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The Google Pixel lineup is your best bet if you want to experience Android in its purest, most pristine form. Although the custom Android skins that phone manufacturers develop for their devices have many added functionalities included, there's some charm to the mostly stock Android iteration that Google puts on its Google Pixel lineup.
In recent times, Google's Pixel lineup has taken a slightly different path - instead of trying to match its rivals pound for pound, Google is moving towards a "custom" future, where its domestic lineup of Tensor chipsets make ripples with their amplified reliance on on-device artificial intelligence and machine learning. Who cares about synthetic benchmarks anyway?
Pixels are no longer raw-performance champions, but they have gained something more valuable—the smarts to be a useful everyday companion, thanks to the powerful AI-powered software features on deck.
So, what is the best Google Pixel phone to consider in 2025?
With class-leading cameras, good performance, and polished software that stands out, Google's Pixels are often the recommended choice when it comes to considering the best Android phones available every year. They are usually rated for their exceptional cameras, ranking them at the very pinnacle of best camera phones available, but it's not the only thing making them a worthwhile consideration.
The Pixel 10 is the best phone Google makes right now. But how could this be possible; after all, the Pixel is the cheapest device in the range, more affordable than the top-end Pixel 10 Pro XL, the capable Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?
The reality is that a base Pixel 10 gets you all the essentials you need. It comes with the very same Tensor G5 chipset that also powers the more expensive Pixels. I have tested it for a couple of weeks, and while it isn't really a powerhouse, it's a completely decent device to use daily.
The Pixel 10 also has a capable triple camera, with a proper 5X telephoto that delivers good results when you zoom in. The phone also has a very decent battery life as well as the Qi2 magnetic charging with Pixelsnap accessories as the more expensive Pixels. Finally, it has all the software bells and whistles that are available on the rest of the Pixels as well.
Who is it for?
The Pixel 10 is the sensible phone to consider if you want to get a modern and capable Pixel device. Skip the more expensive Pixels, the Pixel 10 is the same device, the presentation is just slightly less flashy.
The Pixel 10 is the first "base" Pixel with a telephoto camera. It also comes with a Tensor G5 chip, paired with 12GB RAM, providing incredible AI features and a smooth performance. You can get it for 31% off at Amazon right now, and there's an extra $100 discount available at checkout.
Doesn't have the full AI model (uses Gemini Nano XXS)
Plastic back gets smudgy, feels warm
Big, big bezel
Why did I pick it?
The budget Pixel option for 2025 is logically the one to get if your budget is tight, but you still want to experience most of bells and whistles usually associated with a Pixel device. It trades the slightly more premium aluminum design for a less enticing plastic one, but still keeps the same general design as pretty much most other Pixel phones in the past few years.
The most important thing here is that the Pixel 9a comes with the very same chipset that powered the previous Pixel 9 generation, the Tensor G4, so performance is pretty much on par with last year's still very capable Pixels. Of course, when you compare the raw power against other rivals, it's not that impressive, but for regular everyday stuff, the Pixel 9a is pretty decent.
But the best thing about the Pixel 9a is its large 5,100 mAh battery, which was the largest ever put on a Pixel for a brief time before the Pro XL snatched the title back. With this battery in tow, the Pixel 9a delivers excellent battery backup, easily making it a two-day phone with light to moderate usage. I tested the battery endurance, and it's exceptional for such a compact device, just have in mind that earlier Pixel A-series devices have exhibited issues with their batteries, and Google has hampered them.
Who is it for?
The Pixel 9a is the perfect phone for those who don't really care about all the flashy hardware and features that flagships deliver, but need a reliable and dependable phone in their pockets. The Pixel 9a will fulfill that role with gusto.
6.3-inch OLED display, 60-120Hz, 2,700 nits of brightness
Tensor G4 (4nm), 8GB RAM, 128/256GB
48MP wide + 13MP UW camera
5,100 mAh battery
$499
Save $100 on the Pixel 9a at Amazon
$100 off (20%)
Google's latest mid-range option, the Pixel 9a, is available fully unlocked at Amazon. It packs a serious punch, too: great display, quality design, and great overall performance. And now, it's going for $100 off at Amazon, delivering even more value for money.
Sturdier build with IP68 water and dust resistance
Wide and functional inner and outer displays
Stock Android 16 software is a gem
What we don't like
Performance is okay, gaming is disappointing
Battery life not much better than Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Video image quality is still not inspiring
Why did I pick it?
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is easily the best foldable phone if you're loving the Pixel ecosystem and want the largest possible display on a modern Google phone. The 8-inch screen is spacious, expansive, and super-bright, while the external screen is wide enough for comfortable use without having to open the device all the time.
The latest Tensor G5 ticks inside delivering more than enough performance for everyday tasks. Yes, it's not a raw powerhouse, but does the job well enough outside of demanding games.
