Google Pixel devices have changed over the years, with the company trying multiple designs and price points with varying degrees of success. However, Google has maintained the current design since the Pixel 6, with the Pixel 8 Pro resulting from years of refinement. It’s a unique-looking device with a raised camera visor on the rear, and if you’re a fan of Pixels, you’ve grown to love it.
Even still, the Pixel series is not just about aesthetics. It brings along one of the best camera systems on the market, a clean version of Android, and a host of other smaller additions that add up to an excellent overall experience. The release of the Pixel 6a incorporated a flagship processor, excellent camera abilities, and fantastic build quality with a lower overall price point. It reset expectations for the budget market and quickly became the best budget Android device.
Google has a Pixel device at just about every price point, with each offering excellent value, camera ability, and performance. The devices on this list are all available to purchase brand new today, but some are better buys than others. Let’s navigate through the sea of Pixels to decide which is the best option (and value) for you.
The best Google Pixel devices today
Google Pixel 8 Pro
A Pixel that does it all — for a price
The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s premier flagship product. It comes with a large display that is beautiful to look at, a triple camera setup, and the same great seven years of software support. The caveat is, to get all of these great features, you are going to have to spend a thousand dollars or more.
- Large, bright display
- Excellent camera versatility
- Seven years of software support
- A bit pricey
- Gets a bit warm
If you want the best Google offers, the Pixel 8 Pro is your phone. It’s powered by the Tensor G3 chipset with 12GB of RAM, which is more than enough power and performance for your daily needs. It also features a 48MP telephoto camera, giving the 8 Pro a level of camera versatility that the non-pro version can’t match, including the ability to zoom up to 5x optically and hit 30x with Super Res Zoom.
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: Living up to its name
If you want to see the future of Google, the Pixel 8 Pro is the phone to buy
In addition, the 8 Pro was slightly redesigned this year. Google eliminated the curved display, instead opting for a flat 6.7-inch display. The 120Hz display is plenty bright and beautiful to use daily. It also gets the same fantastic seven years of software support as its smaller sibling. Like the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro saw a price increase this year, making it a thousand-dollar device perfect for those needing a telephoto lens and a large screen.
Google Pixel 8
Premium features in a small package
The Google Pixel 8 is hands down the best device for those who want a flagship product but don’t want to spend a thousand dollars to get one. The Pixel 8 is an amazing device that is incredibly close in performance and features to its more expensive sibling, the Pixel 8 Pro. Its smaller size is also fantastic for those who prefer smaller devices.
- Takes amazing photos
- Snappy overall performance
- Seven years of software updates
- Can get warm when gaming
- More expensive than previous generations
- No telephoto lens
If you’re looking to save a few dollars, the Google Pixel 8 offers much of the functionality and features of its bigger brother for about $300 less. It’s powered by the same Tensor G3 and sports Google’s Super Actua display, providing a great viewing experience in any lighting.
The Tensor G3 chipset may not burn through the various benchmarks, but it is more than capable of providing a snappy experience. The new camera sensor utilizes a 50MP main lens and a 48MP ultrawide lens that takes some great shots. Daytime photos are stunning, but the new sensor really excels as the lights begin to dim. Google even extended its software support with seven years of Android and security updates. The Pixel 8 isn’t for everyone, though. It lacks a telephoto lens, and its 6.2-inch display may be too small for some people.
Google Pixel 8 review: The Pixel for the masses
The Pixel 8 doesn’t need every feature the 8 Pro offers, it’s packing more than enough
Unfortunately, the Pixel 8 won’t receive Gemini Nano, Google’s AI model, so features like Summerize and Video Boost will be restricted to the Pixel 8 Pro. You’ll still get seven years of software updates but understand that higher-end AI functionality will be reserved for more expensive Pixels. If you’re comfortable with a little less AI on your device, the Pixel 8 is still an excellent value for those looking for flagship features at a mid-range price.
Google Pixel 7a
A flagship experience for a midrange price
The Google Pixel 7a offers so many flagship-level features that, amazingly, it retails for only $500. It’s a shame that it went up by $100 compared to the 6a, but the improvements to the display and camera lenses more than justify the cost.
- Has a 90Hz display
- Fantastic image quality
- Amazing value
- Average battery life
- Most expensive A-series Pixel yet
Google’s A-series of devices are very tough to beat from a value standpoint. The Pixel 7a offers flagship-level performance and robust features at a midrange price. It utilizes Google’s Tensor G2 chipset and 8GB of RAM, which gives it plenty of power to get you through your day. Like all Pixel devices, it also provides brilliant photo capabilities, and it has a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide lens. While the camera may not be as capable as the Pixel 8 series, it’s still one of the best Android camera phones currently on the market.
Google Pixel 7a review: If déjà vu were a smartphone
This year’s A-series is more like its flagship counterpart than ever before — for better and for worse
To get the price down, Google had to cut a few corners. To start, the ultrawide camera is only 13MP, and the 6.1-inch OLED display tops out at 90Hz. It also replaced the glass back with a plastic one. Still, the Pixel 7a has great build quality, and the 90Hz display feels pretty smooth when scrolling around.
Google Pixel Fold
The only foldable Pixel
If you love foldable phones and want all the benefits of having a Pixel device, then look no further than the Google Pixel Fold. As the only foldable device in Google’s stable, this tablet-sized device does a lot right but suffers from some first-generation quirks.
- Good camera system
- Great outer camera
- Inner display doesn’t hold up against the competition
- Questionable durability
If you love the idea of having a Pixel phone that can double as a tablet, the Google Pixel Fold is your default choice on this list. Powered by a Tensor G2 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Fold can easily power you through a typical day. It has a beautiful outer 5.8-inch display; however, the Fold is let down a bit by its lackluster 7.6-inch inner display. At 0.5 inches thick, the Pixel Fold is one of the thinnest foldable phones on the market, but it’s hefty at 283g.
