Google Pixel phones are known for their clean software, artificial intelligence features, and availability in every price segment. The flagship lineup includes four Pixel phones — the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9a recently joined the ranks as the most affordable Google phone on the market. It costs about half what you’d pay for the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
You should opt for a Google Pixel phone for its exclusive software features, cameras, Pixel user interface (UI), and long-term software support. The latest devices also include new AI features and camera smarts with the help of Google Gemini. It can be confusing to choose which Google phone is best for you, given the lineup. We have tested all the Google Pixel phones to help you decide which is the perfect choice for you.
What is the best Google Pixel phone right now?
At ZDNET, we’ve reviewed all of the Google Pixel phones available to help you find the best Pixel phone for you. Our current pick for the best Google Pixel phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It faces tough competition from the new Galaxy S25 Ultra but you get excellent cameras, a bunch of new AI features, an updated design, and support for up to seven years of software, security, and Pixel Drop updates. However, it’s not the only good Pixel phone that you can buy right now.
The best Google Pixel phones of 2025
Google has three phones named Pixel 9 Pro this year, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the true successor to the Pixel 8 Pro. It features an upgraded display, which is sharper and brighter, a new chipset, and a lot more. The design is now iPhone-like with flat sides. These make it feel more premium to hold without being uncomfortable, thanks to the curved edges. You get an all-new camera module, too. I love how it looks.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It’s responsible for new AI features like Pixel Studio, better camera processing, and more. It still gets warm during demanding tasks, but I haven’t faced stutters or lags on the new flagship. It is paired with 16GB of RAM — the most on a Pixel phone to date with up to 1TB or storage.
As for the cameras, there are new AI features like Video Boost — which helps better record videos in low light, and Add Me, which lets you add yourself in group photos. The front camera is better than ever as well. The phone’s triple camera array, paired with the company’s computational prowess, makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL the best device overall from Google. The company also says it’s twice as durable than the Pixel 8 Pro.
Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP front | Battery capacity: 5,060 mAh | Price: Starts $1,099
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The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a one-of-a-kind phone for those who want the best optics but in a smaller size. While the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have camera differences in terms of telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Pro’s cameras are the same as the $100 more expensive Pixel 9 Pro.
Compared to the regular Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro features a sharper and brighter display, a telephoto sensor, a better and improved 42MP selfie shooter, 16GB of RAM, and more camera features like 8K video recording, Zoom Enhance, and more. There are plenty of reasons to warrant the extra $200 price tag over the Pixel 9.
You should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro if you want all the best Google features and performance but in a 6.3-inch screen size and form factor. It will receive the same seven years worth of software, security and Pixel Drop upgrades.
Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP front | Battery capacity: 4,700 mAh | Price: Starting at $999
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The Pixel 9 Pro might be the phone to look out for, but since the Pixel 9 model is the same size, it means that you’re getting a similar experience on a more affordable phone. With the base Pixel 9, you get the same screen size, battery, processor, and primary and ultrawide cameras as its Pro sibling.
The Pixel 9 is the best Google phone for most people because you get to experience most of the upgrades for less than $1,000. The optics are as reliable as before, and you get even better camera tuning. The Pixel 9 also packs 12GB of RAM, which is the most for any base variant of a Google phone to date.
Several new AI features like Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, and Add Me are part of the Pixel 9 as well. In some ways, the smaller Pixel is an even better phone than the larger Pro XL, such as ergonomics and feel in the hand. The ability to reach from one corner of the screen to the other without having to fidget around creates a better in-hand user experience.
Despite the $100 price hike, the Pixel 9 costs $200 less than the Pixel 9 Pro and $300 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This makes it one of the best phones in its price category.
Review: Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 10.5MP front | Battery capacity: 4,700 mAh | Price: Starting at $799
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The Google Pixel 9a is the new affordable Google phone. Unlike Apple’s iPhone 16e, the Pixel 9a still starts at the same $499, despite the upgrades on the processor, display, and battery. The new Google budget phone features an updated design and borrows the Tensor G4 chipset from the Pixel 9 Pro. While it scores lower numbers in benchmark tests than the flagship phone, it remains an extremely capable device.
You get a slew of smart AI features throughout the user interface and camera. The Pixel 9a features a bigger 6.3-inch OLED screen — versus the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch screen. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate display and brings improved brightness. This makes the screen look more legible than before, especially outdoors. The new Google phone also has the biggest battery for an A-series Pixel phone — 5,100mAh, which will likely last you an entire day.
The Pixel 9a phone is smooth and responsive in day-to-day usage. It carries over the Titan M2 chip as well as a built-in VPN for added security. As for the cameras, you get an improved 48MP main sensor and the same 12MP ultrawide angle camera. The 13MP selfie shooter remains unchanged as well. These offer great camera processing, skin tones, and lovely lowlight results. It’s great for hobbyist shutterbugs and professional photographers alike.
