If you’re a Google fan and you want to experience Android in its purest form, you need a Google Pixel phone. The Google Pixel lineup showcases the Pure Google Experience, which means you get Android the way that Google intended — unobscured by OEM skins, bloatware, or unwanted carrier apps. And since Pixels pack some of the best cameras you’ll find on any smartphone, a Google Pixel phone is ideal for shutterbugs and Android aficionados alike.
With so many great options to choose from, how do you pick the right Pixel? Should you wait for the Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? And more importantly, which Google Pixel is the best value? Keep reading, as we take a closer look at the best Google Pixel deals, so you can figure out which Pixel phone you should buy in late 2021.
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Google Pixel Comparison
Picking the best Google Pixel isn’t always straightforward. Unlike most other smartphones, newer Pixel phones aren’t always better than older models. For example, the Google Pixel 4 is built around a faster processor (Snapdragon 855) than the Google Pixel 5 (Snapdragon 765G). But on the bright side, the Pixel 5 packs a much larger battery and 5G wireless connectivity.
Since the Pixel 4 is less than half the price of a Pixel 5 when you buy on Swappa, a gently-used Pixel 4 is almost always the better choice for most people — unless you absolutely need 5G wireless connectivity or a huge battery. Ultimately, figuring out which Google Pixel is the best depends on how you intend on using your phone.
Is the Google Pixel 6 worth it?
What about the upcoming Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro? The Google Pixel 6 release date is set for October 19, 2021. Both Pixel 6 phones are built around a custom Google Tensor chip (code-named “Whitechapel”), which focuses on bringing better on-device AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) performance. This means faster voice recognition, better camera features like Face Unblur and Magic Eraser, improved device security with a Titan M2 chip, and more.
The Google Pixel 6 marks a return to form for Google, being the company’s first true flagships since the Google Pixel 4 in 2019. But as exciting as the Pixel 6 sounds, one big concern is price. And with expected retail prices starting at $749 for the Pixel 6 and $1049 for the Pixel 6 Pro, these phones won’t come cheap.
Fortunately, you don’t need to shell out heaps of cash on Google’s latest and greatest in order to get a great phone.
Google Pixel Specs Comparison
Here’s how the most popular Pixel phones stack up:
| Pixel 3 | Pixel 3 XL | Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch P-OLED HDR Support | 6.3-inch P-OLED HDR Support | 5.7-inch P-OLED HDR Support | 6.3-inch P-OLED HDR Support | 6.2-inch OLED HDR Support | 6.0-inch OLED HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1080 443 ppi | 2960 x 1440 523 ppi | 2280 x 1080 440 ppi | 3040 x 1440 537 ppi | 2340 x 1080 413 ppi | 2340 x 1080 432 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 90 Hz “Smooth Display” | 90 Hz “Smooth Display” | 60 Hz | 90 Hz “Smooth Display” |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 8 CPU Cores Adreno 630 GPU | Snapdragon 845 8 CPU Cores Adreno 630 GPU | Snapdragon 855 8 CPU Cores Adreno 640 GPU | Snapdragon 855 8 CPU Cores Adreno 640 GPU | Snapdragon 765G 8 CPU Cores Adreno 620 GPU | Snapdragon 765G 8 CPU Cores Adreno 620 GPU |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 6GB RAM | 6GB RAM | 6GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| Rear Cameras | Wide-Angle: 12MP, f/1.8, 28mm with dual pixel, OIS | Wide-Angle: 12MP, f/1.8, 28mm with dual pixel, OIS | Wide-Angle: 12MP, f/1.7, 27mm with dual pixel, OIS Telephoto: 16MP, f/2.4, 50mm with OIS and 2x optical zoom | Wide-Angle: 12MP, f/1.7, 27mm with dual pixel, OIS Telephoto: 16MP, f/2.4, 50mm with OIS and 2x optical zoom | Wide-Angle: 12MP, f/1.7, 27mm with dual pixel, OIS Ultrawide: 16MP, f/2.2 with 107° field of view | Wide-Angle: 12MP, f/1.7, 27mm with dual pixel, OIS Ultrawide: 16MP, f/2.2 with 107° field of view |
