Google launched its Pixel range of smartphones back in 2016 and since then they’ve gone on to become a firm favourite for Android fans. Renowned for their excellent cameras, Pixel phones have over the years offered the simple, uncluttered version of Android that Google always intended, making them great to use. Another reason for their popularity is that they’ve usually been quite affordable, just like the Nexus phones they followed on from.
This changed a little recently, with Google adding a Pro model, giving people the chance to opt for the premium flagship experience that rivals phones from the likes of Apple and Samsung. But the continued release of both a standard model and the ‘a’ range of budget-conscious phones, makes sure there’s something for everyone.
If you’re thinking of buying a new Pixel and don’t know which one to choose, we’ve compared the latest models to help you get the model that’s right for you. We also outline the specs and headline features of each Pixel that’s been released and help you identify which Pixel you may already have, plus which models have wireless charging and if they’re waterproof.
Here, there, is a complete guide to the history of Google Pixel phones.
Google Pixel phones compared
Here’s a quick breakdown of the latest Pixels and how they stand up to their closest model.
Pixel 7 vs 7 Pro
The two premium models in the current range share a lot. They both have the new Google Tensor G2 chip, IP68 water-resistance and the fantastic cameras for which the Pixels are famous. The Pro does give you more though, with an additional 48MP f/3.5 telephoto camera, a larger and higher quality display, plus support for Ultra Wideband. Whether you need this is up to you, as the Pixel 7 is fantastic and will save you around $300/£300 when compared to its Pro stablemate.
Pixel 6 Pro vs 7 Pro
Putting the last two generations of flagships up against each other shows the difference a year can make. While the Pixel 6 Pro is still a great phone, boasting the Google Tensor G1 chipset, triple rear cameras and new design, the Pixel 7 Pro adds a layer of polish to proceedings. For a start it features the next generation Google Tensor G2 chipset, the cameras are also slightly improved with a wider field of view for the Ultrawide lens, plus the display is brighter. Both are excellent, but with a year of refinement on its side the Pixel 7 Pro is the one we’d recommend.
Pixel 6 vs 7
As with their Pro counterparts, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 have many similarities. Both come with IP68 ratings, full HD+ OLED display with 90Hz refresh rates, excellent cameras, and offer superb value for money. Again, the older model features the G1 Tensor chipset, while the newer version gets the faster G2. Unusually, the Pixel 7 actually has a marginally smaller OLED display (6.3in rather than 6.4in), but this does make it slightly smaller and lighter than its older sibling. The rear cameras are practically the same, but the front sensor on the Pixel 7 does have a minor upgrade. The real difference is in camera modes, as the Pixel 7 uses the G2 chip to access editing tools like unblur, magic eraser and cinematic blur in video that shoots with a shallow depth of field to movie-style footage. Small differences, but they do add up to the Pixel 7 being a better package overall.
Pixel 6a vs 7a
Perhaps the biggest step up from its predecessor is found in the Pixel 7a. While the Pro and standard models were mostly refinements, the 7a is a complete overhaul. It’s the first ‘A’ model to feature wireless charging, a 90Hz refresh rate on the display, the latest Google Tensor G2 chipset and all the software capabilities this brings, especially to the cameras which also saw significant upgrades. The Pixel 6a is no slouch, and can be found for ridiculously affordable prices at the time of writing, but the Pixel 7a is very close to the Pixel 7, making it one of the best and most affordable mid-range phones on the market.
Google Pixel phone specifications
Here are the key technical specifications for all the Pixel phones so far.
Google Pixel 7a specs
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Release date: 10 May 2023
Highlights: Phenomenal camera for the price, wireless charging and excellent performance for a mid-range phone.
6.1in, FHD+, 90Hz OLED Google Tensor G2 chipset Google Titan M2 security chip Android 13 8GB RAM 128GB storage 64Mp, f/1.9 main camera 13Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide 13Mp, f/2.2 selfie camera NFCGPS5G LTEWi-Fi 6EBluetooth 5.3Nano-SIM and eSIM4385mAh battery USB-C 3.2 charging port18W wired charging 7.5W wireless charging IP67 rating 72.9 x 152.4 x 9.0mm / 5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in193g / 6.84 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 7a review.
€509.00
509,00 €
Google Pixel 7 Pro specs
Release date: 13 October 2022
Highlights: Incredible, versatile cameras. Live transcription and dictation without an internet connection
6.7in QHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLEDGoogle Tensor G2 chipsetAndroid 1312GB RAM128/256GB non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage5,000mAh battery30W wired chargingWireless charging50Mp f/1.85 main camera12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide camera.48Mp f/3.5 telephoto camera5x optical zoom10x zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 30×10.8Mp f/2.2 front camera5GWi-Fi 6EBluetooth 5.2Nano-SIM and eSIMIP68Gorilla Glass Victus162.9mm x 76.6mm x 8.9mm / 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in212g / 7.48 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 7 Pro review.
