Mar 6, 2026 3:17 PM
Which Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?
Pixel 10a or Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Here’s a guide to all the models—plus Pixel case recommendations and smart software tricks to try.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Featured in this article
The Best Pixel for Most People
Google Pixel 10a
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A Step Up
Google Pixel 10
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Best Pixel Upgrade
Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL
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A Folding Pixel
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
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Google Pixel phones are our favorite Android phones here at WIRED and have been for a few years. They have industry-leading cameras, get speedy software and security updates directly from Google (like iPhones do from Apple), and are priced competitively. But which of the Google Pixel phones should you buy? The new Pixel 10a? The Pixel 10? What about the crazy-expensive Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Don’t fret—I'll break down the differences between the best Pixel phones and sort out the right one for you.
You'll also find Pixel-exclusive tips to help you get the most out of your new phone, along with some accessory and case recommendations for added protection. For more, read our other guides, including the Best Pixel Phone Settings to Change, Best Pixel 10 Cases, Best Pixel 9 Cases, Best Samsung Phones, and Best Android Phones.
Updated March 2026: We've added the Google Pixel 10a and a few new Pixel software features.
Table of Contents
The Best Pixel for Most People
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 10a
Google’s Pixel 10a (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is all the phone most people need. The latest handset remains the best smartphone for the money, even if Google didn't change much from the Pixel 9a. The 6.3-inch display is brighter, not to mention sharp, colorful, and smooth with its 120-Hz screen refresh rate. Google also got rid of the plastic ring around the camera module, so now the back is flatter than ever, a true boon for anyone who hates camera bumps.
Once again, Google's Tensor G4 chipset powers it all, the same as in 2024's flagship Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9a. Performance is pretty much identical—smooth and fast, whether gaming or multitasking. (That also means you should totally consider the Pixel 9a if you can find it on sale.) There's only 8 gigabytes of RAM, so it won't get all the smart software features as on the flagship Pixel devices. But the important ones are here, notably the new feature that lets you send files and photos to iPhone owners using Google's Quick Share to AirDrop.
The camera hardware is the same. A 48-megapixel is joined by a 13-MP ultrawide and a 13-MP selfie camera, and they're all reliable. However, the selfie camera is decently sharper on the Pixel 10 because it has autofocus, and the new 5X optical camera means zoomed-in photos will look much better. However, like most Pixel phones, you can feel safe knowing most of the pictures you snap with the Pixel 10a will look great.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixel 10a, main camera
The 5,100-mAh cell comfortably lasts a full day, but heavy users may still need to tote a power bank to top up in the evenings. There's faster Qi wireless charging in this model, but it's the only Pixel in the lineup without Qi2 Pixelsnap magnets. An IP68 water-resistance rating rounds things out, not to mention secure face unlock in addition to fingerprint unlock, giving you two biometric authentication methods to unlock your phone and quickly access sensitive apps.
The Pixel 10a also gets seven years of software support—the longest you'll find on an Android phone under $500. It's one of the best smartphone bargains around.
| Specs |
| Display: 6.3 inch, 60 to 120 Hz, OLED, 3,000 nits peak brightness |
| Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 8 GB RAM |
| Storage: 128 or 256 GB |
| Battery: 5,100 mAh |
| Cameras: 48-MP main camera, 13-MP ultrawide, 13-MP selfie camera |
| Updates (from date of manufacture): 7 years |
| Extras: Qi wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC, VPN, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks |
A Step Up
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 10
The Pixel 9 was in an awkward spot, missing a few too many flagship features, but not differentiating much from the cheaper Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10 changes that, introducing a 5X optical zoom camera and the Qi2 magnetic wireless charging system. This is the Pixel for anyone who wants to enjoy a few special features but doesn't want to spend $999 on the Pixel 10 Pro.
It's the same screen size as the Pixel 10a and matches the 3,000 nits of peak brightness—brighter than the Pixel 9a—so it will be easier to read the display in broad daylight. The top speaker is louder than its predecessor; when I compared the Pixel 10 to the Pixel 9a at the same volume, it was noticeably louder, with richer sound quality, too. A bigger upgrade over the Pixel 10a is the Tensor G5 chipset, which offers a hefty bump in performance and efficiency. You'll be able to play more demanding games on this phone at higher fidelity. However, since the Pixel 10 still lacks the vapor chamber cooling system of the Pro models, it gets warm fairly quickly.
One tidbit to note: the 128-GB model supports the older UFS 3.1 storage technology, whereas the 256-GB model has UFS 4. The latter enables faster app load times, quicker file saves, better gaming performance, and even better battery life. Most people may not notice a difference, but it may be worth springing for the higher-storage tier to maximize performance.
The Pixel 10's battery runtime is a full day with average use (I was able to eke out more than 5 hours of screen-on time), but much depends on what you're doing; if you're playing Wuthering Waves for more than an hour, that'll sap juice fast. That's why the Qi2 charging system is so great. You can easily slap a magnetic battery pack to the back of the phone, and it'll wirelessly charge it—faster and more efficiently than traditional Qi chargers. Just make sure the power bank is Qi2.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixel 10, 5x optical zoom.
Unlike the Pixel 10a, the Pixel 10 has a triple-camera system. The main camera and ultrawide are actually similar to those phones, but Google says it uses a better image processing pipeline that should deliver slightly nicer results. In my tests, the photos from those two cameras were sharper with less noise compared to the Pixel 9a, but it wasn't a big difference. The larger impact is in zoom capabilities. The 5X camera lets you capture scenes further away, making the phone more versatile. You can even get some decent results at 10x zoom. Don't forget the selfie camera, which is better on the Pixel 10, too. It has autofocus, which goes a long way in making sure your selfie is sharp. The Pixel 10a selfies can look soft (a little fuzzy), especially at night.
The Pixel 10 has several new smart software features, and only some may make their way to older devices. There's Camera Coach, which will help you take better photos; Magic Cue, which will surface relevant information from your personal data in the Messages and Phone apps when you need it; and real-time voice translations for phone calls that can also mimic what you sound like. (I've listed the new features further down below.)
The big downside? The US models of the Pixel 10 are eSIM only, so you can no longer use a physical SIM card. There are security benefits to this change, but it is frustrating, especially since US carriers don't make switching eSIMs easy.
