2024 Pixel Buyer’s Guide: Which is the right Google phone for you? [Video]

It’s that time of year when people might be looking to upgrade their phones. In 2024, we had 5 brand new Google Pixel phones to contend with—plus the previous generations sticking around—but how do you decide which is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.

As 2024 steadily comes to a close, Google’s Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold take up substantial space on the firm’s digital storefront. The pricing structure has evolved, and the lineup has improved, but there are key differences that help separate each device.

• Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: There’s only one winner [Video]

The Pixel 8a has one foot in the previous generation. It’s bubbly, rounded, and shares more of its DNA with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold are going to be the flagbearers from 2024 until – hopefully – late 2025.

What size smartphone do you want?

The easiest way to determine which Pixel you should buy in 2024 is to determine what size phone you want. If you want a smaller phone, you will also need to work out what display size you are happy with.

• Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Smaller, smarter, similar [Video]

While the Pixel 8a has the smallest 6.1-inch display in 2024, its dimensions are very similar to those of the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro. Larger bezels and a mostly plastic chassis also make the 8a around 10g lighter than the base Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. It might not seem like much, but once you put a case and screen protector on your device, it adds up.

Another consideration is the shape. Because the Pixel 8a is based on last year’s flagship phones, it has rounded corners and a bubbly aesthetic. The 9 series has adopted a boxier shape, which means flat sides with sharper edges. Also, the camera bar looks different. Does that matter? Well, that is ultimately up to you.

Choosing between the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro is less straightforward. This is the first time that Google has made two devices with identical dimensions. They technically have the exact same screen sizes. Realistically, the 9 has a slightly smaller screen because it has slightly larger screen bezels by just a fraction of a millimeter.

• Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Is the added price worth it? [Video]

The upside if that, finally, we have a “Pro” tier phone that is small and doesn’t lose out on camera hardware and features. The Pixel 9 Pro is new for 2024 and comes with all of the same core internals as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. So, you can have the “best of Pixel” but in a smaller package. It does have a smaller battery to account for the diminished dimensions.

If you want a dual-purpose phone, the Pixel Fold has the largest 8-inch internal screen. The outer screen is actually the same size as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro—at 6.3 inches. However, the biggest phone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This is the biggest Pixel to date in size and stature and has all of the best hardware to boot.

What specifications do you need?

Sometimes, the base model is more than enough for most people, and getting something with insane specifications can be overkill. Credit to Google this year; there is less confusion based on specs for 2024 Pixel phones.

If you are content with a smooth experience and don’t care about tons of storage options or raw power, the Pixel 8a may have last year’s processor and less RAM, but it will be a solid performer. The performance uplift from Tensor G3 to G4 is very minimal too.

The Pixel 9 is the entry-level model in the 9 series for 2024. It offers fewer storage options and 4GB less RAM, which could make it worse for specific AI-related tasks. That said, with the launch of Android 15, performance is practically identical to that of the Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold.

If you need or want the most storage, you have two options: Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL. These phones have a unique 1TB storage variant that is unavailable on all other models.

What do you want from a camera system?

Google has always offered a competitive and compelling camera system on Pixel phones. They are lauded and loved for the unique characteristics of images – and now video. At the low end, the Pixel 8a is objectively the least capable Google camera system for 2024. The combination of a smaller main sensor and lower-resolution ultra-wide make it a great basic point-and-shoot smartphone.

What’s interesting is that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold utilizes the same main sensor and the same ultra-wide-angle lens as part of its camera array. Because it has a dedicated 5x telephoto zoom lens, it can be more flexible than the base Pixel 9.

The Pixel 9 ships with a dual lens system at the rear. It consists of the same main sensor and ultra-wide as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. Unfortunately, the selfie camera is lower resolution at 10.5MP, but still supports Face Unlock.

At the top of the totem for 2024 you’ll find the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. The duo sport the exact same setup. A 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, improved 48MP 5x telephoto plus a new 42MP selfie camera for better front-facing photos and videos. If you want the “complete” camera experience the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are essential.

Only these two devices are capable of recording 8K video with Video Boost. They also have enhanced zoom capabilities up to 30x and better zoom video at up to 20x. There are Pro modes here, too, for enhanced manual controls.

TL;DR – Which Pixel device should I choose?

Compared to last year, Google has really up the pricing for Pixel phones in 2024. The cheapest device released this year starts at $500. Sure, discounts can bring the Pixel 8a as low as $399, but when you consider that the Pixel 8 is a better version of the A-series handset and is cheaper than ever, I would look at that unit.

The Pixel 9 now starts at $799, a $100 jump. You get an overall better smartphone, but at $200 more, the Pixel 9 Pro is a far better buy if you can stomach the further $200 uptick. Make no mistake $999 is expensive, but it is one of the few small flagship phones you can buy that doesn’t have clipped wings.

Another thing to note is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a whopping $1,099 this time around for the base 128GB variant. In global regions, it’s even more expensive and, a little like the 9 Pro, is harder to recommend at the base retail pricing.

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not going to be the best device for most people. It’s almost $2,000 and while it has the benefits of a dual-purpose form factor, there are downgrades that might not be worth it for most people.

If you don’t want to buy the latest devices, you’re not limited to the 2024 Pixel launch cohort. Google still offers the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and Pixel 7a directly from the firm’s official store. These can be purchased at significant discounts and still offer extensive support windows and impressive functions. You’ll miss out on some AI goodies, but the core Android experience is practically unchanged.

If you are unsure which device is right for you, you can use the great built-in comparison tool on the Google Store. It’ll give you some key information to help streamline the buying decision.

You can pick up the Pixel 9 series at Amazon, Best Buy, Google Store, Walmart, and many more.