The best Google phones to buy in 2025 ahead of the Pixel 10 launch

[ad_1] Google nailed it with the Pixel 9 lineup, due to its clear software program, some genuinely helpful synthetic intelligence options, and availability in each worth phase. 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 just lately. This makes a Pixel smartphone out there in each worth phase.

The newest units additionally embody new AI options and digital camera 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 got examined all of the Google Pixel telephones that can assist you resolve which is the proper selection for you presently.

What's the finest Google Pixel telephone proper now? At ZDNET, we have reviewed all the Google Pixel telephones out there that can assist you discover the perfect Pixel telephone for you. Our present choose for the perfect Google Pixel telephone is the Pixel 9 Professional XL . It faces robust competitors from the brand new Galaxy S25 Extremely , however you get wonderful cameras, a bunch of recent AI options, an up to date design, and help for as much as seven years of software program, safety, and Pixel Drop updates. Nonetheless, it is not the one good Pixel telephone which you could purchase proper now.

The perfect Google Pixel telephones of 2025 Present much less

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, due to the curved edges. You get an all-new digital camera module, too. General, I like the way it seems to be.

The Google Pixel 9 Professional is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset. It is chargeable for my favourite AI options like Pixel Studio, higher digital camera 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 digital camera is healthier than ever as properly. The telephone's triple digital camera array, paired with the corporate's computational prowess, makes the Pixel 9 Professional XL the perfect gadget general from Google. The corporate additionally says it is twice as sturdy than the Pixel 8 Professional.

Who it is for: If you would like the largest Google telephone however do not need to spend on a foldable and wish flagship cameras, the Pixel 9 Professional XL is for you. It will not disappoint you.Who ought to look elsewhere: If you would like the perfect 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.

Assessment: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL

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Why we prefer it: The Google Pixel 9 Professional is a one-of-a-kind telephone for individuals who need the perfect optics however in a smaller dimension. Whereas the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max have digital camera variations when it comes to telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Professional's cameras are the identical because the $100 dearer Pixel 9 Professional.

In comparison with the common Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Professional incorporates a sharper and brighter show, a telephoto sensor, a greater and improved 42MP selfie shooter, 16GB of RAM, and extra digital camera 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'd like all the perfect 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: When you prioritize battery life, the Pixel 9 Professional won't be for you. It's going to 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 nice with a small display screen however want a dependable battery life, the $500 Pixel 9a is an effective selection.

Assessment: Google Pixel 9 Professional

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Why we prefer it: I like the Pixel 9 as a result of it's extra just like the Professional collection than ever. It's the identical dimension because the Pixel 9 Professional and is powered by the identical processor, packs the identical battery capability, the same display screen and extra. So, you get the same 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 properly. In some methods, the smaller Pixel is an excellent higher telephone than the bigger Professional XL, reminiscent of in ergonomics and the in-hand really feel. The flexibility to succeed in 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 worth hike, the Pixel 9 prices $200 lower than the Pixel 9 Professional and $300 lower than the Pixel 9 Professional XL. This makes it among the best telephones in its worth class.

Who it is for: The Pixel 9 is the perfect 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 digital camera 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 would like 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 perhaps value contemplating.

Assessment: Google Pixel 9

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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 identical $499, regardless of the upgrades on the processor, show, and battery.

The brand new Google funds 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 gadget.

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 price 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 largest battery for an A-series Pixel telephone -- 5,100mAh, which can seemingly final you a whole day.

It additionally presents a clean 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 primary sensor and the identical 12MP ultrawide angle digital camera. The 13MP selfie shooter stays unchanged as properly. These provide nice digital camera processing, pores and skin tones, and beautiful lowlight outcomes. It is nice for hobbyist shutterbugs {and professional} photographers alike.

Who it is for: If you're strictly on a funds however do not need to compromise on the flagship Google expertise, the Pixel 9a is for you.

Who ought to look elsewhere: If you would like the perfect show, battery life and efficiency underneath $500, the OnePlus 13r is a more sensible choice, particularly if you happen to're comfortable with no wi-fi charging help.

Assessment: Google Pixel 9A

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Why we prefer it: Crucial design change for the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is that it was just like the OnePlus Open and never the previous Pixel Fold. I beloved the brand new 20:9 side ratio cowl display screen, which is identical because the Pixel 9 Professional, so you'll be able to run apps with out going through any scaling points -- not like the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The Pixel 9 Professional Fold incorporates a design general on the within too. You get higher cameras however a smaller battery than earlier than. Nonetheless, it's now powered by a extra environment friendly Tensor G4 processor, which ought to hold the battery life in test. It carries the identical new AI options because the Pixel 9 collection, together with Add Me, Pixel Studio, and extra.

There's a new characteristic referred to as Made You Look that shows graphics on the duvet display screen the place capturing with the telephone unfolded. That is to make toddlers look in direction of the cameras. Like the opposite new Pixel telephones, it will get seven years of software program, safety, and Pixel Drop updates.