Barring that, the Pixel 10 is the way to go if you can spend a little more. To me, the convenience of Qi2 and the 5X zoom camera are worth the price bump, but you'll also enjoy better performance, a brighter screen, louder speakers, and sharper selfies. It helps that it's often on sale for $599.
| Specs |
| Display: 6.3 inch, 60 to 120 Hz, OLED, 3,000 nits peak brightness |
| Processor and RAM: Tensor G5 with 12 GB RAM |
| Storage: 128 (UFS 3.1) or 256 GB (UFS 4) |
| Battery: 4,970 mAh |
| Cameras: 48-MP wide, 13-MP ultrawide, 10.8-MP 5X telephoto, 10.5-MP selfie camera |
| Updates (from date of manufacture): 7 years |
| Extras: Pixelsnap Qi2 wireless charging, IP68, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC, VPN, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks (eSIM only in the US) |
Best Pixel Upgrade
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL
If you want the best that Google offers, then go for the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a few minor differences that put it a step ahead of the Pixel 10 Pro, but these devices are largely the same and have a few hardware and software improvements over the Pixel 10.
The OLED displays can ratchet the refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, which means they're more efficient and can conserve battery life. There's more RAM here (16 GB), so you can expect better performance, especially if you're juggling multiple tasks. Couple that with the vapor chamber cooling system, and these phones will be able to play more demanding games for a longer period without too many stutters, and they won't run as warm, either. I maxed out the graphics on Wuthering Waves, one of the most demanding Android games right now, and had a solid experience, though it still doesn't run as smoothly as on a Samsung Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16.
Like the Pixel 10, the 256-GB model adopts the UFS 4 standard, but the higher storage tiers use a newer zoned UFS 4 technology. It reportedly drives even faster app launches and should feel more responsive, though the improvements may be so marginal that you might not notice. Zoned UFS purportedly delivers better long-term performance of the flash storage system, which is good news if you plan on keeping your phone for a long time.
The cameras are a step up from the Pixel 10, even if they have a similar triple-camera system. All the sensors across the board are different; specifically, they're larger. Larger sensors can capture more data, and the end result is a brighter, sharper image. That rings true in my testing. The telephoto camera is the same as the Pixel 9 Pro, but Google says it has enhanced the lenses for better clarity, and there's improved image stabilization.
1 / 10
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, 100X Pro Res Zoom.
The Pixel 10 Pro models are the only ones to support Google's new Pro Res Zoom feature. From 6X to 30X, it'll utilize Super Res Zoom, the older technology that captures multiple frames and merges them for sharper digital zoomed photos. Pro Res Zoom kicks in from 30X until 100X, and it adds generative AI into the mix. The AI will add what it thinks should be in the image to fill in some of the gaps, and regardless of how you feel about that, the result is spectacular and shockingly sharp.
Another exclusive camera feature is Video Boost, which sends your video clips to the cloud for processing, improving colors, noise, stabilization, and brightness. It can now upscale footage to 8K. The Pixel 10 Pro models capture better video quality than the Pixel 10, but Video Boost gives it an even greater edge. The only problem is that you have to wait for the Video Boost files to process, which can sometimes take a day. (You still have access to the original file.) I'd like to see Google further improve native video capture so that you don't need to send clips to the cloud.
The speakers on the phones are louder than before, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a new top and bottom speaker, meaning its audio quality is louder and richer, with more bass. The XL is also the only Pixel with Qi2 25W support, meaning it can charge wirelessly up to 25 watts instead of 15 watts, provided you use a Qi2 25W wireless charger. Speaking of, it has the fastest wired charging speeds, supporting 39 watts (as opposed to 29W on the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro). Battery runtime averages a full day for me, though the Pixel 10 Pro XL had the longest stretch on a single charge, hitting up to 7 hours of screen-on time.
The best of Google is the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but if you prefer a smaller phone and don't care for the faster charging speeds or the slightly louder speaker, the Pixel 10 Pro will satisfy. You'll save some cash, too.
| Specs: Pixel 10 Pro |
Pixel 10 Pro XL |
| Display: 6.3 inches, 1 to 120 Hz LTPO, OLED, up to 3,300 nits peak brightness |
6.8 inches, 1 to 120 Hz LTPO, OLED, up to 3,300 nits peak brightness |
| Processor and RAM: Tensor G5 with 16 GB RAM |
Tensor G5 with 16 GB RAM |
| Storage: 128 (UFS 3.1), 256 (UFS 4), 512 GB (Zoned UFS 4), and 1 TB (Zoned UFS 4) |
256 (UFS 4), 512 GB (Zoned UFS 4), and 1 TB (Zoned UFS 4) |
| Battery: 4,870 mAh |
5,200 mAh |
| Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie camera |
50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie camera |
| Updates (from date of manufacture): 7 years |
7 years |
| Extras: Pixelsnap Qi2 wireless charging, Pro Res Zoom, 8K video recording with Video Boost, fingerprint and secure face unlock, Google AI Pro Plan, IP68, NFC, VPN, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra-Wideband |
Pixelsnap Qi2 25W wireless charging, Pro Res Zoom, 8K video recording with Video Boost, fingerprint and secure face unlock, NFC, VPN, Google AI Pro Plan, IP68, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra-Wideband |
| Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks (eSIM only in the US) |
Works on all three major US networks (eSIM only in the US) |
A Folding Pixel
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold shares many of the new hardware specs of the above Pixel 10 series, and this is the only folding phone with an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating, not to mention Qi2 wireless charging for easy magnetic mounting. Google also claims it can withstand 10-plus years of folding due to the gearless hinge. There's some truth to these durability claims, because I have now dropped this phone onto asphalt twice, and it only came away with minor scratches on the frame. Hooray!
Unfortunately, unlike folding phones from Samsung and Honor, this book-like device remains a bit of a chonker. It's quite heavy and a little cumbersome to use. Google also calls it a “Pro” phone, but it doesn't actually have many of the pro features of the Pixel 10 Pro. For example, the triple-camera sensors aren't as great, there's no vapor chamber cooling, and you don't get access to Pro Res Zoom or Video Boost. It can still capture excellent photos, mind you, but for $1,799, I expect parity with the cheaper Pro phones.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, main camera.
There are some minor multitasking improvements—it's easy to put two apps side by side in split-screen, and you can move the slider in between them to resize the apps, even stow one far to the side for easy access. But you still can't use three apps simultaneously (I miss the OnePlus Open's implementation of this.)
