larger pixels will capture more light and have a better signal-to-noise ratio, meaning less grain in your photos. Unless you’re a professional photographer or need extreme cropping and digital zoom capabilities, a 200MP camera isn’t necessary.

That said, Pixel smartphones give you what you need while choosing quality and size over raw megapixel count. The highest they offer is 50MP, with smart features like Super Res Zoom that creates high-detail images even when you zoom in more than 20 times.

You’ll also find Pixel phones with a combo of wide and super wide-angle lenses that cover landscapes and fast-motion objects with clarity. Post-shooting, you can access various AI editing features, including the Magic Eraser, which removes unwanted photo objects, or Face Unblur’s ability to sharpen unclear faces.

Extended OS support

Pixel phones enjoy extended OS updates more than other custom Android devices on the market. Also, they’re the first to receive new versions as they’re Google’s own products, both in hardware and software. Below is a table illustrating how many years they are eligible for OS support and security patches:

The Pixel 4 and 5 series will no longer receive updates and patches as they have reached end-of-life status. However, Google reserves the right to make updates available to them at any time.

AI features

Google’s phones are deeply integrated with AI, down to the Tensor chipsets. The Pixel 8 series is the first in the entire collection to use the Circle to Search feature. The Pixel 8 Pro is the first phone to integrate with Gemini Nano, the smallest AI version for mobile devices in the Gemini model family.

More common intelligent features you’ll find on Pixel phones include:

• HDR+ Technology: Captures multiple images rapidly and combines them for blur-free quality.
• Night-sight: Produces bright and detailed photos in low light.
• Exposure correction: corrects exposure challenges in high-contrast situations. It will preserve visual details lost to shadows and reduce overexposure.
• Best Take: Combines similar photos to create the best group picture, canceling the need to choose from multiple shots.
• Photo Unblur: removes distortion that appears during movement.
• Real Tone: Adjusts color balance and lighting in photos to represent everyone accurately, especially people of color.

The best Google Pixel phones at a glance

• Best Google Pixel phone: Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Best supporting flagship: Google Pixel 8
• Best foldable phone: Google Pixel Fold
• Best mid-range phone: Google Pixel 7a
• Best budget phone: Google Pixel 6a

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED | RAM: 12GB RAM | Storage size: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | OS: Android 14 (with seven years of OS updates) | Cameras: 10.5MP selfie, 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto | Battery: 5000mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $999

The Pixel 8 Pro combines Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with an aluminum frame. The weight has increased to 213g, whereas Google kept it to 187g on the Pixel 8 model. It’s a significant jump, especially within the same phone generation. 

Google also didn’t hold back on the display. It’s a massive 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen with a high screen-to-body ratio and minimal bezels. Considering that ultrawide screens and cinematic widescreen formats use the 21:9 aspect ratio, your screen will show minimal black bars when watching movies or playing mobile games.

With the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8 Pro zips through tasks effortlessly while paired with 12GB RAM. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, and Google boasts it can last more than 24 hours. But that depends on your personal usage habits.

In terms of camera performance, the phone packs a 50MP Octa PD wide camera at the rear. It uses many points across the sensor to quickly focus on subjects in motion under any light conditions. Following that are the 48MP Quad PD ultrawide and telephoto cameras. Frankly, the phone has the best camera setup in the entire Pixel lineup.  

Google Pixel 8

Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display: 6.2-inch OLED | RAM: 8GB | Storage size: 128GB, 256GB | OS: Android 14 (with seven years of OS updates) | Cameras: 10.5MP selfie, 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide | Battery: 4575 mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $699

While the spotlight shines brighter on its successor, the Pixel 8 delivers where it matters the most — and it goes for three hundred dollars less. Speaking of less, the phone dons a 6.2-inch full OLED screen that projects vibrant colors and deep, deep blacks. Weighing in at 187g, the Pixel 8 is more suitable for one-hand use and won’t give your fingers muscles after prolonged holds. The Screen brightness peaks at 2000 nits and enhances readability under bright sunlight.

The rear camera setup is a step down from the Pixel 8 Pro, but not so much that image quality is compromised. Here, Google gives you only two rear sensors: a 50MP Octa PD wide camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera with autofocus. The selfie camera is still the same 10.5 MP Dual PD sensor. The Pixel 8 smartphone comes out of the box with Android 14 and is eligible for seven years of updates.

