The Pixel 5 is the upgraded version of the Pixel 4a (5G). With a whopping 4080 mAh battery it has the largest battery of any pixel. While it has the same processor and camera as the Pixel 4a 5G, the Pixel 5 differentiates itself with wireless charging, an IP68 water-resistant rating, aluminum body and frame, and 90Hz screen refresh rate.
Key Features
- Aluminum body and frame
- 90Hz screen refresh rate
- IP 68 water resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes
- Wireless charging
- 8 GB of RAM as compared to the 6 GB of the Pixel 4a 5G
- Dual cameras with both a telephoto and wide-angle lens
- Large 4080 mAh battery
The Pixel 4a 5G provides the best value for top notch hardware and features. The Pixel 4a 5G comes with the same high performance processor and high quality cameras as the Pixel 5. Despite this it is cheaper than the Pixel 5 and has 5G capabilities.
For the money this is the best Pixel you can get.
Key Features
- Large form factor
- Sturdy poly-carbonate body
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Large 3800 mAh battery
- Receives CalyxOS updates to August 2024
- Powerful 765G processor
- Dual cameras with both a telephoto and wide-angle lens
- 6GB RAM
- 5G capabilities
- Fingerprint sensor
The most compact and pocket friendly Pixel, the Pixel 4a is the perfect choice for those who don’t want to carry around a tablet in their pocket. The sturdy poly-carbonate body offers easy handling and feels great in your hands. Offers a long battery life that can last for days depending on usage.
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight form factor
- Sturdy poly-carbonate body
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Long-lasting 3140 mAh battery (340 mAh more than the Pixel 4)
- 6GB RAM
- Fingerprint sensor
The Pixel 4 XL is the largest Pixel and comes with an impressive display. The high density 3040 x 1440p display is great for getting the most out of visually impressive content and streaming your favorite shows. The dual cameras make for some especially great photos that the Pixels are known for.
Key Features
- Large form factor, good for big hands
- Stunning P-OLED Display:
- Resolution: 3040 x 1440p
- Refresh rate: 90Hz
- Pixel density: ~537 ppi
- Glass back with aluminum frame
- High quality dual front camera: dual telephoto and wide-angle
- IP68 water-resistant (can survive at 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- Supports FaceID
Note: It can be hard to grip so pick up a case!
Surprisingly powerful hardware packed inside a medium sized build the Pixel 4 is a well balanced model. For size it’s right in the middle of the pack being both larger than the 3 and 5 and smaller than the XL models. Despite being smaller than the 4 XL the Pixel 4 contains the same 6GB of RAM and the same processor as it’s larger sibling. It comes with the powerful dual cameras the Pixels are known for.
Key Features
- Medium sized build
- Aluminum frame
- Powerful hardware
- High quality dual front camera: dual telephoto and wide-angle
- IP68 water-resistant (can survive at 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- Wireless charging
- Supports FaceID
The personal favorite and daily driver of the site owner, the Pixel 3a XL is the first deGoogled phone he used and still uses today.
The battery life is impressively long and beats out the pricier 4 XL. It has never lagged despite having well over 100 browser tabs open or while running processor intensive apps. The casing is notably a matte plastic which is considered a bonus as it is much more pleasant to hold, doesn’t slip on surfaces like the glass backed models, and seems to be more resistant to impact than later models. Also it comes with a headphone jack unlike other models.
If you aren’t sure about getting a more expensive model you won’t be disappointed with the Pixel 3a XL. The only downside is GrapheneOS updates stop May 2022 and CalyxOS updates are estimated to end August 2022. If you use well reputed apps from the F-Droid store and use good privacy practices you’ll be better off than most Android users regardless but keep this in mind.
A lightweight medium sized budget Pixel with a good mix of features. The Pixel 3a is a balanced pick between size, battery life, and cost.
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight form factor
- Capable performance
- Sturdy poly-carbonate body
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 3000 mAh battery
- Fingerprint sensor
GrapheneOS updates stop May 2022 and CalyxOS updates are estimated to end August 2022. Still, if you use well reputed apps from the F-Droid store and use good privacy practices you’ll be better off than most Android users.
Another budget model the Pixel 3 offers some capable hardware in a compact sleek design. The Pixel 3 is one of the smaller Pixels and features a glass back design and dual selfie camera. It comes with a larger battery than the Pixel 4 and a more powerful processor than the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
Key Features
- Compact, pocket-friendly build
- Aluminum frame with glass back
- Capable hardware
- Dual selfie camera
- IP68 water-resistant (can survive at 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- Wireless charging
- Fingerprint scanner
GrapheneOS updates ended October 2021 and CalyxOS updates likely will continue to August 2022.