€755.00
€899.00
799,00 €
Google Pixel 7 specs
Chris Martin/Foundry
Release date: 13 October 2022
Highlights: Lighter than the Pixel 6, G2 Tensor chip, Gorilla Glass Victus all round
6.3in 20:9, 90Hz flat Full HD+ (2400×1080), OLED HDR Google Tensor G2 chipset Titan M2 security chip Android 138GB LPDDR5 RAM 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage 50Mp wide camera w/ 1.2μm pixels, f/1.85, 82° FoV, 1/1.31in image sensor, OIS + EIS, 8x Super Res Zoom 12Mp ultrawide camera w/ 1.25μm pixels, f/2.2, 114° FoV, lens correction LDAF (laser detect auto focus) 10.8 MP hole-punch front camera w/ 1.22μm pixels, f/2.2, 92.8° FoV In-display fingerprint sensor + Face Unlock Stereo speakers USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) Dual SIM (via eSIM) 4355mAh battery Wired charging up to 30W (USB-PD 3.0 + PPS) Wireless charging Battery Share Extreme Battery Saver WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.2 NFC GPS Sub6 + mmWave 5G (varies by market) IP68 Gorilla Glass Victus 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm / 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm 195g / 6.95 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 7 review.
€509.99
€649.00
509,00 €
Google Pixel 6a specs
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Release date: 21 July 2022
Highlights: Fantastic value for money, excellent performance and cameras
6.1in 60Hz gOLED displayGoogle Tensor chipAndroid 126GB RAM128GB storage12Mp IMX363 main lens with OIS12Mp IMX386 ultrawide lens8Mp IMX355 selfie camera4400mAh battery18W wired charging5GStereo speakersWi-Fi 6Bluetooth 5.2NFCNano-SIM and eSIMIP67Gorilla Glass 3 display71.8 x 152.16 x 8.85mm / 5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in178g / 6.28 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 6a review.
€349.00
335,84 €
Google Pixel 6 Pro specs
Release date: 28 October 2021
Highlights: Great performance, brilliant display, Pixel cameras
6.7in 19.5:9 (up to) 120Hz curved-edge Quad HD+ (1440×1320) LTPO OLED HDR display with In-display fingerprint sensorGoogle Tensor chipsetTitan M2 security chipAndroid 1212GB RAM128GB/256GB/512GB storage (varies by market)50Mp wide camera w/ 1.2µm pixels, f/1.85, 82° FoV, 1/1.31in image sensor, OIS + EIS12Mp ultrawide camera w/ 1.25µm pixels, f/2.2, 114° FoV, lens correction48Mp telephoto camera w/ 0.8µm pixels, f/3.5, 23.5° FoV, 1/2in image sensor, OIS + EIS, optical zoom up to 4x, Super Res Zoom up to 20xLaser autofocusOIS + EIS11.1Mp hole-punch front camera w/ 1.22µm pixels, f/2.2, 94° FoVStereo speakersUSB-C (3.1)Dual SIM (via eSIM)5003mAh batteryWired charging up to 30W (USB-PD 3.0)Wireless charging up to 23WWiFi 6EBluetooth 5.2NFC5GFeliCa chip (Japan-only)Gorilla Glass Victus frontGorilla Glass 6 backPolished alloy frame163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9mm / 6.45 x 2.99 x 0.35 in210 grams / 7.41 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 6 Pro review.
Google Pixel 6 specs
Release date: 28 October 2021
Highlights: New design, 90Hz OLED display, upgraded cameras
6.4in 20:9 (up to) 90Hz flat Full HD+ (2400×1080) OLED HDR displayAlways-on display functionalityIn-display fingerprint sensorGoogle Tensor chipsetTitan M2 security chipAndroid 128GB RAM128GB/256GB storage50Mp wide camera w/ 1.2µm pixels, f/1.85, 82° FoV, 1/1.31in image sensor, OIS + EIS, Super Res Zoom up to 7x12Mp ultrawide camera w/ 1.25µm pixels, f/2.2, 114° FoV, lens correctionLaser autofocus8Mp hole-punch front camera w/ 1.12µm pixels, f/2.0, 84° FoVStereo speakersUSB-C (3.1)Dual SIM (via eSIM)4614mAh batteryWired charging up to 30W (USB-PD 3.0)Wireless charging up to 21WBattery ShareExtreme Battery SaverWiFi 6EBluetooth 5.2NFCSub6 + mmWave 5G (varies by market)FeliCa chip (Japan-only)Gorilla Glass Victus frontGorilla Glass 6 backTactile alloy frame158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm / 6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in207g / 7.30 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 6 review.