If you want a folding phone, I suggest looking at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, which is thinner, lighter, and easier to use. However, if you prefer Google's software experience and camera quality, there's a good chance you'll really enjoy using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold—if you can stomach the price.
| Specs |
| External display: 6.4 inch, 60 to 120 Hz, OLED, 3,300 nits peak brightness |
| Internal display: 8 inch, 1 to 120 Hz LTPO, OLED, 3,300 nits peak brightness |
| Processor and RAM: Tensor G5 with 16 GB RAM |
| Storage: 256 (UFS 4), 512 GB (Zoned UFS 4), and 1 TB (Zoned UFS 4) |
| Battery: 5,015 mAh |
| Cameras: 48-MP wide, 10.5-MP ultrawide, 10.8-MP telephoto (5X), 10-MP front selfie camera, 10-MP inner selfie camera |
| Updates (from date of manufacture): 7 years |
| Extras: Pixelsnap Qi2 wireless charging, Video Boost, IP68, Google AI Pro Plan, NFC, VPN, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra-Wideband |
| Carrier compatibility: Works on all three major US networks (physical SIM and eSIM) |
The 2024 Pixels
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel 9 Series
You don't need to buy the latest and greatest! Buying the previous flagship phone is a great way to save some cash. However, make sure you're spending far less than the MSRP—otherwise, you may as well buy one of the latest Pixel 10 phones. The previous Pixel generation from 2024 includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. There's also the Pixel 9a, which is very similar to the Pixel 10a, so if there's a steep discount, it's a no-brainer.
The Tensor G4 chipset in these phones is perfectly capable, the displays still get very bright, and the cameras aren't vastly different. The Pixel 9 lacks the extra 5X optical zoom camera, and none of these devices have Qi2 support, so no magnetic fun. Google has ported some software features from the Pixel 10 series to the Pixel 9 phones, like the Journal app, and there's a chance a few others will arrive in future Pixel Drop feature updates.
The Pixel 9a has dropped as low as $349, the Pixel 9 regularly dips below $550, the Pixel 9 Pro drops to $599, the Pixel 9 Pro XL for $699, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been on sale for $1,275. I wouldn't buy these devices unless they were at those prices again or lower.
How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?
The Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 10a, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8a will get 7 years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. The 2023 Pixel 7a will receive three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from the date of launch, the same as older Pixels. Google has a page you can check to see exactly what month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates. Security updates reduce the risk of malware, keep your phone bug-free, and make it more secure. Android version updates introduce new features—cosmetic and functional—that improve the OS as a whole.
Pixel phones also happen to be the first to receive any kind of Android update, so as soon as Google releases a new version, like Android 16, you can download it immediately by heading to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. You can also test beta versions of Android, but you'll need to enroll your device. (Make sure to back up your phone first!) Pixels are also privy to the feature drops Google issues every few months, which include features from newer Pixels coming to older models and brand-new features for the latest devices.
What Is Qi2?
Qi2 is the next-gen wireless charging standard, following the Qi wireless protocol. It uses magnets baked into the backs of smartphones to perfectly align with magnets in Qi2 wireless chargers, ensuring a faster, more efficient charge with less heat. It's practically the same as Apple's MagSafe technology (Apple helped develop the Qi2 standard), and all MagSafe iPhones now support Qi2, starting from the iPhone 12. However, not all phones that claim Qi2 functionality are actually Qi2 phones. Samsung's Galaxy S26 series is notably Qi2 Ready, meaning they don't have magnets inside, and the only way they can achieve the charging speeds and efficiency of Qi2 is with a magnetic case.
You don't have to worry about that with the Pixel 10 phones (excluding the Pixel 10a). They're all proper Qi2 devices with magnets inside. Google calls it Pixelsnap, and that's also the name it's using for its suite of accessories. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the only one of the lot that supports the even newer Qi2.2 25W standard, which bumps charging speed from 15 to 25 watts. That means it'll wireless charge the fastest, provided you use a compatible charger.
If you have an older Qi wireless charger lying around, there's a chance it won't work all that well with the new phones. Qi2 is backward compatible, but we've run into issues with older chargers just not recharging devices consistently. You'll probably need to upgrade to a Qi2 charger. If you get a case (read our guide!), make sure it's a Pixelsnap or Qi2 case with magnets inside. Without magnets, a case will weaken the magnets in the phone, and they won't stick well to Qi2 or other magnetic accessories.
What About Older Pixel Phones?
There are a few other Pixel phones worth considering if you don't want any of the above choices. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are available through official channels and third-party retailers (until supplies last). The key is to not pay more than $500 or $600 for either of them; otherwise, you may as well put that money toward the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 series.
I do not recommend you buy any older Pixel devices. Several Pixel A-series phones have been put under a battery performance program to mitigate the risk of overheating or swollen batteries. These software updates have crippled the battery life on those phones, and Google has provided customers with battery replacement options or Google Store credit for a new Pixel phone. These potential issues mean it's just not worth the risk of buying a Pixel 7a or Pixel 6a. I also don't think the Pixel 8a is worthwhile anymore as the price hasn't come down much; you're better off buying the Pixel 9a or Pixel 10a.
Pixel A-Series Battery Issues
In 2025, some Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a owners have received mandatory updates that purposefully degrade the performance of the battery to prevent overheating. Your phone may have been working fine before, but Google issued these updates as a preventative measure, and not every device was affected. Similarly, some Pixel 7a devices may encounter battery swelling issues.
If your phone has been affected, you have two options. You can get a free battery replacement—Google has a registration page for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. If that isn't going to work for you, you can get Google Store credit for the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a to put toward a new Pixel phone.
These issues seem to have only affected some batteries in the A-series phones, suggesting it's likely a supplier issue. What about the Pixel 9a? Here's a statement a Google spokesperson provided to WIRED: “Google continuously improves Pixel testing based on user feedback and thoroughly investigates reported incidents for all components, including batteries. With Pixel 9a, we delivered the largest and longest-lasting battery of any A-series yet. We’ve been encouraged by its reception so far and are confident in the phone’s longevity and durability.”
As for the Pixel 10a, Google continues to include the Battery Health Assistance feature by default, which will lower the battery's maximum charge after you hit a certain number of charge cycles. It's designed to be a more long-lasting method of protecting the battery over several years. We'll be monitoring it over the next few years.
