Google Pixel phones are known for their camera capabilities, and the Pixel 8 Pro takes it to the next level with its supercharged AI features. While some might consider them gimmicks, most are Pixel-exclusive features. The Pixel series has comfortably competed against the best from Apple and Samsung — usually with a more bearable price tag. While we had some early issues with the latest Google flagship, it’s a solid Android option that puts up a strong fight against the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Pixel 8 has many of the features of the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro but comes in a slightly smaller package and with a smaller price tag to match. You’ll find the Tensor G3 processor on board, along with Android 14 software that includes AI tools like the generative image wallpaper creator. It also comes with the same guarantee of at least seven years of security updates so this phone will still be going strong in 2030 — as long as you look after it.
The rear cameras are more cut back here though, as the base Pixel 8 lacks the 5x optical zoom camera seen on its bigger brother. I personally love that zoom lens, but then I’m a professional photographer. If photography isn’t a priority for you, you can save yourself a bundle and opt for the cheaper of Google’s new range. The Pixel 8’s higher price $699 seems worth it and makes you realize just how incredibly affordable the $599 Pixel 6 and 7 were and still are. Read our Google Pixel 8 review.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Google's older flagship is still superb" description="
The Pixel 7 Pro might be a year old now, but Google still officially sells the phone and its lower price means it’s well worth considering, even over the new Pixel 8 Pro. It’s got a gorgeous design, plenty of power for your everyday essentials thanks to its Tensor G2 processor and the triple rear cameras are superb.
While it lacks the AI skills of the new model, I don’t personally feel those are killer features that should put you off looking towards the older model. It’s also possible Google may even bring some of those skills to its older range, although don’t buy it on that basis.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~Stellar camera with awesome new features ~Design refinements look classy ~Android is bliss to use” dislike=”~Battery life is only OK” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”Andrew Lanxon/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"126d74fb-ec7c-488f-befd-2cef694b2b65","alt":"pixel-7-pro-watch-lanxon-promo-27","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Lanxon/CNET","imageData":{"id":"126d74fb-ec7c-488f-befd-2cef694b2b65","filename":"pixel-7-pro-watch-lanxon-promo-27.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1925a7535882eecd97aeac3b6942199112b31d2d/hub/2022/10/11/126d74fb-ec7c-488f-befd-2cef694b2b65/pixel-7-pro-watch-lanxon-promo-27.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-10-11 23:10:03.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1925a7535882eecd97aeac3b6942199112b31d2d/hub/2022/10/11/126d74fb-ec7c-488f-befd-2cef694b2b65/pixel-7-pro-watch-lanxon-promo-27.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Lanxon/CNET","imageAltText":"pixel-7-pro-watch-lanxon-promo-27","imageFilename":"pixel-7-pro-watch-lanxon-promo-27.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2001,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-10-11","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"orax1z37iqhlrbc","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__6e923bc4-1140-4427-8433-a0607d735f25″ index=”1″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”android-14,hv90,android-13,google” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Andrew Lanxon/CNET” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="The best Google Pixel phone for most people" description="
While the Pixel 8 Pro might have a better camera system and a larger display, the Pixel 7A comes with a significantly lower price tag, which makes it a much better value for those of you simply not interested in paying for the more advanced camera.
