Best Google phone for Australians in 2024

Going ga-ga for Google.

Best Google phone overall
Google Pixel 8 Pro Obsidian
Google Pixel 8 Pro
From$1,699
Storage
Up to 1TB
RAM
12GB
Resolution
QHD+
Best cheap Google phone
Google Pixel 7a in Charcoal
Google Pixel 7a
From$749
Storage
128GB
RAM
8GB
Resolution
FHD+
Best small Google phone
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8
Starts at$1,199
Storage
Up to256GB
RAM
8GB
Resolution
FHD+
Fergus Halliday
Apr 18, 2024
Icon Time To Read4 min read

If you’re looking to break away from the Apple iPhone and the iOS ecosystem, Samsung has always been the obvious choice. However, Google's Pixel smartphones have become a more popular and increasingly compelling option in recent years.

If you can't make heads or tails of Google's smartphone lineup, we are here to help bring you up to speed. We've compiled a quick guide to help you navigate Google's new lineup of Pixel smartphones and find the right one that suits your needs and budget plus a round-up of older (and refurbished) devices and how they compare to the latest and greatest.



Google Pixel phones compared

If you're looking for a simple-to-read Google phone comparison chart that weights up how the brand's best compares to the rest of the range, look no further than the table below.

Model
Colours
Display
Rear camera
Front camera
Memory
Processor
Water-resistance
Battery
Wireless charging
5G
Google Pixel 8 Pro ObsidianGoogle Pixel 8 Pro
Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint6.7-inch, OLED, 120Hz50MP + 48MP + 48MP10.5MPStarts at 128GB with 12GB of RAMTensor G3IP685050mAhYesYes
Google Pixel 8Google Pixel 8
Obsidian, Hazel, Rose, Mint6.1-inch, OLED, 120Hz50MP + 12MP10.5MP128GB with 8GBTensor G3IP684575mAhYesYes
Google Pixel 7a in Sea BlueGoogle Pixel 7a
Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz64MP + 13MP13MP128GB with 8GBTensor G2IP674385mAhYesYes
Google Pixel 7 ProGoogle Pixel 7 Pro
Obsidian, Snow, Hazel6.7-inch, OLED, 120Hz50MP + 12MP + 48MP10.8MPStarts at 128GB with 12GB of RAMTensor G2IP685000mAhYesYes
Pixel 7Google Pixel 7
Obsidian, Lemongrass, Snow6.4-inch, OLED, 90Hz50MP + 12MP10.8MPStarts at 128GB with 8GB of RAMTensor G2IP684355mAhYesYes
Pixel 6a - Chalk WhiteGoogle Pixel 6a
Chalk, Charcoal and Sage6.1-inch, OLED, 120Hz12.2MP + 12MP8MPStarts at 128GB with 6GB of RAMTensor G1IP674410mAhNoYes
Google Pixel 6 ProGoogle Pixel 6 Pro
Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black6.7-inch, OLED, 120Hz50MP + 48MP + 12MP11MPStarts at 128GB with 12GB of RAMTensor G1IP685000mAhYesYes
Google Pixel 6Google Pixel 6
Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, Stormy Black6.4-inch, OLED, 90Hz 50MP + 12MP8MP Starts at 128GB with 8GB of RAM Tensor G1 IP68 4600mAh Yes Yes

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Best overall Google phone

Google Pixel 8 Pro Obsidian
Pixel 8 Pro
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.75
Processor
Tensor G3
Display
6.7-inch, LPTO OLED, 120Hz
Storage
Starts at 128GB

The Google Pixel 8 Pro might share a few specs with the likes of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, but it's got a slightly different take on what a flagship smartphone should offer. While it's got many of the same practical premium inclusions like water resistance, 5G connectivity, a 120Hz screen, additional RAM and a bigger battery seen in its predecessors and competitors, Google's most recent flagship also comes armed with a suite of AI-powered features and capabilities that promise to help it get better over time.

Reviewed Adam Smith came away impressed with this approach, particularly when it came to what it meant for the Pixel's photographic prowess.