| Selfie Camera | Wide-Angle: 8MP, f/1.8, 28mm Ultrawide: 8MP f/2.2, 19mm | Wide-Angle: 8MP, f/1.8, 28mm Ultrawide: 8MP f/2.2, 19mm | 8MP, f/2.0, 22mm | 8MP, f/2.0, 22mm | 8MP, f/2.0, 24mm | 8MP, f/2.0, 24mm |
| Battery Capacity | 2915 mAh | 3430 mAh | 2800 mAh | 3700 mAh | 3885 mAh | 4080 mAh |
| Charging | 18W USB Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 18W USB Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 18W USB Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 18W USB Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 18W USB Fast Charging | 18W USB Fast Charging Fast Wireless Charging |
| Security | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Secure face unlock | Secure face unlock | Fingerprint | Fingerprint |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | No (IP52) | IP68 |
| Release Date | October 9, 2018 | October 9, 2018 | October 15, 2019 | October 15, 2019 | September 30, 2020 | September 30, 2020 |
| MSRP | $799 | $899 | $799 | $899 | $499 | $699 |
| Swappa Price | $88+ (90% off) | $83+ (91% off) | $179+ (77% off) | $195+ (78% off) | $299+ (40% off) | $395+ (43% off) |
Best Pixel Overall: Google Pixel 4
The Google Pixel 4 is the best Pixel phone for most people. The Pixel 4 is fast, has a great camera, and offers plenty of features not found on other Pixel phones. In fact, it’s even more feature-packed than the newer Pixel 5.
Built around the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, the Pixel 4 can handle your most demanding games and apps with ease. This 8-core processor is actually faster than the Snapdragon 765G found in the Pixel 5, meaning you’ll never experience the lag and slowdowns that plague lower-end Android devices. The Pixel 4 also features 6GB RAM, making it great for multitasking. This means that you can open dozens of games and apps at the same time, without the risk of data loss from unexpected app closures.
The Pixel 4 also packs one of the best smartphone cameras currently available. Some of this can be attributed to the Pixel 4’s camera hardware, but it mostly boils down to Google’s advanced computational photography tools. Powered by artificial intelligence and built on Google’s machine learning algorithms, the Pixel 4 delivers professional-grade photos and videos with features such as LiveHDR+, Dual Exposure Controls, Machine Learning Automatic White Balance, improved Portrait Mode, and Night Sight with Astrophotography. This enables the Pixel 4 to squeeze every bit of performance from its 12.2MP, 27mm, f/1.7 wide-angle lens and 16MP, 50mm, f/2.4 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.
The Pixel 4 doesn’t just have great specs and a great camera; the Pixel 4 also has a great display. The Pixel 4 features a 5.7-inch P-OLED screen at Full HD+ (2280×1080) resolution. The screen makes use of Google’s “Smooth Display” technology, meaning that you get buttery smooth motion with a high refresh rate of up to 90Hz. The Pixel 4 also features HDR certification, so everything you see on screen will be sharp and vibrant.
The Pixel 4 is a great phone thanks to its high-end specifications, class-leading camera, great display, and convenient size. Best of all, you can get a gently used Pixel 4 on Swappa for less than a third of its original $799 retail price. Learn more about the Pixel 4 in our Pixel 4 Buyer’s Guide and Pixel 4 Review, and see how it stacks up to other Pixel phones in our Pixel 4 Upgrade Guide.
Best Cheap Pixel: Google Pixel 3 XL
If you’re looking for a Google Pixel that won’t break the bank, it’s hard to beat the Google Pixel 3 XL. The 3XL has a lot going for it, thanks to its vibrant 6.3-inch OLED screen, great battery life, and ultrawide front-facing camera. And thanks to its 8-core Snapdragon 845 processor backed by 4GB RAM and the relatively powerful Adreno 630 GPU, it’s actually faster than the brand new Google Pixel 4a 5G and Google Pixel 5 in games.
