The Google Pixels are among the best Android smartphones on the market. Very different from the competition, they especially appeal to photography and innovation enthusiasts. We take stock of the best models available on the market today. Follow the leader.
Our selection of the best Google Pixel smartphones
Since 2018, Google has been marketing Pixels in France. Currently, there are therefore a handful of variants on the French market, notably on the Boulanger, Darty, Fnac and Rue du Commerce sites. So we’ve prepared a buying guide for you to help you find the best Google Pixel smartphone. At the end of the article, we also answer some questions about them.
Google Pixel 6 Pro: the best of the best
The Pixel 6 Pro, Google’s latest smartphone released in 2021, has enough to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S21s and even Apple’s iPhone 13s. Offered at a price of 899 €, it offers features and a technical sheet that does not have to be ashamed compared to its competitors. The Pixel 6 Pro adopts a 6.7-inch OLED touch screen in 19.5: 9 format with a refresh rate of 120 HZ. The screen offers a QHD + definition (3120 x 1440 pixels).
Unfortunately, for the moment, it is impossible to buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro in France. Victim of its own success, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is out of stock at all retailers. While waiting for a back in stock, you can read our full review of Google’s Pixel 6 Pro.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| A design with an impeccable finish | Exclusive, not-so-exclusive features |
| Very pleasant handling |
Some misfires on the magic eraser |
| One of the best photophones on the market | Fast charging that’s fast in name |
| Android 12 at the controls |
Google Pixel 6: the alternative to the Pixel 6 Pro
The Pixel 6 is also one of the best Google smartphones. Offered at the starting price of 649 euros, the new flagship of the American firm has more than one asset to be made. Like its big brother, it comes with Android 12 from the start, is 5G compatible and offers IP68 waterproofing certification.
For the photo part, we find on the standard Pixel 6 the same wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle sensors as the Pro version (50 and 12 MP). No telephoto lens therefore, but the price difference probably justifies this choice. In terms of autonomy, the Pixel 6 should easily last a day thanks to its battery with a capacity of 4600 mAh, compatible with 21W fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. For more information, we invite you to read our test and review on the Google Pixel 6.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| Good performance and good energy management | A screen that could have been more precise in terms of colors |
| Amazing new photo modes |
Average autonomy in video games |
| A very bright screen | A wide-angle sensor that lacks brightness |
| Very beautiful photos with the main sensor |
Speakers not always very qualitative |
To see: the best offers to buy the Google Pixel 6 / Pixel 6 Pro from Google at the cheapest price
These prices were updated on 12/16/2021 by All4affiliates. They are listed in ascending order and excluding delivery costs. Only the prices displayed at the merchants are valid.
These prices were updated on 12/16/2021 by All4affiliates. They are listed in ascending order and excluding delivery costs. Only the prices displayed at the merchants are valid.
Google Pixel 5: still in the race
The Pixel 5 sports a 6-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL had a 5.7-inch and 6.3-inch panel, respectively. Just like its predecessors, the Pixel 5 is equipped with a display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz.
While the Pixel 5 has the Snapdragon 765G SoC, engraved in 7 nm and is 5G compatible, the Pixel 4 has the Snapdragon 855, which is not 5G compatible. We also find 8 GB of RAM when the Pixel 4 is content with 6 GB. The internal memory is 128 GB.
Regarding the battery, the latter has a capacity about 50% greater than that of the Pixel 4. We go from 2800 mAh (only) to 4080 mAh. What to offer a much better autonomy knowing that the SoC is a little more light this year. The smartphone is also compatible with 18W fast charging.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| Finally real autonomy on a Pixel! |
Facial recognition has disappeared in favor of a simple rear fingerprint sensor |
| Photo processing always at the top |
High-end SoC gives way to mid-range, but why? |
| The weight, design, handling of the device |
The price remains too high against the competition |
| Screen quality |
Google Pixel 5 128GB Black 5G Smartphone
Find out where to buy the Google Pixel 5 smartphone at the best price.
These prices were updated on 12/16/2021 by All4affiliates. They are listed in ascending order and excluding delivery costs. Only the prices displayed at the merchants are valid.
