If you’re looking for a new Android phone, a Pixel is almost certain to be on your list.
Since returning to smartphones in 2016, Google has quickly established itself as a key rival to Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy handsets. Pixel phones consistently rank as some of the very best phones you can buy, offering an enviable blend of hardware and software that few companies can match.
There are a few key reasons to buy a Pixel over the competition, including some of the best cameras you’ll find on any smartphone. You can also expect a clean, bloatware-free software experience and excellent long-term support. And, as Google makes Android, Pixels are always first in line for the next major version.
But which Pixel is right for you? The range has grown a lot in recent years, and Google now tends to launch five models each year.
Tech Advisor has reviewed them all, and the nine we recommend buying are included below. While they are ranked, you might find that something lower down the list suits you best. And at the bottom of the page, you’ll find in-depth buying advice.
Not set on a Pixel? Consider one of the best budget phones or best mid-range phones.
Best Google Pixel phone reviews
1. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – Best Pixel Overall
Pros
- Excellent camera system
- Gorgeous display
- Updates until 2031
- Strong battery life
Cons
- Big and heavy
- 37W charging requires Pixel Stand
- Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
From $1,099
The 9 Pro XL is the best Pixel phone you can buy right now, and one of the best phones from any brand.
It excels in some of the most important areas for a smartphone, including top-tier cameras (all four of them), a stunning 6.8-inch display and impressive battery life. Google’s slick software experience is backed up by its full suite of AI features and six more years of updates.
However, it’s not right for everyone. The 9 Pro XL is a big, bulky phone, while the charging speed improvements are offset by the need to buy a dedicated accessory.
It’s also not cheap by any means, but if you want the finest Pixel phone experience, this is it.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Anyone who wants the absolute best Pixel phone experience, including the finest point-and-shoot cameras on any smartphone.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want a compact design or something more affordable.
Read our full
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review
2. Google Pixel 9a – Best Mid-range Pixel
Pros
- Attractive display
- Strong main and selfie cameras
- Solid battery life
- Updates until 2032
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- Slow charging
- Polarising design
Price When Reviewed:
From £499
The Pixel 9a is a very close runner-up to the 9 Pro XL, and arguably the easiest phone to recommend on the market. If you only have around £500/$500 to spend, just get this – you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
It retains all the fundamentals of a great Pixel phone experience, including an excellent main camera, strong battery life and solid performance. Also, despite the more compact 6.3-inch design, battery life is still solid.
That’s before we even get to the software experience, which is missing a few AI features but nothing of real note. And Google’s seven policy is better than most similarly priced competition.
However, the lack of a telephoto lens severely limits the camera’s usability for zoom shots, while 23W charging can be frustrating. But at the price, it’s easy to overlook these when you see everything else you’re getting for your money.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9a?
Anyone who wants a great mid-range phone that will stand the test of time.
Google Pixel 9a: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want a bigger display or better zoom photography.
Read our full
Google Pixel 9a review
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Compact Pixel
Pros
- Compact, premium design
- Gorgeous display
- Strong cameras
- Updates until 2031
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Frustratingly slow charging
Price When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 9 Pro is very nearly a brilliant phone.
It distils so much of what the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers into a more compact and affordable package, making it very appealing.
The smaller 6.3-inch display is just as impressive here, while the reduced weight and rounded corners make it comfortable to hold. You also still get those superb four camera lenses, all of which have a lot to offer.
Unfortunately, there’s one big compromise here – battery life. On those heavy usage days, it can be a struggle to make it to bedtime, and the underwhelming 27W wired charging doesn’t help.
But with the same excellent software, generous commitment to updates and solid performance, the Pixel 9 Pro is still a great buy, provided you’re not a heavy user.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro?
Anyone who wants a compact phone that doesn’t compromise on cameras.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want a bigger display or guaranteed all-day battery life.