What Does Pixel Care+ Include?
When you purchase a Pixel from Google, you'll see the option to add Pixel Care+ for protection. It's only available in the US through the Google Store and Google Fi. The monthly option can run for up to 60 months, whereas the fixed pricing is for a two-year term. Here's what you get.
Pixel Care+ starts at $9 per month or $179 and includes unlimited accidental damage protection, $0 screen and battery repairs, replacements that ship in a day, and priority support from Pixel experts. That pricing is for the Pixel 10, and it goes up for the pricier devices. For example, the Pixel 10 Pro will cost $13 per month, or $239 for the two-year term. There's no Pixel Care+ option for the Pixel 9a or Pixel 10a.
Pixel Care+ with Loss and Theft starts at $10 per month or $199 and includes the same protections as mentioned above but includes two claims of loss and theft every 12 months. Weirdly, Loss and Theft coverage is not available in New York state.
You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel Phone
Love Pixel phones but want to get away from using Google services? It's a little odd, but you can actually use a different operating system with the Pixel instead of the built-in Android. We've tested and really like /e/OS, a privacy-first operating system that's based on the Android Open Source Project. While you can install it yourself, it requires a bit of technical know-how, you can buy a refurbished Pixel from Murena with /e/OS installed already. If you're interested, we have more details about /e/OS here.
The Best Pixel Cases and Accessories
I've written a broader guide on the Best Pixel 10 Cases and Best Pixel 9 (and 9a) Cases, but here are a few selections for your perusal. We've highlighted cases for the current Pixel lineup, but you can easily find the same versions for prior models if you peruse the case maker's catalog.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixelsnap Phone Case for Pixel 10 Series
These official cases from Google for the Pixel 10 series are Qi2-certified with Pixelsnap magnets baked in, allowing you to attach the phone to magnetic accessories without any loss in strength or wireless charging capabilities (if you use a case without magnets, it will weaken the strength and disrupt the feature). The soft silicone is pleasant to the touch, and you can color-match it with your Pixel 10 phone to highlight the phone's color. I also like Google's official Pixel 10a case ($30), which is similar, but it doesn't have the magnets inside, as it's not a Qi2 phone.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Mous
Limitless Case (Pixelsnap)
Mous cases are Made for Google certified, and that's especially important with the Pixel 10 series, as it ensures the best compatibility with Pixelsnap. The Limitless is a great all-rounder, with raised edges over the display, clicky buttons, reliable magnets for Qi2, and several design aesthetics you can choose from, including a walnut back or speckled fabric (pictured).
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Grip Case (Pixelsnap)
Dbrand's Grip case lives up to its name. It has clicky buttons and incredibly grippy edges. It feels robust yet fairly slim, and you can choose a snazzy design. Just know that you have to apply this “skin” to the back of the case. There's a lot of room for error here, so be careful, and watch Dbrand's installation video for tips. There's Pixelsnap support so you can use your Pixel with Qi2 and even MagSafe accessories, and it worked exceptionally well in my testing.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Peak Design
Everyday Case for Pixel 10 (Magnetic)
This is hands-down the best case if you frequently attach your Pixel to the handlebars of a bike or an electric scooter. Peak Design's mounting system lets you magnetically affix the phone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50), and it stays put. After more than a year of testing, I've yet to have a phone fall off my ride using this mounting system. The company also has several other magnetic accessories, like a car vent mount. The case itself is nice; I just wish the edges were raised more for better screen protection. You can choose to have it with the loop, which acts as a grip, or without it.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Ghost Case 2.0 (Pixelsnap)
This is the best clear case for the Pixel 10 series. Dbrand promises that the Ghost 2.0 won't yellow over time, so much so that if it actually does, the company will replace it for free. It's thin, has stronger magnets than most other Pixelsnap cases, and has grippy edges. And you get to see your Pixel's color shine through. The company technically doesn't make it for the Pixel 10, just the Pro models, but because the dimensions are the same, the 10 Pro case fits perfectly on the Pixel 10.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixelsnap Ring Stand
Google's Ring Stand is a surprisingly sturdy and great kickstand. There's good tension in the metal ring, and you can adjust your phone at varying heights. You can also twist it to put the phone in landscape or portrait orientation. Make sure you take it off before placing the phone on a wireless charger; you're not supposed to attach magnetic accessories or chargers to the Ring Stand itself.
Google
Pixelsnap Charger With Stand
You don't need to spend this much for a decent Qi2 charger, but these are what Google is officially selling, and they're great (if overpriced). The stand version is actually the same Pixelsnap charger, just with a robust stand to keep it propped up. The stand is stable, doesn't shift around, and you can charge the phone in landscape or portrait orientation.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
dbrand
Prism 2.0 Screen Protector
Dbrand gives you two screen protectors in this package, and it comes with a super-easy application tool. Wipe down your phone with the included alcohol wipe, dry it with the microfiber, and then place the tool over your phone and pull the pull tab. Press down on the line, wait 30 seconds, and then take the tool off. There's a squeegee to push out air bubbles. If you don't want to spend this much, Spigen's GlasTR tempered glass protectors are also easy to apply and cost $20 for a two-pack.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Nomad
65W Slim Power Adapter
Google's latest Pixel 10 series supports 29W and 39W charging speeds, depending on the model. That makes this 65W a little overkill, but I still think it's a great all-around charging adapter to carry with you. It's incredibly slim and lightweight, has folding prongs, and includes two USB-C ports. When you have two devices plugged in, one port will dish out 45W and the other will deliver 20W. The former will let you hit the fastest charging speeds possible on any of your Pixel devices.
More Pixel Devices
If you buy a Pixel phone, there's a good chance you're interested in Google's other Pixel hardware. Good news: They're pretty great. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are excellent earbuds, and the Pixel Watch 4 is the Android smartwatch to beat.
Google
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Denoted as the “Best Earbuds for Android” in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are wonderfully small and compact, with a fun, egg-shaped case that has a lovely matte texture. They pair well with Android devices, have wireless charging, and include excellent noise-cancelling. You can also tap and hold the buds to talk to the Gemini voice assistant, and a recent software update added Loud Noise Protection and Adaptive Audio, the latter of which dynamically reduces the volume of unwanted sounds like sirens. You can even nod to answer a call or shake to decline!
