The best Google Pixel Phones of 2024, tested and reviewed: Which Model to Buy, Cases & Accessories, Feature Drops

But when you open it up, you find a large 8-inch OLED screen that almost feels like a more compact iPad Mini. This screen is great for running two apps side-by-side in split-screen mode, or watching shows, YouTube, and playing games. You may have to play equally in other apps, as some content may be cut off, but this is easy to change in the phone’s settings.
Battery life is reliable enough, lasting a full day of average use and about 30 percent remaining. (This will be different if you use the 8-inch screen more often than the external one.) It’s worth noting that you may experience some issues with wireless charging on this device. It doesn’t work with Google’s own Pixel Stand Gen 2 because the coils aren’t compatible. I tried it on other wireless charging stands to no avail. Your best bet is to use a wireless charging pad.
You get all the same software features as the Pixel 9 series, but there are extras you can use on all screens. Made You Look, for example, plays cute animations on the external screen to make sure your child is staring at you when you’re trying to take a picture. When you’re on a Google Meet call, you can now use all screens so that everyone around you can see who you’re talking to, and that means using all cameras, so that the person on the other end can’t see. I just have to see your face.
At the end of the day, this is still a $1,799 smartphone, and that’s a pretty high price to pay. But if you’ve got the money and passion for flip phones, especially when paired with the Pixel’s smarts and camera prowess, this is one of the best options available.
Works on all three major US carriers.
Photo: Julian Chokkattu
How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?
The Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 8A will receive seven years of Android OS updates and security updates. The older Pixel 7A will get three years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from the launch date, the same as older Pixels. Google has a page you can check to see exactly what month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates. Security updates reduce the risk of malware, keep your phone bug-free, and make it more secure. Android version updates introduce new features—both aesthetic and functional—that improve the OS as a whole.
Pixel phones are also the first to get any kind of Android update, so as soon as Google releases a new version, like Android 15, you can download it immediately by going to Settings > The program > System Update > Check out the Update. You can also test beta versions of Android, but you will need to register your device. (Make sure you back up your phone first!) Pixels are also available in Google’s bug fixes every few months, including features from new Pixels to older models and brand new features for the latest devices.
What About Old Pixels?
There are a few other Pixel phones to consider if you don’t want any of the options above. I The Pixel 8 again Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, Wired Recommendations) are still available through official channels and third-party sellers (while supplies last). The main thing is not to pay more than $500 or $700 for any of them; if not, you might as well put that money towards the Pixel 9 series.
I Pixel 6A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and The Pixel 7 again Pixel 7 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are still kicking around Google for third-party sellers like Amazon. However, they are not worth their MSRP. Try not to pay more than $300 for the Pixel 6A, $399 for the Pixel 7, or $500 for the Pixel 7 Pro as they have been at or below these prices on stores like Amazon.