The only thing I did not enjoy while I was testing the Pixel 10 Pro Fold was the tiny but still present display crease on the internal screen. Not something I enjoy, but might not be an issue for some people.
Although it's slightly less capable than the flagship camera offering on the Pixel 10 pro XL, the phone still takes mighty fine still photos and videos for a foldable. Also, it's the first foldable phone with proper IP68 water and dust-resistance, which I absolutely love.
Who is it for?
In this day and age, a Pixel is still a very niche device, and foldables even more so, so combining the two creates a device that's exceptionally uncommon. Get this one only if you know what you're dealing with; this is not a safe blind buy. As such, it can only be truly appreciated by the most devoted Pixel and foldable phone fans out there.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold brings an improved foldable experience, featuring the latest Tensor G5 chip, Android 16 out of the box, and two gorgeous screens. Right now, you can save $400 on the model in Moonstone. This is a limited-time offer.
Latest AI and software bells and whistles for seven long years
Premium feel
What we don't like
Incremental upgrades compared to the previous model
Tensor G5 still lacking in raw performance
Battery life is better but still not great
Why did I pick it?
The Pixel 10 Pro is a peculiar breed–while it's a proper flagship, it's as compact as the Pixel 10, so it still fits that neat market niche combining decent size with a host of premium flagship features. I love that you get pretty much all of the bells and whistles of the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL in a smaller body; the only major missing thing here is the battery size, naturally.
The Pixel 10 Pro is a device that will fit nicely in your hand but is on a higher level when it comes to a premium feel. It's the closest thing you'd probably get if Apple ever designed an Android phone, as it feels so much like an iPhone when you hold it.
The Pixel 10 Pro comes with the latest and greatest Pixel features, including the Tensor G5, a bright display that should be sufficient for most people.
Who is it for?
The Pixel 10 Pro will suit people that enjoy the Pixel flagship experience, but would love to do so at a more compact size as opposed to the Pixel 10 Pro XL or the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Google Tensor G5 (3nm), 16GB, up to 1TB of storage
4,870 mAh, 30W wired, Qi2
Starting from $999
Save $350 on the Pixel 10 Pro at Amazon
$350 off (35%)
Looking for a flagship Pixel 10 experience in a compact form factor? Consider the Pixel 10 Pro! Right now, you can get the phone for $250 off at Amazon, making it a great pick for many. But that's not all! There's a $100 coupon available, bringing your total savings to $350.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the absolute best new Pixel device released in 2025, and it's one proper flagship, combining a ultra-premium build with no-compromise hardware with Google's excellent software features and the Gemini suite of on-board functionalities, most of which are unique to the latest Pixels.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with the largest display on a standard candybar Pixel phone, with exceptional peak brightness nearing 3,000 nits, the new 3nm Tensor G5 chipset, and up to a terabyte of storage. It also packs the largest battery on a Pixel phone, a 5,200 mAh unit in the back, along with nearly 40W of charging speed and Qi2 support with Google's new Pixelsnap accessories.
I absolutely love Pixelsnap, it's the standout feature of the Pixel 10 series as far as I am concerned.
The device comes with a pretty competent triple camera, combining a 50MP wide, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 5X telephoto, which lets the phone zoom up to 100X, like most Chinese Android flagship phones.
Who is it for?
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a phone for those who want a no-compromise stock Android device that delivers the best of Google software. It's the archirival to the iPhone Pro Max in the US, one that does things differently but good enough nonetheless.
Users after a larger screen and a serious Gemini AI prowess should consider the latest Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. The latest big-sized Google Pixel flagship is now $400 off at Amazon. The promo includes a $300 price cut and a $100 extra discount with a coupon code, which is applied at checkout.
Find out more details about photo and video scores for all phones we have tested on our PhoneArena Camera Score page
FAQ
What to consider when choosing the best Pixel phone in 2025?
Granted that Google's phones are all way more similar than competitive devices, picking one isn't that difficult: you only need to pick your size and then decide how much you want to spend. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 9a are very much similar in terms of size, so choosing between these three is a matter of sticking to your predetermined budget. On the other hand, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is a no-compromise device that brings you the best of Google's Pixel line.
There are a lot of Google Pixel phones that come in a fairly compact size, which makes it easy to find a decent phone if you don't want to lug around a large and heavy device. Both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are basically the same size, and the Pixel 9a is slightly thicker, but you have a lot of choice in this size segment.
The other real difference between the best Pixel phones is their camera. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL have the best cameras around and lean more on their better zooming capabilities. The regular Pixel 10 and the Pixel 9a are humbler in terms of camera capabilities, but still decent.
How long will your Pixel be supported?
Google will support the Pixel 10 series for seven years. This means the devices will be officially supported until August 2032. The first lineup of Pixels to be supported for seven years was the Pixel 8 family, when Google committed to this long support window.
What is Qi2 and which Pixels support it?