If you don't want to spend as much, there's also the Pixel Buds 2a ($129), which are even smaller and have many of the same features, though there's no wireless charging in the case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Google
Pixel Watch 4
The Pixel Watch 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) works with all Android phones, and it's a natural fit with a Pixel phone. This smartwatch will relay any app notifications you want to see on your wrist, and you can even check your Nest security cameras via the Google Home app. You can raise your wrist to talk to the Gemini assistant, no hot word needed, and there's a robust suite of health and fitness tracking capabilities that go toe-to-toe with the Apple Watch. Battery life is solid too, lasting about a day and a half with the 45-mm model, and it recharges incredibly fast.
You can opt for the cellular version if you want always-on connectivity even away from your phone, though you'll need to pay up for a separate watch data plan. Read our Best Smartwatches guide for other options.
Our Favorite Pixel Software Features
Pixels have many great software features, but some need to be toggled on. It can also be hard to remember that all these features exist, so here are most of the top ones.
Jump to a Category
Call Features
There are some key features on Pixels that you won't find on any other Android phone. Some of these are available only on select Pixels—the Tensor chip started with the Pixel 6, and currently, the Tensor G4 is in the Pixel 9 range. Here's a breakdown:
Call Screen: When you get a call from an unknown number, Google Assistant will scan and flag it if it's suspected spam or a robocall. If it's simply a number you don't recognize, you can have Assistant take the call. You'll see a real-time transcription of what's happening, so you can end the call right away if it's a telemarketer or answer if it turns out to be a long-lost high school friend. If it's someone important, you can give Assistant responses to recite if you're unable to take the call—it offers up contextual replies now, too. Remember to turn it on by opening up the dialer app and heading to Settings (three dots on the top right) > Spam and Call Screen.
Wait Times.
Courtesy of Google
Wait Times and Direct My Call: When you call a business in the phone app, you'll see an estimated wait time until someone real picks up (it doesn't work with every business). Google's Direct My Call feature also transcribes the entire call and separates the menu options so you can see them without having to listen intently to the call. More recently, for some numbers, Direct My Call will cache responses so you'll immediately see menu options without needing to wait for the automated response to go through every number. You can turn this on by going to the phone app's Settings > Direct My Call.
Hold for Me.
Courtesy of Google
Hold for Me: If you've been placed on hold with a business number, you can ask Google Assistant to take over. It will play a loud chime when the person on the other end is back. No need to listen to hold music! Toggle it on in the phone app's Settings > Hold for Me. This feature is available on most Pixels but only works in select countries.
Clear Calling: If you have a Pixel 7 or newer, you can turn on this feature to enhance the other caller's voice and reduce their background noise. Head to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Clear Calling to toggle it on. It also works on Google's Pixel Buds Pro.
Call Notes (Tensor G4 and newer; with 12+ GB RAM): You can enable this in the dialer app by going to Settings > Call Notes and making sure the toggle is on. This doesn't activate every time you're on a call. Rather, you have to tap the More button when you're on a call and tap Call Notes to start it. It more or less records the conversation (it notifies the other person that the call is being recorded), and at the end, it'll give you a summary of important points from the call right in the call history log, such as price quotes, phone numbers, or addresses. Sometimes it gets information wrong, as the accuracy of the transcription depends on the call quality, but you can play back the entire recording yourself to double-check.
Scam Detection: This feature detects conversation patterns as you are on the phone with a suspicious number to warn you when someone is deploying a classic scam tactic. It also works in Google's Messages app, and will vet notifications of chat messages from “popular” apps, where it will show a “Likely scam” alert if it deems something suspicious. You can turn it on by going to the phone app, then tapping the three-dot menu icon at the top right, and hitting Settings > Scam Detection.
Reverse Phone Number Lookup: Don't recognize the phone number from an incoming call? In the call app, you can now quickly look up a number without having to manually run a search yourself.
Take a Message.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Take a Message (Tensor G5): Google is revamping voicemails with Take a Message. It's similar to transcribed voicemails, though that feature doesn't always work and may depend on your carrier. Take a Message bypasses the standard voicemail (your normal voicemail will only kick in with missed calls when your phone is off or out of network). The caller will be told to leave a message, and this recording will be auto-transcribed, visible right in the call history of the phone app. It'll even offer actionable steps, like adding a reminder or an event to your calendar.
Pixel VIPs: This is a new widget that gives you one-tap access to your favorite contacts. But it's more than that. Tap on one of your contacts, and you'll see a beautifully designed page that offers quick access to call or message the contact on various platforms. It'll show the last messages between you two, share location, weather updates, and the time for their area, and you can add notes if you want to remember specific things. You can access this the same way you add a widget; it sits under the Contacts app. Notifications from these contacts are prioritized.
Transcription and Translation Features
Voice Translate over phone calls.
Video: Joel Chokkattu
Translated Phone Calls in Your Voice (Tensor G5): You can translate a phone call in real time, but what makes Google's approach unique is that the company will make the translated voice sound like your own (or the person on the other end). That way, it still sounds like you're talking to someone you know, rather than a robotic voice. No audio is recorded, and data isn't stored (it works on-device). It's only available for a few languages, like English, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
Live Translate.
Courtesy of Google
Live Translate: In select messaging apps, Pixels will automatically know when someone sends a message in a language other than your default. It'll translate it (if you wish), and you'll be able to respond in that same language. More than 50 languages are supported, though you'll need to download the languages you want to see translated by heading to Settings > System > Live Translate.
Live Caption: Pixels can automatically transcribe any video playing on the screen. You can quickly toggle this on by tapping one of the volume buttons and tapping on the square button below the volume slider (or head to Settings > Sound and Vibration > Live Caption). If the video is in a different language, you can even see it translated (only on Tensor-powered Pixels), though you'll need to download one of the supported languages. It can even caption phone calls.
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Assistant Voice Typing.
Courtesy of Google
Assistant Voice Typing: Tap the mic button on Google's Gboard keyboard, and you'll be privy to the much-improved voice-typing experience enabled by the Tensor chip. It's really fast, pretty accurate, and knows how to automatically add punctuation. It understands when to send a message if you say “Send,” and commands like “Next” will move the cursor to the next paragraph. You can make sure this is enabled by heading to Settings > System > Language & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > Gboard > Voice typing > Assistant Voice Typing.
