The Best Google Pixel Phones of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Here’s a guide to all the models—plus Pixel case recommendations and smart software tricks to try. Julian ChokkattuGearFeb 18, 2026 10:30 AMWhich Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Here’s a guide to all the models—plus Pixel case recommendations and smart software tricks to try.Photograph: Julian ChokkattuCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleThe Best Pixel for Most PeopleGoogle Pixel 9aJump to review$499 $399 (20% off) AmazonA Step UpGoogle Pixel 10Jump to review$799 $698 (13% off) AmazonBest Pixel UpgradeGoogle Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XLJump to review$999 $895 (10% off) Amazon (Pro)A Folding PixelGoogle Pixel 10 Pro FoldJump to review$1,799 AmazonGoogle Pixel phones are our favorite Android phones here at WIRED and have been for a few years. They have industry-leading cameras, get speedy software and security updates directly from Google (like iPhones do from Apple), and are priced competitively. But which of the Google Pixel phones should you buy? The newly announced Pixel 10a? The Pixel 10? What about the crazy-expensive Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Don’t fret—I'll break down the differences between the best Pixel phones and sort out the right one for you.You'll also find Pixel-exclusive tips to help you get the most out of your new phone, along with some accessory and case recommendations for added protection. For more, read our other guides, including the Best Pixel Phone Settings to Change, Best Pixel 10 Cases, Best Pixel 9 Cases, Best Samsung Phones, and Best Android Phones.Updated February 2026: We've added details about the Pixel 10a.Table of ContentsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThe Best Pixel for Most People: Pixel 9aA Step Up: Pixel 10Best Pixel Upgrade: Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XLA Folding Pixel: Pixel 10 Pro FoldThe 2024 Pixels: Pixel 9 SeriesHow Long Is Your Pixel Supported?What Is Qi2?What About Older Pixel Phones?Pixel A-Series Battery IssuesWhat Does Pixel Care+ Include?You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel PhoneThe Best Pixel Cases and AccessoriesThe Pixel EcosystemOur Favorite Pixel Software FeaturesThe Best Pixel for Most PeoplePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistGooglePixel 9a$499 $399 (20% off) Amazon$499 Best Buy$499 Google StoreEditor's Note: Google just announced the Pixel 10a, a successor to the Pixel 9a. The two phones are nearly identical in design and specs, with minor improvements to the screen brightness and charging speed—you can read more about the Pixel 10a here. We'll be evaluating the phone soon, but the Pixel 9a is likely just as good a buy if you can catch it on sale for $400 or less.Google’s Pixel 9a is all the phone most people need. The 6.3-inch screen might not be as compact as its predecessor, but it doesn't feel too big. There's a fresh design to give the A series its own look, though the iris and peony colors are doing some heavy lifting. In black or white, it's fairly dull. At least you get a camera module that doesn't stick out—the newer Pixel 10a makes it even more flush, removing the plastic ring surrounding the module.The OLED screen gets brighter than ever, and it has a 120-Hz screen refresh rate for those fluid animations (a perk Apple still limits to its Pro iPhones). Google's Tensor G4 chipset powers it all, the same as in 2024's flagship Pixel 9 series. And performance is pretty much identical—smooth and fast, whether gaming or multitasking. Google didn't update the processor in the Pixel 9a's successor, so you're not losing much by sticking with the 9a over the 10a, especially if you can find it on sale for less.The caveat is that the Pixel 9a has only 8 gigabytes of RAM, so some Pixel 9 features aren't present: the Pixel Screenshots app, which uses AI to organize your screenshots, and Call Notes, which provides a text summary of your phone calls. Those are helpful features, so it's a shame they're unavailable, but it's not a deal breaker.Otherwise, you get all the same camera features from the Pixel 9 flagship, including Add Me, Reimagine, Best Take, and the improved Audio Magic Eraser. The 48-megapixel is joined by a 13-MP ultrawide and a 13-MP selfie camera, and they're all reliable. After comparisons with the Pixel 10, the camera isn't terribly different. The ultrawide and main camera take similar photos, though you'll see slightly sharper results on the Pixel 10. However, the selfie camera is decently sharper on the Pixel 10 because it has autofocus, and the new 5X optical camera means zoomed-in photos will look much better. However, like most Pixel phones, you can feel safe knowing most of the pictures you snap with the Pixel 9a will look great.1 / 14ChevronChevronPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuGoogle Pixel 9a, Portrait mode.The best upgrade is battery life. The 5,100-mAh cell comfortably lasts a full day, even longer than the Pix