All Google Pixel phones released so far

Google entered the consumer smartphone market in 2016 when it introduced Pixel phones with the “Made by Google” brand. Previously, Google had the Nexus program, which mainly produced reference devices designed to showcase the Google experience. They were mainly targeted at developers and geeks like us.

Now, the company is aggressively targeting the consumer market with Google phones and making a fine showing for itself at the same time.

Arguably, one of the biggest selling points of Made by Google phones is the close-to-stock Android experience. Pixel phones don’t come with a heavy skin from an OEM. Rather, they come with fast, timely updates of the newest versions of Android available. So we wanted to outline Google’s current offerings in the space to help you pick the best Google phone for you.

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro

After the major changes in the design and hardware specs that were included in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the new Pixel 7 series represents more of an evolution of the previous phones. Both of the Pixel 7 models will have the Tensor G2 processor inside. Google’s second-generation in-house chipset includes a Titan M2 processor for some extra security.

The standard Pixel 7 will be a bit smaller than the Pixel 6, with a 6.3-inch display compared to the 6.4-inch screen on the older phone. The battery is also smaller at 4,355mAh. However, Google claims the Pixel 7 will still last over a day on a single charge with normal use and up to 72 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode. The Pixel 7 Pro has the same display size as the Pixel 6 Pro (6.7-inches) and the same battery size (5,000mAh). Both of the Pixel 7 phones can charge up to 50% of their capacity in 30 minutes with a separate Google 30W charger.

The memory and storage space for the Pixel 7 series is the same as the ones in the Pixel 6 phones. The Pixel 7 will have 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, while the Pixel 7 Pro gets 12GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The front-facing cameras on both phones are 10.8MP, and the rear cameras are as they were on the earlier phones (50MP and 12MP for the Pixel 7, and 50MP, 12MP, and 48MP on the Pixel 7 Pro). Both phones will ship with Android 13, and both will get at least three years of OS updates, and five years of security updates. The launch price for the Pixel 7 will be $599, while the Pixel 7 Pro will cost $899.

Google Pixel 7 specs:

Google Pixel 7 Pro specs:

Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6a is the 2022 successor to the Pixel 5a smartphone. Like that earlier phone, the Pixel 6a offers a full Android smartphone at a much cheaper price tag. The phone’s display is actually a bit smaller than the 5a at 6.1 inches, but many of the earlier phone’s specs are the same. The Pixel 6a still has 6GB of RAM, 128GB of onboard storage, two rear cameras (12.2MP and 12MP), and an 8MP front-facing camera.

Since the phone is smaller, the battery inside is also smaller at 4,410mAh. The biggest difference in hardware is that the Pixel 6a is the first version of the A-series Pixel phones to use Google’s in-house Tensor processor. It’s the same one that’s used inside the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro which means you should get a flagship phone’s performance inside a much cheaper handset. The Pixel 6a comes with Android 12 out of the box, and will get three Android upgrades and five years of security patches.

Google Pixel 6a specs:

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

If you read this whole article, you notice some things remain consistent throughout all the Pixel phones. The rear camera stays mostly the same, the design doesn’t really waver too much, and there’s always some spec or feature that appears to be out-of-place.

That ended with the Google Pixel 6 series. These were the first phones from Google that can actually stand toe-to-toe with other contemporary premium flagships. The designs were unique, the specs were on point, and even the pricing was competitive. It’s almost as if Google suddenly decided it wanted to sell smartphones.

Our reviews: Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6 Pro

The most notable big change was the introduction of the Google Tensor chipset, the company’s first custom silicon. Tensor allows Google to offer more AI smarts with the Pixel 6 series than it could if it used off-the-shelf Qualcomm chips.

There’s also a 50MP sensor on the back, which is a considerable step up above the usual 12.2MP sensor of older Pixels. And, for the first time ever in a Pixel, the Pixel 6 Pro has a triple-lens system, with a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto.

Without a doubt, the Pixel 6 series was the most exciting Pixel in years. While the new Pixel 7 series might be more of minor evolution than a revolution, we’re happy with what the Pixel 6 series started and it’s still a great phone even a year later. 