Dual Screen Interpreter Mode (Pixel folding phones only): When you trigger this mode in the Google Translate app on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (or any Pixel Fold), the person you're speaking to can read your translated words on the exterior screen. They can also tap the screen to start speaking, and you'll see their translated words on the inner screen.
Google's Recorder app.
Courtesy of Google
Google Recorder: If you record interviews, meetings, calls, or anything else, you'll love the Google Recorder app. It's exclusive to Pixels, and it offers real-time transcription so you don't need to take notes. You can open these notes in a Google Doc to edit them later or tap on a word to jump to the point it was spoken in the recording. Google has added speaker labels so the transcription will try to detect when different people are talking and indicate as such. Recordings can be shared with anyone, even if they don't have a Pixel. Better yet, you can automatically back these up to your Google Account to access them anywhere (or find them here). You can also summarize (and download) these transcripts with Gemini. Google recently added the ability to add music tracks, too, in case you like using the app to record singing.
Voice Message Transcription: If you frequently get audio messages in the Messages texting app, then you'll be happy to know that these messages will automatically transcribe, so you won't have to listen to the audio message. The transcription can be hit or miss, but it's still handy. It only works in Google Messages and is available in select languages; it's available on the Pixel 4A and newer. Turn it on by heading to the Messages app and tapping on your profile icon. Then tap Messages Settings > Voice Message Transcription, and toggle it on.
Gemini AI Features
Gemini Assistant: Google's default assistant is now Gemini instead of Google Assistant. Gemini is more powerful and can handle almost all the same tasks and more. Gemini isn't exclusive to Pixels, but these handsets are some of the few to use Gemini Nano, Google's on-device large language model that doesn't need to access the cloud. Some Gemini Nano capabilities have expanded to other capable Android phones, but Pixels often have exclusive perks before the competition. One new addition is task automation, so with the Pixel 10 series, you can ask Gemini to call you an Uber or order a meal from DoorDash, no need to hop into the app yourself.
Multimodal capabilities in Gemini: When you open Gemini (pressing and holding the power button) while in another app, you can ask it to “Attach” whatever's on your screen. That can include asking Gemini to summarize a YouTube video or asking questions about a PDF. You can also upload your own photos and files to Gemini to ask questions about them. Just tap the plus icon next to the Gemini search bar.
Gemini Live with video.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Gemini Live (Gemini Advanced): This is a way of talking to Google's Gemini chatbot, except it's completely in real time, like a normal human conversation. You can interrupt Gemini; it will understand context, so you can keep asking it new questions about the same topic, and it sounds so much more natural than voice assistants that came before. You can even turn on your camera and ask Gemini Live questions about what you're looking at in real time. Google also added visual overlays that let Gemini highlight specific items in your camera view to identify what it's referring to more easily.
Video: Joel Chokkattu
Magic Cue (Tensor G5): This feature works in the Messages app and in Gboard. Once you opt in, it will find relevant information from your Google apps that come up in conversations. For example, if your mom sends a text asking for your flight information, Magic Cue will have it ready to go as a little button above the textbox, so you don't need to look anything up yourself. It'll even pull up relevant details, like your flight confirmation number, if you're calling United. You can dig into the settings for it by heading to Settings > Magic Cue.
Pixel Screenshots (Tensor G4 and newer; with 12-plus GB RAM): Got tons of screenshots saved on your phone? The Pixel Screenshots app puts them all in one place, and it uses on-device machine learning (Gemini Nano) to understand the context in them, from pictures to text. That means you can then just ask Gemini for information from a screenshot without having to hunt through hundreds of pictures. You can also add screenshots of tickets or boarding passes to Google Wallet from the app.
NotebookLM: Anyone can download this app right now, but NotebookLM is preinstalled on Pixel 10 devices. It's a note-taking app infused with Gemini, but the AI is trained only on your local documents and nothing from the wider internet.
Courtesy of Google
Magic Compose in Messages: You can get a different draft of something you've typed up in Gboard in case you're unsure about your message's tone. It only works in select apps, like Google Messages. Start typing, and you'll see a pencil icon with a star next to it near the text box. Tap it and you can now cycle through versions of your sentence in different tones, and you can even choose genres like Shakespeare in case you want to hark back to the past. This feature is available on Pixel 6 and newer, but on certain Pro phones, it works on-device.
Pixel Weather: Finally, there's a dedicated weather app on Pixel phones. It's not just a basic app, though—it uses Gemini's large language models to summarize outdoor conditions so you don't have to scan highs and lows. Google added a pollen tracker to see pollen index levels, handy for the spring seasons.
Saved info in Gemini: Gemini Advanced subscribers can ask the assistant to remember certain things. You can ask Gemini to remember that you're a vegan, for example, and any future recipes you ask for will be vegan.
Veo 3: Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro (and Fold) users get a full year of Google's AI Pro subscription included in their purchase, which includes Veo 3. It's Google's generative video platform, allowing you to type in ideas and craft short videos. You can find this by opening Gemini and choosing Video below the textbox.
AI Notification Summaries (Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series): If you opt in, you can receive AI-powered notification summaries from your chats. Head to Settings > Notifications > Notification summaries to enable it. It largely works with messaging apps, which can range from Slack to Gmail to Google Messages.
Camera Features
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Camera Coach (Pixel 10 series and 10a): Tap the camera icon at the top of the camera app, and you'll trigger Camera Coach. It'll ask you to scan the scene and will offer example photographs in case you're not sure how to take a good photo. Choose one of those examples, and Camera Coach will run you through instructions on taking a similar version of that photo. This can include asking you to switch to Portrait mode, to zoom in, or even shift your position and angle.
Pro Res Zoom
Video: Joel Chokkattu
Pro Res Zoom (Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL): On the Pixel 10 Pro models, you can now zoom up to 100X, and Google's Pro Res Zoom will capture more than 200 frames, blend them all for sharpness and denoising, and will even generate some frames of what it thinks should be there. The result is a shockingly sharp photo considering the digital zoom level. How real it is, well, that's a different question.
Help Me Edit With Ask Photos: When you tap edit on a photo, you'll now see a textbox that lets you ask the phone to make edits on your behalf. (You can still manually edit photos.) You can be super specific—ask it to remove the plastic bag in the background—or vague: “Make this look better,” or “Fix the lighting.” A newer capability even lets you even replace a friend's sunglasses with their eyes, provided you have your friend labeled within the Face Groups in Google Photos, so that Google can use older photos of them as a reference.