Google Pixel 5a 5G specs
Release date: 26 August 2021
Highlights: Exclusive release in US and Japan
6.34in FHD+ OLED displayQualcomm Snapdragon 765GAndroid 116GB RAM128GB storage12.2Mp, f/.1.7 main camera16Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide8Mp, f/2.0 punch-hole selfie camera5G LTEGPSNFCBluetooth 5.0Nano-SIM and eSIMUSB-C 3.1 charging port4680mAh battery18W wired chargingGorilla Glass 3Stereo speakersHeadphone jackIP67156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8mm / 6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in183g / 6.46 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 5a 5G review.
Google Pixel 5 specs
Release date: 15 October 2020
Highlights: Superb user experience, outstanding cameras, great design
6in 19.5:9 90Hz Full HD+ (2340×1080) OLED displayQualcomm Snapdragon 765G processorAndroid 118GB RAM128GB storage (non-expandable)12.2Mp main camera w/ OIS+EIS16Mp ultrawide camera w/ 107° FoV8Mp hole-punch front-facing cameraWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acGPSNFCBluetooth 5.0Stereo speakersUSB-C 3.1 charging port4080mAh battery18W fast charging12W fast wireless charging + reverse wireless chargingRecycled aluminium bodyCorning Gorilla Glass 6IP68 certified144.7mm x 70.4mm x 8mm / 5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in151g / 5.33 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 5 review.
Google Pixel 4a 5G specs
Release date: 20 August 2020
Highlights: 5G LTE, 6.2in OLED display, 128GB storage
6.2in 19.5:9 Full HD+ (2340×1080) OLED displayQualcomm Snapdragon 765G processorAdreno 620Titan M security moduleAndroid 116GB RAM128GB storage (non-expandable)12.2Mp main camera w/ OIS+EIS, f/1.716Mp ultrawide camera w/ 107° FoV, f/2.28Mp hole-punch front-facing camera, f/2.0Stereo speakersHeadphone jackDual-band Wi-Fi 5GPSBluetooth 5.0NFCUSB-C5G sub-63800mAh battery18W fast charging153.9 x 74 x 8.2mm / 6.05 x 2.91 x 0.3in 168g / 5.9oz
Read our full Google Pixel 4a 5G review.
Google Pixel 4 XL specs
Foundry
Release date: 22 October 2019
Highlights: Dual rear cameras, 90Hz refresh rate, 6.3in QHD OLED display
6.3in QHD+ (537ppi) F-OLED 90Hz Smooth Display w/ Ambient EQ and Gorilla Glass 5Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 octa-core processor + Pixel Neural CoreAdreno 640 GPUAndroid 1064GB/128GB storage, no microSD support6GB RAM12.2MP (f/1.7, 77°) rear camera w/ dual pixel phase detection and optical image stabilisation 16MP (f/2.4, 52°) telephoto camera w/ phase detection and optical image stabilisation 8MP (f/2.0 90°)Face unlock Active EdgeMotion SenseStereo speakersWi-Fi 2.4GHz + 5GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 4G LTENano SIM and eSIMNFCIP68-certified water resistanceUSB-C 3.1 charging port3700mAh18W wired fast charging + Qi wireless charging (up to 11W)160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm / 6.31 x 2.96 x 0.32 in193 g / 6.81 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 4 XL review.
Google Pixel 4 specs
Release date: 22 October 2019
Highlights: 90Hz refresh rate, dual rear cameras, wireless charging
5.7in Full-HD+ 90Hz OLED Smooth Display (444ppi) and Gorilla Glass 5Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 octa-core processorAdreno 640 GPUPixel Neural CoreAndroid 106GB RAM64GB/128GB storage, no microSD support12.2Mp (f/1.7, 77°) rear camera with dual pixel phase detection and optical image stabilisation16Mp (f/2.4, 52°) telephoto camera with phase detection and optical image stabilisation 8Mp (f/2.0 90°) front cameraFace unlockActive EdgeMotion SenseStereo speakersNano SIM and eSIM4G LTEBluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMONFCUSB-C 3.1 charging port2800mAh battery18W wired fast chargingQi wireless chargingIP68 waterproofing147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2 mm / 5.79 x 2.71 x 0.32 in162 g / 5.71 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 4 review.
