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Google phones are identified for his or her cameras, Pixel UI, and long-term tool enhance. Many desire them over other Android phones, and even iPhones, for the distinctive tool functions. This year’s Pixel 9 lineup is no longer any different. Google has additionally shuffled across the lineup to incorporate four flagship devices within the sequence, particularly, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The hot gash additionally involves the Pixel 8a, and all of these devices stand good of their hold pretty.
The hot Google Pixel lineup ranges in heed from $500 with the Pixel 8a as a lot as $1,800 with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The most modern Pixel 9 sequence additionally involves a slew of most modern AI functions and digicam smarts with the back of Google Gemini.
Also: The supreme Android phones: Skilled tested
What’s the supreme Google Pixel phone pretty now?
At ZDNET, we have faith long gone fingers-on with the full Google Pixel phones on the market to permit you to survey the supreme Pixel phone for you. Our fresh pick for the supreme Pixel phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It functions wonderful cameras, a bunch of most modern AI functions, an up to this point stop, and enhance for as a lot as seven years of tool, safety, and Pixel Plunge updates. But it absolutely’s no longer doubtlessly the most easy appropriate Pixel phone that you just would per chance per chance per chance also aquire pretty now.
The supreme Google Pixel phones of 2024
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Easiest Google Pixel phone overall
Google has three phones named Pixel 9 Pro this year, however the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the factual successor to the Pixel 8 Pro. It functions an upgraded mask, which is sharper and brighter, a new chipset, and a lot extra. The stop is now iPhone-love with flat aspects. These stop it basically feel extra top rate to back without being miserable, due to the curved edges. You obtain an all-new digicam module, too. I love the procedure it looks.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It is guilty for fresh AI functions love Pixel Studio, better digicam processing, and extra. It quiet will get warm at some stage in tense responsibilities, however I have not confronted stutters or lags on the new flagship. It is paired with 16GB of RAM — doubtlessly the most on a Pixel phone to this point with as a lot as 1TB or storage.
As for the cameras, there are new AI functions love Video Enhance (which helps better anecdote videos in low light), Add Me (so that you just can add your self in personnel pictures), and extra. The entrance digicam is healthier than ever as successfully. The phone’s triple digicam array, paired with the company’s computational prowess, makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL the supreme gadget overall from Google. The corporate additionally says or no longer it is 2x extra sturdy than the Pixel 8 Pro.
Overview: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Present: 6.8 inches | Storage concepts: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP entrance | Battery skill: 5,060 mAh | Label: Initiating at $1,099
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Google Pixel 9 Pro
Easiest compact Google Pixel Pro phone
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is one-of-a-form phone for folks that desire the supreme optics however in a smaller size. Whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have faith digicam differences in the case of telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Pro’s cameras are the identical because the $100 extra dear Pixel 9 Pro.
When compared to the sleek Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro functions a sharper and brighter mask, a telephoto sensor, a bigger and improved 42MP selfie shooter, 16GB of RAM, and extra digicam functions love 8K video recording, Zoom Enhance, and extra. These are plenty of causes to warrant the additional $200 heed heed over the Pixel 9.
You ought to quiet aquire the Google Pixel 9 Pro whenever you desire all the supreme Google functions and performance however in a 6.3-run mask mask size and get ingredient. This may per chance per chance accumulate the identical seven years rate of tool, safety and Pixel Plunge upgrades.
Google Pixel 9 Pro specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Present: 6.3 inches | Storage concepts: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP entrance | Battery skill: 4,700 mAh | Label: Initiating at $999
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Google Pixel 9
Easiest Google Pixel phone for plenty of of us
The Pixel 9 Pro is also the phone to be cautious for, however for the explanation that Pixel 9 model is the identical size, it skill that you just would be getting a identical abilities on a extra inexpensive phone. WIth the inappropriate Pixel 9, you obtain the identical mask mask size, battery, processor, and fundamental and ultrawide cameras as its Pro sibling.
The Pixel 9 is the supreme Google phone for plenty of of us because you obtain to abilities most of the upgrades for no longer as a lot as $1,000. The optics are as official as forward of, and in addition you obtain even better digicam tuning. The Pixel 9 additionally packs 12GB of RAM, which is per chance the most for any inappropriate variant of a Google phone to this point.
