Best Google Pixel Phone in Every Price Range and Use Case (July 2025)
Update: We last updated this article for the upcoming Pixel 10 series on June 21, 2025
The Google Pixel smartphones are known for offering clean software, timely updates, and impressive cameras. With up to seven years of OS updates and deeply integrated AI features, they are easy to recommend unless you are looking for a powerful processor. So, which is the best Google Pixel phone?
Unlike an iPhone, you don’t need the “Pro” or “Pro Max” to get a 120Hz refresh rate or better performance. However, with four models in the Pixel 9 series and the older models still on sale, it’s easy to get confused. But don’t worry; we are here to navigate this maze and help you find the best Pixel phone based on your budget and use case.
Table of Contents
Best Google Pixel Phones to Buy for Every Budget
1. Best Pixel for Most Users: Google Pixel 9
What the iPhone 16 is to Apple users, the Pixel 9 is for most Google Pixel buyers. It’s a phone for the masses that offers all the bells and whistles from the Pro variant without the hefty price tag. You get a 120Hz refresh rate, unlike the 60Hz panel that the iPhone 16 provides as part of the “premium experience.” While Google does offer the 9A with similar features, the Pixel 9 still has its charm. You get a more premium glass, thinner bezels, all the AI features, faster charging speeds, and all the AI features, compared to the 9A.
Like the Pro models, you get 7 years of OS updates andAI featureslike Reimagine, Add Me, Super Res Zoom, Pixel Studio,Pixel Screenshots, and more. It also shares the same processor, charging speed, and battery capacity as the 9 Pro. So you are only missing out on the telephoto lens, LTPO, and other things. For its price of $799, it’s $100 cheaper than the iPhone while offering way more value for money.
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to skip:
Why should I buy: If you want a Pixel phone with all the bells and whistles without the premium price.
Price:$599 / ₹74,999
2. Best Budget Pixel: Google Pixel 9a
TheGoogle Pixel 9ais the cheapest phone in the Pixel 9 series you can buy right now. At $499, it costs half the price of the Pixel 9 Pro and is even cheaper than the iPhone 16e. Google has also removed the camera bump present on previous Google Pixel phones. Despite paying half the price, you get all the benefits of the more expensive Pixel, including the same Tensor G4 chipset. It will get the same seven years of OS updates, which is amazing for a mid-range smartphone. Interestingly, it is the first Pixel phone to launch with Android 15 out of the box. This means you can expect one year of additional updates compared to the rest of the Pixel 9 series.
This means you get AI features like Best Take, Add Me, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Audio Magic Eraser. Although there is no Pixel Screenshots support, you still get Pixel Studio and Gemini Nano for on-device AI. To save costs, the bezels on the phone are relatively large, and it has a plastic back. It has the biggest battery among all phones in the Pixel 9a at 5,160mAh, which is fantastic if you want a long-lasting phone. All of these features make it the best budget Pixel phone.
Why Should I Buy:If you want a budget Pixel phone with all the AI features without spending a lot of money.
Price: $499 / ₹49,999
3. Best Pixel on a Tight Budget: Google Pixel 8a
If you want to experience the Google ecosystem or enjoy a great Pixel phone without spending much money, the Pixel 8a is the way to go. For just $399, you get a smooth 120Hz display, excellent battery backup, good cameras, and a slightly slower (underclocked) version of theTensor G3in the Pixel 8 series.
There are also 7 years of OS updates, so you won’t be upgrading your phone anytime soon. Apart from features like Best Take andAudio Magic Eraserfound in expensive Pixels, you also get timely security patches and Pixel drops with new features. Although you will need to deal with the chunky bezels, slower 25W charging, and the plastic body instead of glass, these are reasonable tradeoffs given the price.