Google Pixel 6 specs:

Google Pixel 6 Pro specs:

Google Pixel 5a

By the time the Google Pixel 5a launched on August 17, 2021, all eyes were already on the Pixel 6 series. This is partially Google’s fault since it had already shown off the Pixel 6 series design in an official capacity at that point.

Despite the lackluster entrance, the Pixel 5a acted as a sort of hybrid device. It combined the size and overall design of the Pixel 4a 5G but brought in some features of the Pixel 5, most notably an IP67 rating against water and dust.

It also came in only slightly more expensive than the Pixel 4a 5G, making it an appealing option for budget shoppers.

Google Pixel 5a specs:

Google Pixel 5

The Google Pixel 5 launched on September 30, 2020, alongside the Pixel 4a 5G. Although it was billed as Google’s latest flagship at the time, it really was more of a premium mid-ranger than a bonafide flagship.

Let’s start with the positives. Google made a much-needed change to the design, and the Pixel 5 looks like a modern phone. A punch hole notch houses the front-facing shooter and is tucked away in the corner. Its metal and glass build looks and feels high-end, and the rear fingerprint scanner makes a return. It also tacks on flagship features like water resistance, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.

The obvious compromise is in the processing package. Google opted for the Snapdragon 765G processor to keep the price relatively low while bringing 5G to the table. It’s not the fastest processor out there, but it is certainly more than capable for everyday tasks. Definitely helping is Google’s penchant for a smooth software experience and the phone’s 90Hz display.

Read more: Snapdragon 765G vs Snapdragon 865

A glance at all the previous phones on this list will show that every Pixel’s primary shooter, going back to the start, is a 12.2MP camera (with only the original Pixel being a slight exception). Granted, the internal hardware has changed, the software keeps getting better and better, and there’s no denying that the Pixels have consistently been among the best camera phones you can get. That said, Google’s camera setup was due for an update at this point.

The Pixel 5 isn’t a flagship, but it’s not meant to be. Not everyone needs the fastest processor and the most RAM you can get with their phones. What everyone can do with less of, though, are thousand-dollar price tags. At $699, the Pixel 5 seems to find the perfect balance.

Unfortunately, the Pixel 5 has now been discontinued. You can still find it used, refurbished, or even new from third-party sellers though.

Google Pixel 5 specs:

Google Pixel 4a and 4a 5G

After the Pixel 3a series’ success, it’s no surprise that Google continues its foray into the mid-range category with its successors. The Pixel 4a was the first out of the gate on August 3, 2020, followed shortly thereafter by the Pixel 4a 5G on September 30. Both are fantastic options for anyone on a budget.

Google continued to blend the old and the new with its 2020 releases. The Pixel 4a comes with a modern design but keeps some “old-school” features like a rear fingerprint scanner and a single camera on the back. It’s also rather small by current Android standards and is a great choice for anyone looking for an easily manageable footprint.

See also: The best budget phones you can currently buy

The specs and other features are decidedly mid-range. Its selling points are a solid camera experience, smooth software with timely updates into 2023, and one of the best displays we’ve seen on a mid-ranger. And you get all of that for $349.

The Pixel 4a 5G slots perfectly in between the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 5. It keeps the design, build quality, and most of the hardware of its smaller sibling. However, it brings over the processing package and the camera setup from the higher-end device, with the former allowing for the phone’s 5G moniker.

Some may also prefer the larger 6.2-inch display of the 4a 5G, which is still smaller than most of the competition. The Pixel 4a 5G is a great way to get a 5G device relatively cheap, with the phone setting you back $499.

Google Pixel 4a specs:

Google Pixel 4a 5G specs:

Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL

The Pixel 4 and 4 XL are Google’s 2019 flagships and were a mixed bag. They come with just 64GB of base storage, feature small batteries, and have a design that feels a little behind the times. There’s also no headphone jack, nor is there space for a microSD card.

That said, the Pixel 4 and its larger brother are still compelling devices in several aspects. As usual, Google gives us great cameras with excellent low-light performance and a new Astrophotography mode. It’s a shame there’s no ultrawide lens, but we’re happy to see the telephoto sensor. Overall, the Pixel 4 devices are among the best phones for photography you could get in 2019. They also offer a fantastic and bloat-free software experience, as they run Pixel UI.