Google Pixel Fold

Processor: Google Tensor G2 | Display: 5.8-inch FHD+ OLED (outer), 7.6-inch OLED (inner) | RAM: 12GB | Storage size: 256GB, 512GB | OS: Android 13 (with five years of OS updates) | Cameras: 8MP selfie (inner), 9.5MP (outer), 48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide | Battery: 4821 mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $1,799

The Google Pixel Fold is the brand’s first bendable form factor, and another one is on its way. This phone has a 5.8-inch outer display, but the magic happens when unfolding it. The 7.6-inch OLED inner display transforms it into a compact tablet, ideal for split-screen mode and unleashing your creativity. It refreshes at 120Hz, providing a remarkable canvas for sketching or watching movies.

As you may have guessed, the phone is heavy and weighs a massive 283g. Holding it all together is a multi-alloy steel hinge built to last long-term, offer a controlled opening and closing experience, and feel fluid no matter how you hold the phone. 

The phone runs on the Tensor G2 chip, purpose-built for foldable devices to have smooth performance, and a 12GB RAM for snappy responsiveness. The multi-camera setup is also tempting, as it now applies to not one but two sides of the phone. You’ll have three rear cameras: a 48MP Quad PD, 10.8MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP dual PD telephoto cameras. On the outer display is a 9.5MP Dual PD selfie, with the inner display carrying an 8MP camera. 

Google Pixel 7a

Processor: Google Tensor G2 | Display: 6.1-inch OLED | RAM: 8GB | Storage size: 128GB | OS: Android 13 (with five years of OS updates) | Cameras: 13MP ultrawide, 64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide | Battery: 4385mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $499

If you are looking for a phone that won’t put holes in your pocket, the Pixel 7a is a great fit. With a starting price of $499, this splendid device comes with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage space, and the same Tensor G2 chipset on the flagships. This time around, the 5nm version with smaller transistors switches faster and consumes less power. 

Your screen won’t refresh at 120Hz, but 90Hz is a fair rate if you’re not big on resource-intensive apps. The 6.1-inch OLED display is still spacious enough for comfortable viewing, and it has a density of 429 PPI that makes the pixels practically invisible. You won’t notice any pixelation even if you press your face against the screen.

The battery capacity drops to 4385mAh, but you’ll find compensation in its fast charging capability. It supports 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging for quick top-ups. 

Google Pixel 6a

Processor: Google Tensor | Display: 6.1-inch OLED | RAM: 6GB | Storage size: 128GB | OS: Android 12 (with five years of OS updates) | Cameras: 8MP wide, 12.2MP wide, 12MP ultrawide | Battery: 4410mAh | Earphone jack: USB Type-C | Price: $349

The Pixel 6a has a budget-friendly status that doesn’t leave you out of the Google Pixel experience. But you’ll have to compromise on quality features. The screen is a small 5.8-inch Full HD+ OLED display that still manages a 90Hz refresh rate. However, the RAM is 6GB, and the storage space is 128GB. It’s a downgrade from the 8GB or 12GB and 512GB Pixel variants, and unfortunately, that’s the only one you’re getting. 

Yet, 6GB is a lot if you only use your phone for basic functionality and casual gaming. Even in running multiple apps simultaneously, you probably won’t notice a big difference in how fast your phone works in comparison. Unless you’re a chronic file hoarder, 128GB gives you ample room to store your data.

Camera-wise, performance is average. The rear cameras max out at 12MP. It’s not the lowest cameras can go, but it’s not among the highest counts either. The camera aperture, pixel, and sensor sizes are also smaller, which means less light sensitivity. But considering the phone’s strong software processing ability, you can still get satisfactory photo quality. On the front is an 8MP wide camera that supports auto-HDR and panoramic shots. At an 84° field of view (FOV), you can squeeze up to three people comfortably in a group selfie.

Experience Pixel perfection with Google

The Pixel 8 Pro offers the best Android features among all of Google’s phones. However, the Pixel Fold should be your top companion when you need to get productive. If you don’t spend much, the Pixel 7a and 6a models will do. With longer commitments to upgrades, Google ensures that whichever of its products you buy stays up-to-date for the foreseeable future.

But there’s no perfect phone. It’s a trade-off between what you need and what is being offered. If customization is your priority, then Samsung’s Galaxy phones suit you but are on the high end. Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo phones are also available to broaden your options.