The history of the Google Pixel: Past, present and future phones compared

Since it began life, the Google Pixel series has changed significantly, becoming a major player in the smartphone market.

From the original Pixel to the recently unveiled Pixel 9 lineup, Google’s phones have continually pushed the boundaries of innovation, software integration and camera technology.

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 offered the simple, uncluttered version of Android that Google always intended, prioritising user experience. Another reason for their popularity is that they’ve usually been quite affordable, just like the Nexus phones that preceded them.

This has begun to change in recent years, 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.

This article will explore the history of the Google Pixel series, summarising their release dates and prices, key features and brief overviews, alongside an indicator whether each is worth buying at the time of writing in 2024.

Google Pixel 9 series

Google Pixel 9

• Launch date: August 2024
• Price at launch: From £799/$799
• Key features:
  • New Tensor G4 chip
  • Enhanced camera system
  • Various AI features

The Pixel 9 is a sleek, pocket-friendly smartphone that combines Google’s latest AI advancements with exceptional durability.

It features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display, offering sharp and vibrant visuals with a peak brightness of up to 2,700 nits, ensuring clarity even in bright sunlight.

The Pixel 9 is powered by the Tensor G4 processor and comes with 12GB of RAM, aiming to deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks and advanced AI features.

Its camera setup include 50Mp main camera and 48Mp ultrawide camera with Macro Focus.

Encased in Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the Pixel 9 is built to withstand drops and scratches, making it a reliable choice for those seeking performance and durability in a compact design.

Read more in our Google Pixel 9 guide.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

• Launch date: August 2024
• Price at launch: From £999/$999
• Key features:
  • Larger display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Enhanced camera system
  • Larger battery

The Pixel 9 Pro is Google’s flagship smartphone, designed for users who demand the best in performance, photography and AI capabilities.

It features a 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with peak brightness of 3,000 nits and an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch.

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro is also powered by the Tensor G4 processor but boasts up to 16GB of RAM, making it ideally suited intensive tasks and advanced AI-driven features.

The triple rear camera system, including a 50Mp wide, 48Mp ultrawide and 48Mp telephoto lens, offers professional-grade photography with up to 5x optical and 30x digital zoom.

With Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a refined design, the Pixel 9 Pro is both stylish and durable, yet remains relatively compact by modern phone standards.

Read more in our Google Pixel 9 Pro guide.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Launch date: August 2024
• Price at launch: From £1,099/$1,099
• Key features:
  • Extra-large display
  • Superior battery life
  • Enhanced cameras and performance

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a large-screen smartphone that’s built for those who want the absolute most from a traditional candy bar-style phone.

It features a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display, offering a cinematic viewing experience with adaptive refresh rates and peak brightness of 3,000 nits.

Powered by the Tensor G4 processor and equipped with 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro XL promises to handle everything from multitasking to gaming with ease.

It also features the same advanced triple camera system, including a 50Mp wide lens, 48Mp ultrawide lens and 48Mp telephoto lens with up to 30x Super Res Zoom.

The larger battery should all-day usage, while 45W charging is the fastest we’ve ever seen on a Pixel phone.

Encased in durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and available in premium finishes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is designed for users who want the best in size, performance and style.

Read more in our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL guide.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

• Launch date: August 2024
• Price at launch: From £1,749/$1,799
• Key features:
  • Innovative foldable design
  • High-resolution flexible display
  • Tensor G4 chip

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s most innovative and versatile smartphone, aiming to deliver the most versatility.

It features a 6.3-inch external Actua display for everyday use and an expansive 8-inch Super Actua Flex internal display for an experience. Whether you’re multitasking with Split Screen, watching movies or gaming, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s dual displays provide unmatched flexibility and entertainment options.

Powered by the Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM, it promises on delivering powerful performance and seamless AI-driven features.

The triple rear camera system, optimised for foldable use, includes a 48Mp wide, 10.5Mp ultrawide and 10.8Mp telephoto lens with up to 20x digital zoom.