The Pixel 7A improves on the older Pixel 6A with the addition of wireless charging and face unlock, along with the more recent Tensor G2 processor. Those may not be huge upgrades, but they’re probably worth the relatively small additional spend — especially when you consider that, as the more recent model, the Pixel 7A will receive an additional year of support over the older 6A.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~Excellent camera ~Attractive design ~Gains wireless charging, face unlock and high refresh rate” dislike=”~Screen still looks dim outdoors
~Higher price compared with Pixel 6A at launch ~Only three generations of Android OS updates” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”James Martin/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"796a40ae-9b19-44e8-817a-7d52bb090558","alt":"Google’s Pixel 7A phone","caption":"","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"796a40ae-9b19-44e8-817a-7d52bb090558","filename":"google-pixel-7a-phone-24.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b8c678938a8281181e8cb163a9c0abb8395be650/hub/2023/05/04/796a40ae-9b19-44e8-817a-7d52bb090558/google-pixel-7a-phone-24.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2023-05-04 17:51:23.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/b8c678938a8281181e8cb163a9c0abb8395be650/hub/2023/05/04/796a40ae-9b19-44e8-817a-7d52bb090558/google-pixel-7a-phone-24.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"James Martin/CNET","imageAltText":"Google’s Pixel 7A phone","imageFilename":"google-pixel-7a-phone-24.jpg","imageWidth":3000,"imageHeight":2000,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2023-05-04","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"rqwudmkftc3a8he","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__8b520cd1-4afc-41e3-a955-796e29156b82″ index=”2″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”android-14,hv90,android-13,google” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”James Martin/CNET” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
While the Pixel 8 Pro might have a better camera system and a larger display, the Pixel 7A comes with a significantly lower price tag, which makes it a much better value for those of you simply not interested in paying for the more advanced camera.
The Pixel 7A improves on the older Pixel 6A with the addition of wireless charging and face unlock, along with the more recent Tensor G2 processor. Those may not be huge upgrades, but they’re probably worth the relatively small additional spend — especially when you consider that, as the more recent model, the Pixel 7A will receive an additional year of support over the older 6A.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="The best Google Pixel if you're on a tight budget" description="
Released in July 2022, the Pixel 6A is one of the older models on this list, but Google still officially sells it alongside its more recent handsets — and with a cut-down price. The Pixel 6A packs a solid dual camera, 5G connectivity and a decent display into a relatively compact body. While it doesn’t have the most up-to-date Tensor processor, its older chip will still cope with all your everyday essentials.
Sure, the Pixel 7A makes some welcome updates with face unlock and wireless charging, but it costs about $100 more than the 6A. If you’re looking for a solid Google Pixel experience that leaves you the most change in your wallet, the 6A is well worth considering.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~Great camera ~Affordable price ~Premium design for a middle-tier phone ~Among the first to get new Android updates” dislike=”~Somewhat dim display ~Not a great value alongside discounted Pixel 6 ~Not as many years of guaranteed Android updates as Samsung ~Video quality isn’t as good as still photos” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”Lisa Eadicicco/CNET” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"7de43abd-a1cc-4cd0-98eb-77abc6d4f8d2","alt":"The back of Google’s Pixel 6A phone","caption":"","credits":"Lisa Eadicicco/CNET","imageData":{"id":"7de43abd-a1cc-4cd0-98eb-77abc6d4f8d2","filename":"google-pixel-6a-4249.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1b9fc7a40f95ab23bc09b3d00a0f41f788f3ef03/hub/2022/07/18/7de43abd-a1cc-4cd0-98eb-77abc6d4f8d2/google-pixel-6a-4249.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2022-07-18 19:13:05.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/1b9fc7a40f95ab23bc09b3d00a0f41f788f3ef03/hub/2022/07/18/7de43abd-a1cc-4cd0-98eb-77abc6d4f8d2/google-pixel-6a-4249.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Lisa Eadicicco/CNET","imageAltText":"The back of Google’s Pixel 6A phone","imageFilename":"google-pixel-6a-4249.jpg","imageWidth":3750,"imageHeight":2109,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2022-07-18","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"bil8bfwrvdrc19h","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__6db16c87-7449-4a55-8839-8e0533f42f5b” index=”3″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”android-14,hv90,android-13,google” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Lisa Eadicicco/CNET” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="The Google Pixel phone that folds in half" description="
The Pixel Fold is the first foldable phone Google has made, and it’s not a bad first effort. The 5.8-inch outer screen unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch internal screen that provides ample room for watching videos or for using the various split-screen apps available. The phone’s performance and cameras are solid. Plus, the Fold’s overall build quality — including its folding hinge — seems good.