Best of all, with a starting price of just $83, the Google Pixel 3 XL is actually cheaper than the smaller Google Pixel 3 by a few bucks. So if you’re looking for a good phone at a great price with absolutely no bloatware, the Pixel 3XL is one of the best Google Pixel deals in 2021. Learn more about the Pixel 3 XL in our Pixel 3 XL Buyer’s Guide and Pixel 3 XL Review, and see how it stacks up to other Pixel phones in our Pixel 3 XL Upgrade Guide.
Best Large Pixel: Google Pixel 4 XL
If you’re a fan of the Pixel 4’s features but need a bigger screen or better battery life, the Google Pixel 4 XL is for you. Just like its smaller sibling, the Pixel 4 XL packs the powerful 8-core Snapdragon 855 chip, 6GB RAM for excellent multitasking, and a 90 Hz display for buttery smooth animations. The Google Pixel 4 XL also features the same Pixel Neural Core photo enhancements as the Pixel 4, such as LiveHDR+, Dual Exposure Controls, and Night Sight — so you’ll always get the perfect shot when using a Pixel.
As its name implies, the Pixel 4 XL features a large, 6.3-inch P-OLED screen running at an ultra-sharp Quad HD+ (3040×1440) resolution. This makes the Pixel 4 XL a great choice for gaming or content consumption, or those looking to increase their productivity when on the move.
Finally, the Pixel also features a much larger 3700 mAh battery, compared to the 2800 mAh cell found on the standard Pixel 4. This means that the Pixel 4 XL delivers significantly better battery life, enabling you to keep working or playing for longer.
The Pixel 4 XL was Google’s flagship phone last generation, so it launched at a relatively high $899 MSRP. Thankfully, prices have come down quite a bit since then — and with a bit of Swappa magic, you can get yourself a gently used Pixel 4 XL for well under $300. Learn more about the Pixel 4 XL in our Pixel 4 XL Buyer’s Guide and Pixel 4 XL Review, and see how it stacks up to other Pixel phones in our Pixel 4 XL Upgrade Guide.
Pixels with 5G: Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G
Society is more connected than ever before, and many of us rely on our mobile devices to stay in touch with loved ones, friends, and coworkers. So if you find yourself frequently using network-intensive apps such as video conferencing, streaming video, or competitive online games, you may want to pick up a 5G phone.
So far, only two Pixel phones support 5G: the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. Both phones were released at Google’s September 2020 Pixel event, and they make up the current lineup of Pixel phones — until the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro come out.
As we touched on earlier, the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G aren’t quite as fast as the previous-generation Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in the most demanding 3D games, but the Snapdragon 765G chip in both phones can still handle anything you throw at it. Plus, 5G networking means that streaming video will load faster, your Zoom calls will be clearer and have less latency, and you’ll get less network lag when gaming online.
The current Pixel lineup launched at a more affordable price than previous-generation Pixel devices — with the Pixel 4a 5G starting at $499 MSRP and the Pixel 5 starting at $699 MSRP. While these prices are competitive when compared to the retail prices of other 2020 flagships, you can get them for hundreds less on Swappa. Click below to get the best deal on a Pixel 4a 5G or Pixel 5 today!
Best Battery Life: Google Pixel 5
If you’re a road warrior who spends a lot of time away from power outlets, you’ll need a phone with great battery life. The Pixel 5 has the best battery life out of any Pixel phone — capable of lasting nearly two days of light to moderate use.
The Google Pixel 5’s phenomenal battery life can be attributed to a few factors. For starters, the Pixel 5 has a fairly large 4080 mAh battery pack — the largest of any Pixel phone. It also features a power-efficient OLED screen that can control screen brightness on a per-pixel basis, streamlined software with excellent power management utilities, and absolutely no unnecessary bloatware to drain your battery. Finally, the Pixel 5’s Snapdragon 765G may not be the fastest mobile chip out there — especially compared to the faster Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL — but it’s incredibly power efficient, consuming only minimal power in light tasks.
