Choosing the best Google Pixel phone in 2024 is a rather straightforward affair. While you can find older Pixels around, we've focussed this list on the latest of Google's suite of smartphones as they come with the best hardware and software the search giant has to offer.
There are only four models on this list but they are some of the best Android phones and make up some of the best phones you can buy right now. You'll find a high-end flagship Pixel phone, a Pixel for people who don't want to go 'pro', a foldable Pixel and a budget Pixel a-series phone that offers a lot of features for not a huge amount of money.
So to find out which models make up the best Google Pixel phones right now, and which could be most suitable for you, read on.
Best Pixel phones 2024
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Starting things with an excellent all-rounder, the Pixel 8 Pro is inarguably Google's best Pixel yet and paves the way for where the company thinks the smartphone is headed; especially with regards to its camera; even if that vision gets a little cloudy sometimes.
It boasts a great screen that's bigger and brighter than similarly-priced rivals, and Machine Learning boosts the phone's photographic capabilities to stand among the best in the business. Some of the newest AI-enhanced functionality feels a little disingenuous and in places creepy, but it also makes for a unique proposition that plays to Google's strengths.
The promise of seven years of updates is also an amazing inclusion that trumps practically everything else the market has to offer, granting the phone superb value and longevity, as a result; not to mention plenty of time for Google to iron out the kinks we did encounter during review.
Read our full Google Pixel 8 Pro review
Sure, it's not the cheapest Pixel you'll find in this guide, but the latest Pixel 8 offers great value for money by pairing Google's latest Tensor chipset with its newest AI-based imaging and processing smarts, all wrapped up in an attractive package.
Google has finally taken its non-XL/Pro Pixel past 90Hz with the 'Actua' OLED display on the Pixel 8, while its proportions paired with a new, more-rounded design compared to the Pixel 7 series offers a refreshed aesthetic with better ergonomics.
You still only have a pair of cameras on the back – compared to the Pixel 8 Pro's trio – but they demonstrate impressive versatility in their own right and even decent hybrid zoom at up to 8x. Google's Magic Editor and Audio Eraser perhaps push photo and video capture past what the phone is actually capable of capturing, which can making shooting on either new Pixel feel a little disingenuous, but they're impressive additions regardless.
Like the Pro, the Pixel 8 also enjoys an outstanding seven years of software updates, making this impressively-priced affordable flagship even better value.
Read our full Google Pixel 8 review
The Google Pixel Fold arrives a little late to the foldable party, but it's a smartphone/tablet combo that we've found is a pleasure to use.
From its construction – including its precision hinge – to its high-resolution screens, the Pixel Fold is a well-thought-out Android device that's equally at home as a small-screen (but thick) 5.8-inch phone or, unfolded, as a 7.6-inch mini tablet. It does have quite the bezel, especially compared to Samsung. Oh, and there's also a crease down the middle, another foldable foible. Not to worry, when you start using these devices, the bezels quickly fade into the background, such that you won't notice.
Google's own Pixel software is sleeker than Samsung's stuffed One UI skin, but apps generally look better on Samsung's most recent foldables. It's a deliberate choice from Google to force Android apps to natively support foldables, but it's a tough experience for users in the intervening period.
It is also quite expensive at $1,799 / £1,749. You're essentially gambling on the chance of two premium devices in two different form factors in one here, at a cost that surpasses buying two premium devices separately. Appreciating that book-style foldables are a magical experience on their own for those who swear by them, it's understandable if that's a hard sell for many people.
Read our full Google Pixel Fold review
At first glance you'd be forgiven for shrugging at the Google Pixel 8a as but a minor step on from the Pixel 7a. But dig a little deeper and you'll soon understand why the Pixel 8a is one of our picks for the best cheap phone.
Not only does it continue on with the eye-catching design of the previous two generation of Pixel phones, with that rectangular camera bar, the Pixel 8a offers a suite of slick colors and access to the Tensor G3 chip; that's the same slice of silicon as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This gives the Pixel 8a access to a whole load of smart AI-powered features, from the ability to smartly wait on calls for you, to using generative AI to completely rework a photograph. There's even the Google Gamini AI baked into the Gmail app, which can use smart processing to compose emails for you.
Add in a pair of solid rear cameras, complete with Google's excellent image processing, and you've got a rather smart smartphone for a compelling price. Plus seven years of Android updates should keep the Pixel 8a ticking along for the best part of a decade; how long it'll last in terms of battery health has yet to be seen.
Speaking of which, battery life isn't exactly stellar, and the Tensor G3 isn't a powerhouse like phones with Snapdragon chips. But as an overall package at a budget price, the Pixel 8a is hard to beat.
Read our full Google Pixel 8a review
FAQs
What is the best Pixel phone in 2024?
If you want the very best Pixel phone at the time of writing, then the Pixel 8 Pro with is trio of rear cameras, large display and smart features is hard to beat. The Pixel 8 is a solid choice if you can do without a telephoto camera. And the Pixel 8a is a great budget phone with a lot of AI features; arguably it's a better purchase than the standard Pixel 8. For people flirting with the foldable phones, then the Pixel Fold is a good start for Google's foray into foldables, but it won't be suitable for everyone.
How to choose the best Pixel phone for you
The simple answer to this is how much do you want to spend? The Pixel 8 Pro is a great flagship phone with a host of features and impressive specs, but it's the priciest of the Pixels. Drop down to the Pixel 8 and you'll save a decent chunk of cash but lose access to a larger display and telephoto camera; some may find that to be a fine compromise.
Those on a budget should consider the Pixel 8a, as it has a good amount of what its flagship siblings can offer, but at a price that's much easier to digest. We'd recommend it to anyone keen to try out their first Pixel phone.
The Pixel Fold is worth considering if you want a foldable phone that's reasonably compact and comes with Google's idealized take on Android. But foldable phones aren't for everyone.
All these Pixel phones offer descent performance, great cameras and a load of smart features, but they don't always win when it comes to battery life. However, we'd argue you can't really go wrong with any of the above Pixel phones.
How we test
We've thoroughly reviewed every Pixel phone on this list, from using benchmarks to day-to-day use, so you can rest assured that we've assembled this list from a position of authority and experience.
When we test these phones, we don't just rely on benchmarks, but rather lean on our real-world experience of the devices. That way we can get a clear feel for how they perform across the days and weeks of one's life; be that using the phones as our main smartphone or in tandem with a comparable phone.
This will see us do eveyhting from causal web browsing and emails, to gaming and watching movies on the phones, stretching even to some content creation. And naturally we'll dig into any special features, especially AI-centric ones to see if they live up to the hype.
In general, the main focus areas of our reviews are on the phone's design, display, cameras, performance, software and battery life, but we'll also take into account price and longevity when we come to our final verdict.
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