Google nailed it with the Pixel 9 lineup, because of its clear software program, some genuinely helpful synthetic intelligence options, and availability in each value section. The flagship lineup consists of 4 Pixel telephones — the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold, whereas the Pixel 9a debuted lately. This makes a Pixel smartphone accessible in each value section.
The most recent units additionally embrace new AI options and digicam smarts with the assistance of Google Gemini. It may be complicated to decide on which Google telephone is finest for you, given the huge lineup and the Pixel 10 collection launching in August. We’ve examined all of the Google Pixel telephones that will help you determine which is the right alternative for you presently.
What’s the finest Google Pixel telephone proper now?
At ZDNET, we have reviewed all the Google Pixel telephones accessible that will help you discover one of the best Pixel telephone for you. Our present choose for one of the best Google Pixel telephone is the Pixel 9 Professional XL. It faces robust competitors from the brand new Galaxy S25 Extremely, however you get glorious cameras, a bunch of latest AI options, an up to date design, and help for as much as seven years of software program, safety, and Pixel Drop updates. Nevertheless, it is not the one good Pixel telephone you could purchase proper now.
One of the best Google Pixel telephones of 2025
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Why we prefer it: Google has three telephones named Pixel 9 Professional this 12 months, however the Pixel 9 Professional XL is the true successor to the Pixel 8 Professional. It options an upgraded show, which is sharper and brighter, a brand new chipset, and much more.
The design is now iPhone-like with flat sides. These make it really feel extra premium to carry with out being uncomfortable, because of the curved edges. You get an all-new digicam module, too. Total, I like the way it seems.
The Google Pixel 9 Professional is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It is chargeable for my favourite AI options like Pixel Studio, higher digicam processing, and extra. It nonetheless will get heat throughout demanding duties, however I have never confronted stutters or lag on the Google flagship. It’s paired with 16GB of RAM — probably the most on a Pixel telephone up to now with as much as 1TB or storage.
I additionally like Video Increase — which helps higher document movies in low mild, and Add Me, which helps you to add your self in group pictures. The entrance digicam is healthier than ever as nicely. The telephone’s triple digicam array, paired with the corporate’s computational prowess, makes the Pixel 9 Professional XL one of the best system total from Google. The corporate additionally says it is twice as sturdy than the Pixel 8 Professional.
Who it is for: If you need the most important Google telephone however do not wish to spend on a foldable and want flagship cameras, the Pixel 9 Professional XL is for you. It will not disappoint you.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need one of the best of Google cmaeras however have sall palms, the Pixel 9 Professional XL may very well be a problem to make use of. In that case, you need to go for the Pixel 9 Professional.
Overview: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP entrance | Battery capability: 5,060 mAh | Value: Begins $1,099
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Why we prefer it: The Google Pixel 9 Professional is a one-of-a-kind telephone for individuals who need one of the best optics however in a smaller dimension. Whereas the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max have digicam variations when it comes to telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Professional’s cameras are the identical because the $100 costlier Pixel 9 Professional.
In comparison with the common Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Professional includes a sharper and brighter show, a telephoto sensor, a greater and improved 42MP selfie shooter, 16GB of RAM, and extra digicam options like 8K video recording, Zoom Improve, and extra. There are many causes to warrant the additional $200 price ticket over the Pixel 9.
Who it is for: You can purchase the Google Pixel 9 Professional if you would like all one of the best Google options and efficiency however in a 6.3-inch display screen dimension and kind issue. It is going to obtain the identical seven years value of software program, safety and Pixel Drop upgrades.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Should you prioritize battery life, the Pixel 9 Professional won’t be for you. It will final you a day however if you happen to’re an influence consumer, the Pixel 9 Professional XL would serve you higher, or if you happen to’re high quality with a small display screen however want a dependable battery life, the $500 Pixel 9a is an effective alternative.
Overview: Google Pixel 9 Professional
Google Pixel 9 Professional specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show: 6.3 inches | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP entrance | Battery capability: 4,700 mAh | Value: Beginning at $999
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Why we prefer it: I like the Pixel 9 as a result of it’s extra much like the Professional collection than ever. It’s the similar dimension because the Pixel 9 Professional and is powered by the identical processor, packs the identical battery capability, an analogous display screen and extra. So, you get an analogous expertise on a extra reasonably priced telephone.
A number of new AI options like Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, and Add Me are a part of the Pixel 9 as nicely. In some methods, the smaller Pixel is a fair higher telephone than the bigger Professional XL, resembling in ergonomics and the in-hand really feel. The flexibility to achieve from one nook of the display screen to the opposite with out having to fidget round creates a greater in-hand consumer expertise.
Regardless of the $100 value hike, the Pixel 9 prices $200 lower than the Pixel 9 Professional and $300 lower than the Pixel 9 Professional XL. This makes it the most effective telephones in its value class.