A lot of new AI functions love Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, Add Me, and extra are section of the Pixel 9, too. In programs, the smaller Pixel is an even better phone than the increased Pro XL, akin to ergonomics and basically feel within the hand. The ability to reach from one corner of the mask mask to the opposite without having to fidget spherical creates a bigger in-hand user abilities.
Despite the $100 heed hike, the Pixel 9 payments $200 no longer as a lot as the Pixel 9 Pro and $300 no longer as a lot as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This makes it and not using a doubt one of many supreme phones in its heed class.
Overview: Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Present: 6.3 inches | Storage concepts: 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental, 48MP ultrawide, 10.5MP entrance | Battery skill: 4,700 mAh | Label: Initiating at $799
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Google Pixel 8a
Easiest funds Google Pixel phone
The Google Pixel 8a is a toned-down model of the Pixel 8 however competes head-to-head with the flagship. The new Google funds phone functions an up to this point stop and borrows the Tensor G3 chipset from the Pixel 8 Pro. As a end result, you obtain a slew of super AI functions at some stage within the user interface and digicam. You’re truly getting a $1,000 phone abilities for half the cost.
The Pixel 8a functions an upgraded 120Hz refresh rate mask, which is sharp and contrasty however no longer as piquant as I would desire in daylight hours. Then yet another time, or no longer it is tender and responsive in day-to-day usage. It carries over the Titan M2 chip and a built-in VPN for added safety whereas the usage of public Wi-Fi networks to guard your deepest recordsdata from unauthorized obtain entry to.
As for the cameras, they’re the identical because the Pixel 7a — a 13MP selfie digicam and a 64MP fundamental rear digicam alongside a 12MP ultrawide angle sensor. These supply huge digicam processing, pores and skin tones and comely lowlight outcomes. It is huge for hobbyist shutterbugs and skilled photographers alike.
Overview: Google Pixel 8A
Google Pixel 8a specs: Processor: Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 | Present: 6.1 inches | Storage concepts: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 64MP Quad PD Bayer, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP entrance | Battery skill: Traditional 4492mAh | Label: Initiating at $499
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Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Easiest foldable Google Pixel phone
The largest stop switch for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is that or no longer it is now akin to the OnePlus Open and no longer the dilapidated Pixel Fold. As a end result, you obtain a 20:9 relate ratio conceal mask mask, which is the identical because the Pixel 9 Pro, so that you just wish so that you just can walk apps without facing any scaling problems — unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold functions a stop overall on the within too. You obtain better cameras however a smaller battery than forward of. Then yet another time, it is miles now powered by a extra efficient Tensor G4 processor, which ought to quiet preserve the battery lifestyles in verify. You obtain to abilities the identical new AI functions because the Pixel 9 sequence, including Add Me, Pixel Studio, and extra.
There is a new feature called Made You Look that displays graphics on the conceal mask mask where taking pictures with the phone unfolded. Here is to prevent limited toddlers watch against the cameras. Love the opposite new Pixel phones, it’ll obtain seven years of tool, safety, and Pixel Plunge updates.
Overview: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel Fold specs : Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Present: 6.3 inches (outer) and 8.0 inches (internal) | Storage: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP fundamental, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP selfie shooter on each conceal mask mask and internal mask | Battery skill: 4,650mAh | Label: $1,799
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The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is our pick for supreme Google phone overall. At the side of the massive photo and video editing functions the phone contains, or no longer it is additionally graceful, top rate-feeling, and has ample battery lifestyles for a long day of use. All informed, or no longer it is and not using a doubt one of doubtlessly the most dynamic phones on the market, with a couple of AI functions to back it up. Explore how the supreme Google Pixel phones evaluate in response to heed, processing tempo, and mask size under.
| Google Pixel phone | Label | Processor | Present size |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | $1,099 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.8-run |
| Pixel 9 Pro | $999 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-run |
| Pixel 9 | $799 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-run |
| Pixel 8a | $499 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.1-run |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | $1,799 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-run and 8.0-run |
When you would be drawn to a Google Pixel phone, or no longer it is good that there are no longer too many concepts on hand to confuse you or weigh down your decision-making route of. The predominant consideration is heed. When you would per chance per chance per chance truly have faith a maximum amount you would be willing to utilize on a phone, then the cost can dictate which is pretty for you.