Read our full
Google Pixel 9 Pro review
4. Google Pixel 9 – Affordable Pixel Flagship
Pros
- Compact, premium design
- Excellent screen
- Strong cameras
- Updates until 2031
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- Average battery life
- Slow charging
Price When Reviewed:
From $799
The regular Pixel 9 is the cheapest route into Google’s flagship phone range, though it is £100/$100 more expensive than the Pixel 8 at launch.
Essentially, it’s a more affordable version of the Pixel 9 Pro that offers slightly less RAM and an inferior 10.5Mp selfie camera. It means you still get the compact yet premium design, excellent 6.3-inch display and solid Tensor G4 performance.
Like all the Pixel 9 phones, software is a key strength, and it’ll be supported until 2031 via regular updates.
Just like the 9 Pro, it’s held back slightly by the underwhelming battery life and slow 27W charging. But the extra compromise is the lack of a telephoto lens, which is the main reason for upgrading.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9?
Anyone who wants a compact Pixel flagship but doesn’t want to pay for the 9 Pro.
Google Pixel 9: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want a telephoto lens, a bigger display or top-tier battery life.
Read our full
Google Pixel 9 review
5. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – Best Foldable Pixel
Pros
- Two excellent displays
- Durable, flexible design
- Excellent cameras
- Updates until 2031
Cons
- Not great for gaming
- Slow charging
- Very expensive
Price When Reviewed:
$1799
Best Prices Today:
Google’s second attempt at a book-style foldable is a big step forward, and enough to make it the go-to in its category.
Essentially, you’ve got two devices in one here: a 6.3-inch phone that opens to reveal an 8-inch tablet. The quality of both screens is excellent, though the crease across the internal panel is very noticeable.
Google has done a pretty good job of adapting its excellent phone software for the bigger display, with some useful app design changes and multitasking features. Performance from the Tensor G4 chipset is plenty good enough for most people, though it’s not ideal for gaming.
Despite some small camera downgrades compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you can still expect strong performance across all four of the main lenses, including selfie cameras at the top of both displays.
Battery life is solid, while 21W charging is slower than any of the other Pixel phones. But ultimately, it’s the high price tag that’s its biggest downside.
It’s the best example of a book-style folding phone right now, but most people will be better off with something else.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Anyone who wants a book-style foldable device. Pixel or not, you won’t find anything better.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you don’t want a 2-in-1 device or to pay so much for a phone.
Read our full Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review
6. Google Pixel 8a – Best Value Pixel
Pros
- Strong cameras
- Attractive design
- Solid performance
- Updates until 2031
Cons
- Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
- Slow charging
- Slightly dated design
Price When Reviewed:
From $499
The Pixel 9a is our top mid-range phone recommendation. However, if you can find the older Pixel 8a with a big discount, it could be even better value.
Despite some differences, this older model still has plenty to offer. Performance from the Tensor G3 is nearly as good as the G4, while the 64Mp main camera offers comparable (and very impressive) image quality.
Some people may also prefer the smaller 6.1-inch display, though that is offset by a fairly chunky bezel around it. You’ll also have to put up with disappointing charging speeds and mediocre battery life.
Ultimately, despite being released in mid-2024, the 8a will still get OS and security updates for five more years. Alongside good availability and the high chance of a discount, the Pixel 8a is our top pick from the previous generation of Pixels.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 8a?
Anyone who’s on a budget but wants a great Pixel phone.
Google Pixel 8a: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want the latest specs or high-quality zoom photography.
Read our full Google Pixel 8a review
7. Google Pixel 8 Pro – Flagship Previous-gen Pixel
Pros
- Great build quality
- Excellent cameras
- Decent performance
- Updates until 2030
Cons
- So-so battery life
- Slow charging
- Big and heavy
Price When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 8 Pro was our favourite phone of 2023, and it remains a great option two years later.
A lot of that comes down to the excellent software support – the phone will still be safe to use in 2030. The software itself is just as good as we’ve come to expect from a Pixel, with most AI features coming to this older model.