Why should I buy:The most affordable Pixel with 7 years of OS updates, and get a taste of new AI features
Price:$399 / ₹37,999
4. Best Folding Pixel Phone: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Want the greatest and latest Pixel that money can buy? The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable Pixel for now. Google’s second-generation foldable offers the same camera capabilities and software experience. You get the same seven years of updates as the Z Fold 6 and the rest of the Pixel 9 series. Furthermore, you get a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, missing on the Z Fold 6, and a larger 8-inch inner screen compared to a 7.6-inch one on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The bigger screen on the inside is great for multitasking, such as comparing prices and taking notes while streaming. Moreover, the square aspect ratio also makes it ideal for reading articles or books on the go so that you can ditch your Kindle at home. Overall, it’s the best folding phone from Google so far, and we crowned it the best foldable phone in oursmartphone awards video.
Why should I buy:If you want a foldable phone with Google’s clean software and imaging capabilities
Price:$1799 / ₹1,72,999
5. Best Compact Pixel Phone: Google Pixel 9 Pro
Want the best of Pixel in a compact form factor? The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the complete flagship experience. Despite having a smaller factor, it has similar features to its bigger sibling, the Google 9 Pro XL. You get a 5x telephoto lens, 7 years of OS updates, and all the Pixel AI features in a handy size. With a premium build and AI features available at launch (looking at you, Apple), it’s ready to compete with the Galaxies and iPhones of the world. Overall, if you want the best Pixel phone without a massive screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one for you.
If you areconfused between the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, here are all the upgrades in the Pro model:
Why should I buy: If you want a compact Pixel phone with all the latest and greatest features.
Price:$984 / ₹1,09,000
Also Read:
6. Best Pixel for Battery Backup: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Last but not least is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. This is the phone for you if you want the biggest and best that Google offers. Its 6.8-inch screen is the biggest in the lineup and is great for consuming content and split-screen multitasking. While the rest of the specs are similar to the 9 Pro, you get a larger 5,060mAh battery and 37W battery compared to 27W on the 9 Pro.
Furthermore, the wireless charging is also slightly faster at 23W compared to 21W on its smaller sibling. Nevertheless, the rest of the features make a Pixel a Pixel. There are many AI features, 7 years of OS updates, great cameras, and reliable battery backup. If you want an Android phone that can take on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, look for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Why should I buy:If you want the biggest Pixel phone from Google with all the features
Price:$1099/₹1,39,999
Older Models to Consider on Discount
1. Google Pixel 8: Better Buy Than Pixel 8A
The Google Pixel 8 can often be found at a discount in India and the US. It was available for as low as Rs.. 31,999 in BDD and $402 during Amazon’s Prime Day sale in the US. This means you may find a similar or cheaper price than the Pixel 8A. Compared to the Pixel 8A, you get a slightly bigger screen with slimmer bezels, an IP68 rating over IP67, Gorilla Glass Victus, faster charging speeds, and a premium glass body. Oh, and the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 isn’t downclocked as the one found on the Pixel 8A. So if you find it at a discount, you should buy it over the 8A.
Reasons to buy over the Pixel 8A:
Why should I buy:If you want a good Pixel phone, having the same form factor as the Pixel 8A without the compromises
Price: $489/₹47,999
2. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Better Than Pixel 9 on a Deal
The Google Pixel 8 Pro was the company’s flagship phone last year. Since there was no Pro XL, it was Google’s top-of-the-line phone. It was available for as low as $719 in Amazon’s Prime Day sale, making it cheaper than the base Pixel 9 if you grab it at this price.
Compared to the Pixel 9, you get a bigger display with LTPO, a periscope lens with 5x zoom, a thermometer sensor, UWB support, faster wired and wireless charging, and a larger battery. Although the Pixel 9 has a faster processor and a rounded design, the Pixel 8 Pro seems like a better deal overall. What’s interesting is the fact that both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro will get 7 years of OS updates. Since both launched with Android 14, you won’t miss out on software support.
Reasons to buy over the Pixel 9:
Why should I buy:If you want better cameras, a larger display, and a bigger battery than the 9.
Price:$619 / ₹74,999
3. Best Cheapest Pixel: Google Pixel 7A
If you are on an extremely tight budget and cannot afford the Pixel 9A or even the 8A, you can go for the Pixel 7A. Despite being two generations old, it’s still a decent option. You get a similar 6.1-inch OLED screen as the Pixel 8A, although at a slightly slower 90Hz refresh rate. While the Tensor G2 isn’t the fastest, it is good enough for day-to-day tasks. Also, the cameras are the same as the Pixel 8A, so you aren’t missing out on much. The best part? Google recently extended the update support for the Pixel 7A. So it will receive updates until Android 18 with features like Circle to Search and more.
