Best Google Pixel Phone 2023: Top Pixels tested and ranked

Since Google released the first Pixel phone back in 2016, the smartphone range has completely revolutionised the camera phone market, with each new generation pushing the mantle forward with the help of high-quality lenses and Google’s AI smarts. The question is, which is the best for your needs?

While you initially only had to make the choice between the Pixel and the bigger Pixel XL, the Pixel range has expanded and now has options at different price points. It’s not quite the same level as the likes of Xiaomi and Samsung which have plenty of phones at every price point imaginable, but there’s still more choice for consumers than ever before.

We’ve reviewed all the Pixel phones, past and present, including all the flagship models released in late 2022, the latest cheap option announced at Google I/O 2023, and, of course, the Pixel Fold, and we know what makes them tick. We’ve popped our SIMs in and compared all the cameras, batteries and displays along with thoroughly running them all through our industry-standard performance tests.

We’d expect to see the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launch later this year, though little is known about them yet and we don’t expect them to be announced imminently.

We also have other selections for those after something a little less specific. Our best camera phone round-up focuses on a device’s photographic and videography skills, while our best cheap phone and best mid-range phone lists focus solely on more affordable options depending on your budget.

Best Google Pixel phone at a glance

Best flagship phone: Pixel 7 Pro – check price
Best mid-range phone: Pixel 7 – check price
Best affordable phone: Pixel 7a – check price
Best foldable phone: Pixel Fold – check price

Pros                                                                                     

•  Excellent camera and loads of clever camera tricks
• The best version of Android on the market
• Priced well for the European market 

Cons

• Charging could, and should, be faster
• Very glossy finish and some odd design elements
• Not a huge upgrade on the Pixel 6 Pro    

Our pick for the best Google phone is the Pixel 7 Pro – the current flagship of the series and a perfect combination of features and affordability. This is very much of a rival to devices like the Galaxy S23 Plus, but it’s slightly more affordable while offering a slicker software experience and one of the best cameras around.

All the phones featured here boast smooth, clean and frequently updated software. As Google makes both the phone and the underlying Android software, Pixel phones get updates as soon as Android releases them so you’ll be first in line for Android 14 when it arrives in 2023. This is a rare treat on Android, which in our experience is extremely slow to get updated when new versions come out.

There are a number of reasons why you’d pick the Pixel 7 Pro over the cheaper phones on this list. First off it’s the only model with a 6.7-inch 1440p, 120Hz display meaning it’s bigger, sharper and faster than the Pixel 7 and 6a. It’s certainly the best display on this list, so if that’s a priority you should focus on this model