The latest generation of Google Pixel phones are available with healthy discounts – this covers the main series, the more affordable a-series and even Google’s foldable. Based on our poll about the Pixel 8 duo, most people were not happy with their MSRPs, so if you passed on them initially, it’s worth having another look.
The Pixel 8 is a fine all-rounder and with the latest discounts its trending towards mid-range pricing territory. This is one of the smaller Androids today with a 6.2” display (finally a 120Hz panel). Note that Google will support the Pixel 8 duo for 7 years, including keeping replacement parts available.
But if you’re going to keep a phone for that long, you may want the Pixel 8 Pro instead. This one has a 48MP 5x periscope plus a 48MP ultra wide camera (compared to 12MP ultra wide on the vanilla Pixel 8). Crucially, it also comes with 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB, which will help its longevity.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 isn’t the only foldable on the market you know. There’s the Google Pixel Fold, which offers Google’s take on a foldable UI. The cover display is a pretty squat 5.8” panel with 17.4:9 aspect ratio (compared to 6.2” 23.1:9 for the Samsung), but the internal displays are exactly the same size at 7.6” and identical aspect ratio. Note that unlike the Pixel 8s, the Pixel Fold uses the older Tensor G8 chipset. Anyway, like the Samsung, this model has an IPX8 water resistance rating. It also has a larger 4,821mAh battery (vs. 4,400mAh).
If those are too pricey or too big, check out the Pixel 7a. It has a 6.1” 90Hz OLED display and an aluminum frame with an IP67 rating. It uses Tensor G2 chipset and features a 64MP main + 12MP ultra wide cameras. It won’t get 7 years of support, instead it will receive 3 OS updates and 5 years of patches. But at its lower cost, you will feel less compelled to keep the 7a until it reaches its end-of-life stage.
When you decide which Pixel is right for you (if any), you can also grab a protective case – these are official silicone cases from Google that have been designed to stay looking fresh, even if you don’t give them the white-glove treatment.
Another accessory you may want to consider is the Pixel Stand wireless charger. All the Pixels mentioned above support Qi charging (even the 7a) – they’re not very fast, but the Stand will push them as fast as they can go (23W for the 8 Pro, 7.5W for the 7a). It has a built-in cooling fan to reduce heat buildup in the phone as it charges.
If you’re in the market for a new tablet, the Google Pixel Tablet is available in a combination with its dock. This turns it into a smart display for the home and it has a built-in speaker, so you can listen to music and watch videos on it with better audio than the tablet’s own quad-speakers can manage. The dock uses magnets and pogo pins, so you can quickly snap up the Pixel Tablet if you need it on the go and then attach it back on with minimal effort.
You can also pick up a pair of TWS buds. The Pixel Buds Pro don’t have the best ANC, but they offer excellent battery life and good audio quality. The Pixel Buds A-Series are half the price, but you lose the ANC function.
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