Google Pixel Fold review: An $1,800 rough draft
Google’s first foldable fails to live up to its full potential
If you aren’t in desperate need of a foldable device, you may be better off skipping this for a different Pixel device. While the camera is good, it doesn’t quite keep up with a device like the Pixel 8 Pro and feels very first generation. To cap it all off, this device costs a whopping $1800. This one is best left to the diehard foldable aficionados.
Google Pixel 6a
A budget shopper’s dream
The Google Pixel 6a reinvented the Pixel A-series when it launched. Google flipped the script by utilizing its previously tried and true camera sensor and incorporating its then flagship Tensor chipset in this budget device. There are a few shortcomings, but at its current price, it’s an absolute steal.
- Great image quality
- Decent performance from the Tensor chipset
- Amazing price
- Cellular signal can be a bit spotty
- No wireless charging
- 60Hz display
The Google Pixel 6a is for those individuals looking for the ultimate budget device. The Pixel 6a utilizes the original Tensor chipset and 6GB of RAM for a fluid and snappy experience. Google decided to stick with its tried-and-true camera setup from earlier Pixel generations, and thanks to its imaging prowess and the Tensor chipset, the Pixel 6a is capable of getting fantastic images. Like the Pixel 7a, Google went with a plastic back, but the build quality is still top-notch.
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Google Pixel 6a review: Regression is the better part of value
Easily one of the best value phones you can get, if you’re willing to pay the Pixel toll
The Pixel 6a still has a lot to offer, but it is getting harder to find. If you can pick one up for under $250, you’re in for a pleasant surprise, as the Pixel 6a performs well. Yes, the screen tops out at 60Hz, and the camera system has been around forever, but the overall package is quite good. If you are in the market for a device that runs less than $300, the Pixel 6a is an absolute steal. Unless, of course, the Pixel 7a happens to be on sale for a similar price.
Google Pixel 7
A great device if you find it on sale
The Pixel 7 was a great device when it launched in 2022, and it’s still a great device for those who already own it. Unfortunately for the 7 series, multiple Pixel devices have launched since and are a better alternative than the Pixel 7.
- Snappy performance
- Great camera system
- Great build quality
- The Pixel 7a is almost identical for less
- Phone gets hot during heavy usage
- Battery life is alright
The Google Pixel 7 was and still is a great device. Its combination of performance and features was almost unheard of for $600 when it started hitting the shelves in 2022. The phone had a flagship Tensor G2 chipset, a camera system that still ranks as one of the best on the market, a 90Hz display, and fantastic build quality.
Google Pixel 7 review: The most refined Pixel yet
The Pixel 7 stays true to Google’s new design language
Unfortunately for the Pixel 7, it doesn’t live in a bubble. Google has released various devices since the launch of the Pixel 7, which makes picking one up a bit of a head-scratcher. In comparison, the Pixel 7a is less expensive but offers an identical feature set — including the chipset, RAM, camera setup, and build quality — for $100 less. Then there is the Pixel 8, a device that has an improved camera system, a stronger processor, and a better display for $100 more. Unless you can find the Pixel 7 at a steep discount, it’s probably safe to choose one of the other Pixel devices.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Cheapest Pixel with a telephoto lens
The Pixel 7 Pro was Google’s flagship product in 2022. It came with a triple camera setup, great performance, and a beautiful display. Google did make some gaffes with the 7 Pro, namely the use of a curved display, but overall, the device was fantastic.
- Snappy performance
- Great camera system
- Clean and fluid Pixel UI
- Tensor G2 can get hot when pushed
- Curved display isn’t for everyone
- Battery life is a bit hit-or-miss
Much like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7 Pro sits in a difficult position. On the one hand, the Tensor G2 chipset and 12GB of RAM are more than for day-to-day usage. In addition, the camera setup includes a telephoto lens for enhanced photo capabilities, and it can take some stunning photos. The 6.7-inch LTPO display is beautiful and fluid as well.
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Some small design changes are welcome, but Google’s usual bag of AI-powered tricks are the real treat
Unless you can get the Pixel 7 Pro for a great deal, it’s hard to recommend. The 8 Pro gets you a newer chipset, a flat display, a new camera setup, and four additional years of Android updates. The Pixel 7 Pro is still a great device, with years of software support left, but it only makes sense at the right price point.
The best Pixel is the one that fits your needs
There are a lot of similarities between all of these Pixel devices, but each one brings something unique to the table. What you will get from any of these devices is great performance from a Tensor chipset, plenty of RAM, and a great camera system.
Despite the higher price, the Pixel 8 Pro is the best choice for most Pixel fans. It offers fantastic performance, Gemini Nano features, and a versatile camera system. When you add in its sleek design and seven years of software support, the 8 Pro becomes a hard device to beat.
If you want to save a few dollars, the Pixel 8 is a great alternative. You still get a Tensor G3-powered device with a gorgeous Super Actua display. Despite not having all of the AI features, the Pixel 8 will still get seven years of software support, ensuring your device will run smoothly for years.
If you are looking to spend a bit less, the Pixel 7a is very similar to the Pixel 8, but for $200 less. If you can find a good deal, you can save even more. However, there are some tradeoffs, namely losing the newer chipset, a less fluid display, and three fewer years of Android updates. What you do get is a great overall performer that takes top-of-the-line photos. No matter which Pixel device you choose, there is one that covers your specific needs.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
All the features for all the money
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the company’s latest flagship, boasting a new Tensor G3 chip, a brighter screen, and a new camera array capable of capturing even more light. As usual, the real power lies in Google’s Tensor chip, which offers even more photo enhancement and image editing features.