Qi2 is the latest wireless charging standard available for Android manufacturers. Based on Apple's MagSafe, Qi2 incorporates thin magnets positioned in a circular fashion for alignment with the wireless charging coil and mounting of compatible accessories. Google's iteration of Qi2 is called Pixelsnap and is reverse-compatible with both MagSafe and other Qi2-enabled accessories and wireless chargers.
The initial wireless charging speeds of Qi2 were 15W, but the latest Qi2 version 2.2 allows up to 25W wireless charging.
What should I know about Pixel A-series battery concerns
Earlier this year, Google officially admitted that the battery cells of some Pixel 6a devices can potentially overheat and pose a risk to users. As a result, Google released a software update for the Pixel 6a that artificially caps their battery capacity and charging speeds once the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. This software update was mandatory and was pushed to all Pixel 6a devices starting July 8, 2025.
Pixel 6a users could either opt-in for a a free battery replacement at no charge or file in a claim for reimbursement.
Previously, reports about similar overheating batteries on Pixel 4a had surfaced, and Google has released a similar software update to affected devices as well. It seems that some Pixel 7a units are also experiencing such issues, which reveals a worrying pattern with Pixel A-series batteries.
What does Pixel Care+ include?
Google's Pixel Care+ protection program includes unlimited accidental damage claims, battery and display replacements at no charge, and 24/7 tech support. The service is only available in the US and can be purchased through the Google Store and Google Fi. Currently, there are a couple of different plan types, including monthly subscription.
Can you de-Google a Pixel phone?
Yes, you can easily de-Google a Pixel phone. Intriguingly, Pixel phones are currently some of the easiest to have their bootloader unlocked, which allows you to install a custom Android software. Some of these custom Android ROMs don't come with Google apps preloaded by default, essentially de-Googled. Popular custom ROMs for the PIxel family include GrapheneOS, which is an open-sourced privacy-oriented Pixel software that doesn't come with any Google services preloaded at all.
Which Google Pixel phone offers the best overall value right now?
Unsurprisingly, it's Google Pixel A-series that offer the best value right now. The only major difference with more premium standard Pixel flagship phones is the build quality (they use plastic), and the camera capabilities (they lack a telephoto). Apart from that, performance and battery life are comparable to the more expensive Pixel phones.
Just have in mind that some older Pixel A-models might have been fitted with defective batteries which might have artificially degraded performance and charging speeds
Which Pixel has the best camera performance?
At the moment, the best camera phones in Google's Pixel arsenal are the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. These two phones come with 50MP main cameras, as well as 48MP ultrawide and 5X telephoto ones, making them very well-endowed in the camera department. Paired with Google's signature image-processing, you get one very respectable camera package.
What is the best budget Pixel option for most users?
The Google Pixel 9a is currently the best affordable Pixel phone in Google's lineup. It packs decent performance and an adequate camera system, along with all fo Google's software chops and AI tricks that are synonymous with the Pixel lineup. All of that starting at $499.
Are older Pixels still good to buy or should I avoid them?
Old Pixel phones are pretty decent purchases, given that Google usually introduces fairly minor inter-generational changes. An older Pixel 8 Pro isn't that much different from the latest Pixel 10 Pro, and while performance and battery life will be better on the newer model, the older Pixel wouldn't lag that much behind. This mostly applies to flagships though––regular Pixel models have scored decent changes; for example, the Pixel 10 has a triple camera, while the Pixel 9 and previous models lack the telephoto camera.
Is it worth buying a Google Pixel phone in 2025?
One should definitely consider buying a Google Pixel phone in 2024. This is especially true for those who are deeply involved in the Android ecosystem, as opposed to those who have shaped their lives with the Apple ecosystem in mind.
The synergy between the Pixel phones and various other Android-friendly accessories and smart home gadgets is not necessarily superior to that of, for instance, a flagship Samsung device, but in general, a Pixel is a reliable option.
How do we test the best Pixel phones?
As with all devices that we review, we test the battery life, display quality, camera quality, and overall performance of each device.
The camera quality, arguably the most important aspect, is determined by comparing samples from the new phones with their predecessors and some notable rivals. Display qualities are measured with professional equipment by qualified personnel.
Battery life is measured with the phones' displays set at 200 nits and connected to Wi-Fi, with three different use case tests being run on each device: video streaming, 3D gaming, and our custom web browsing test.
We also test the charging speeds of each Pixel with the manufacturer-recommended battery charger, and if the device has a charger in the box, we use that one. Pixel phones usually fare very well in the display category, but they've been somewhat lacking in the performance category.
Grab the Pixel 10 at Mint Mobile for $450 off
$349
$799
$450 off (56%)
Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.
Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.
The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.
The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.
Peter, an experienced tech enthusiast at PhoneArena, is captivated by all things mobile. His impartial reviews and proficiency in Android systems offer readers valuable insights. Off-duty, he delves into the latest cryptocurrency trends and enjoys sci-fi and video games.
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