Who it is for: The Pixel 9 is one of the best Google telephone for most individuals since you get to expertise a lot of the upgrades for lower than $1,000. The optics are as dependable as earlier than, and also you get even higher digicam tuning. The Pixel 9 additionally packs 12GB of RAM, which is probably the most for any base variant of a Google telephone up to now.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need a much bigger display screen and battery, the Pixel 9 Professional XL would swimsuit you higher. And in case you are an influence consumer, the Apple iPhone 16 is likely to be value contemplating.
Overview: Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show: 6.3 inches | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal, 48MP ultrawide, 10.5MP entrance | Battery capability: 4,700 mAh | Value: Beginning at $799
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Why we prefer it: The Google Pixel 9a is the most recent reasonably priced Google telephone and in contrast to Apple’s iPhone 16e, the it nonetheless begins on the similar $499, regardless of the upgrades on the processor, show, and battery.
The brand new Google finances telephone options an up to date design and borrows the Tensor G4 chipset from the Pixel 9 Professional. Whereas it scores decrease numbers in benchmark assessments than the flagship telephone, it stays a particularly succesful system.
I like the larger 6.3-inch OLED display screen — versus the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch display screen. It helps a 120Hz refresh fee show and brings improved brightness. This makes the display screen look extra legible than earlier than, particularly open air. The brand new Google telephone additionally has the most important battery for an A-series Pixel telephone — 5,100mAh, which is able to probably final you a complete day.
It additionally presents a easy and responsive day-to-day expertise. It carries over the Titan M2 chip in addition to a built-in VPN for added safety. Google upgraded the optics, too. You get an improved 48MP principal sensor and the identical 12MP ultrawide angle digicam. The 13MP selfie shooter stays unchanged as nicely. These provide nice digicam processing, pores and skin tones, and beautiful lowlight outcomes. It is nice for hobbyist shutterbugs {and professional} photographers alike.
Who it is for: In case you are strictly on a finances however do not wish to compromise on the flagship Google expertise, the Pixel 9a is for you.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need one of the best show, battery life and efficiency below $500, the OnePlus 13r is a more sensible choice, particularly if you happen to’re happy with no wi-fi charging help.
Overview: Google Pixel 9A
Google Pixel 9a specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 | Show: 6.3 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 64MP Quad PD Bayer, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP entrance | Battery capability: Typical 4492mAh | Value: Beginning at $499
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Why we prefer it: A very powerful design change for the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is that it was much like the OnePlus Open and never the previous Pixel Fold. I cherished the brand new 20:9 facet ratio cowl display screen, which is similar because the Pixel 9 Professional, so you may run apps with out dealing with any scaling points — in contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The Pixel 9 Professional Fold includes a design total on the within too. You get higher cameras however a smaller battery than earlier than. Nevertheless, it’s now powered by a extra environment friendly Tensor G4 processor, which ought to maintain the battery life in verify. It carries the identical new AI options because the Pixel 9 collection, together with Add Me, Pixel Studio, and extra.
There’s a new function known as Made You Look that shows graphics on the duvet display screen the place taking pictures with the telephone unfolded. That is to make toddlers look in the direction of the cameras. Like the opposite new Pixel telephones, it’s going to get seven years of software program, safety, and Pixel Drop updates.
Who it is for: If you need a folding telephone with the signture Google expertise, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is for you.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is not one of the best foldable smartphone. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 simply across the nook, it is sensible to attend just a few weeks if you happen to’re purchasing for a book-style folding telephone.
Overview: Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold
Google Pixel Fold specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show: 6.3 inches (outer) and eight.0 inches (inside) | Storage: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP principal, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP selfie shooter on each cowl display screen and inside show | Battery capability: 4,650mAh | Value: $1,799
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What are the tariffs within the U.S.?
The latest U.S. tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India purpose to spice up home manufacturing however are more likely to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs might change into costlier as firms rethink world provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
Additionally: Tariff struggle has tech consumers questioning what’s subsequent. This is what we all know
Smartphones are among the many most affected by the brand new U.S. tariffs, with units imported from China and Vietnam dealing with steep duties that might increase retail costs by 20% or extra. Manufacturers like Apple and Google, which rely closely on Asian manufacturing, might both cross these prices on to shoppers or take up them on the expense of revenue margins.
The tariffs may additionally result in delays in product launches or shifts in the place and the way telephones are made, forcing firms to diversify manufacturing to nations with extra favorable commerce situations.
Proper now, it seems like some tech could also be exempt from the issued tariffs, however because it’s all the time altering and creating, we’re maintaining a tally of it and can replace you on the most recent.
