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Definition: Pixel phone
A smartphone from Google introduced in 2016. Following the Nexus line of devices that are "pure Android," Pixel phones include unlimited Google Photos cloud storage, 24/7 phone or chat support, Google's virtual assistant (see Google Assistant), a state-of-the-art laser focus 4K camera and virtual reality performance (see Daydream VR). The Pixel line is made by HTC and Foxconn.
Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold
The current models feature more AI processing at a slightly higher price than the Pixel 8. Gemini Assistant adds AI to Google Assistant, and Gemini Nano provides local AI processing without going to the cloud. A subscription to Gemini Live provides a conversational AI. See Gemini Nano.
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro (2023)
The previous version of the smartphone, which introduced seven years of updates instead of three. With only tiny differences in case size from Pixel 7 models, Pixel 8 camera improvements enable greater editing of photos. Messages can be translated in real time with Live Translate. Models have next-generation G3 Tensor system-on-chip with nine cores. AI capability was also added (see Gemini Nano). See Tensor chip.
Pixel Fold (2023)
First Pixel foldable. Available for pre-order, the Fold opens to a 7.6" screen and features up to 512GB of storage. See Pixel Fold.
Pixel 7a (2023)
The entry-level 7a continues in the fashion of previous A models. It is an excellent entry-level phone from Google.
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (2022)
The top-of-the-line Pixel phones are not hugely different from the Pixel 6 models but continue to be very popular with improved camera capabilities (telephoto zoom and brighter display), as well as the second generation of Google's Tensor chip. The two-tone case is gone, and facial recognition is back, which was missing as of the Pixel 4.
Pixel 6a (2022)
The entry-level 6a has the smallest screen in the Pixel 6 lineup but was acclaimed best phone under $500 by Tom's Guide.
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro (2021)
The 6 Pro is the flagship model with a 6.7" screen, and both the 6 and 6 Pro switched from Qualcomm's Snapdragon to the Google Tensor chip with AI-related circuits for better camera processing. Magic Eraser is a new feature in the photos app that can remove unwanted background distractions in an image.
Pixel 5a (2021)
Although the Pixel 5a screen is slightly larger than the 5, the 5a was downgraded a bit to be the entry level model. For example, there is no more wireless charging, and the screen refresh was lowered from 90Hz to 60Hz. Both the previous 5 model and the 5a have the same Snapdragon 765G processor.
Pixel 4a, 4a 5G and 5 (2020)
The Pixel 5 is the flagship model, and both the 5 and 4a 5G are 5G capable along with 24-bit color depth, ultra-wide cameras and stereo speakers. The 4a has the least battery runtime and smallest screen (see below).
Pixel 3 and 4 (2019)
In May 2019, the 3a and 3a XL debuted, offering a midrange option for the first time. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL also came out in 2019. Face recognition replaced the previous fingerprint identification, and the cameras and Google Assistant were improved. Hand gestures were added to perform functions such as switching tracks and muting calls. See Chromebook Pixel, Pixel C and Google Nexus.
Pixel and Pixel XL
Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold
The current models feature more AI processing at a slightly higher price than the Pixel 8. Gemini Assistant adds AI to Google Assistant, and Gemini Nano provides local AI processing without going to the cloud. A subscription to Gemini Live provides a conversational AI. See Gemini Nano.
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro (2023)
The previous version of the smartphone, which introduced seven years of updates instead of three. With only tiny differences in case size from Pixel 7 models, Pixel 8 camera improvements enable greater editing of photos. Messages can be translated in real time with Live Translate. Models have next-generation G3 Tensor system-on-chip with nine cores. AI capability was also added (see Gemini Nano). See Tensor chip.
Pixel Fold (2023)
First Pixel foldable. Available for pre-order, the Fold opens to a 7.6" screen and features up to 512GB of storage. See Pixel Fold.
Pixel 7a (2023)
The entry-level 7a continues in the fashion of previous A models. It is an excellent entry-level phone from Google.
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (2022)
The top-of-the-line Pixel phones are not hugely different from the Pixel 6 models but continue to be very popular with improved camera capabilities (telephoto zoom and brighter display), as well as the second generation of Google's Tensor chip. The two-tone case is gone, and facial recognition is back, which was missing as of the Pixel 4.
Pixel 6a (2022)
The entry-level 6a has the smallest screen in the Pixel 6 lineup but was acclaimed best phone under $500 by Tom's Guide.
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro (2021)
The 6 Pro is the flagship model with a 6.7" screen, and both the 6 and 6 Pro switched from Qualcomm's Snapdragon to the Google Tensor chip with AI-related circuits for better camera processing. Magic Eraser is a new feature in the photos app that can remove unwanted background distractions in an image.
Pixel 5a (2021)
Although the Pixel 5a screen is slightly larger than the 5, the 5a was downgraded a bit to be the entry level model. For example, there is no more wireless charging, and the screen refresh was lowered from 90Hz to 60Hz. Both the previous 5 model and the 5a have the same Snapdragon 765G processor.
Pixel 4a, 4a 5G and 5 (2020)
The Pixel 5 is the flagship model, and both the 5 and 4a 5G are 5G capable along with 24-bit color depth, ultra-wide cameras and stereo speakers. The 4a has the least battery runtime and smallest screen (see below).
Pixel 3 and 4 (2019)
In May 2019, the 3a and 3a XL debuted, offering a midrange option for the first time. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL also came out in 2019. Face recognition replaced the previous fingerprint identification, and the cameras and Google Assistant were improved. Hand gestures were added to perform functions such as switching tracks and muting calls. See Chromebook Pixel, Pixel C and Google Nexus.
Available unlocked from Google or Verizon and manufactured by HTC and LG, Pixel phones are Google's "pure Android" phones. These are the original Pixel and Pixel XL models. (Images courtesy of Google, Inc.)
CURRENT PIXEL PHONES FROM GOOGLE
Max
Screen Weight Storage **
Model Size (oz.) Resolution (GB) SoC
9 ProXL 6.8" 7.8 2992x1344 1024 T G4
9 Pro 6.3" 7.0 2856x1280 1024 T G4
9 6.3" 7.0 2424x1080 256 T G4
8 Pro 6.7" 7.5 2992x1344 1024 T G3
8 6.2" 6.6 2400x1080 256 T G3
8a 6.1" 6.7 2400x1080 256 T G3
7a 6.1" 6.8 2400x1080 128 T G2
PREVIOUS PIXELS
7 Pro 6.7" 7.5 3120x1440 512 T G2
7 6.3" 7.0 2400x1080 256 T G2
6a 6.1" 6.3 2400x1080 128 T
6 Pro 6.7" 7.4 3120x1440 512 T
6 6.4" 7.3 2400x1080 256 T
5 6.0" 5.3 2340x1080 128 765G
4a 5G 6.2" 5.9 2340x1080 128 765G
4a 5.8" 5.4 2340x1080 128 730G
4 XL 6.3" 6.8 3040x1440 128 855
4 5.7" 5.7 2280x1080 128 855
3a 5.6" 5.2 2220x1080 64 670
3 XL 6.3" 6.5 2960x1440 128 845
3 5.5" 5.2 2160x1080 128 845
3a XL 6.0" 5.9 2160x1080 64 670
2 XL 6.0" 6.2 2880x1440 128 835
2 5.0" 5.0 1920x1080 128 835
XL 5.5" 5.9 2560x1440 128 821
Pixel 5.0" 5.0 1920x1080 128 821
** 821-855 = Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC
T = Google Tensor
T G2 = 2nd-gen Google Tensor