Google’s Pixel phones have long been some of the best Android devices on the market, and for good reason. With top-notch cameras, quick software and security updates directly from Google, and competitive pricing, they’ve been a favorite among tech enthusiasts for years. But with multiple models to choose from, finding the right one for your needs can be a challenge. Should you go for the Pixel 8A, the Pixel 9, or splurge on the premium Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
No worries—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the top Pixel models, along with tips for getting the most out of your new phone and recommendations for cases and accessories we’ve tested.
Updated November 2024: This guide now includes the latest details from the Pixel Feature Drop.
The Best Pixel for Most People
For most users, the Google Pixel 8A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the perfect choice. It’s stylish—especially in the translucent Aloe green color—and the matte finish on the back makes it comfortable to hold. Its 6.1-inch screen strikes a balance between compactness and usability, making it a great fit for nearly anyone.
The OLED display is impressive, with brightness reaching up to 2,000 nits, which makes it easy to use even in bright sunlight. Compared to the Pixel 7A, it’s a significant upgrade, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz that ensures smooth animations and interactions. Google has also incorporated more recycled materials into the design and extended software support to seven years—unmatched for an Android phone under $500. Biometric security is robust, offering both fingerprint and face unlock options.
Under the hood, the Pixel 8A runs on Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, the same as in the flagship Pixel 8 series. This ensures excellent performance for daily tasks and casual gaming, while also enabling innovative software features like Audio Magic Eraser to remove unwanted sounds from videos and Best Take, which lets you swap faces in group photos for the perfect shot.
When it comes to photography, the Pixel 8A doesn’t disappoint. Its 64-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide lens deliver some of the best photos you’ll find at this price point. Night Sight captures stunning low-light shots, while Portrait mode adds professional-looking background blur. However, Real Tone—Google’s feature for accurate skin tones—wasn’t as consistent as in previous Pixels, and selfies suffer slightly due to the fixed-focus front camera.
The phone also offers wireless charging, an IP67 water-resistance rating, and the option to upgrade to a 256-GB storage model (though only in obsidian). The main drawback? Battery life. While the 4,492-mAh battery lasts a full day with moderate use, heavier usage will likely require a mid-day recharge.
Works with all major US carriers.
Best Pixel Upgrade
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (9/10, WIRED Recommends) represent a significant leap from the Pixel 8A, solidly positioning themselves in the flagship category. These models bring a host of improvements: enhanced features, superior build quality, additional cameras, and upgraded specs. For the first time, the Pro series offers two size options, and both models share identical features aside from differences in screen size and battery capacity. My personal favorite is the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro, which packs all the Pro features into a compact design. If you prefer a larger screen, the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers an excellent big-screen experience.
Hardware Highlights
Both models come with LTPO displays, allowing refresh rates from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, which boosts power efficiency. These are the brightest OLED screens ever seen on a Pixel, performing exceptionally well even under direct sunlight. The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports faster charging, reaching about 70% in 30 minutes, compared to 55% on the standard Pixel 9 Pro. The XL also features a larger 5,060-mAh battery, offering slightly better endurance at the end of the day. While neither phone lasts two full days with heavy usage, both reliably provide a full day’s worth of battery life.
Google has upgraded the fingerprint sensor to a more reliable ultrasonic scanner, while maintaining secure face unlock. Additionally, there’s DisplayPort support, enabling screen mirroring on external displays. Wireless charging is still available, though Google hasn’t adopted the Qi2 standard yet, which would enable magnetic charging.
Enhanced Cooling System
A major distinction is the vapor chamber cooling system in the Pro models. This feature, common in high-end smartphones, prevents overheating and ensures the Tensor G4 processor maintains peak performance. After two hours of gaming on the Pixel 9 Pro XL with max graphics settings, the device remained only slightly warm, with minimal stuttering. In contrast, the base Pixel 9, lacking this cooling system, overheated and experienced noticeable lag. If you’re into gaming or have struggled with overheating on previous Pixels, the Pro models are worth the investment.
Camera Excellence
The Pixel 9 Pro cameras are a standout feature, featuring a 50-MP main camera, 48-MP ultrawide, and 48-MP 5X telephoto zoom, alongside an upgraded 42-MP selfie camera for sharper images. Google’s refined image-processing algorithms, including Real Tone for accurate skin tones, make these cameras competitive with the best in the market.
The AI-powered tools steal the show, though. Features like Add Me create group photos from individual shots, Auto Frame adjusts composition by generating additional areas of a photo, and Reimagine transforms daylight shots into nighttime scenes or other dramatic edits.
Smart AI Features
Google introduces several new AI-driven tools, such as:
- Pixel Screenshots: Quickly search through thousands of screenshots.
- Pixel Studio: Design custom invitations with stickers and AI-generated images.
- Gemini Live: Engage in real-time natural conversations through an AI chatbot integrated into Google Search.
These features, while not groundbreaking, add convenience to everyday tasks, though some may question the necessity of AI in every app.
Longevity and Compatibility
Google promises seven years of software support, outpacing most Android competitors, including Samsung. This extended support makes the Pixel 9 series an excellent long-term investment. If you’re planning to keep your phone for years, consider checking out recommended cases to protect your device.