Additionally: Tariff exemptions for electronics provide a break for tech – however not for lengthy
The Google Pixel 9 Professional XL is our choose for finest Google telephone total. Together with the ample picture and video enhancing options the telephone incorporates, it is also glossy, premium-feeling, and has sufficient battery life for an extended day of use. All instructed, it is one of the crucial dynamic telephones in the marketplace, with a number of AI options to again it up. See how one of the best Google Pixel telephones evaluate based mostly on value, processing velocity, and show dimension under.
| Google Pixel telephone | Value | Processor | Show dimension |
| Pixel 9 Professional XL | $1,099 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.8-inch |
| Pixel 9 Professional | $999 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch |
| Pixel 9 | $799 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch |
| Pixel 9a | $499 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch |
| Pixel 9 Professional Fold | $1,799 | Google Tensor G4 | 6.3-inch and eight.0-inch |
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Should you’re thinking about a Google Pixel telephone, it is good that there aren’t too many choices accessible to confuse you or overwhelm your decision-making course of. The primary consideration is value. In case you have a most quantity you might be prepared to spend on a telephone, then the value can dictate which is best for you.
Fortunately, on the subject of the software program expertise, Google gives about the identical expertise throughout all the actively supported Pixel telephones. You will see some unique AI and digicam options right here and there, however the common expertise is roughly the identical.
| Select this Google Pixel telephone | If you need… |
| Google Pixel 9 Professional XL | One of the best of Google within the greatest dimension doable for good battery life and huge display screen with tons of AI options, and a temperature sensor. |
| Google Pixel 9 Professional | Google’s finest digicam system in a small dimension, 1TB storage and no compromises. A Professional telephone in a compact kind issue. |
| Google Pixel 9 | A extra reasonably priced Pixel telephone with a equally excellent digicam, colourful physique selections, and a helpful kind issue. It additionally options among the AI options discovered on the Professional. |
| Google Pixel 9a | One of the best finances choose of the Google telephones, with a beginning value of $499, a 120Hz show, and wi-fi charging help. |
| Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold | Google’s foldable overhaul that allows you to change between a compact 6.3-inch show and a productivity-enhancing 8.0-inch show. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold stays dear, but it surely undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by $100. |
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With a number of new Google Pixel telephones being launched annually, ZDNET spends at the very least two weeks with every mannequin earlier than deciding whether or not or not — and the place — it ranks inside this shopping for information. The {qualifications} I search for when curating the picks embrace the next:
- Availability: The largest issue is availability; is what’s being chosen accessible to buy immediately from Google, an area service, or a web based retailer? Is it in inventory? Or can it solely be bought in used or renewed situation? With the picks on this listing, each may be purchased new and sealed, guaranteeing that you’re going to obtain probably the most dependable expertise from the beginning.
- Worth: Simply as essential is the worth that every Pixel telephone brings. Whereas all choices on this listing differ in value tiers, they every provide sufficient distinctive options, digicam capabilities, and designs that make them value paying for. If they don’t seem to be value it, they will not be on the listing.
- Efficiency: Naturally, I solely choose fashions that yield good to glorious efficiency, from the way in which they deal with day-to-day duties to extra intensive use circumstances like gaming and video enhancing.
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This is a breakdown of each issue we take into account earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone seems and feels performs an enormous function in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we take into account these points closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Due to this fact, we usually start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cell connection as doable.
- Digital camera high quality: ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing lots of of pictures and movies of varied topics and in numerous lighting situations. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also essential for us to judge how lengthy telephones final below mild, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it — wired, wi-fi, or each.
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined units from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the other.
- Pricing and availability: Past finances concerns, we additionally be aware if a telephone is out there within the U.S. or solely internationally.
For an intensive rundown of our testing methodology, be sure you try our how we take a look at telephones article.
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Individuals use their smartphones in every single place immediately and having some stage of mud and water resistance is essential. You shouldn’t swim or deliberately submerge your telephone for prolonged durations in water and not using a waterproof case. Warranties typically don’t cowl water harm. Nevertheless, in case you are exterior within the rain, by accident drop your telephone in a puddle, or spill one thing in your telephone, it ought to be capable to survive such an incident.
On this listing, the Pixel 9a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold are probably the most water and dirt resistant with an IP68 score. The Pixel Fold has an IPX8 score, which solely presents water resistance and no mud resistance resulting from its foldable kind issue.
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Each Pixel mannequin on this listing helps wi-fi charging.
Wi-fi charging is a handy strategy to cost your telephone with out having to plug in a USB-C wire immediately into the telephone. Wi-fi charging can also be now rated as quick wi-fi charging in lots of circumstances, however even with this “quick” score, it’s nonetheless quicker to cost up your telephone with a direct USB-C cable.
Additionally: Is your Pixel battery draining quicker than it ought to? This function can assist
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Different telephones value contemplating
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