The Google Pixel lineup of smartphones is one of the best and most popular out there alongside the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy lineups. Over the years, Google has cemented the Pixel as one of the best Android smartphones around, but it can be challenging to recall each and every model since the first one dropped back in 2016. Below, we've compiled every Google Pixel smartphone and its release date. If you've ever been keen to explore how Google upgraded its flagship phone lineup over the years, there has never been a better time!
Lates generation
How Many Google Pixel Generations Have There Been?
In total, there have been 19 different Google Pixel generations with the newest generation, the Google Pixel 10 series, releasing next week. This list does not include separate listings for Pro or XL models, but we have included separate Pixel models like the a and Fold series due to different release dates.
Google Pixel - October 20, 2016
Google Pixel was the first phone in the Pixel line, launching in October 2016. At the time, this was one of the first smartphones to take advantage of USB-C, with the device also packing in a 12.3 megapixel camera. Both a Pixel and Pixel XL were offered, with the latter featuring a larger display.
Google Pixel 2 - October 17, 2017
Google Pixel 2 was relased just one year after the original Pixel in October 2017. Google also made some significant improvements to the camera system, including support for optical image stabilization. Above all else, the Pixel 2 was also notorious for removing the headphone jack, while at least addressing some Bluetooth issues from the first model.
Google Pixel 3 - October 18, 2018
The Google Pixel 3 made many noticable changes for users. First, the bezels surrounding the display were drastically slimmed down compared to both Google Pixel and Google Pixel 2. As a result, the resolution of the screen was also made higher, with an increase of 12.5% and a shift to a 5.5" display. Pixel 3 also introduced wireless charging, allowing users to charge the device without the need for a USB-C cable.
Google Pixel 3a - May 7, 2019
2019 marked the first time that Google offered mid-range smartphones to the market, with the Google Pixel 3a acting as a cheaper companion to the flagship Google Pixel 3. Although the Pixel 3a released after the Pixel 3, this model ommitted a few things here and there, but it at least kept the flagship's back camera system intact. You can read our review of the Pixel 3a for what we thought about it when it first came out.
Google Pixel 4 - October 15, 2019
Google Pixel 4 was a quiet upgrade that focused much more on internals. Google upped the refresh rate of the display to 90Hz, and there were numerous upgrades made to the camera system such as a 2x optical zoom. Additionally, Google upgraded the RAM inside the Pixel 4, with a whole 6GB available, up from 4GB in the Pixel 3.
Google Pixel 4a - August 20, 2020
Similar to the Google Pixel 3a, the 4a left out a few features from the Google Pixel 4 while still making upgrades of its own. While the 90Hz refresh rate was dropped, Pixel 4a made huge improvements with display brightness, delivering a peak brightness of 796 nits - an 83% increase over Pixel 4. Additionally, Google made the 4a more power efficient, so you got an extra four hours compared to the flagship model.
Google Pixel 5 - October 15, 2020
Google Pixel 5 made battery life a major priority, providing a 4080mAh battery that delivered almost 50% more battery life per charge over Google Pixel 4. Additionally, this model brought in the increased display brightness from the Pixel 4a, as well as the fingerprint scanner. Google even added the reverse charging feature, which allowed you to wirelessly charge another device using your Pixel 5.
Google Pixel 5a - August 26, 2021
The Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a almost look identical next to each other, but the 5a actually sports a slightly bigger display of 6.34". While the battery is bigger on the 5a, sitting at 4680mAh, the Pixel 5a does not support any wireless charging feature, so you cannot use the phone to charge another device like you can with Pixel 5.
Google Pixel 6 - October 28, 2021
Google Pixel 6 made a huge splash when it launched in October 2021 with a fresh new design that saw the cameras integrated into a bar design. Despite all the new technology integrated inside the device, Pixel 6 actually launched for $100 less than Pixel 5. Major improvements to the camera systems were also made, which allowed for better pictures in low light settings. The Pro version of this phone was one of our favorite new phones that year and is still a solid device.
Google Pixel 6a - July 21, 2022
The Google Pixel 6a launched later than most other a models, arriving in late July 2022. This smartphone cut the 90Hz refresh rate of Google Pixel 6 to 60Hz, in addition to the RAM from 8GB to 6GB. However, by far the biggest difference is the main camera sensor, which is only 12.2MP on the Pixel 6a compared to 50MP on the Pixel 6.
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