What's the Best Google Pixel Phone? Pixel 8 vs 9 vs 10

The “most personalized, proactive, and helpful Pixels ever” is how Google introduced its Pixel 10 lineup. This latest Pixel phone closes the gap between the standard and Pro models. And great news for Google fans: it no longer feels like a more basic version of its high-end siblings. Instead, its new telephoto camera and in-house-made Tensor G5 chip offer significant upgrades from previous generations.

Speaking of predecessors, the Pixel 9 was the first series to offer a larger Pro XL. It also featured a redesigned camera bar and enhanced durability from the Pixel 8. 

But if you’re ready for a new Android phone, which one is best? We’ve compared all three models in this article to help you choose.

Google Pixel Phones Tech Spec Comparison*

*Dimensions sourced from https://store.google.com/magazine/compare_pixel 

Design

All three Pixels sport the iconic design that differentiates Google Pixel phones from iPhones. This includes an aluminum frame, with a glass back and an elongated camera bar. However, the two later models have a more pronounced ‘bump’ on the back, replacing the flat camera strip that connected to the side frame.

The Pixel 9 and 10’s main upgrade is to Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This newer material can survive drops from up to 1 meter on concrete surfaces!

The latest model is also slightly heavier to make room for the bigger battery and Qi2 magnets (more on this later!).

Display

Not much changes from the Pixel 9 to the 10 in terms of their displays: 6.3-inch screens with adaptive 60 Hz to 120 Hz refresh rates.

There are gradual improvements in brightness from model to model, hitting 3000 nits with the latest Pixel series, but this is something you probably wouldn’t be aware of if you’re upgrading year by year.

One bigger update, however, is the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded into the display. This Pixel 9 feature replaces the Pixel 8’s optical sensor, which was much slower and less accurate.

Camera

Remember the long-standing 12-megapixel ultrawide camera? Well, the Pixel 9 finally upgraded it to 48 megapixels. But something we were slightly disappointed with for the Pixel 10 was the lower specs:

• Main: 48 MP

• Ultrawide: 13 MP

However, megapixel count isn’t everything. These lower specs accommodate an additional 5x optical telephoto lens to capture long-distance shots more effectively. This previously Pro-exclusive camera increases up to 20x zoom with the AI-powered Super Res Zoom, too. No need to purchase the pricier Pixel 10 Pro!

This change makes the Pixel 10 the first to feature a triple-lens setup.

Performance and Software Updates

Unlike previous chips, the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 is built on a cutting-edge 3nm process. It’s also fully custom-designed for Google’s requirements, which undoubtedly makes it an upgrade over the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8’s Samsung-made chips.

This processor is supported by an extra 4 GB of RAM compared to the Pixel 8, which powers some Pixel 10-exclusive AI features. 

Magic Cue is the main feature worth mentioning. This AI assistant helps you find relevant information without having to ask by connecting several Google apps, including:

• Calendar

• Gmail

• Messages

• Google Photos

• Pixel Screenshots

If you receive a message asking about an upcoming event, for example, Magic Cue automatically finds the time and date.

The function is still quite limited right now, but offers plenty of scope for expansion into other areas. It could definitely become a defining feature of future Pixels, though we don’t know if these exclusive AI tools will ever be available on older models.

However, the Pixel 9 did have some useful features that were also exclusive at the time. Call Notes automatically summarizes your voice calls, while Pixel Screenshots prevents important information from getting lost in your screenshots folder, making it easier to find the image you’re looking for with a simple system-wide shortcut. Now, they’re both available on the Pixel 10!

Battery Life

The latest three flagship Google phones feature marginal differences between battery sizes. As expected, the Pixel 10 comes out on top, but not just in terms of capacity. The Tensor G5 delivers a longer battery life, which Google claims should last over 30 hours.

One key reason why you may choose the Pixel 10 over its predecessor is Qi2. This Pixel Phone supports the latest standard for more efficient wireless charging, featuring built-in magnets that work with Google’s new Pixelsnap accessory ecosystem. However, these magnets are also compatible with standard (and often cheaper!) MagSafe accessories.

Although the Pixel 9 also supports 15 W wireless charging, it doesn’t feature the strong magnets necessary for Qi2. 

Which Google Pixel Phone Should You Choose?

The Google Pixel phone you choose should depend on your budget and the device you already own.

The Pixel 9 is a slightly more refined version of its predecessor. And as it’s two years since the Pixel 8’s release, you’re likely to find heavily discounted prices for the older phone. Google recently added the 8th generation to its Certified Refurbished Phone program, where older, cheaper Pixel phones can be purchased for up to 40% off the retail price at the Google Store.

If you’re going to choose a newer model, go for the Pixel 10. Other than the design, it features bigger improvements for the same $799 price tag, including telephoto zoom and the powerful Tensor G5. This device is undoubtedly part of the best Pixel phone series yet, particularly when it comes to Google’s AI offering.

For Samsung or iPhone users looking to switch, we’d definitely recommend the Pixel 10 — but if you already own one of the older models, it may not be worth spending hundreds of dollars on a newer device.

The later models offer several useful upgrades you’d expect to see from new smartphones. However, they don’t all actively transform the day-to-day Pixel experience. Exceptions include software and AI features like Magic Cue, which is where only Pixel phones excel.

You may therefore want to wait a few more years until Pixel features have evolved even further to upgrade!