Hands-Free Photos: If you have a Pixel 6 or newer, you can take a hands-free photo by showing your open palm to the camera. Once the camera detects your palm (it'll show a square icon over it), it'll trigger a timer.
Magic Editor
Courtesy of Google
Magic Editor: This feature has morphed into the general Actions tab when you edit a photo, but some other capabilities are spread throughout the edit functions. You're given free rein to change up the photo in a variety of ways, like selecting subjects and moving them in the frame. You can also find it by tapping Edit on a photo, then tapping and holding anywhere on the image.
Magic Eraser.
Courtesy of Google
Magic Eraser: In the Google Photos app, you can remove objects in the background of your photos (even those not captured on Pixels). Just tap the Edit button and head to Actions > Magic Eraser. It will automatically suggest things to remove, or you can highlight the object with your finger. You can also change the color of a distracting object instead of removing it entirely. It's available on all Pixel phones.
Astrophotography mode: Set your Pixel on a tripod (something like this will work), point it at the sky, open the camera, and go to Night Sight mode. Once the phone detects that it's completely still and on a tripod, you'll see Astrophotography mode kick in. Tap the shutter button, and within three to five minutes, you'll have a photo of the stars. Ideally, you should be in a dark area with little light pollution, but it'll work wherever you are. Don't touch the phone—just let it do its thing until the timer ends. You can also force this feature by opening the camera app, heading to the Night Sight tab, tapping on the moon or star symbol on the bottom right, and moving the slider to Astro.
Super-Res Zoom: If you're taking a picture of something far away, use two fingers to pinch and zoom in up to 30X, then snap the photo. Google uses software wizardry to upscale the quality of digitally zoomed-in photos so you see a lot more detail. On the Pixel 7 series and newer, this process has improved further, as Google is fusing the images from the main camera and telephoto.
Zoom Enhance (Tensor G3 and newer): Much like on the old CSI shows, when someone says, “Enhance,” this feature generates pixels in distant objects to make them appear sharper. You can enable it by going to a photo and tapping Edit > Tools > Zoom Enhance. You'll need to zoom in on an area of the image, then let it do its magic.
Best Take
Courtesy of Google
Best Take (Tensor G3 and newer): If you snap a series of photos of a group of people within a short time frame, you will get the option to switch their faces! This is weird, but truly helpful if folks are blinking, not smiling, or not looking right at the camera. Perhaps one of the other frames from the photos will have captured the right face you want. You can use this feature by pressing Edit on a photo and heading to Tools > Best Take. In the Pixel 10 series and Pixel 10a, this has been upgraded to Auto Best Take, where the phone captures a series of photos automatically when it detects two or more people in the shot. That way, you don't need to make any changes after capture to get the perfect photo—it should already be in your camera library.
Auto Frame in Magic Editor (Tensor G4 and newer): In a photo, tap on the Edit icon, then tap on the ruler icon at the top left. Choose Auto Frame. This will now generate a few different options of the same photo, but in different compositions. It might generate a little bit of extra imagery to the right or left of the subject to change the framing, or even give you a horizontal orientation if you shot vertically.
Add Me
Photograph: Joel Chokkattu
Add Me (Tensor G4 and newer): If you and your partner are traveling and there's no one around to take a picture of you both in front of a landmark (or you don't want someone to run off with your phone), just use Add Me. One person takes the photo, then swaps places with the other, but you'll have to make it seem like you were standing next to each other. The resulting image is the two photos stitched together, and no one is the wiser. This is available in the camera app as the Add Me tab. Google updated the feature in the Pixel 10 to work better with big groups and pets.
Reimagine (Tensor G4 and newer): This terrifyingly powerful feature lets you completely change a photo with text. Open an image, press Edit, then tap and hold anywhere on the photo to see the overflow menu, and choose Reimagine. You'll be prompted to type some text in. There are guardrails, so you can't just expect anything to work, but you can alter the sky or time of day, add the moon, or even change a road into a lake. It's scarily easy.
Audio Magic Eraser demonstration
Audio Magic Eraser (Tensor G3 and newer): Have an annoying sound in the background of your videoclip? Pixels can now erase unwanted audio! It works with only a few types of sounds, like crowds, sirens, and animals, but you can access and give it a try by hitting Edit in a video and tapping on Audio Magic Eraser. A recent update enabled the ability to turn specific sounds up or down and even separate the voices of different people.
Video Boost (Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 8 Pro only): This feature is exclusive to the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 8 Pro series; it allows you to improve the quality of your videos. In the Video tab of the camera app, press the gear icon on the left in Video mode and toggle on Video Boost. (You can also just switch to the Night Sight tab in Video mode for it to automatically kick in.) Now take a video; you'll have to wait for this clip to be processed in Google's cloud. Once done—it could take an hour, or you may have to wait overnight, depending on the size of the file—the clip should be brighter, with better stabilization, less noise, and more vivid colors. It's particularly useful in low-light settings. You can still utilize the original clip if you want to share it immediately. The Pixel 10 Pro upscales this feature to 8K recording.
Photo Unblur
Courtesy of Google
Photo Unblur (Tensor G2 and newer): You can unblur old (or new) photos in your library with the tap of a button. The results will vary, but it's impressive and might make that unusable photo something you'll want to share. It'll work with cats and dogs. On the photo you want to unblur, press Edit > Actions > Unblur.
Portrait Light: You can change up the lighting in your portrait selfies after you take them by opening them up in Google Photos, tapping the Edit button, and heading to Actions > Portrait Light. This adds an artificial light you can place anywhere in the photo to brighten up your face and erase that 5 o'clock shadow. Use the slider at the bottom to tweak the strength of the light. It also works on older Portrait mode photos you may have captured. It works only on faces.
Health and Accessibility Features
Cough & Snore Detection (Tensor G2 and newer): On the Pixel 7 and newer, you can have your Pixel detect if you cough and snore when sleeping, provided you place your Pixel near your bed before you nod off. This will work only if you use Google's Bedtime mode function, which you can turn on by heading to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > Bedtime Mode.
Guided Frame
Guided Frame (Tensor G2 and newer): For blind or low-vision people, the camera app can now help take a selfie with audio cues (it works with the front and rear cameras). You'll need to enable TalkBack for this to work (Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack). Then open the camera app. It will automatically help you frame the shot.