Review: Google Pixel 9A
Google Pixel 9a specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 | Display: 6.3 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 64MP Quad PD Bayer, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP front | Battery capacity: Typical 4492mAh | Price: Starting at $499
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The most important design change for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is that it’s now similar to the OnePlus Open and not the former Pixel Fold. As a result, you get a 20:9 aspect ratio cover screen, which is the same as the Pixel 9 Pro, so you should be able to run apps without facing any scaling issues — unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a design overall on the inside too. You get better cameras but a smaller battery than before. However, it is now powered by a more efficient Tensor G4 processor, which should keep the battery life in check. You get to experience the same new AI features as the Pixel 9 series, including Add Me, Pixel Studio, and more.
There is a new feature called Made You Look that displays graphics on the cover screen where shooting with the phone unfolded. This is to make toddlers look towards the cameras. Like the other new Pixel phones, it’ll get seven years of software, security, and Pixel Drop updates.
Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel Fold specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.3 inches (outer) and 8.0 inches (inner) | Storage: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP selfie shooter on both cover screen and inner display | Battery capacity: 4,650mAh | Price: $1,799
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What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Smartphones are among the most affected by the new U.S. tariffs, with devices imported from China and Vietnam facing steep duties that could raise retail prices by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, which rely heavily on Asian manufacturing, may either pass these costs on to consumers or absorb them at the expense of profit margins.
The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is our pick for best Google phone overall. Along with the ample photo and video editing features the phone contains, it’s also sleek, premium-feeling, and has enough battery life for a long day of use. All told, it’s one of the most dynamic phones on the market, with several AI features to back it up. See how the best Google Pixel phones compare based on price, processing speed, and display size below.
| Google Pixel phone | Price | Processor | Display size |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | $1,099 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.8-inch |
| Pixel 9 Pro | $999 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch |
| Pixel 9 | $799 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch |
| Pixel 9a | $499 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | $1,799 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch and 8.0-inch |
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If you’re interested in a Google Pixel phone, it’s nice that there aren’t too many options available to confuse you or overwhelm your decision-making process. The first consideration is price. If you have a maximum amount you are willing to spend on a phone, then the price can dictate which is right for you.
Thankfully, when it comes to the software experience, Google provides about the same experience across all of the actively supported Pixel phones. You’ll see some exclusive AI and camera features here and there, but the general experience is roughly the same.
| Choose this Google Pixel phone | If you want… |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | The best of Google in the biggest size possible for good battery life and large screen with tons of AI features, and a temperature sensor. |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Google’s best camera system in a small size, 1TB storage and no compromises. A Pro phone in a compact form factor. |
| Google Pixel 9 | A more affordable Pixel phone with a similarly outstanding camera, colorful body choices, and a handy form factor. It also features some of the AI features found on the Pro. |
| Google Pixel 9a | The best budget pick of the Google phones, with a starting price of $499, a 120Hz display, and wireless charging support. |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Google’s foldable overhaul that lets you switch between a compact 6.3-inch display and a productivity-enhancing 8.0-inch display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold remains pricey, but it undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by $100. |
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With several new Google Pixel phones being released each year, ZDNET spends at least two weeks with each model before deciding whether or not — and where — it ranks within this buying guide. The qualifications I look for when curating the picks include the following:
- Availability: The biggest factor is availability; is what’s being selected available to purchase directly from Google, a local carrier, or an online retailer? Is it in stock? Or can it only be purchased in used or renewed condition? With the picks on this list, each one can be bought new and sealed, guaranteeing that you’ll receive the most reliable experience from the start.
- Value: Just as important is the value that each Pixel phone brings. While all options on this list differ in price tiers, they each offer enough unique features, camera capabilities, and designs that make them worth paying for. If they’re not worth it, they won’t be on the list.
- Performance: Naturally, I only pick models that yield good to excellent performance, from the way they handle day-to-day tasks to more intensive use cases like gaming and video editing.
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Here’s a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users’ buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.
- Performance: Several factors affect a phone’s performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.
- Camera quality: ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.
- Battery life and charging: It’s also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it — wired, wireless, or both.
- Special features: These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.
- Pricing and availability: Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the U.S. or only internationally.
For an extensive rundown of our testing methodology, be sure to check out our how we test phones article.
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People use their smartphones everywhere today and having some level of dust and water resistance is important. You should not swim or intentionally submerge your phone for extended periods in water without a waterproof case. Warranties generally do not cover water damage. However, if you are outside in the rain, accidentally drop your phone in a puddle, or spill something on your phone, it should be able to survive such an incident.
On this list, the Pixel 9a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are the most water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating. The Pixel Fold has an IPX8 rating, which only offers water resistance and no dust resistance due to its foldable form factor.
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Every Pixel model on this list supports wireless charging.
Wireless charging is a convenient way to charge your phone without having to plug in a USB-C cord directly into the phone. Wireless charging is also now rated as fast wireless charging in many cases, but even with this “fast” rating, it is still faster to charge up your phone with a direct USB-C cable.
Also: Is your Pixel battery draining faster than it should? This feature can help
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