Written by
Andrew Lanxon
Our skilled, award-winning employees selects the merchandise we cowl and rigorously researches and exams our prime picks. If you happen to purchase by our hyperlinks, we might get a fee.
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Andrew Lanxon Editor At Massive, Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET’s go-to man for product protection and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the newest telephones, he can usually be discovered together with his digital camera in hand, behind his drums or consuming his stash of home-cooked meals. Generally abruptly.
Experience Smartphones, Images, iOS, Android, gaming, out of doors pursuits Credentials Shortlisted for British Images Awards 2022, Recommended in Panorama Photographer of the 12 months 2022
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Sq. Toes of Lab House $799 at Google
The very best Google has to supply
Google Pixel 8 Professional
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$549 at Google
The very best of Google, in a smaller bundle
Google Pixel 8
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$649 at Google
Google’s older flagship remains to be very good
Pixel 7 Professional
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$374 at Google
The very best Google Pixel telephone for most individuals
Pixel 7A
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$349 at Google
The very best Google Pixel if you happen to’re on a good finances
Pixel 6A
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$1,799 at Google
The Google Pixel telephone that folds in half
Pixel Fold
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Google’s Pixel telephones have all the time impressed us with their steadiness of stable all-round efficiency, nice cameras and slick software program. They’ve comfortably competed in opposition to the perfect from Apple and Samsung — often with a barely extra bearable price ticket, too. The Pixel 8 Professional is the latest flagship from Google and whereas we had some early points with it, it is a stable Android possibility that places up a robust combat in opposition to the iPhone 15 Professional and Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.
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If you happen to’re purchasing on a tighter finances, the latest Pixel 7A nonetheless presents a stellar all-round expertise, with highly effective cameras, a clean and gratifying interface and a value that will not depart fairly as massive a dent in your financial institution steadiness. Then there’s the Pixel Fold. It is the most costly of all Google’s telephones, nevertheless it has a folding show that opens up into a big 7.6-inch display screen that is nice for watching YouTube movies or enjoying video games.
The vary has grown, and with older fashions nonetheless on sale, it may be a bit complicated to work out which one’s finest for you. We have pulled collectively the highest Pixels presently on sale that will help you determine.
Learn extra: Finest Cellphone to Purchase in 2023
What’s the finest Google Pixel telephone proper now?
The Pixel 8 Professional sits on the prime of Google’s telephone lineup, with the Tensor G3 processor and a bunch of AI abilities. If you wish to splash much more cash, look in direction of the Pixel Fold, which can wow your family and friends with its bendable show. However if you happen to’re searching for the perfect low-cost Pixel telephone, it is the 7A you need to think about.
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Whereas we had some early points with the Google Pixel 8 Professional — largely with its cameras — additional testing and software program updates from Google meant we ultimately got here away considering fairly extremely of the Pixel 8 Professional. It is bought rather a lot going for it, from its slick design and easy-to-use Android 14 software program to its rear digital camera setup, which may take some genuinely stunning photographs.
Google has sprinkled quite a lot of new AI options all through the telephone too, together with a device that makes use of generative AI to create wallpapers for the telephone, and a digital camera characteristic that lets you mix totally different faces from a collection of burst photographs of a bunch of mates to make it possible for everybody appears their finest.
However the most effective updates is Google’s dedication to offering seven years of safety updates to the Pixel 8 collection, which means this telephone will nonetheless be secure to make use of in no less than 2030.
Whereas we’ve not been as impressed with this yr’s 8 Professional as we have been with the 7 Professional, it is nonetheless a terrific telephone to think about, particularly if you happen to’re eager to carry on to your telephone for longer.
Execs:
Lengthy software program assist periodFun AI toolsSolid total digital camera high quality
Cons:
Total efficiency is disappointingBattery life could possibly be higher
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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The Pixel 8 has most of the options of the costlier Pixel 8 Professional however is available in a barely smaller bundle and with a smaller price ticket to match. You will discover the Tensor G3 processor on board, together with Android 14 software program that features AI instruments just like the generative picture wallpaper creator.
It additionally comes with the identical assure of no less than seven years of safety updates so this telephone will nonetheless be going sturdy in 2030 — so long as you take care of it.
The rear cameras are extra in the reduction of right here although, as the bottom Pixel 8 lacks the 5x optical zoom digital camera seen on its greater brother. I personally love that zoom lens, however then I am an expert photographer. If pictures is not a precedence for you, it can save you your self a bundle and go for the cheaper of Google’s new vary.
Execs:
Nice camerasBright displayLong software program assist interval
Cons:
Some AI instruments do not work in addition to expectedHigher value
James Martin/CNET
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The Pixel 7 Professional is likely to be a yr outdated now, however Google nonetheless formally sells the telephone and its cheaper price means it is nicely price contemplating, even over the brand new Pixel 8 Professional. It is bought a stunning design, loads of energy in your on a regular basis necessities due to its Tensor G2 processor and the triple rear cameras are very good.
Whereas it lacks the AI abilities of the brand new mannequin, I do not personally really feel these are killer options that ought to put you off trying in direction of the older mannequin. It is also doable Google might even deliver a few of these abilities to its older vary, though do not buy it on that foundation.
Execs:
Stellar digital camera with superior new options Design refinements look stylish Android is bliss to make use of
Cons:
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Whereas the Pixel 7 Professional might need a greater digital camera system and a bigger show, most of the different options are the identical, together with the processor and software program. However the Pixel 7A additionally comes with a considerably cheaper price tag, which makes it a a lot better worth for these of you merely not considering paying for the extra superior digital camera.
