Best Google Pixel phones in 2024

So, what is the best Google Pixel phone to consider in 2024?

With always class-leading cameras, super performance, and 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 typically lauded 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. 

So, what is the best Pixel phone right now? Let's see if we can find the answer together.

Is it worth buying a Google Pixel phone in 2024?

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.

Are there any disadvantages to Google Pixel phones?

How many years do Google Pixel phones usually last?

Google has previously committed to five years of extended security support for the Google Pixel 7 series (until 2027), and three years of guaranteed Android updates (until 2025). The Pixel 6-series, on the other hand, will receive major Android updates until 2024 and will receive software security patches well until late 2026.

The Google Pixel 6a, as it was released later, will get major Android updates until July 2025 and security support will last until July 2027. 

Earlier Google Pixel phones, like the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a-series, are currently halfway through their digital life, and will only receive major Android and security updates for a couple of years more.

The Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel 4a (5G) will get Android and security updates until August and November 2023, respectively, while the Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a will do so until August 2023 and August 2024, respectively.

No matter if it's Pixels or Nexus phones, Google has always been an important factor in the mobile industry, both from a software and hardware perspective.

Google's Pixel phones are coveted for their user-centric experience that relies on software features and artificial intelligence, as well as the might of the Google Assistant to edge out the competition.

Another significant aspect that's frequently thrown around regarding Google Pixel phones is their camera prowess and image quality.

A Pixel phone often hits way above its pay grade even though it doesn't always have the best camera hardware and uses both AI and machine learning to deliver outstanding photos, most of the time, thanks to Google's signature image-processing algorithms.

That's why it's routinely compared to Samsung and Apple flagships, despite the latter's hardware superiority.

In terms of image quality, Pixel phones take dramatic and expressive images with true-to-life colors but enhanced contrast and a distinct style that's unmistakably Pixel.

How to choose the best Google Pixel phone for you?

As Google's lineup is pretty slim, there are few options—and little chance to pick the wrong device for you. That said, you should consider what is the main use of your phone.

If you cherish portability and are not phased by camera prowess, then you should probably go for a regular Google Pixel, with the current best offers being the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 8, if you can find the latter on sale somewhere. Both are pretty capable, but they have slightly smaller, less sophisticated displays than their larger peers. There's no telephoto camera, so you can't zoom in that much.

In case you always go for the best and/or mobile photography is a cherished hobby, then you can't really go wrong with the "Pro" versions of the most recent Pixel flagship phone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL Pro and Pixel 8 Pro are flagship phones that are both much larger and more adept than their regular peers, with bigger displays with higher refresh rates, longer battery life, and an extra telephoto camera that seals the deal as far as camera versatility goes.

Go for the Pixel 9 Pro XL if you want the best Google phone in 2024. It's easily the most adept Google Pixel phone available on the Google Store right now, with the best performance, the best camera, and the best user experience out there. It's often discounted or part of a promotion that can shed quite a lot off its regular price.

Go for the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 if you want a compact and modern Android smartphone with pretty decent camera image quality, performance, and battery life.

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.