An excellent display and superb build quality mean it’ll stand the test of time, while the triple rear cameras remain up there with the very best. And don’t worry, the Tensor G3 chipset is still absolutely fine for everyday usage and some more demanding tasks.
Battery life isn’t great, and the charging situation doesn’t help. It’s also a big, heavy phone, but that shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
Ultimately, if you can find it with a significant discount, the Pixel 8 Pro is still a great choice.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro?
Anyone who wants a full flagship phone, but doesn’t want to splash the cash on the 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want the latest specs or high-quality zoom photography.
Read our full
Google Pixel 8 Pro review
8. Google Pixel 8 – Compact Previous-gen Pixel
Pros
- Outstanding main camera
- Impressive performance
- Compact, premium design
- Updates until 2030
Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
- Slow charging
- No telephoto camera
The regular Pixel 8 is a phone that’s got better over time. It wasn’t exactly bad value at its £699/$699 launch price, but the mediocre battery life made it hard to recommend.
While the latter hasn’t been magically fixed, the phone has already seen an official £100 price drop in the UK, and steeper discounts are now likely. Considering the phone will still be supported with regular updates for five more years, you shouldn’t rule it out.
Everything else we said previously still applies, including superb main rear camera, better-than-expected performance and a gorgeous 6.2-inch display.
Aside from battery life, the main compromises are 27W charging speeds and the lack of a telephoto lens. But if you’re not a heavy phone user and prefer a compact phone, the Pixel 8 is still worth considering.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro?
Anyone who wants a compact flagship phone, but doesn’t want to splash the cash on the 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 8: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want the latest specs or great battery life.
Read our full Google Pixel 8 review
9. Google Pixel 7a – Best Budget Pixel
Pros
- Still a great main camera
- Latest Google software
- Decent performance
- Security updates until 2028
Cons
- Android 16 will be last major version
- Slow charging
- Display only 90Hz
Price When Reviewed:
$499
The Pixel 7a is now two generations out of date, and some of its specs are a little underwhelming in 2025.
However, it’s now widely available at a budget phone price, making it great value for money. You still get that top-tier Pixel camera experience, which hasn’t been improved much on subsequent generations, plus decent
There’s good and bad news on the software side. The latest version of Android 15 is here and the phone will be safe to use until 2028, but Android 16 will be its last major version. Alongside slow charging and a display that’s a step down from other Pixels, there are key downsides to be aware of.
However, the Pixel 7a is still widely available, and at this price, you can’t really go wrong.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 7a?
Anyone who wants a Pixel phone but can only afford a budget handset.
Google Pixel 7a: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you want the latest specs or long software support.
Read our full
Google Pixel 7a review
Other Google Pixel phones tested
The main reason you’ll only find nine devices in this round-up is that they’re the only Pixel phones that are still widely available.
If we were to complete the top 10, it’d be with the original Pixel Fold, while the slightly older Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are still worth considering. All three will be receiving software updates from Google for a few more years.
However, none are available new from Google or any of the main third-party retailers, so you’ll have to rely on a reseller or get a refurbished model. Provided you buy from a reputable seller, the latter is a great way to get a great refurbished phone deal, but the price and condition will vary significantly.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
Google Pixel news that could affect your buying decision
Google has already released its mid-range phone for 2025 in the form of the Pixel 9a, but we’re expecting four more handsets before the year is out.
Just like the current flagship lineup, the upcoming Pixel 10 series is likely to include four models: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. With rumours suggesting an August 2025 launch, we don’t have long to wait.
The arrival of a new generation usually means that previous models get discounted, so you might want to hold off on buying your new Pixel phone for now.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Can I get a better Google Pixel phone deal?
Prices on Google Pixel phones fluctuate regularly, especially on older models. But the prices in our Best Picks (including this one) are updated daily, so they should be accurate when you land on the page.