The Pixel 7A improves on the older Pixel 6A with the addition of wi-fi charging and face unlock, together with the more moderen Tensor G2 processor. These is probably not large upgrades, however they’re most likely definitely worth the comparatively small further spend — particularly when you think about that, because the more moderen mannequin, the Pixel 7A will obtain a further yr of assist over the older 6A.
Execs:
Wonderful digital camera Most of the identical options because the Pixel 7 at a less expensive value Engaging design Good points wi-fi charging, face unlock and excessive refresh fee
Cons:
Display nonetheless appears dim outdoor Larger value in contrast with Pixel 6A at launch Solely three generations of Android OS updates in contrast with Samsung’s four-generation pledge
James Martin/CNET
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Launched in July 2022, the Pixel 6A is among the older fashions on this checklist, however Google nonetheless formally sells it alongside its more moderen handsets — and with a cut-down value. The Pixel 6A packs a stable twin digital camera, 5G connectivity and a good show into a comparatively compact physique. Whereas it does not have probably the most up-to-date Tensor processor, its older chip will nonetheless address all of your on a regular basis necessities.
Positive, the Pixel 7A makes some welcome updates with face unlock and wi-fi charging, nevertheless it prices about $100 greater than the 6A. If you happen to’re searching for a stable Google Pixel expertise that leaves you probably the most change in your pockets, the 6A is nicely price contemplating.
Execs:
Nice digital camera Inexpensive value Premium design for a middle-tier telephone Among the many first to get new Android updates
Cons:
Considerably dim show Not a terrific worth alongside discounted Pixel 6 Not as a few years of assured Android updates as Samsung Video high quality is not nearly as good as nonetheless images
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
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The Pixel Fold is the primary foldable telephone Google has made, and it is not a nasty first effort. The 5.8-inch outer display screen unfolds to disclose a 7.6-inch inside display screen that gives ample room for watching movies or for utilizing the assorted split-screen apps out there. The telephone’s efficiency and cameras are stable. Plus, the Fold’s total construct high quality — together with its folding hinge — appears good.
However at $1,799, it is a hell of some huge cash and means it is solely going to be of curiosity to these of you seeking to keep on the bleeding edge of recent expertise. That is a distinct segment market, and it could be a number of generations earlier than the worth of Google’s Fold begins to grow to be approachable.
So whereas this positively is not a telephone for everybody to think about, it is a good first foldable effort that is price contemplating if you happen to’re seeking to put the newest, best tech in your pocket.
Execs:
Massive cowl display screen is nice Skinny design for a foldable There isn’t any hole when the gadget is shut
Cons:
Costly Thick bezels on the inside display screen Some apps should not optimized for the inner show Drag and drop performance could be finicky
Stephen Shankland/CNET
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Once you’re watching video at a desk, the Pixel Fold is its personal stand. Movies are bigger spanning the complete inside display screen, although.
Stephen Shankland/CNET
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Each telephone on this checklist has been completely examined by CNET’s skilled critiques staff. We truly use the telephone, check the options, play video games and take images. We assess any advertising guarantees that an organization makes about its telephones. And if we discover one thing we do not like, be it battery life or construct high quality, we let you know all about it.
We study each facet of a telephone throughout testing:
DisplayDesign and feelProcessor performanceBattery lifeCamera qualityFeatures
We check all of a telephone’s cameras (each back and front) in quite a lot of circumstances: from outdoor below daylight to dimmer indoor locales and evening time scenes (for any out there evening modes). We additionally examine our findings in opposition to equally priced fashions. We’ve a collection of actual world battery exams to see how lengthy a telephone lasts below on a regular basis use.
We take note of further telephone options like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, quick charging, foldable shows and different helpful extras. And we weigh all of our experiences and testing in opposition to the worth, so whether or not a telephone represents good worth or not.
Learn extra: How We Check Telephones
Deciding which Pixel telephone is finest for you’ll seemingly come right down to how a lot you are keen to spend. As with something, the extra cash you splash, the higher options you may get. The Pixel 8 Professional is the most costly of the principle vary (excluding the Fold) and consequently it comes with the perfect digital camera system.
But when pictures is not essential to you, it can save you your self some cash and look as an alternative towards the bottom Pixel 8 or the extra inexpensive Pixel 7A. The Pixel 7A has the identical processor because the 7 Professional, so you’ll be able to count on good total efficiency, however its twin rear digital camera is aimed extra towards these of you merely eager to take the odd snap of your child on the seaside, reasonably than these searching for Instagram stardom.
If you would like probably the most cutting-edge piece of tech in your pocket, the Pixel Fold’s foldable show definitely makes it stand out within the vary. However you may pay a hefty value for this brand-new expertise, which means it is not a telephone for everybody to think about.
Whereas we liked the Pixel 7 when it first launched, due to its stable all-round efficiency and cheaper price, the arrival of the cheaper Pixel 7A means we not suggest shopping for the Pixel 7. The 7A shares most of the Pixel 7’s options, together with the processor and wonderful twin digital camera setup. However for the reason that Pixel 7A is newer, shopping for that now over the Pixel 7 will imply that you will get a couple of further months of software program and safety updates.
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We have persistently given Google’s Pixel telephones excessive scores in our critiques, because of their respectable all-round efficiency and sometimes good digital camera high quality. They do not have probably the most high-performance processors round, however they provide sufficient energy for nearly any wants, whereas the pure Android software program makes them clean and straightforward to make use of.
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