But at $1,799, it’s a hell of a lot of money and means it’s only going to be of interest to those of you looking to stay on the bleeding edge of new technology. That’s a niche market, and it may be several generations before the price of Google’s Fold starts to become approachable.
So while this absolutely isn’t a phone for everyone to consider, it’s a good first foldable effort that’s worth considering if you’re looking to put the latest, greatest tech in your pocket.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~Large cover screen is great ~Thin design for a foldable ~There’s no gap when the device is shut” dislike=”~Expensive ~Thick bezels on the inner screen
~Some apps are not optimized for the internal display ~Drag and drop functionality can be finicky” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo overridecredit=”Stephen Shankland/CNET” overridecaption=”
When you’re watching video at a table, the Pixel Fold is its own stand. Videos are larger spanning the full interior screen, though.
” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"9591155b-6dca-44cc-a1db-57495a1b4358","alt":"A Pixel Fold laid on a table, partially unfolded to watch a YouTube video","caption":"
When you’re watching video at a table, the Pixel Fold is its own stand. Videos are larger spanning the full interior screen, though.
When you’re watching video at a table, the Pixel Fold is its own stand. Videos are larger spanning the full interior screen, though.
","imageCredit":"Stephen Shankland/CNET","imageAltText":"A Pixel Fold laid on a table, partially unfolded to watch a YouTube video","imageFilename":"20230727-google-pixel-fold-02.jpg","imageWidth":4096,"imageHeight":2560,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2023-08-01","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"jlcj3tji3glqg36","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__5dd1fc66-459b-4305-9074-89dfb9302a7e” index=”4″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”android-14,hv90,android-13,google” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Stephen Shankland/CNET” class=”c-bestListProductListing”>
The Pixel Fold is the first foldable phone Google has made, and it’s not a bad first effort. The 5.8-inch outer screen unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch internal screen that provides ample room for watching videos or for using the various split-screen apps available. The phone’s performance and cameras are solid. Plus, the Fold’s overall build quality — including its folding hinge — seems good.
But at $1,799, it’s a hell of a lot of money and means it’s only going to be of interest to those of you looking to stay on the bleeding edge of new technology. That’s a niche market, and it may be several generations before the price of Google’s Fold starts to become approachable.
So while this absolutely isn’t a phone for everyone to consider, it’s a good first foldable effort that’s worth considering if you’re looking to put the latest, greatest tech in your pocket.
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Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We actually use the phone, test the features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. And if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it.
We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:
Display
Design and feel
Processor performance
Battery life
Camera quality
Features
We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and night time scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.
We take into account additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. And we weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price, so you know whether a phone represents good value or not.
Deciding which Pixel phone is best for you will likely come down to how much you’re willing to spend. As with anything, the more cash you splash, the better features you’ll get. The Pixel 8 Pro is the most expensive of the main range (excluding the Fold) and as a result it comes with the best camera system.
But if photography isn’t important to you, you can save yourself some money and look instead toward the base Pixel 8 or the more affordable Pixel 7A. The Pixel 7A has the same processor as the 7 Pro, so you can expect good overall performance, but its dual rear camera is aimed more toward those of you simply wanting to take the odd snap of your kid on the beach, rather than those looking for Instagram stardom.
If you want the most cutting-edge piece of tech in your pocket, the Pixel Fold’s foldable display certainly makes it stand out in the range. But you’ll pay a hefty price for this brand-new technology, meaning it’s not a phone for everyone to consider.
While we loved the Pixel 7 when it first launched, thanks to its solid all-round performance and lower price, the arrival of the cheaper Pixel 7A means we no longer recommend buying the Pixel 7. The 7A shares many of the Pixel 7’s features, including the processor and excellent dual camera setup. But since the Pixel 7A is newer, buying that now over the Pixel 7 will mean that you’ll get a few extra months of software and security updates.
We’ve consistently given Google’s Pixel phones high scores in our reviews, due to their decent all-round performance and typically good camera quality. They don’t have the most high-performance processors around, but they offer enough power for almost any needs, while the pure Android software makes them smooth and easy to use.