Why should I buy:If you have a tight budget and cannot afford the Pixel 8A, but still want a Pixel phone.
Price:$329/₹27,999
Upcoming Pixel Phones You Should Wait For
1. Google Pixel 10
The Google Pixel 10 will be the cheapest phone in the lineup (at least until the Pixel 10a arrives). Despite its affordable price tag, the base model is the one that is getting major upgrades this time. For starters, the Pixel 10 will sport a triple camera setup on the back just like the Pro sibling.
The main highlight will be the new 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom. But it will come at a cost, as Google is downgrading the primary and ultrawide with a smaller sensor. Thankfully, Google’s computational photography works best on smaller sensors, so you won’t be disappointed with the results. Another downgrade is a lack of Wi-Fi 7 support compared to the Pixel 9. It will also miss out on a vapour cooling chamber, unlike its Pro siblings.
The Pixel 10 will use the new Tensor G5 chipset based on TSMC’s 3nm process. It will retain the same form factor as last year with a 6.3-inch FHD+ screen, although it will get a noticeable brightness boost. Paired with 12GB of RAM, it will be available in 128GB or 256GB of storage. The battery capacity is getting bumped to 4,970mAh compared to 4,700mAh on the previous model. There’s also faster 29W charging apart from 15W wireless capability.
Why should I buy:If you want a new Pixel phone that offers the most features at an affordable price point.
2. Google Pixel 10 Pro
If you want a premium experience in a compact size, the Pixel 10 Pro should serve you well. It’s powered by the latest Tensor G5 chipset with 16GB RAM, compared to 12GB on the base model. The phone will sport a 6.3-inch panel wth 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO support. You also get Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back.
It will be available in three variants: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants..Unlike the base model, the cameras are not getting an upgrade as they will remain the same as last year. Although you get the ability to capture macro photos with an ultrawide and telephoto lens. While you get a vapour cooling chamber, the battery is 100mAh smaller than the base model. There’s also 29W wired, up from 27W. Furthermore, you get 15W Qi-2 wireless charging compared to 12W on its predecessor.
Why should I buy:If you want a premium Pixel phone in a compact form factor without any compromises
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
For those looking for the ultimate Google smartphone, look no further than the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It has all the perks of the Pro in a bigger form factor. Going head-on against the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it has a massive 6.8-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO support. Just like the Pixel 10 Pro, it uses the Tensor G5 with 16GB of RAM. The good thing is that you get 256GB as the base, with 512GB and 1TB options. Sadly, Google is increasing the price by $100 so you will be paying more for the increased storage.
While the camera setup remains the same as last year, there is a noticeable bump in battery. In fact, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has the biggest battery on a Pixel phone at 5,200mAh. Apart from the battery, you get 39W charging, the fastest on a Pixel, although wireless is still stuck at 15W Qi-2.
Why should I buy:For the best Pixel experience, with long long-lasting battery
4. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Last but not least is the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. If money is not a problem, you can definitely check this one out. Thanks to a new hinge, the 10 Pro Fold will be thinner than last year. It will be more comfortable to hold in the hand, allowing the company to pack a bigger cover display. At 6.4 inches, it will be bigger than the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro.
Another addition is the IP68 rating, which will be the first for a foldable phone. This will protect it against dust and water, allowing it to be immersed in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Other features include 7 years of updates, Tensor G5 chipset, and 16GB of RAM. The good thing is that Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be $200 cheaper than last year, despite the upgrades
Reasons to skip
Why should I buy:If you want a foldable phone with a stock Android experience and great cameras.
Specifications of All Pixel Phones
Abeer Chawake
A part-time gamer and a full-time Tech Writer. Abeer is a tech enthusiast who keeps track of all the trending gadgets and smartphones. When he isn’t busy smashing words with his keyboard, you’re able to find him playing the latest PC Games or binge-watching TV Shows.
