Google nailed it with the Pixel 9 lineup, thanks to its clean software, some genuinely useful artificial intelligence features, and availability in every price segment. The flagship lineup includes four Pixel phones -- the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while the Pixel 9a debuted recently. This makes a Pixel smartphone available in every price segment.
The latest devices also include new AI features and camera smarts with the help of Google Gemini. It can be confusing to choose which Google phone is best for you, given the vast lineup and the Pixel 10 series launching in August. We have tested all the Google Pixel phones to help you decide which is the perfect choice for you currently.
What is the best Google Pixel phone right now?
At ZDNET, we've reviewed all of the Google Pixel phones available to help you find the best Pixel phone for you. Our current pick for the best Google Pixel phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It faces tough competition from the new Galaxy S25 Ultra, but you get excellent cameras, a bunch of new AI features, an updated design, and support for up to seven years of software, security, and Pixel Drop updates. However, it's not the only good Pixel phone that you can buy right now.
Sort by All
The best Google Pixel phones of 2025
Show less View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy Why we like it: Google has three phones named Pixel 9 Pro this year, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the true successor to the Pixel 8 Pro. It features an upgraded display, which is sharper and brighter, a new chipset, and a lot more. The design is now iPhone-like with flat sides. These make it feel more premium to hold without being uncomfortable, thanks to the curved edges. You get an all-new camera module, too. Overall, I love how it looks. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It's responsible for my favorite AI features like Pixel Studio, better camera processing, and more. It still gets warm during demanding tasks, but I haven't faced stutters or lag on the Google flagship. It is paired with 16GB of RAM -- the most on a Pixel phone to date with up to 1TB or storage. I also like Video Boost -- which helps better record videos in low light, and Add Me, which lets you add yourself in group photos. The front camera is better than ever as well. The phone's triple camera array, paired with the company's computational prowess, makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL the best device overall from Google. The company also says it's twice as durable than the Pixel 8 Pro. Who it's for: If you want the biggest Google phone but don't want to spend on a foldable and need flagship cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is for you. It won't disappoint you.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want the best of Google cmaeras but have sall hands, the Pixel 9 Pro XL could be a challenge to use. In that case, you should opt for the Pixel 9 Pro. Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 42MP front | Battery capacity: 5,060 mAh | Price: Starts $1,099 Value 8 Performance 8 Battery life 8 Camera quality 9 Display 8 Pros Seven years of software, security, and feature updates
Reliable and consistent triple-camera setup
Premium-feeling hardware Cons A $100 price bump from the last model
... continue reading