Google Pixel 3a specs
Release date: 15 May 2019
Highlights: Affordable, OLED display, Pixel cameras, Active Edge
5.6in Full HD+ (2220×1080) 18:9 OLED, 441ppi, displayQualcomm Snapdragon 670 octa-core processorAdreno 615 GPUAndroid 9.0 Pie4GB RAM64GB storage, no microSD support12.2Mp f/1.8 rear camera with dual autofocus8Mp f/2.0 selfie cameraActive EdgePixel Imprint rear fingerprint sensorStereo speakersHeadphone jackDual-band 11ac Wi-FiBluetooth 5.0 LE with aptX HD4G LTEGPSNFCNano-SIM and eSIMUSB-C3000mAh battery18W Fast charging151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm / 5.96 x 2.76 x 0.32 in147 g / 5.19 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 3a review.
Google Pixel 3a XL specs
Release date: 15 May 2019
Highlights: OLED display on cheaper Pixel, great cameras
6in Full HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9 OLED, 402ppi displayQualcomm Snapdragon 670 octa-core processorAdreno 615 GPUAndroid 9.0 Pie4GB RAM64GB storage, no microSD support12.2Mp f/1.8 rear camera with dual autofocus8Mp f/2.0 selfie cameraActive EdgePixel Imprint rear fingerprint sensorStereo speakersHeadphone jackDual-band 11ac Wi-FiBluetooth 5.0 LE with aptX HDGPSNFCNano-SIM and eSIM4G LTEUSB-C3700mAh battery18W Fast charging160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm / 6.30 x 3.00 x 0.32 in167 g / 5.89 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 3a XL review.
Google Pixel 3 XL specs
Release date: 18 October 2018
Highlights: Excellent cameras, gorgeous display, premium design
6.3in 2960 x 1440 19:9 P-OLED displayQualcomm Snapdragon 845Adreno 630 GPUAndroid 9 Pie4GB RAM64/128GB non-expandable storage12.2Mp f/1.8 rear camera (rear)8 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF (front)8 MP, f/2.2, 19mm (ultrawide), no AF (front)802.11ac dual-band Wi-FiBluetooth 5.0 with aptX4G LTENano SIM and eSIMGPS NFCStereo speakers3430mAh battery18W wired, PD2.0Wireless chargingIP68158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm / 6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in184g / 6.49 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 3 XL review.
Google Pixel 3 specs
Release date: 18 October 2018
Highlights: Wireless charging, IP68 waterproof rating, Always on display
5.5in Full-HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9 flexible OLED screen without notch, Gorilla Glass 5Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core processorAdreno 630 GPUAndroid 9.0 Pie4GB RAM64GB/128GB storage, no microSD support12Mp f/1.8 rear camera with dual autofocus8 MP, f/1.8, 28mm Wide (front)8 MP, f/2.2, 19mm Ultrawide (front)Bluetooth 5Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acGPSNFCNano SIM and eSIMRear fingerprint sensorStereo speakersIP68 waterproofingUSB-C 3.1 charging port (18W wired)2,915mAh batteryQi wireless charging145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm / 5.73 x 2.69 x 0.31 in148g / 5.22 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 3 review.
Google Pixel 2 XL specs
Release date: 17 October 2017
Highlights: Dual SIM, 6in pOLED display, IP67 waterproof rating
6in pOLED display (2880 x 1440, 538ppi)Snapdragon 835 CPUAdreno 540 GPUAndroid 8.0 Oreo4GB RAM64GB/128GB storage12.2MP rear camera8 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide) front camera4G LTE802.11ac Wi-FiBluetooth 5.0NFCNano-SIM and eSIMStereo speakersIP673520mAh batteryGPS USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) charging port (10.5W wired)Fast Charging support 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm / 6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in175g / 6.17 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 2 XL review.
Google Pixel 2 specs
Foundry
Release date: 17 October 2017
Highlights: IP67 waterproofing rating, upgraded cameras, dual SIM
5in AMOLED Full HD display 1080×1920Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 CPUAndroid 8.0 Oreo4GB RAM64/128GB storage12.2 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide) rear camera8 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) front cameraDual-band 11ac Wi-FiBluetooth 5.0NFCGPSNano SIM and eSIM2700mAh batteryUSB-C charging port (10.5W wired)Fast Charging support IP67 waterproof145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm / 5.74 x 2.74 x 0.31 in143g / 5.04 oz
Read our full Google Pixel 2 review.