Simple View: This mode makes the font size bigger, along with other elements on the screen, like widgets and quick-settings tiles. It also increases touch sensitivity, all of which hopefully makes it easier to see and use the screen. You can enable it by heading to Settings > Accessibility > Simple View.
Safety and Security Features
Theft Protection: This is a broader Android 15 feature, but essentially, Google's algorithms can figure out if someone snatches your Pixel out of your hands. If they're trying to get away, the device automatically locks. Additionally, with another device, you can use Remote Lock to lock your stolen Pixel with your phone number and a security answer. To toggle these features on, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Theft protection.
Identity Check: If your Pixel detects you're in a new location, Identity Check will require your fingerprint or face authentication before you can make any changes to sensitive settings, offering extra peace of mind in case you lose your phone or if it's stolen. You can enable this in Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Theft protection > Identity Check.
Courtesy of Google
Private Space: Another Android 15 addition, Pixel phones finally have a feature that lets you hide and lock select apps. You can use a separate Google account, set a lock, and install any app to hide away. To set it all up, head to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space.
Satellite eSOS (Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, excluding Pixel 9a): Like Apple's SOS feature on iPhones, you can now reach emergency contacts or emergency services even when you don't have cell service or Wi-Fi connectivity. It's not just available in the continental US, but also in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and even Europe.
Car Crash Detection: Hopefully, you never have to use this feature. As the name suggests, Pixel phones can tell when you've been in a serious crash with the help of mics and motion sensors. Turn it on in the Personal Safety app (or Settings > Safety & Emergency), and if a crash is detected, your phone will check to see whether you're OK. If there's no response, it can share your location with emergency responders and emergency contacts. It works in select countries.
Find Hub (Tensor G3 and newer): Select Pixels can be tracked via the company's Find Hub app even if the battery is dead or the phone is off, making it easier to find if you've left it behind or if someone stole it. (Your location data is encrypted and private from Google.) Open the Find Hub app, click on your device, and tap Settings > Find your offline devices to choose an option.
Built-in VPN (Pixel 7 and newer): With the Pixel 7 and newer, you have access to a VPN (virtual private network). It'll encrypt your traffic to give you peace of mind. You can access it for free for as long as the phones receive updates.
Miscellaneous Features
Quick Share and AirDrop (Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 series): Google's Pixel 10 phones, the Pixel 10a, and Pixel 9 series (excluding the Pixel 9a) can “AirDrop” files and photos over to iPhones, Macs, or iPads. This new cross-compatibility is available through Android's Quick Share feature, and the only caveat is that the iPhone owner needs to switch their AirDrop mode to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” instead of “Contacts Only.”
Display Port Support (Tensor G3 and newer): You can finally connect your Pixel phone to an external monitor by using a data-supported USB-C cable.
Quick Phrases: When the alarm goes off, you can just say “Stop” or “Snooze” instead of fumbling for your phone. This applies when you get a phone call: Just say “Answer,” “Decline,” or “Silence.” You can make sure this is toggled on by launching Assistant and saying “Assistant settings.” Then scroll to Quick Phrases. It works in select other languages, too.
Power Saving mode in Google Maps (Pixel 10 series): If your phone is low on juice but you need it for navigation, there's a special power saving mode in Google Maps that will offer a simplified layout to conserve power. Google says it can extend your battery life up to 4 hours.
Courtesy of Google
Circle to Search: This is Google's way to run a Google Search on practically anything—whether you're reading a news story on the web, looking at a photo on Instagram, or watching a video on TikTok. Just press and hold the home button (the pill-shaped bar if you are using gesture navigation), and circle anything on the screen you want to search. An overlay menu will pop up with search results, and you can add text to the search query. You can even use it to identify music that's playing within your apps, like TikTok or Instagram, and ask follow-up questions. A recent update enabled a way to “Find the Look,” allowing you to select someone's whole outfit and have Gemini parse each item without you having to specify.
Photomoji: You can create sticker reactions from any picture in Google Messages. Just press and hold on to a message and tap the Create button. Choose a photo or take a new one, and it'll automatically crop out the subject. Now you can use that as a sticker reaction to any message!
Body Temperature Sensor (Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 8 Pro only): The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro have a thermometer you can use to take the temperature of an object, but an update has enabled the ability to take the temperature of a person. Just open the thermometer app, point the sensor at the forehead, and scan. You can save the results to the Fitbit app. Google received the FDA's De Novo classification for this feature, though you should know that the results might not be all that accurate.
Quick Tap: Head over to Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to enable it. It lets you double-tap the upper back of your Pixel (Pixel 4A 5G or newer) to trigger a function. That includes flipping the camera for a selfie, turning on the flashlight, sliding down the notification bar, or, exclusive to Pixels, starting a Snap on Snapchat.
Pixel Journal app
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Pixel Journal (Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series): Google's new Journal app lets you jot down your thoughts, add images, and it'll offer up reflections on the words you write. It will also offer prompts based on the goals you create during setup, in case you're at a loss on what to write.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Daily Hub (Pixel 10): Similar to Samsung's Now Brief feature, this Daily Hub is nestled in Google Discover, but will also show up in the At a Glance widget a few times a day. It'll give you upcoming calendar events, reminders powered by Magic Cue, and even suggest new activities to try based on your Google Search history.
Now Playing: Ever hear a song at the coffee shop and wonder who it's by? Now Playing uses on-device machine learning to figure out what the music is in your background, and it will display the artist and title on the lock screen (or in your notifications). It doesn't require an internet connection, so there's no data shared between you and Google. This isn't turned on by default, so head to Settings > Sound and Vibration > Now Playing and toggle it on. You can even turn on Now Playing History in case you forgot to write down an artist's name when you saw it earlier. Google added a button you can press in case Now Playing doesn't automatically identify a song, sorta like Shazam.
Adaptive Vibration (Tensor G2 and newer): You can toggle this on by heading to Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics > Adaptive vibration. It will auto-adjust the vibration strength based on where the phone is, so if the environment is quiet, the vibration may not be as loud as usual, and vice versa.
Device as a Webcam: You can use your Pixel phone as a webcam if you connect it to your laptop or desktop via a cable. This works on the Pixel 6 and newer.
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Julian Chokkattu is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... Read More
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