Every Google Pixel phone – reviewed and ranked

Google’s beefy XL flagship is now in its second iteration and the concept has never been better. It’s the full Google Pixel experience but with a few extra quality of life features that make it stand out amongst top-tier phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The only major problem is that with a price increase bringing it up to £1199/$1199 (due to the smallest storage capacity being dropped), the privilege of owning the Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t come cheap.

Out of all the options available within the Pixel 10 range, there are two main reasons why you should consider plumping for the XL: the display and the battery life. On the former, the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s massive 6.8-inch screen is brighter than ever at 3300 nits, and the 120Hz OLED panel boasts stunning colours and contrast that really make everything pop, whether you’re watching a film or just scrolling through social media.

With regards to the battery, the massive 5200mAh cell ensures that the 10 Pro XL is the only phone within the latest Pixel range that can last for up to two-days on a single charge. Of course, whether or not you reach that longevity depends on how you use the device, but it does mean that you won’t have to deal with any battery anxiety if you really push it over the course of a day with plenty of camera use and photo editing.

Just as you’d expect from a top-tier Pixel phone, the triple-camera array is excellent as always, getting the best possible shot in any scenario, although given that the cameras on the cheaper Pixel phones are also great, we only recommend opting for the 10 Pro XL as an upgrade if you’re going to make use of the full feature set. If you prefer the idea of having a more compact flagship to hand, then the Pixel 10 Pro fits the bill nicely.

Who should buy the Pixel 10 Pro XL?

True Pixel fans who want a flagship experience with zero compromises.

Pixel 10 Pro XL: Further considerations

The increased price arguably makes the Pixel 10 Pro a better buy for many people.

The Pixel 9a is a very close runner-up to the 9 Pro XL, and arguably the easiest phone to recommend on the market. If you only have around £500/$500 to spend, just get this – you’re unlikely to be disappointed. 

It retains all the fundamentals of a great Pixel phone experience, including an excellent main camera, strong battery life and solid performance. Also, despite the more compact 6.3-inch design, battery life is still solid. 

That’s before we even get to the software experience, which is missing a few AI features but nothing of real note. And Google’s seven policy is better than most similarly priced competition. 

However, the lack of a telephoto lens severely limits the camera’s usability for zoom shots, while 23W charging can be frustrating. But at the price, it’s easy to overlook these when you see everything else you’re getting for your money. 

Who should buy the Google Pixel 9a?

Anyone who wants a great mid-range phone that will stand the test of time. 

Google Pixel 9a: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you want a bigger display or better zoom photography. Also, the Pixel 10a is expected to launch soon, so you might want to wait for that.

Entry-level Pixel handsets have long been a great alternative to similarly priced devices from Apple and Samsung, but the Pixel 10 feels different in that, outside of one or two areas, it doesn’t really leave you wanting for anything, and with seven years of updates promised from the time of launch, it’ll only get better as Google introduces more AI-led features.

Speaking of AI, Google is right up there with Samsung in terms of delivering AI features that actually work and don’t feel like a tacked-on gimmick. For example, Magic Cue can provide contextual assistance automatically, which makes things like sending documents to friends just that bit easier. And of course, Gemini is one of the best AI assistants around.

The big hardware addition is the inclusion of Pixelsnap magnets, which gives Google a leg-up on Samsung with the ability to interact with magnetic Qi2 charging methods, including MagSafe accessories. For things like quickly mounting your phone on a car dashboard or ensuring a secure wireless charging connection, this is a big win.

There’s also, finally, a telephoto lens on the back, giving you a trio of rear cameras as a flagship should have. Specs are a bit downgraded from the Pixel 9, but point-and-shoot results are still plenty good enough for the average user.

At this point, having 128GB storage as the starting point feels a bit shallow, particularly as the iPhone 17 now has 256GB as standard, providing more space for apps and photos/videos. Battery life could do with improving as well, but thanks to Pixelsnap, you can at least bring along a magnetic power bank for the ride and give your phone a quick top-up when needed.

Who should buy the Pixel 10?

Shoppers who want high-end features for the best price possible.

Pixel 10: Further considerations

If you download tons of apps and games, the 128GB storage can fill up quickly. Also, the 10 Pro XL is a better bet if you prefer a larger screen.

After somewhat stumbling out of the gate with its very first foldable phone, Google managed to turn things around with the excellent Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While its successor is more of a refinement than a true move into the next generation of foldable tech, like the big leap we’ve seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is still a fantastic option to consider.

The biggest upgrade of the bunch is the move to have official IP68 dust and water resistance, which is the first time this certification has appeared on any folding phone. Given that durability is still a point of contention with foldables, having this rugged exterior does give more peace of mind that the 10 Pro Fold can be used over a long period of time.

Both the inner and outer displays are now able to reach 3000 nits of peak brightness, which just makes them easier and enjoyable to use, but the battery has been given a bump as well to accommodate this upgrade The larger 5015mAh cell easily saw us through an average day of use with a decent amount of power still left in the tank, so you won’t have to worry too much.

If the phone’s battery does end up in the red, you can now use the Pixelsnap feature to magnetically attach a wireless power bank to the phone and have it charge up without the need for any cumbersome wires. It would be great if Google could slim the chassis down in its next folding phone, but for the time being, there’s a lot to like about the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Who should buy the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?

Foldable fans that value durability above all, or are set on Pixel hardware.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Further considerations

It’s outdone by both Samsung and Honor in slenderness and performance, while non-folding Pixels are better value for money.

Given just how much credence manufacturers have placed in making their phones as large as possible, it’s refreshing to have a flagship Android option that actually feels compact and is easy to use one-handed in a pinch. With a 6.3-inch display and a weight of just 207g, the Pixel 10 Pro is the perfect antidote to anyone who’s sick of carrying around a massive slab of a phone that might as well be a tablet.