Who it is for: If you would like 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 the perfect foldable smartphone. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 simply across the nook, it is sensible to attend a number of weeks if you happen to're looking for a book-style folding telephone.

Assessment: Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold

Google Pixel Fold specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show: 6.3 inches (outer) and eight.0 inches (interior) | Storage: 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP primary, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP selfie shooter on each cowl display screen and interior show | Battery capability: 4,650mAh | Worth: $1,799

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What are the tariffs within the U.S.? The current U.S. tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India goal to spice up home manufacturing however are more likely to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs might turn out to be dearer as corporations 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 going through steep duties that might elevate retail costs by 20% or extra. Manufacturers like Apple and Google, which rely closely on Asian manufacturing, might both go these prices on to customers or take in 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 corporations to diversify manufacturing to nations with extra favorable commerce circumstances.

Proper now, it seems to be like some tech could also be exempt from the issued tariffs, however because it's at all times 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 general. Together with the ample photograph and video enhancing options the telephone accommodates, it is also glossy, premium-feeling, and has sufficient battery life for a protracted day of use. All advised, it is probably the most dynamic telephones available on the market, with a number of AI options to again it up. See how the perfect Google Pixel telephones examine based mostly on worth, processing velocity, and show dimension under.

Google Pixel phonePriceProcessorDisplay sizePixel 9 Professional XL$1,099Google Tensor G46.8-inchPixel 9 Professional$999Google Tensor G46.3-inchPixel 9$799Google Tensor G46.3-inchPixel 9a$499Google Tensor G46.3-inchPixel 9 Professional Fold$1,799Google Tensor G46.3-inch and eight.0-inch Present extra When you're focused on a Google Pixel telephone, it is good that there aren't too many choices out there to confuse you or overwhelm your decision-making course of. The primary consideration is worth. If in case you have a most quantity you might be keen to spend on a telephone, then the worth can dictate which is best for you.

Fortunately, in terms 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 digital camera options right here and there, however the basic expertise is roughly the identical.

Select this Google Pixel phoneIf you need...Google Pixel 9 Professional XLThe better of Google within the greatest dimension doable for good battery life and enormous display screen with tons of AI options, and a temperature sensor.Google Pixel 9 ProGoogle's finest digital camera system in a small dimension, 1TB storage and no compromises. A Professional telephone in a compact kind issue.Google Pixel 9A extra reasonably priced Pixel telephone with a equally excellent digital camera, colourful physique decisions, and a useful kind issue. It additionally options a number of the AI options discovered on the Professional.Google Pixel 9aThe finest funds choose of the Google telephones, with a beginning worth of $499, a 120Hz show, and wi-fi charging help.Google Pixel 9 Professional FoldGoogle'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 expensive, but it surely undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by $100. Present extra With a number of new Google Pixel telephones being launched every year, ZDNET spends no less than 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 embody the next:

Availability: The most important issue is availability; is what's being chosen out there to buy straight from Google, an area provider, 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 necessary is the worth that every Pixel telephone brings. Whereas all choices on this listing differ in worth tiers, they every provide sufficient distinctive options, digital camera 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 wonderful efficiency, from the way in which they deal with day-to-day duties to extra intensive use instances like gaming and video enhancing. Present extra This is a breakdown of each issue we contemplate earlier than we make suggestions:

Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone seems to be and feels performs a giant position in lots of customers' shopping for journeys, so we contemplate these facets closely when testing.Efficiency: A number of components have an effect on a telephone's efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Subsequently, we usually start our evaluations with a completely charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cellular connection as doable.Digital camera high quality: ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing a whole bunch of pictures and movies of assorted topics and in varied lighting circumstances. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.Battery life and charging: It is also necessary for us to judge how lengthy telephones final underneath mild, average, 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 convey added worth to customers, not the alternative.Pricing and availability: Past funds issues, we additionally observe if a telephone is accessible within the U.S. or solely internationally. For an intensive rundown of our testing methodology, make sure you try our how we check telephones article.

Present extra Folks use their smartphones in every single place in the present day and having some stage of mud and water resistance is necessary. You shouldn't swim or deliberately submerge your telephone for prolonged durations in water with out a waterproof case. Warranties typically don't cowl water harm. Nonetheless, in case you are exterior within the rain, unintentionally drop your telephone in a puddle, or spill one thing in your telephone, it ought to have the ability 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 ranking. The Pixel Fold has an IPX8 ranking, which solely presents water resistance and no mud resistance on account of its foldable kind issue.

Present extra Each Pixel mannequin on this listing helps wi-fi charging.

Wi-fi charging is a handy method to cost your telephone with out having to plug in a USB-C twine straight into the telephone. Wi-fi charging can also be now rated as quick wi-fi charging in lots of instances, however even with this "quick" ranking, it's nonetheless sooner to cost up your telephone with a direct USB-C cable.