If you need a Pixel phone that can comfortably last all day and then some, get the Pixel 5. Learn more about the Pixel 5 in our Pixel 5 Buyer’s Guide and Pixel 5 Review, and then find the best prices below.
Best Camera: Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 5
Finally, we arrive at camera quality. Pixel phones are widely regarded as having some of the best cell phone cameras out there. And thanks to advances in Google’s advanced computational photography suite, the latest two generations of Pixel phones can deliver nearly professional-grade photos and videos with minimal effort.
The Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 all give you access to Google’s powerful AI-enhanced photo modes. This means that regardless of which Pixel you choose, you’ll be able to make use of Pixel Neural Core features such as LiveHDR+, Dual Exposure Controls, Machine Learning Automatic White Balance, improved Portrait Mode, and Night Sight with Astrophotography.
Although the Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 come with the same camera software, they pack slightly different camera hardware. This means that some Pixel phones are better than others for taking certain types of pictures. All Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 phones feature a 12.2MP, dual-pixel primary camera with a 27mm, f/1.7 wide-angle lens with OIS (optical image stabilization) and EIS (electronic image stabilization). However, they differ in their secondary camera. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL feature a 16MP secondary camera with a 50mm, f/2.4 telephoto lens, whereas the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 come with a 16MP ultrawide with an impressive 107-degree field of view.
So which Google Pixel has the best camera? Whichever Pixel phone you choose, you’ll be getting amazing images and video quality. But if you want the clearest zoomed-in shots of distant objects, go with a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL. On the other hand, if you would rather have an ultrawide lens to capture more subjects in every image, get a Pixel 4a 5G or Pixel 5. Check out Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4 Comparison Guide to learn how these phones stack up to each other.
Which Google Pixel is best?
Google Pixel phones combine top-notch hardware with bleeding edge software to deliver what many consider to be the absolute best Android experience. Beyond simply being great phones, Pixels have phenomenal cameras — making them great all-around phones for anyone looking for a premium Android device. In other words: Yes, you should buy a Pixel in 2021.
With so many great options, it can be hard to pick the right phone. So if you’re still stuck trying to figure out which one to get, here are our recommendations:
- Best Pixel Overall: Google Pixel 4
- Best Cheap Pixel: Google Pixel 3 XL
- Best Large Pixel: Google Pixel 4 XL
- Pixels with 5G: Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G
- Best Battery Life: Google Pixel 5
- Best Camera: Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5
Where can I buy a Google Pixel for less?
No matter which Pixel phone you choose, you’ll always find the best Pixel deals on Swappa. Our safe and easy-to-use marketplace directly connects buyers and sellers, eliminating pesky middlemen and keeping money where it belongs — in your pocket. That means you’re paying a good deal less than you would at other sites like BackMarket and less than half of what you’d pay getting a questionable refurb from Amazon.
Don’t believe us? Check out how much you can save on a Google Pixel when buying newish on Swappa:
| Swappa | Back Market | Amazon | Google Store | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3 | $88+ | $85.00+ | $144.57 (refurb) | $799 MSRP |
| Google Pixel 3 XL | $83+ | $109.99+ | $158.70 (refurb) | $899 MSRP |
| Google Pixel 4 | $179+ | $190.00+ | $328.95 (refurb) | $799 MSRP |
| Google Pixel 4 XL | $195+ | $233.99+ | $349.99 (refurb) | $899 MSRP |
| Google Pixel 5 | $395+ | $500+ | $678.57 (refurb) | $699 MSRP |
Swappa lets you buy with confidence, knowing that listings are hand-screened by our expert moderation team in order to keep out scams and junk devices. This means you’ll always get a fully functional phone that’s ready for activation.
So what are you waiting for? Click the button below to find the best deals on a gently used Pixel today!