Built with a durable hinge made from aerospace-grade aluminum and protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also designed to withstand the rigours of daily use while offering a sleek and sophisticated design.

This foldable phone is designed for those who seek cutting-edge technology and flexibility in a premium package.

Read more in our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold guide.

Google Pixel 8 series

Google Pixel 8a

• Launch date: May 2024
• Price at launch: £499/$499
• Key features:
  • Tensor G2 chip
  • Compact design
  • Improved camera features

The Pixel 8a provides the essential features of the Pixel 8 series in a more affordable and compact design.

It includes the Tensor G2 chip, which ensures solid performance and AI capabilities. The camera system, though slightly less advanced than the flagship models, still offers impressive photo and video quality, with features like Night Sight and improved portrait modes.

The design is more streamlined, making it easy to handle while retaining a modern and stylish appearance. The Pixel 8a is aimed at users who want a powerful smartphone without the flagship price tag.

Read our full Google Pixel 8a review.

Google Pixel 8

• Launch date: October 2023
• Price at launch: £699/$699
• Key features:
  • Enhanced AI features
  • Improved camera system

The Pixel 8 introduced enhanced AI features and continued to improve on Google’s camera technology. The AI enhancements allowed for smarter photo processing and new features like automated scene detection and improved portrait modes.

The camera system was further refined, providing even better photo and video quality. The design was sleek and modern, with a refined look that built on the design language of previous Pixel models.

The Pixel 8 also featured a high-refresh-rate display, providing smooth and responsive interactions. Overall, the Pixel 8 offered a balanced and powerful smartphone experience.

Read our full Google Pixel 8 review.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

• Launch date: October 2023
• Price at launch: £999/$999
• Key features:
  • Best-in-class camera
  • Top-tier performance

The Pixel 8 Pro offered the best-in-class camera and top-tier performance, making it a flagship contender. The camera system included advanced sensors and lenses that provided exceptional photo and video quality, with features like 8K video recording and advanced image stabilisation.

The performance was powered by the latest Tensor chip, ensuring smooth and responsive interactions even with demanding tasks. The display was larger and had higher resolution, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive viewing experience.

The design was premium, with a glass back and metal frame, giving it a high-end feel. The Pixel 8 Pro represented the pinnacle of Google’s smartphone technology.

Read our full Google Pixel 8 Pro review.

Google Pixel Fold series

Google Pixel Fold

• Launch date: June 2023
• Price at launch: £1,749/$1,799
• Key features:
  • Foldable design
  • Triple camera system on the rear
  • Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip

The Google Pixel Fold was Google’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market. It featured a sophisticated hinge mechanism and a high-quality flexible display that allows users to switch between a compact phone mode and a larger tablet-like experience.

The main display boasts vibrant colours and a high refresh rate, making it perfect for media consumption and multitasking. On the other hand (or side of the phone), a smaller external screen allows you to perform quick, everyday tasks such as checking text messages, mail or the calendar.

The camera system is designed to deliver excellent photo and video quality, consistent with Google’s reputation for exceptional camera performance. The Tensor G2 chip ensures smooth performance and leverages advanced AI features to enhance user experience.

Read our full Google Pixel Fold review.

Google Pixel 7 series

Google Pixel 7a

• Launch date: May 2023
• Price at launch: £449/$499
• Key features:
  • Budget-friendly Tensor-powered phone
  • Improved camera and display

The Pixel 7a offered significant improvements in camera and display quality while maintaining an affordable price.

It featured the same Tensor G2 chip as the Pixel 7, providing excellent performance and AI capabilities. The camera system was upgraded, delivering better photo and video quality, especially in low-light conditions. The display was also improved, offering higher resolution and a smoother refresh rate.

The Pixel 7a’s compact design made it easy to handle and its build quality was robust, ensuring durability for everyday use. This made the Pixel 7a an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who wanted a high-performing phone.

