Wired has loved to google smart phone for years. Industry-leading cameras, fast software and security upgrades from Google (like iPhones from Apple), and competitive pricing. Choosing a model is tough. Get the Pixel 6A? Save for Pixel 7? Available on google pixel 7 black Friday deals.
Don’t worry—we’ll help you choose the correct Pixel. We also feature Pixel-exclusive suggestions to help you get the most out of your new phone and recommend cases and accessories.
PEOPLE’S FAVORITE PIXEL
GOOGLE PIXEL 6A
The Pixel 6A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a great google smart phone. For $449, you get a 6.1-inch OLED screen that’s bright enough to see in direct sunshine. It’s tiny and well-made, unlike most current phones. Gorilla Glass 3 protects the front, yet the metal frame and plastic composite rear feel opulent. Also sage. Green phones!
Google’s Tensor chip powers the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. You’re getting great value. Even while playing Apex Legends Mobile, I seldom observed slowdowns. This means all the best Pixel 6 software features are accessible on this phone, from Magic Eraser in Google Photos to Assistant Voice Typing.
BATTERY
The Pixel 6A can withstand being immersed in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes because to its 4,410-mAh battery and dependable in-display fingerprint sensor. The Verizon model supports millimeter wave 5G for $499. Five years of security updates match Pixel 7 and Samsung phones. Google smart phone promises three OS updates (Samsung offers four). Google isn’t leading on this, particularly when Apple’s 5-year-old iPhone 8 gets iOS 16.
CHEAPEST ANDROID PHONE
GOOGLE PIXEL 7
The Pixel 7 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is an improved Pixel 6 for the same price, making it the greatest budget phone. Seriously. Except for the most demanding games, the second-gen Tensor G2 chipset never stutters or slows down. The 4,355-mAh battery lasts a day, and the 6.3-inch 90-Hz AMOLED screen is bright enough for sunny days. Not too large or too little, it’s easy to hold.
Google smart phone Pixel 6A advantages? Face Unlock and wireless charging are included. The latter isn’t compatible with secure applications like banking, but it’s handier. Camera system is new. The Pixel 7’s 50-MP main camera and 12-MP ultra-wide capture great photos in many settings. Real Tone, the company’s picture algorithms, ensures correct colors for persons with darker skin. The iPhone has improved video quality with 10-bit HDR for more vivid and well-exposed movies. The iPhone takes sharper selfies, except in low-light.
CHOICE OF UPGRADING
PIXEL 7 PRO, FROM GOOGLE
The Pixel 7 Pro costs $899 and undercuts the competition for what you receive. It boasts many of the same capabilities as the Pixel 7, but its 6.7-inch screen has a 120-Hz refresh rate, making it seem more fluid. It’s also somewhat brighter on sunny days. The larger size equals a bigger 5,000-mAh battery that lasts two days with ordinary usage.
If you wish your smartphone camera could zoom in more and take better high-zoom images, choose the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro’s 5X optical camera takes crisp photos of distant things. Google smart phone Super Res Zoom technology makes 2X to 30X photographs seem great. At 10X, my images were astonishingly similar to the quality of Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 10X optical camera. The ultra-wide camera now features autofocus that allows a new Macro Focus option. Pixel 7 Pro isn’t as cheap as Pixel 7, but it’s still impressive.
SHOULD YOU BUY PIXEL PASS?
Google released a new Pixel 6 buying method on the Google Store. You may upgrade to a new Pixel after two years for $55 a month for the Pixel 7 Pro, $45 for the Pixel 7, and $37 for the Pixel 6A. $1,320 for the Pixel 6A Pro, $1,080 for the Pixel 7 Why $899, $599, and $449?
Google’s Preferred Care offers screen repairs, replacements, and accidental damage coverage for two years, 200 GB of Google smart phone One cloud storage, YouTube Premium (no advertisements), and YouTube Music Premium. You’ll also receive Google Play Pass, which provides applications and games without commercials or in-app purchases, plus future Google Store discounts.
All these services plus the Pixel 7 Pro cost $1,806 over two years. You’re paying $486 less. It’s only worth it if you use YouTube Music instead of Spotify.
If you already subscribe to one of these services, Google says you’ll receive a single Pixel Pass charge once your Pixel delivers (though you will need to manually cancel YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium before subscribing to Pixel Pass).
IN REFERENCE TO THE OLDER PIXEL PHONES
Google Store is out of Pixel 6 and Pixel 5A until 2021. Amazon’s Pixel 6 series supply is decreasing. Check the pricing. Pixel 6 is $399 and Pixel 6 Pro is $639. At those prices, they’re still amazing phones. If you can locate it, the Pixel 5A is a nice alternative for $300.
THE BEST STYLISH ACCESSORIES AND BAGS
OFFICIAL $30 GOOGLE CASE FOR PIXEL 7, 7 PRO, 6, 6 PRO, 6A
The Pixel 7 case is more durable and matches your Pixel’s hue. The thermoplastic elastomer feels good, and raised edges protect the screen. The Pixel 7’s casing and polycarbonate shell are manufactured of recyclable polymers. 100% recyclable aluminum power and volume buttons. Similar yet different: Pixel 6 and Pixel 6A cases.
PEAK DESIGN EVERYDAY CASE ($40) FOR PIXEL 7, 7 PRO, 6/6 PRO
This is the finest case for attaching your Pixel to a bike or scooter. After almost a year of testing, I’ve never had a phone slip off my bike using Peak Design’s Universal Bike Mount ($50). It doesn’t affect Pixel wireless charging. The firm also makes magnetic automobile mounts on Google smart phone. I like the case, however I wish the borders were higher for greater screen protection.
PIXEL 7, PIXEL 7 PRO, PIXEL 6, 6 PRO, PIXEL 6A CLEAR CASE ($16)
This is one of the best transparent Pixel cases at this pricing. The buttons are click, the Pixel’s color is clear, and the back isn’t sticky like other clear covers.
Also Use: Seint discount code
CASEOLOGY TEMPERED GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR FOR PIXEL 7 ($13)
Pixel phones’ screens scratch easily. This Pixel 5A protector is no longer available. Caseology sells it for the Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6A. It’s simple to install and includes a squeegee to remove air bubbles. Two screen protectors, microfiber cloth, wipe, and dust removal stickers are included.
SPIGEN GLASTR TEMPERED SCREEN PROTECTOR FOR PIXEL 7 ($14)
Easy-to-apply tempered glass screen protector. Spigen only offers one protection for the Pixel 6A, unlike the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6. Boo. You receive a cleaning kit, an alignment tool, and a squeegee to remove air bubbles.
PIXEL 7, PIXEL 7 PRO, PIXEL 6A OTTER BOX ALPHA FLEX SCREEN PROTECTOR ($45)
It was easy to apply and had few air bubbles. You receive one protection, plus an alcohol wipe, microfiber cloth, application tool, and squeegee. Why? It’s TPU and PET, not tempered glass (PET). Cheaper, less impact-resistant material.
