The Best Google Pixel Phones 2025
The very first Pixel handset launched back in 2016, and since then we’ve seen several generations of impressive smartphone tech from Google. Designed to offer amazing camera specs, long-lasting batteries and a seamless, easy-to-navigate Android experience, these devices have a lot to offer, but which one is right for you?
We’re here to help you discover the best Google Pixel phone for your needs, be it fast performance or a superb camera when you’re on-the-go.
You’ll find the below handsets, along with plenty more, within our diverse Pixel phone collection.
Best overall Google Pixel phone
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
At a glance:
• 6.75” OLED Display
• Tensor G4 Processor
• Pixel Screenshots
• Gemini AI Assistant
Google brought back the ‘XL’ model to its flagship Pixel range with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. A formidable titan with processing power and features to match, this handset gets our pick for the best Google Pixel phone.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is not only 10mm taller and 5mm wider than the other handsets in the range, but is noticeably heavier as well at 221g. It’s testament to Google’s craft that, despite this weight increase, the Pixel 9 Pro XL still feels fantastic to hold.
This isn’t the only physical change that makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL stand out from the crowd. The enhanced 6.75” OLED display comes as a result of the larger body, boasting spectacular visuals with vibrant colours and incredible clarity. Its detailed resolution, at 1344 x 2992, means the Pixel 9 Pro XL is perfect for playing games and watching videos on the highest graphic settings.
The Tensor G4 processor is integral to the high performance of this handset, combining with 16GB RAM for ultra-smooth results. What's more, the Tensor G4 chipset is also the powerhouse behind several features including Pixel Screenshots, which accesses your screenshot library as a source of browsing information.
AI is transformative for smartphones, and Google were not planning on being left behind. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Gemini, which acts as a virtual assistant to help users draft emails, texts and much more. It’s seamlessly integrated into the handset for ease of use, requiring few steps to activate.
We can’t fail to mention the impeccable camera quality on offer here, with a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto alongside detailed editing capabilities. If you’re looking for a handset that is at the peak of what premium can provide, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a must-have.
Best Pixel phone for AI
Google Pixel 9 Pro
At a glance:
• Reworked camera bar
• Tensor G4 Processor
• Gemini AI Assistant
• 50MP, 48MP and 48MP triple camera array
If you’re not a fan of larger smartphones but are enticed by AI features nonetheless, the Google Pixel 9 Pro might be more up your street.
When we reviewed the Pixel 9 Pro, a significant design change caught our attention and impressed us from the jump. Google reworked the camera bar to include a rounded box that houses the phone’s cameras, creating a beautiful visual centrepiece that makes this handset unique amongst the wider Pixel collection.
AI is at the core of the Pixel 9 Pro, with Gemini integrated throughout to replace Google Assistant. It’s designed to improve efficiency and help you perform tasks at ease, learning from your phone habits over time and adapting to help where you need it most. Like on all the Pixel 9 models, the Pixel 9 Pro executes these features brilliantly.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro also possesses a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto camera lens, which work together to deliver stunning images. This handset is particularly adept at shooting long-distance photos at a high level of detail, making it a great choice if you plan on travelling and seeing the sights.
Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro is our top AI recommendation because of how it balances these features with a more approachable price point. Whilst the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also an excellent choice, this phone serves as a great way to experiment with AI on-the-go, especially if it’s your first time doing so.
Best mid-range Pixel phone
Google Pixel 9
At a glance:
• IP68 resistant
• 6.3” OLED Display
• Tensor G4 Processor
• Gemini AI Assistant
When it comes to mid-range smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 ticks all the boxes; it’s sleek, stylish and performs exceptionally well.
It has retained the core design of its predecessors, with rounded corners and a glass back, while changing to a raised, oval camera bar like on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9’s damage-resistant glass and IP68 ingress protection keep it durable for everyday use.
Although only a small change to this handset, the move from a 6.2” to 6.3” OLED display led to a significant upgrade in image quality. Paired with a 1080 x 2424 resolution, the Pixel 9 is a stunning handset for those wanting to stream videos or play games.
As with the premium handsets in this range, the Pixel 9 comes with Gemini, powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. Features such as Circle to Search and AI-generated wallpapers are extremely handy tools for improving your daily productivity.