Read our full Google Pixel 7a review.

Google Pixel 7

• Launch date: October 2022
• Price at launch: $599/£599/€649
• Key features:
  • Improved Tensor G2 chip
  • Enhanced software features

The Pixel 7 built on the success of its predecessor with an improved Tensor G2 chip and enhanced software features. The new chip provided better performance and efficiency, enabling new AI and machine learning capabilities.

The software experience was also refined, with smoother interactions and new features that made the phone even more user-friendly.

The camera system continued to impress, with enhancements that improved photo and video quality. The design was sleek and modern, with a refined look that built on the bold design language introduced with the Pixel 6.

Read our full Google Pixel 7 review.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

• Launch date: October 2022
• Price at launch: $899/£849/€899
• Key features:
  • Advanced camera system
  • Larger, higher-resolution display

The Pixel 7 Pro continued to push the boundaries with its advanced camera system and superior display. The camera system included a new telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, providing even greater versatility in photography.

The display was larger and higher resolution, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth and immersive interactions. The design was premium, with a glass back and metal frame, giving it a high-end feel.

The Pixel 7 Pro also benefited from the improved Tensor G2 chip, enhancing overall performance and enabling new AI capabilities.

Read our full Google Pixel 7 Pro review.

Google Pixel 6 series

Google Pixel 6a

• Launch date: July 2022
• Price at launch: £399/$449
• Key features:
  • Affordable Tensor-powered phone
  • Compact design

The Pixel 6a provided the power of the Tensor chip in a more affordable and compact package. It maintained many of the features that made the Pixel 6 successful, including excellent camera performance and AI capabilities, but in a smaller, more budget-friendly form factor.

The compact design made it easy to handle and ideal for users who preferred smaller phones. Despite its lower price, the Pixel 6a did not compromise on build quality, featuring a robust design with a metal frame and plastic back.

The phone also offered a smooth and responsive performance, thanks to the powerful Tensor chip.

Read our full Google Pixel 6a review.

Google Pixel 6

• Launch date: October 2021
• Price at launch: £599/$599
• Key features:
  • Original Google Tensor chip
  • New design and improved cameras

The Pixel 6 introduced the Google Tensor chip, a new design and significant camera improvements, marking a new era for the Pixel series.

The Tensor chip, designed by Google, enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities, improving overall performance and enabling new features. The design was a departure from previous models, featuring a bold, modern look with a distinctive camera bar.

The camera system received a major upgrade, with improved sensors and advanced photography features that delivered exceptional photo and video quality. The Pixel 6 also featured a high-refresh-rate display, providing smooth and responsive interactions.

Read our full Google Pixel 6 review.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

• Launch date: October 2021
• Price at launch: £849/$899
• Key features:
  • Larger display
  • Triple camera system

The Pixel 6 Pro offered a larger display and a triple camera system, making it the most advanced Pixel phone at the time. The 6.7-inch display featured a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience.

The triple camera system included a telephoto lens, allowing for 4x optical zoom and improved versatility in photography. The design was premium, with a glass back and metal frame, giving it a high-end feel.

The Pixel 6 Pro also benefited from the powerful Tensor chip, enhancing AI and machine learning capabilities for better performance and new features.

Read our full Google Pixel 6 Pro review.

Google Pixel 5 series

Google Pixel 5a

• Launch date: August 2021
• Price at launch: $449/£399/€419
• Key features:
  • Affordable 5G phone
  • Excellent battery life

The Pixel 5a offered an affordable entry into the 5G space with excellent battery life and Google’s renowned camera performance. It built on the success of the Pixel 4a 5G, with a slightly larger display and improved battery capacity, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

The phone maintained the same high-quality camera performance as its predecessors, with features like Night Sight and Portrait Mode that allowed users to capture stunning photos in various conditions.

The Pixel 5a also featured a robust build quality with water resistance, making it a durable choice for everyday use. However, it was only ever available in the US and Japan.