Still, even though it is a smaller device by modern standards, the Pixel 10 Pro is no slouch where it counts. Even against tough competition from the likes of Xiaomi and Samsung, the 10 Pro boasts some of the best cameras around, largely down to Google’s next-level computational processing. If you’re the type of person who struggles to take a good picture, then Google’s software can do plenty of the heavy lifting for you. It’s the same for editing with trusted features like Best Take and Magic Eraser.

Just like with most companies nowadays, Google has gone all in on beefing up the 10 Pro with AI, but unlike the competition, Google is arguably leading the charge here. Google Gemini responses are super fast here, and machine learning allows the phone to intelligently offer up actions depending on what you’re looking at onscreen. You can now even converse with Gemini in the photo editing suite and simply ask for the changes that you want to see.

Given that the phone isn’t exactly budget-friendly at £999/$999, we’re surprised to see that Google has retained the base 128GB model as opposed to doing away with it and having 256GB of storage as the starting point (just as it’s done with the Pixel 10 Pro XL). For that reason, we’d argue opting for more storage to get the most out of this phone, but it’s still a great experience overall if you don’t.

Who should buy the Pixel 10 Pro?

Fans of compact phones who still want a premium experience.

Pixel 10 Pro: Further considerations

Similarly priced phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25+ offer more storage for less, while the regular Pixel 10 is cheaper and has a lot in common.

The 9 Pro XL is the best Pixel phone from the 2024 lineup, and it remains an excellent choice in 2026.

It excels in some of the most important areas for a smartphone, including top-tier cameras (all four of them), a stunning 6.8-inch display and impressive battery life. Google’s slick software experience is backed up by its full suite of AI features and five more years of updates. 

However, it’s not right for everyone. The 9 Pro XL is a big, bulky phone, while the charging speed improvements are offset by the need to buy a dedicated accessory.  

Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Anyone who wants a top-class Pixel phone experience without the price tag to match.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you want a compact design or the latest hardware.

The regular Pixel 9 was the cheapest route into Google’s flagship phone range in 2024, and it’s even more affordable now.

Essentially, it’s a more affordable version of the Pixel 9 Pro that offers slightly less RAM and an inferior 10.5Mp selfie camera. It means you still get the compact yet premium design, excellent 6.3-inch display and solid Tensor G4 performance. 

Like all the Pixel 9 phones, software is a key strength, and it’ll be supported until 2031 via regular updates. 

Just like the 9 Pro, it’s held back slightly by the underwhelming battery life and slow 27W charging. But the extra compromise is the lack of a telephoto lens, which is the main reason for upgrading. 

Who should buy the Google Pixel 9?

Anyone who wants a compact Pixel flagship at a fraction of its original price.

Google Pixel 9: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you want a telephoto lens, a bigger display or top-tier battery life. 

The Pixel 9 Pro is very nearly a brilliant phone, and it’s still a fine choice in 2026.

It distils so much of what the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers into a more compact and affordable package, making it very appealing. 

The smaller 6.3-inch display is just as impressive here, while the reduced weight and rounded corners make it comfortable to hold. You also still get those superb four camera lenses, all of which have a lot to offer. 

Unfortunately, there’s one big compromise here – battery life. On those heavy usage days, it can be a struggle to make it to bedtime, and the underwhelming 27W wired charging doesn’t help. 

But with the same excellent software, generous commitment to updates and solid performance, the Pixel 9 Pro is still a great buy, provided you’re not a heavy user. 

Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro?

Anyone who wants a compact, great camera phone for less.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you want a bigger display or guaranteed all-day battery life. 

Google’s second attempt at a book-style foldable was a big step forward. And with minor updates on the 10 Pro Fold, it might be worth saving your money.

Essentially, you’ve got two devices in one here: a 6.3-inch phone that opens to reveal an 8-inch tablet. The quality of both screens is excellent, though the crease across the internal panel is very noticeable. 

Google has done a pretty good job of adapting its excellent phone software for the bigger display, with some useful app design changes and multitasking features. Performance from the Tensor G4 chipset is plenty good enough for most people, though it’s not ideal for gaming. 

Despite some small camera downgrades compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you can still expect strong performance across all four of the main lenses, including selfie cameras at the top of both displays. 

Battery life is solid, while 21W charging is slower than any of the other Pixel phones. But ultimately, it’s the high price tag that’s its biggest downside. 

It’s the best example of a book-style folding phone right now, but most people will be better off with something else. 

Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

Anyone who wants an accomplished book-style foldable device, but doesn’t want to pay the sky-high price tags.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you don’t want a 2-in-1 device or prefer the latest hardware.

Read our full Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review

The Pixel 9a is our top mid-range phone recommendation. However, if you can find the older Pixel 8a with a big discount, it could be even better value. 

Despite some differences, this older model still has plenty to offer. Performance from the Tensor G3 is nearly as good as the G4, while the 64Mp main camera offers comparable (and very impressive) image quality. 

Some people may also prefer the smaller 6.1-inch display, though that is offset by a fairly chunky bezel around it. You’ll also have to put up with disappointing charging speeds and mediocre battery life. 

Ultimately, despite being released in mid-2024, the 8a will still get OS and security updates for five more years. Alongside good availability and the high chance of a discount, the Pixel 8a is our top pick from the previous generation of Pixels. 

Who should buy the Google Pixel 8a?

Anyone who’s on a budget but wants a great Pixel phone. 

Google Pixel 8a: Further considerations

Look elsewhere if you want the latest specs or high-quality zoom photography.

Read our full Google Pixel 8a review