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL work seamlessly across all three major US carriers, solidifying their place as top-tier Android smartphones.
The Awkward Middle
The Pixel 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an impressive phone but occupies an uneasy position within Google’s lineup. While it stands apart from the Pixel 8A in design, the differences in performance and features don’t justify the significant price gap. Battery life is slightly better, the display is marginally brighter, and charging is a bit faster—though these improvements are minor. Plus, many of the Pixel 9’s smart software features will likely trickle down to the Pixel 8A through future updates.
The most notable upgrades are in the camera system. The 50-MP main camera and 48-MP ultrawide lens provide sharper, crisper images, while the new 10.5-MP selfie camera with autofocus delivers noticeably improved results. Performance sees a modest boost with the Tensor G4 processor and 12 GB of RAM, but in everyday use, you may not notice a drastic change.
However, the absence of the 5X optical zoom camera and the vapor cooling system found in the Pixel 9 Pro models makes the Pixel 9 harder to recommend for power users. If you’re looking to save money, the Pixel 8A offers excellent value. But if you want the latest software features right away and more polished hardware, the Pixel 9 is a solid choice.
Works seamlessly with all three major US carriers.
A Folding Pixel
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold may have earned a modest 6/10 (WIRED Recommends) score, but that’s mainly because at its $1,800 price tag, it falls short of surpassing the $999 Pixel 9 Pro in all areas. For example, photos taken with the telephoto and ultrawide cameras lack sharpness in low light compared to the more affordable flagship. If you’re spending nearly double, shouldn’t it outperform in every way?
That said, this is still the best book-style folding phone on the market right now—though competitors like Honor are closing the gap outside the US. One standout feature is its 6.3-inch front screen, which feels almost identical to the Pixel 9 Pro. It’s also thinner and lighter than its predecessor, making it much more practical to use when folded (which you’ll likely do 80% of the time).
A Big Screen Experience
Unfold the phone, and you’re greeted by a spacious 8-inch OLED display, reminiscent of a smaller iPad Mini. It’s perfect for multitasking with split-screen apps, watching videos, or gaming. Some apps may require adjusting aspect ratios to avoid cropped content, but this is an easy fix in the settings.
Battery and Charging
Battery life holds up well, offering a full day of average use with about 30% left by evening. However, wireless charging can be a hassle. It doesn’t work with the discontinued Pixel Stand Gen 2 or many other wireless chargers, likely due to coil misalignment. Your safest option is a wireless charging pad.
Features for the Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes all the software features of the Pixel 9 series, plus some fold-specific extras. For example, Made You Look displays an animation on the front screen to grab a child’s attention for photos. On Google Meet calls, the device utilizes all screens, allowing everyone around you to view the person you’re speaking with—using multiple cameras for better angles.
Is It Worth It?
At $1,799, it’s hard to justify the cost for most people. But if you have the budget and are a fan of folding phones combined with Google’s smart software and camera capabilities, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the top choices available.
Works seamlessly on all three major US carriers.
How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?
The Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 8A are guaranteed seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. In contrast, the 2023 Pixel 7A and older models receive three years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches. Google provides a support page where you can check the exact month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates.
Security updates are essential for reducing malware risks, fixing bugs, and enhancing device security. OS updates bring new features—both functional and cosmetic—that improve the Android experience overall.
One advantage of Pixel phones is their priority access to Android updates. For example, when Google releases a new version like Android 15, Pixel owners can download it immediately via Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. You can even test beta versions by enrolling your device (just remember to back up your data first). Additionally, Pixel phones receive regular feature drops, bringing new functionality to both the latest and older models.
How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?
The Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 8A are guaranteed seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. In contrast, the 2023 Pixel 7A and older models receive three years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches. Google provides a support page where you can check the exact month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates.
Security updates are essential for reducing malware risks, fixing bugs, and enhancing device security. OS updates bring new features—both functional and cosmetic—that improve the Android experience overall.
One advantage of Pixel phones is their priority access to Android updates. For example, when Google releases a new version like Android 15, Pixel owners can download it immediately via Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. You can even test beta versions by enrolling your device (just remember to back up your data first). Additionally, Pixel phones receive regular feature drops, bringing new functionality to both the latest and older models.
What About Older Pixels?
If the latest Pixels aren’t for you, some older models are still worth considering:
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends): Available through official channels and retailers while supplies last. However, avoid paying more than $500 for the Pixel 8 or $700 for the Pixel 8 Pro. At higher prices, you might as well invest in the Pixel 9 series.
- Pixel 7A (2023) (8/10, WIRED Recommends): Frequently priced as low as $249, this is a solid budget choice. However, retailers often raise the price back to MSRP, so avoid paying over $350. During sales, compare its price with the Pixel 8A, as the latter might offer better value if the difference is small.
- Pixel 6A, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends): These models can still be found at third-party retailers like Amazon. However, they’re starting to feel dated, and paying full MSRP isn’t worthwhile. Only consider them if they’re deeply discounted or free.
It’s best to steer clear of anything older than the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 5 no longer receives updates, and the Pixel 6 will stop receiving Android upgrades after July 2025. Sales on newer Pixels are frequent, and the price gap is often minimal, making them a better investment.