If you don’t want or need the larger screen of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, or the enhanced cameras of the Pixel 9 Pro, the base Pixel 9 model has everything you need.
Best budget Pixel phone
Google Pixel 8a
At a glance:
• Tensor G3 processor
• 64MP Dual Camera
• 6.1” FHD+ Display
• Circle to Search
• Android 14
Our Google Pixel 8a review showcased its impressive AI features and display, and it remains our top budget recommendation.
One of its most exciting upgrades was the jump to a super-smooth 120Hz display. This makes scrolling and browsing feel noticeably faster compared to older phones such as the Pixel 7a, which itself had a max refresh rate of 90Hz. Even better, the Pixel 8a pairs this performance with a Full HD+ screen, keeping the cost down while still delivering excellent visuals.
The Pixel 8a originally launched with Google AI as its primary AI functionality, but it was later updated to also include Google Gemini Nano. This is a lightweight version of Gemini that focuses on a select number of features, such as Summarise for transcribing conversations, while cutting out others. It might not possess the advanced tools of other Gemini versions, but Nano still represents a significant upgrade when it comes to productivity.
There are many budget phone options to choose from, but the Pixel 8a rises to the challenge. With Android 14 also included and offering features like Best Take and Magic Editor, too, it ultimately offers exceptional value.
Best foldable Pixel phone
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
At a glance:
• Steel hinge
• 6.2” folded and 8” unfolded OLED displays
• Tensor G4 Processor
• Gemini AI Assistant
• Android 14
Foldable smartphones offer a unique, alternative experience compared to traditional handsets, and Google really hit the nail on the head with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It improves on its predecessor in many ways, with each update coming together to form one of the best foldable devices on the market.
The Pixel 9 Fold executes the vision of the foldable phone incredibly well, with a sleek and slender design that’s pocket-friendly. The steel hinge, alongside a scratch-resistant display, are integral to the durability of this handset and can withstand rigorous use throughout the day.
Display quality here is also superb on both screens, with a 6.2” OLED display in smartphone mode and an 8” display in its tablet form. The ability to increase the screen size at will makes this a great phone for entertainment, with gaming and watching films becoming far more immersive.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with Gemini AI Assistant under the hood, too. Using Gemini in tablet mode is particularly satisfying, the extra screen size providing far more room for note-taking. Artificial intelligence also significantly scales the camera editing capabilities of the Pixel 9 Fold. The Magic Editor feature uses AI to crop, frame and add elements to images, or you can utilise Add Me to ensure the photo taker is included in the final shot.
All in all, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold rightfully takes the foldable phone crown and is a must-have for anyone wanting this style of handset.
Best previous gen Pixel phone
Google Pixel 8 Pro
At a glance:
• Powerful camera array
• 6.7” Super Actua OLED display
• Tensor G3 processor
• Thermometer sensor
If there’s one previous generation Pixel phone that comes out on top, it’s the Pixel 8 Pro. It does so with a potent combination of AI-powered features and a superb camera array that set the bar for many other Pixel phones to come.
All-round performance on the Pixel 8 Pro very much lives up to its ‘Pro’ title. With the Google Tensor G3 processor at its heart, it remains one of the smartest phones on the market; let Gemini translate a page for you or transcribe notes while in a meeting.
The Tensor G3 chip isn’t just all brains either, with increases to memory bandwidth boosting performance when switching apps or gaming. From the 6.7” Super Actua OLED display, you can enjoy crisp and clear images in even the brightest lighting conditions.
On the photography front, the Pixel 8 Pro is still one of the best options you can buy. It comes equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens and a 48MP telephoto camera, which on their own are capable of capturing stunning photos from a wide range of angles. Add support for Ultra HDR into the mix and you end up with stunning true-to-life images, bursting with colour and detail.
What we have here is the real deal, still one of the finest handsets the Pixel series has to offer. Gamer or photographer, traveller or homebird, the Pixel 8 Pro can support all of these use cases and more.
And there you have it: the very best Google Pixel phones on the market today. If you’re switching to one of these Pixel handsets from another Android device, our step-by-step guide will support you with moving your data across.