Google Pixel XL specs
Release date: 20 October 2016
Highlights: Everything the Pixel has, but with a larger display and battery
5.5in QuadHD display running at 1440 x 2560 resolution, Gorilla Glass 4Snapdragon 821 CPU 2.15 GHz + 1.6 GHz Adreno 530 GPU 64-Bit Quad-Core processor Android 7.1 4GB RAM32GB or 128GB storage12.3MP f/2.0 rear camera8 MP, f/2.4 front camera 4G LTE802.11ac WiFi Bluetooth 4.2GPSNFCNano SIM3.5mm headphone jack3450mAh batteryUSB-C charging port (18W wired)Fast Charging support 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm / 6.09 x 2.98 x 0.33 in168g / 5.93 oz
Read our full Google Pixel XL review.
Google Pixel specs
Release date: 20 October 2016
Highlights: Compact design, fast charging, excellent cameras
5in Full HD AMOLED display 1080×1920, Gorilla Glass 4Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 CPUAdreno 530 GPUAndroid 7.14GB RAM32GB storage12.3 MP, f/2.0 rear camera8 MP, f/2.48 front camera4G LTENano SIMNFCGPSBluetooth 4.2Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac2770mAh batteryUSB-C 3.0 charging port (18W wired)Fast Charging support3.5mm headphone jack143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm / 5.66 x 2.74 x 0.33 in143g / 5.04 oz
Read our full Google Pixel review.
FAQ
1.
What is the latest Google Pixel phone?
The Pixel 7a is the newest phone in the line-up, making its debut in May 2023. If you want the current flagship though, then that would be the Pixel 7 Pro, which was launched in October 2022. If you’re wondering when the Pixel 8 will be released, then it looks very likely that the standard and Pro models will take their bow in October 2023. So, you might want to wait until then if you’re thinking of buying one of the premium models.
2.
What Google Pixel do I have?
Phones do all look very similar these days, so it can be hard to remember which one you actually have. Thankfully, there’s a simple way to find out. On your Pixel, go to Settings > About phone and you should see under Device name which Pixel you have. If you want the specific model number, then tap Regulatory labels.
3.
Where are Google Pixels made?
The Pixel range has been split into two manufacturing regions for a while now. The standard and Pro Pixels, like many smartphones and other electronics, are made in China, while the ‘a’ series – Pixel 4a, 5a and 6a – are made in Vietnam. This looks to be changing though, as recent reports stated that the company was beginning to transition the whole Pixel production to Vietnam. It seems that a proportion of the Pixel 7 range were made there, with the rest still coming out of the Foxconn factory in China.
Whether this marks a complete relocation of manufacturing or just a way to produce extra phones remains unclear.
4.
Are Google Pixel phones waterproof?
Apart from the first generation Pixel and Pixel XL, the Pixel range has usually featured some sort of protection from water ingress that comes in the form of an IP rating. The Pixel 2 and 2 XL both have IP67 ratings, which mean that the phones can survive being dropped in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. The same rating appears on the Pixel 5a 5G model and subsequent ‘a’ series releases, but the ones before that are not water-resistant, so don’t take your trusty old Pixel 4a out in a boat or in the bath if you’re clumsy.
From the Pixel 3 onwards, all of the higher end models have an IP68 rating, which is the highest available. This means they can plummet to 1.5m for up to half an hour. Be aware though that these protection ratings apply to fresh water. Beer, cola and other liquids with sugars and other beverages are still best avoided.
5.
Are Google Pixel phones unlocked?
This depends on where you are and how you buy your phone. In the US, if you get your phone from a carrier and pay for it on your plan, then there’s a good chance the phone will be locked to that network. Bear in mind though, the carrier does have to unlock the phone if requested, once the outstanding balance is paid.
If you buy the Pixel from Google or another retailer then it should be unlocked already, although your mileage may vary depending on which network you’re on. In the UK, it’s now illegal for carriers to lock phones to their networks, but if you bought it before December 2021 (when the law changed) it could still be locked. Again, the carrier has to unlock it for you when requested.
6.
Which Google Pixel phones have wireless charging?
Google introduced wireless charging to the Pixel range with the Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL, and it has been a staple of the standard and Pro range ever since. The only ‘a’ series phone to have wireless charging is the Pixel 7a, although it should be a resident feature on all Pixel phones in the future.
7.
Which Google Pixel phones are dual-SIM?
Google hasn’t fitted Pixel phones with dual-SIM trays since their introduction, but from the Pixel 2 onwards they all have dual SIM capabilities via a Nano SIM and an eSIM.
That’s it for our complete rundown of the Google Pixel phone range. If you want to see what’s next in this illustrious lineage, then read our guides to the new Google Pixel Fold, Google Pixel Watch 2 and Google Pixel Tablet. There is, of course, going to be a successor to the Pixel 7, and here are all the rumours about the upcoming Pixel 8.