Read more in our Google Pixel 5a guide.

Google Pixel 5

• Launch date: October 2020
• Price at launch: £599/$699
• Key features:
  • 5G connectivity
  • Improved battery life

The Pixel 5 focused on providing a balanced experience with 5G connectivity, excellent battery life and a solid camera performance. It was Google’s first phone to be built with a focus on mid-range pricing, rather than competing directly with flagship devices from other manufacturers.

The Pixel 5 featured a 90Hz display, which provided smoother scrolling and better overall performance. The build quality was also enhanced, with a more durable design and water resistance.

The camera system continued to impress, with features like Night Sight and Portrait Light that enhanced the photography experience.

Read our full Google Pixel 5 review.

Google Pixel 4 series

Google Pixel 4a 5G

• Launch date: November 2020
• Price at launch: £499/$499
• Key features:
  • 5G connectivity
  • Larger display than Pixel 4a

The Pixel 4a 5G brought 5G connectivity to the Pixel series, offering a larger display and improved performance at an affordable price. It combined the best features of the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, providing a balanced experience that included excellent camera performance, good battery life and the benefits of 5G.

The larger display was a boon for those who wanted more screen real estate without paying for a flagship model. The Pixel 4a 5G also featured the same photography capabilities as the higher-end Pixel models, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market.

Read our full Google Pixel 4a 5G review.

Google Pixel 4

• Launch date: October 2019
• Price at launch: £669/$799
• Key features:
  • Face unlock
  • Motion Sense technology

The Pixel 4 introduced Motion Sense technology and a robust face unlock feature, adding a new dimension of interaction with the device.

Motion Sense used radar technology to detect hand movements, allowing users to control the phone with gestures without touching the screen. This feature, while innovative, received mixed review regarding its practical utility.

The face unlock was fast and secure, offering a convenient way to access the phone. However, the Pixel 4’s battery life was its weak point, not quite meeting the expectations set by its high-end hardware and features.

Read our full Google Pixel 4 review.

Google Pixel 4 XL

• Launch date: October 2019
• Price at launch: £829/$899
• Key features:
  • Larger display
  • Enhanced battery life

The Pixel 4 XL built on the innovations of the Pixel 4, offering a larger display and better battery life. The increased screen size and higher resolution made it a great choice for media consumption and gaming.

The battery, while still not the best in its class, provided a noticeable improvement over the smaller Pixel 4, making it more reliable for heavy users.

The Pixel 4 XL also maintained the excellent camera performance that the Pixel series was known for, with enhanced photography features that delivered stunning photos in various lighting conditions.

Read our full Google Pixel 4 XL review.

Google Pixel 3 series

Google Pixel 3a

• Launch date: May 2019
• Price at launch: £399/$399
• Key features:
  • Affordable price
  • Same great camera as Pixel 3

The Pixel 3a brought the Pixel camera experience to a more affordable price point, making it accessible to a broader audience. Despite its lower price, the Pixel 3a did not compromise on camera quality, offering the same impressive capabilities found in the Pixel 3.

This made it an attractive option for photography enthusiasts on a budget. The phone also featured a headphone jack, which was a welcome addition for many users.

The overall build quality was solid, with a plastic body that felt sturdy and comfortable to hold.

Read our full Google Pixel 3a review.

Google Pixel 3a XL

• Launch date: May 2019
• Price at launch: £469/$479
• Key features:
  • Larger display
  • Bigger battery

The Pixel 3a XL offered the same camera prowess as the Pixel 3a but with a larger display and battery, providing more options for budget-conscious buyers. The larger screen made it ideal for users who enjoyed watching videos and playing games on their phones.

The increased battery capacity ensured longer usage times, making it a great choice for those who needed their phone to last all day. The Pixel 3a XL maintained the same user-friendly features and software experience as the smaller Pixel 3a, ensuring a smooth and responsive performance.

Read our full Google Pixel 3a XL review.