"The Pixel 8 Pro continues to make a good case for being the industry leader in smartphone photography, and even if there are some disagreements around the margins with that argument, it’s certainly the best smartphone camera for the money."

If you're in the market for an Android phone and don't fancy paying the high price attached to Samsung's latest flagship, then the Pixel 8 Pro is a more-than-worthy alternative. It's a phone with everything you need plus the promise of seven years of support from Google.

If you're sold, check out the widget below for a round-up of the cheapest plans for Google's best smartphone.

Google Pixel 7a

Best cheap Google phone

Pixel 7a product image
Google Pixel 7a
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Processor
Google Tensor G2
Display
6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz
Storage
128GB

While the mainline Pixel devices have always emphasised cutting-edge tech, the Pixel A series has been a crowd-pleaser. From as far back as the Pixel 4a, the budget-friendly branch of Google's smartphone empire has combined clean and likable looks, simple and seamless software and camera hardware that works smarter rather than relying on high-end specs.

All this is to say that Fergus Halliday came away with plenty of nice things to say about the Pixel 7a in his review of the device.

"The Google Pixel 7a is Google's best affordable flagship since its first one. With a cutting-edge processor, capable camera, distinct design and better-than-bearable battery life, it's a phone that ticks all the boxes at an incredibly competitive price."

While Google's strength in the premium segment has waxed and waned over the years, its Pixel A devices have dominated the mid-range market ever since their introduction and this year's Google Pixel 7a is another strong instalment in that saga.

If you're sold, check out the widget below for a round-up of the cheapest plans for Google's thriftiest smartphone.

Google Pixel 8

Best small Google phone

Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8
Processor
Google Tensor G3
Display
6.1-inch, OLED, 120Hz
Storage
Starts at 128GB

The Google Pixel 8 isn't a huge departure from last year's Pixel 7. It looks pretty similar and packs in plenty of the same bells and whistles. However, it's built better and engineered to last in a way that goes well beyond the standard set by its predecessor. It's also the obvious choice for those who favour the smaller screen size but don't want to compromise on features.

The Pixel 8 is armed with a brighter dynamic OLED screen clocked at 120Hz, a faster Tensor G3 processor, a new temperature sensor, improved face unlock and a full seven years of security and software updates. All those upgrades do add up to a starting price that's $200 more expensive than the starting price for last year's Pixel 7, but the benefits are just as hard to miss.

In his assessment of the device, WhistleOut editor Alex Choros found that some inconsistency around the Pixel 8's new AI features didn't detract from its overall value.

"AI qualms aside, the Pixel 8 is still a great phone, even if it is $200 more expensive than last year's model."

In Australia, the Google Pixel 8 starts at $1199. It's also available on a postpaid plan through all three of Australia's big mobile carriers. If you're looking to pick up the Google Pixel 8 on a plan for as little as possible, check out the widget below for the cheapest options.

Older Google Pixel smartphones

As is often the case for Android and Apple smartphones, there’s money to be saved by opting for an older or refurbished model rather than the latest and greatest. For a quick rundown of deals and the best mobile plans for older Google devices like the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro, check out the cards below.

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
  • pro
    Absurdly great camera
  • pro
    Good value versus flagship competitors
  • con
    Mediocre battery life
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Pixel 6 Pro
  • pro
    Two days battery life
  • pro
    Google's Tensor processor is excellent
  • con
    Slippery glass chassis demands you buy a case
Pixel 6a - Chalk White
Google Pixel 6a
  • pro
    Tensor performance
  • pro
    Clean software experience
  • con
    No wireless charging
Fergus Halliday
Written by
Fergus Halliday is a journalist and editor for Reviews.org. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school and began his full-time career as the Editor of PC World Australia. Fergus has made the MCV 30 Under 30 list, been a finalist for seven categories at the IT Journalism Awards and won Most Controversial Writer at the 2022 Consensus Awards. He has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, Screen Rant, Superjump, Nestegg and more.