Top-Ranking Google Pixel Phones of 2025

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Google's Pixel lineup continues to impress with its premium hardware and excellent software. Here's a breakdown of the best Google Pixel phones available in 2024, along with their specifications, features, and pros and cons.

Main Models and Their Specifications

| Model | Display | Processor | RAM | Storage Options | Cameras (Rear) | Battery | Notable Features | |-----------------|--------------------------------|-------------------|------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Pixel 9 Pro | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED (up to 120Hz) | Google Tensor G4 | 12GB | 128GB to 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP 5x zoom | ~5,050mAh | Titan M2 security, advanced AI features, camera excellence; Phone of the Year 2024[1][2][3] | | Pixel 9 | Modest size (exact not specified) | Google Tensor G4 | 8GB | 128GB, 256GB | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide | ~4,575mAh | Best affordable flagship, strong AI features, 7 years of updates[1][4] | | Pixel 9a | Similar to Pixel 9 but budget | Tensor G4 or similar | ~6-8GB | Likely 128GB | Likely single or dual cameras, less advanced | Larger battery | Budget-friendly with larger battery but fewer AI features[1][4] | | Pixel 8 Pro | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED (up to 120Hz) | Google Tensor G3 | 12GB | 128GB to 1TB | 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP 5x zoom | ~5,050mAh | Great camera, fewer AI features than Pixel 9 Pro but strong hardware[2][4] | | Pixel 10 Pro (upcoming) | 6.3-inch display, likely similar resolution and refresh rate | Tensor G5 (TSMC custom chip) | 16GB | 128GB minimum (rumored 256GB base would be better) | Similar to Pixel 9 Pro | Unknown | New fully custom Tensor G5 chip, modest hardware update, faster charging, Pixelsnap |[5]

Pros and Cons Summary

| Model | Pros | Cons | |-----------------|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Pixel 9 Pro | Flagship with best camera, AI features, battery life; Phone of the Year 2024 | Premium price, large size may not suit all | | Pixel 9 | Balanced features and price, strong AI, good battery life, long update support | Slightly less camera flexibility than Pro | | Pixel 9a | Affordable, large battery, decent performance | Lacks some AI features and high-end cameras | | Pixel 8 Pro | Good camera hardware, strong performance | Lacks some Tensor G4 AI enhancements | | Pixel 10 Pro| Has Tensor G5 with potential performance gains | Hardware mostly unchanged since Pixel 9 Pro, no big design updates |

Additional Context

The Pixel 9 Pro is recognised as the best Google Pixel model for 2024 due to its refined design, robust AI features, and excellent camera that made it the Phone of the Year in 2024[3].
The Pixel 9 and 9a offer solid alternatives for more budget- or size-conscious users, with the 9a favouring battery life at some cost in AI capabilities[1][4].
The Pixel 10 Pro, launching soon, focuses on improved chip design (a fully custom Tensor G5 chip using TSMC fabrication, moving away from Samsung Exynos cores), which could offer significant performance boosts, but hardware specs and design remain largely similar to the Pixel 9 Pro[5].

In conclusion, for 2024 users considering Google Pixel phones, the Pixel 9 Pro is the premium flagship choice, the Pixel 9 is the best mid-to-high tier blend of price and features, and the Pixel 9a is the budget-friendly option with some compromises. The eagerly anticipated Pixel 10 Pro may bring a better chipset but less overall innovation outside of that. The choice between Google Pixel phones depends on individual preferences, with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL being the top picks for those seeking premium features, and the Pixel 9a, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 9 catering to budget-conscious consumers with different priorities. The Google Pixel 9 is considered the least recommended out of the current Pixel lineup due to its high price and similarities to the Pixel 9a and Pixel 8 Pro. The Google Pixel 9a has a unique design, with its dual-camera system embedded into the back instead of a camera bar. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a cover screen of 6.3 inches, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a foldable phone that surprised many, offering a slim design and a large 8-inch inner display. Both Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL phones share the same specs, with differences in screen size and battery life. The Google Pixel 8 Pro, although almost two years old, is still available and often offered at a discount. The Pixel 8 Pro, although almost two years old, still offers a flagship experience with a reduced price due to its age. The Google Pixel 9a is equipped with the Tensor G4 chip, but with 8GB of RAM, resulting in slightly reduced performance compared to the Pixel 9. The Google Pixel 9a includes a limited version of Gemini Nano, which lacks certain features like the Pixel Screenshots app and Call Notes.

[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]