However, while value for money is an important consideration in our product recommendations, we cannot account for any time-limited deals that may expire soon after they go live.
In general, shopping events offer the best chance to get a deal on a Google Pixel phone. These include Amazon Prime Day, with the next one confirmed to take place in July.
Then, of course, there’s Black Friday. The day itself is on 28 November this year, but plenty of sales will take place for days or even weeks before. Many are also likely to continue into Cyber Monday (1 December) and beyond.
How we test Google Pixel phones
We review Google Pixel phones in the same way as we do all smartphones – we put our SIM card into it and use it as our main phone for at least a week. In many cases, much longer.
This is the only proper way to test phones to see how the likes of the performance, display, cameras and battery life perform in real-world usage. It also gives us the chance to get to grips with all the available features, including new AI.
On top of that, we run the same set of performance, battery and charging tests across all Android phones (and iPhones where possible), enabling direct comparisons between them. In all our phone reviews, you’ll also find lots of camera samples that we’ve taken using the phone and not edited.
Of course, modern smartphones include a tonne of different features, so there may be things we can’t fully test. But we aim to get as wide-ranging an experience as possible.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for Google Pixel phone reviews and buying advice
We’ve been testing technology for almost 30 years at Tech Advisor, and we are experts at providing buying advice. We’ve tested hundreds of smartphones over the years, including every single Pixel phone that Google has ever launched. All our in-house team and freelance contributors are highly experienced in reviewing tech products.
Who curated this article?
Anyron is Tech Advisor’s Mobile Editor and has been reviewing smartphones for six years, including several Pixel handsets. He’s tested and written about hundreds of different devices, so he knows what makes for a great phone. He’s assisted by our Reviews Editor, Chris, who has been covering smartphones for well over a decade.
How to choose the best Google Pixel phone
If you’re looking to buy a Google Pixel phone, there are some key things to look out for.
Price
The first thing to consider is how much you’re willing to spend.
Google Pixel handsets vary hugely in price, all the way up to the £1,749/$1,799 Pixel 9 Pro Fold. At the other end of the scale, Google doesn’t make a true budget phone, but older models such as the Pixel 8a have been discounted from their original £499/$499 starting price.
And there are plenty of options in between, including all of the non-folding flagship phones. For a high-end Pixel, you could easily spend in excess of £1,000/$1,000, though widespread network availability in the UK and US can help spread the cost out over time.
Luke Baker
Design and display
Then there’s design. Do you want a relatively compact phone, something with a bigger display or even something that folds?
Google has options for all three, with screen sizes ranging from 6.2 inches to 8 inches. On most models, you can expect at least Full HD quality, vibrant OLED screens and smooth refresh rates of 90Hz or higher, regardless of the model you choose.
Be sure to look out for brightness, which can have a big effect on visibility, especially in bright outdoor environments.
And in general, the bigger and more versatile your display/s are, the heavier the device will be.
Cameras
Aside from design, this is the biggest variation between Pixel phones. All models tend to offer a strong main rear lens and selfie camera, but what else they offer can vary significantly.
Four high-quality lenses (main, ultrawide, telephoto, selfie) are the ideal, but that usually results in a higher price tag. In general, it’s the telephoto that’s sacrificed in order to hit a more affordable price point.
It’s also important to note that a higher megapixel count doesn’t mean a better image or video. So much of the result is reliant on Google’s computational photography processing, so be sure to check our full reviews for detailed analysis and camera samples.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Battery life and charging
In general, Pixel phones have relatively consistent battery capacities, but there is some variation. A battery of 5000mAh or more should ensure all-day battery life, but anything smaller than that may struggle – check out our full reviews if you have concerns.
Unfortunately, Pixel phones are known for their slow charging, with 37W on the Pixel 9 Pro XL the best you’ll get currently. And with no chargers included in the box, you’ll need to supply your own or opt for even slower wireless charging, which isn’t present on all models.
