GoKawiilStephen Radochia / Android Authority
I recently asked ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to pick the best smartphone for most people to buy, and I was thrilled with the results. I didn’t expect the different AI models to produce such practical answers. Even though it wasn’t perfect (Gemini needed some coaching), the reasoning was sound, and all of the models produced decent picks that were well-justified.
The Pixel 11’s release feels like an excellent opportunity to try again, and it’s a much more challenging task. The new Pixel 11 flagships aren’t a slam dunk for buyers, and while Google undoubtedly made improvements, the phones may still not be the best choice for most in 2026.
I asked all three models what the best Pixel people should spend their hard-earned money on right now, and I was shocked that none of them could agree.
Which Pixel are you most likely to buy in 2026? 46 votes Pixel 11 Pro XL 17 % Pixel 11 Pro 33 % Pixel 11 9 % Pixel 10a 9 % Older Pixel flagship 33 %
ChatGPT went the most in-depth with its answer
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
To keep things fair, I posed the same exact question to all models:
“Good morning! So I’d like you to pick out the best Google Pixel to buy for most people in 2026. Please take into account the recently released Pixel 11 series. I’d like you to gather any information from hands-on experience with the devices. I’d like you to consider factors such as price and how people use their phones. Please pick a favorite and list other Pixel alternatives.”
I started with ChatGPT-5.6 Sol, released in July. I was surprised when it immediately shot back the base Pixel 10 as the best Pixel for most buyers. It recommended the Pixel 10 as the best phone overall for most buyers a month ago, but I was shocked it didn’t change that recommendation to the Pixel 11. Once I read into its reasoning, the Pixel 10 started to make more sense.
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