Other features also mark the Pixel 4 phones as definite flagships: things like 90Hz displays and zippy performance are on-point. The phones are powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset to handle just about anything you throw at it. Then there’s the wonky-yet-cool radar system and 3D facial recognition. There’s no fingerprint scanner on board, though. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL really are great phones, but they aren’t for everyone.

Google Pixel 4 specs:

Google Pixel 4 XL specs:

Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL

Although the Pixel 3a series isn’t as powerful as the Pixel 3 series that’s its namesake, it still packs what counts: the Google camera. The camera in Pixel devices is frequently cited as one of the best you can get in any smartphone, and with the Pixel 3a series, you’re getting that camera for very little money. Additionally, you’re going to get frequent Android security patches directly from Google and be one of the first to experience new Android versions as they always land on Pixel devices first.

That all being said, you’re going to sacrifice some processing power in exchange for spending less cash. While the Snapdragon 670 isn’t terrible by any means, it’s certainly no Snapdragon 845 we saw in the Pixel 3 and definitely no Snapdragon 855 that powers the Pixel 4 phones.

If you don’t know how to pick between the 3a or the 3a XL, it’s pretty simple: the 3a XL is larger and has a slightly larger battery. Other than that, the devices are essentially the same.

Google Pixel 3a specs:

Google Pixel 3a XL specs:

Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL

The Pixel 3 series launched in October 2018. Both phones have much of the same hardware specs, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64 or 128GB of storage. Both also sport glass backs and support wireless charging with the Qi platform. Unfortunately, they don’t have a headphone jack, but you get full USB-C earbuds in the retail box.

As with the rest of the Pixels, the Pixel 3 phones have excellent cameras on board. There’s a single 12.2MP sensor with an ƒ/1.8 aperture at the back and two 8MP cameras up front. There are loads of software tricks on board, including the ASTRO mode that debuted with the Pixel 4 phones. So despite being quite old, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are still fantastic phones for photography.

Keeping with the tradition so far, the Pixel 3 handsets have a fingerprint scanner onboard, located at the back. They shipped with Android 9 Pie but can be upgraded to Android 12. 

Google Pixel 3 specs:

Google Pixel 3 XL specs:

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Google’s Pixel 2 and 2 XL were the follow-ups to the original models. As their names imply, the Pixel 2 XL is bigger, sporting a larger screen. Beyond that, the Pixel 2 XL adopts the 18:9 aspect ratio that became fashionable on flagships in 2017. The 5-inch screen on the Pixel 2 keeps the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Both phones feature beautiful screens with rear-mounted fingerprint sensors. Gone are the 3.5mm headphone jacks, replaced by a single USB-C data and charging port. The front and back cameras on these phones both sport single 12.2MP sensors and use machine learning to capture bokeh images.

Both phones produced great photos, earning them a very high Dxomark score of 98 (same camera in both phones.) At the time of the Dxomark review, it was the highest rating ever scored. Our reviewers called the camera “stunning” and snappy — highly desirable in a camera. You can still get the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL on Amazon, although only “renewed” models are available. Click the buttons below to check their prices and other info.

Google Pixel 2 specs:

Google Pixel 2 XL specs:

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

First-generation Google phones were no slouches. The Pixel and Pixel XL started Google’s consumer push and simultaneously ended the Nexus device program. But it was more than just a rebrand of a developer program — it was a shift into the consumer market like we hadn’t seen before.

The original Pixel and Pixel XL were true flagships in their day. Both rocked the Snapdragon 821 and the latest Android (at the time) 7.1 Nougat. Both saw upgrades to Android 10 in 2019, which was their final update. The phone had 4GB of RAM and started at 32GB of onboard storage. At the time, the camera was a real story, scoring very highly on Dxomark. Both phones took outstanding photographs, rivaling the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the iPhone 7.

The original Pixel phones are no longer available from the Google Store, but some retailers are still selling the refurbished variants of the Pixel XL through Amazon.

Google Pixel specs:

Google Pixel XL specs:

That’s our look at all the phones Google made so far. We’ll update this post with the latest models once they launch.