Software
The software experience on Pixel phones is one of its key strengths, with a so-called ‘stock’ Android experience that’s easy to use and full of features. However, it’s worth noting that not all of Google’s AI features are available across all models, so check to make sure if that’s important to you.
While all the phones in this article are still receiving software updates from Google, the length of this varies significantly. Recent models benefit from Google’s class-leading seven years of operating system and security updates, while for others, Android 16 will be their last major version.
We wouldn’t recommend using a Pixel phone (or any phone, for that matter) once it’s no longer supported, as it represents a big security risk. If your device gets a bug or is infected with malware, Google won’t patch it.
Google Pixel phone FAQ
What is the best Google Pixel phone?
For most people, the best Google Pixel phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
It offers the most complete performance, display, camera and software experience of any Pixel phone, while still ensuring strong battery life.
What is the best cheap Google Pixel phone?
The best cheap Google Pixel phone is the Pixel 9a.
It offers all of the fundamentals of the flagship Pixel 9 series in a much more affordable device, and offers strong battery life within a compact, premium design.
Are Google Pixel phones good?
Yes. While it varies by device, Google Pixel phones are among the best on the market.
They’re known for combining premium hardware (including strong cameras, great displays and solid battery life) with intuitive software and long support.
Like all phones, they have some weaknesses, with relatively slow charging affecting all models. Read our full reviews for details of the specific strengths and weaknesses of individual devices.
Are Google Pixel phones better than Samsung?
That all depends on what you’re looking for. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones both run Android, but that’s about where the similarities end.
For many people, Pixels have the upper hand when it comes to software. Unlike One UI on Galaxy phones, it’s free from bloatware, which is especially useful if you primarily use Google apps such as Gmail, Photos, Chrome and Calendar. Samsung has its own version of these and many more, some of which can’t be removed.
Another plus for Pixel is prompt updates – provided it’s still supported, your Pixel phone will get the next major version of Android within days of it being released. By contrast, the equivalent version of One UI often takes several months to fully roll out.
But which design you prefer will come down to personal preference, and both have a similar suite of AI features, including Google Gemini integration.
However, if you’re looking for a budget phone, Samsung is your only real option. Its Galaxy A series includes some of the best cheap handsets you can buy. It’s also the only one of the two with a folding flip phone, the latest of which being the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Flagship performance is also slightly better on Samsung phones, with the current Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset outperforming Google’s Tensor G4 in most tests. And charging speeds are typically higher, though there often isn’t much in it.
Everything else, including cameras, displays, build quality and battery life, varies considerably between models.
What are the disadvantages of Google Pixel phones?
However, like all smartphones, Pixel devices have their weaknesses.
In general, there are two main areas where Pixel phones often fall behind the competition.
The first is charging speeds, which are well below the industry standard. The fastest in the current range the Pixel 9 Pro XL, is limited to 37W, and even that relies on you buying an accessory that’s sold separately. Many charge significantly slower.
The other one is performance. Google’s latest Tensor G4 chipset still delivers strong performance, but it’s a step down from Qualcomm and MediaTek flagships in the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400, respectively.
One upside is that the mid-range Pixel 9a also benefits from the performance of the Tensor G4, making it very competitive.
Of course, there are other disadvantages, but these vary between models. Check above or read our full reviews for detail on specific devices.
Which Google Pixel phone is the newest?
The newest Pixel phone is the Pixel 9a. It launched on 19 March 2025, before being released on 10 April 2025 in the UK and US.
What is the Google Pixel A series?
The Pixel A series is the collective name for Google’s mid-range phones, which offer an alternative to the flagship series.
The first model was the Pixel 3a in 2019, which was significantly more affordable than the Pixel 3 that launched a few months earlier.
It continues in 2025, with the Pixel 9a, a cheaper version of the regular Pixel 9, which itself costs less than the 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold.
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