Google Pixel 3

• Launch date: October 2018
• Price at launch: £739/$799
• Key features:
  • Top Shot and Night Sight modes
  • Dual front cameras

The Pixel 3 introduced innovative camera features like Top Shot and Night Sight, which greatly enhanced low-light photography. Night Sight was particularly revolutionary, allowing users to capture bright and detailed photos even in near darkness without the need for a flash.

The dual front cameras added a new level of versatility, enabling wide-angle selfies that could fit more people and scenery into the frame. The Pixel 3 also featured a refined design with a soft-touch glass back, providing a premium feel while improving grip and durability.

Read our full Google Pixel 3 review.

Google Pixel 3 XL

• Launch date: October 2018
• Price at launch: £869/$899
• Key features:
  • Notched display
  • Bigger battery

The Pixel 3 XL featured a notched display, a first for Google, and offered a larger battery, catering to users who needed more screen real estate. The notch allowed for a larger screen without increasing the phone’s overall size significantly.

The display was bright and vibrant, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. The bigger battery provided more than enough power to get through a full day of heavy use.

Despite some initial controversy over the notch design, the Pixel 3 XL’s performance and camera capabilities made it a standout device in the market.

Read our full Google Pixel 3 XL review.

Google Pixel 2 series

Google Pixel 2

• Launch date: October 2017
• Price at launch: £629/$649
• Key features:
  • Improved camera with AI enhancements
  • Squeeze feature for Google Assistant

The Pixel 2 continued Google’s tradition of excellent camera performance and introduced AI-driven features that enhanced photo quality. We praised the phone’s camera for its ability to capture stunning photos with great detail and dynamic range.

Additionally, the Pixel 2 introduced the ‘Active Edge’ feature, allowing users to squeeze the phone to quickly launch Google Assistant, making it even more user-friendly. The phone’s build quality was improved, featuring a more robust and water-resistant design.

Read our full Google Pixel 2 review.

Google Pixel 2 XL

• Launch date: October 2017
• Price at launch: £799/$849
• Key features:
  • 6-inch pOLED display
  • Higher resolution

The Pixel 2 XL featured a stunning POLED display and maintained the same high-quality camera performance, making it a favourite among tech enthusiasts. The larger, higher-resolution display provided a more immersive viewing experience, perfect for streaming videos and playing games.

The design was sleek and modern, with thinner bezels compared to the original Pixel XL. The Pixel 2 XL also benefitted from the same AI camera enhancements as the Pixel 2, making it one of the best camera phones on the market at the time.

Read our full Google Pixel 2 XL review.

The original Google Pixel series

Google Pixel

• Launch date: October 2016
• Price at launch: £599/$649
• Key features:
  • First phone with Google Assistant
  • Excellent camera performance
  • Clean Android experience

The original Google Pixel set a high bar for smartphone photography, featuring a camera that outperformed many competitors at the time. Its clean Android experience and the introduction of Google Assistant were standout features as well.

We appreciated the seamless integration of hardware and software, which provided a smooth and responsive experience. The design, while not groundbreaking, was functional and sturdy.

Read our full Google Pixel review.

Google Pixel XL

• Launch date: October 2016
• Price at launch: $769/£719/€899
• Key features:
  • Larger display
  • Bigger battery

The Pixel XL offered a larger display and battery, appealing to users who wanted a bigger screen without compromising on performance. The increased screen size made it a favourite for media consumption and gaming, while the enhanced battery life ensured it could last through a day.

Despite its larger size, the Pixel XL maintained the same camera excellence and clean Android experience as its smaller sibling, making it a top choice for those who preferred larger devices.

Read our full Google Pixel XL review.

That’s it for our complete guide to the Google Pixel phone range. The series has come a long way since its first model, continuing to make big strides forward in terms of both hardware and software.

Whether you’re considering an older model or waiting for the latest release, the Pixel series offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.

For the latest offers on Google phones, check out our best Pixel deals article, and stay updated with the newest features with our guide to Android 15.