Luckily, when it involves the tool abilities, Google gives regarding the identical abilities across the full actively supported Pixel phones. You may per chance per chance perceive some distinctive AI and digicam functions here and there, however the overall abilities is roughly the identical.
| Settle this Google Pixel phone | When you desire… |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | The easier of Google within the supreme size that you just would per chance per chance per chance also bear in mind for correct battery lifestyles and broad mask mask with heaps of AI functions, and a temperature sensor. |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google’s supreme digicam draw in a runt size, 1TB storage and no compromises. A Pro phone in a compact get ingredient. |
| Google Pixel 9 | A extra inexpensive Pixel phone with a equally excellent digicam, piquant body picks, and a to hand get ingredient. It additionally functions a pair of of the AI functions found on the Pro. |
| Google Pixel 8a | The supreme funds pick of the Google phones, with a starting heed of $499, a 120Hz mask, and wi-fi charging enhance. |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Google’s foldable overhaul that enables you to interchange between a compact 6.3-run mask and a productiveness-bettering 8.0-run mask. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stays dear, alternatively it undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by $100. |
With a couple of new Google Pixel phones being released each year, ZDNET spends at the very least two weeks with each model forward of deciding whether or no longer or no longer (and where) it sits within this having a perceive for recordsdata. The qualifications I wait for when curating the picks consist of the next:
- Availability: The supreme ingredient is availability; is what’s being selected on hand to amass straight from Google, a local provider, or a web retailer? Is it in stock? Or can it easiest be purchased in stale or renewed condition? With the picks on this list, each one will even be sold new and sealed, guaranteeing that you just will accumulate doubtlessly the most official abilities from the originate.
- Value: Staunch as crucial is the cost that each Pixel phone brings. Whereas all concepts on this list differ in heed tiers, they each supply ample routine functions, digicam capabilities, and designs that stop them rate paying for. Within the event that they set up no longer appear to be rate it, they may per chance per chance no longer be on the list.
- Efficiency: Naturally, I easiest pick devices that yield appropriate to wonderful performance, from the intention they address day-to-day responsibilities to extra intensive use cases love gaming and video editing.
Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient we have faith got in mind forward of we stop solutions:
- Create and ergonomics: How appropriate a phone looks and feels plays an infinite characteristic in many users’ having a perceive for journeys, so we have faith got in mind these facets heavily when discovering out.
- Efficiency: A lot of factors affect a phone’s performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery lifestyles, and background responsibilities. Attributable to this truth, we in general originate our evaluations with a absolutely charged handset, with all background responsibilities closed, and with as right of a cell connection as that you just would per chance per chance per chance also bear in mind.
- Digicam quality: ZDNET assessments phone cameras by capturing heaps of of photography and videos of plenty of subjects and in a couple of lighting stipulations. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older devices.
- Battery lifestyles and charging: It is additionally crucial for us to bear in mind how long phones final under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and the procedure they cease it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular functions: These functions distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully enlighten added rate to users, no longer the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Beyond funds concerns, we additionally fresh if a phone is on hand within the US or easiest internationally.
For an huge rundown of our discovering out methodology, be definite to ascertain up on our how we take a look at phones article.
Of us use their smartphones in every single space nowadays and having some stage of grime and water resistance is excessive. It is best to now not swim or deliberately submerge your phone for prolonged classes in water and not using a waterproof case. Warranties most regularly cease no longer conceal water peril. Then yet another time, whenever you would be outside within the rain, by likelihood drop your phone in a puddle, or spill something for your phone, it have faith so that you just can outlive such an incident.
On this list, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are doubtlessly the most preserving of water and grime resistance, with an IP68 rating, followed by the Pixel 8a (IP67) and Pixel Fold (IPX8).
Wireless charging is a handy intention to rate your phone without having to lumber in a USB-C cord straight into the phone. Wireless charging is additionally now rated as like a flash wi-fi charging in many cases, however even with this “like a flash” rating, it remains to be sooner to rate up your phone with a affirm USB-C cable.
Every Pixel model on this list helps wi-fi charging.
When you would be launch to that you just would per chance per chance per chance also bear in mind picks, perceive under for ZDNET’s supreme-tested picks, including ones from Google and other producers.
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