To see: the best offers to buy a Google Pixel 5 at the cheapest price
Google Pixel 4a: the best value for money
Design level, the Pixel 4a stands out from the Pixel 4 with a perforated screen, and an OLED panel surrounded by thick borders. On the back, there is a camera arranged in a square shape similar to the one seen on the Pixel 4.
Whether on the Pixel 4 or the 4a, there is always a rounded fingerprint sensor on the upper part of the back of the smartphone. The Pixel 4 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, 6 GB of RAM, a 2800 mAh battery while the Pixel 4a offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730, 6 GB of RAM, and a 3140 mAh battery.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| The grip, design and ultra compact appearance of the device |
Call quality (in reception only) |
| The quality of photos in daylight as well as in low light |
No fast charging |
| The good overall performance of the device |
No fingerprint sensor under the screen like the OnePlus Nord |
| Port Jack |
No ultra-wide-angle sensor |
| Updates guaranteed for a long time |
Pixel 4a 5G
Experience the full power of 5G and take stunning photos and videos with the new …
These prices were updated on 12/16/2021 by All4affiliates. They are listed in ascending order and excluding delivery costs. Only the prices displayed at the merchants are valid.
To see: the best offers to buy a Google Pixel 4a at the cheapest price
🤔Why buy a Google Pixel smartphone?
With its Pixels, Google has always played the card of the difference. On the design side, the search giant has always made choices against the current of the market. This culture of difference also emerges on the hardware side. While most smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung or Huawei, are increasing the number of photo sensors, Google continues to opt for single or dual photo sensors.
The Mountain View firm compensates for the starving hardware of its devices with its software expertise. Thanks to algorithms specializing in image processing, Pixels are among the best smartphones in the field of photography.
That’s not all. The Pixels are also distinguished by a clean and light interface. Unlike brands like Samsung or Xiaomi, Google doesn’t add heavy overlay to its phones. This approach has several advantages. The lightness of the software firstly allows the Pixels to offer high performance without needing a large amount of RAM.
In addition, the Pixels are still among the first smartphones to be able to install Android updates. By choosing a Pixel, you get the guarantee of being able to install Android 11 or Android 12 as soon as they are released. Likewise, you will receive the monthly security patches before anyone else!
💽How much internal storage space?
Google is not one of the most generous manufacturers on this point. Since its arrival in France, the Pixel range has left the choice between 64 or 128 GB of internal storage. The 64 GB of ROM will be sufficient for the most basic uses. If you mainly use your smartphone to call loved ones, send messages or check social media, you can opt for the 64 GB variant.
On the other hand, if you are used to installing many applications, including Android games, taking dozens of photos a day or recording videos, we strongly advise you to turn to the 128 GB internal storage.
It should also be noted that the Pixels are devoid of a MicroSD port. In case of full storage space, you will have to turn to a Google Cloud storage subscription. On the other hand, Google offers unlimited storage space for your photos and videos on Google Photos for 5 years.
🤷♂️Fingerprint sensor or facial recognition?
Google’s catalog includes models equipped with a fingerprint reader on the back, and a 3D facial recognition system, Face Unlock. Like Apple, Google has decided not to dwell on the fashion for the fingerprint sensor hidden under the touch screen. On this point, everything depends on your users and your tastes.
If you’re used to the fingerprint reader on the back, as was the case on most Android phones in recent years, you won’t be out of place with the scanner on the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 3 XL. On the other hand, the Pixel 4 will force you to get used to Face Unlock.
🙄What accessories to go with my Pixel?
Once you’ve picked your Pixel, you’ll obviously want to accompany it with a handful of accessories. On its official website, the American brand offers many neat accessories. First, opt for a protective shell to avoid damaging your new companion.
As most of the models in this selection are compatible with wireless charging, we also invite you to fall for an induction charging base. We recommend the Pixel Stands, for example. Finally, you can add a pair of wireless headphones from Google, the Pixel Buds, or Google Home speakers to your cart.
💰How much budget for my Google Pixel?
For less greedy users, we advise you to opt for the Pixel 4a. Mid-range oriented, it is available around 300 euros. For users looking for high performance and a more premium experience, we recommend the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6 and Pixel 5.
We hope this buying guide to the best Google Pixels on the market will allow you to make informed purchases. If you have any other advice for the Phonandroid community, or if an error has inadvertently slipped into this file despite our vigilance, we invite you to let us know in the comments below.
