Every Google Pixel Phone Release in Chronological Order (2022)

If you want to know the entire Google Pixel release order and want to learn about all the Pixel smartphones released throughout the years, then you are on the right page. Here, we’ll take a look at the smartphone series, starting from the very first Pixel phone to the latest!

In October 2016, Google officially forayed into the smartphone market with its own set of phones dubbed Pixel. This was the search engine company’s third attempt at selling its smartphones. In the past, Google partnered with other companies to bring a range of devices under the moniker Nexus and Motorola. This time Google decided to control both software and hardware to deliver a much more cohesive Android experience.

As a result, Pixel phones were competing against the likes of iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. Furthermore, Pixel phones became the synonym for the best camera phone out there. With each iteration of Pixel devices, Google introduced new features or hardware improvements resulting in an even better experience.

With the Pixel 7 series set for launch in the coming months, we decided to do a quick roundup of every Pixel phone released so far.

Every Google Pixel Phone Release in Chronological Order

Google Pixel and Pixel XL (2016)

• Price: from $649 (Pixel); from $769 (Pixel XL)
• OS: Android 7.1 Nougat, upgradeable till Android 10

The Google Pixel release date was October 20, 2016!

In 2016, Google released two devices dubbed Pixel and Pixel XL under its all-new range of Pixel devices. The Pixel devices brought something fresh to the smartphone market that was on the verge of saturation. It was built using premium materials that would feel hefty and confident in your hand. It had a dual-tone back with two color options that looked quite good at the time.

Both Pixel devices had a very thick bezel, even for that period. This indicated that Google was more focused on experience rather than keeping up with the latest design. Pixel and Pixel XL quickly became the flagship phones of the time with high-end specifications.

The smartphone’s key highlight was the insane cameras that made it the best camera phone of the year. Even though it had a 12.3MP single camera, the software optimization allowed the device to churn out impressive images with insane detail.

Google Pixel & Pixel XL Specs:

• Display:
  • Pixel: 5.0-inch AMOLED, 1080×1920 pixels, Gorilla Glass 4
  • Pixel XL: 5.5-inch AMOLED, 1440×2560 pixels, Gorilla Glass 4
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 821 (14nm), Adreno 530
• Internals: 4GB RAM, up to 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.3MP
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps
• Battery: 2770mAh (Pixel) & 3450mAh (Pixel XL), 18W fast charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

• Free unlimited Google Photos storage at full resolution
• Pixel launcher for a super clean experience
• Improved Google Assistant

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (2017)

• Price: from $649 (Pixel 2); from $849 (Pixel 2 XL)
• OS: Android 8.0 Oreo, upgradeable till Android 11

The Google Pixel 2 release date was October 17, 2017!

After the initial success of the original Pixel, Google introduced the second generation of its flagship offering. Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL looked the same as their predecessors, with the same dual-tone design on the back with mostly aluminum and part glass.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL now had more differences, with the former having the same old design with thick bezels. On the other hand, the XL version had much thinner bezels, making it look somewhat up to the then-market trends. Under the hood, both the devices were basically the same, with improved cameras that made it the best camera phone.

Google finally added the water resistance to make it an actual flagship offering. Another interesting feature was the squeezable sides allowing you to launch Google Assistant quickly. The phones also didn’t come with the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Google Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL Specs:

• Display:
  • Pixel 2: 5.0-inch AMOLED, 1080×1920 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5
  • Pixel 2 XL: 6.0-inch P-OLED, 1440×2880 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5 (Pixel 2 XL)
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 835 (10nm), Adreno 540
• Internals: 4GB RAM, up to 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP, Laser AF, OIS, dual-pixel PDAF
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, HDR
• Battery: 2700mAh (Pixel 2) & 3520mAh (Pixel 2 XL) , 10.5W fast charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

• Always on display
• Redesigned Pixel launcher
• At a glance widget
• Improved search
• AR strikers
• Google Lens Preview
• Bokeh Selfies

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (2018)

• Price: from $800 (Pixel 3); from $900 (Pixel 3 XL)
• OS: Android 9 Pie, upgradeable till Android 12

The Google Pixel 3 release date was October 18, 2018!

So far, Google had been able to carve out a niche in the overcrowded smartphone market. The company managed to build a community of enthusiasts and fans eager for next-gen Pixel devices. But it also struggled to expand to more consumers because of the not-so-appealing design language.

The same trend continued with Google Pixel 3 lineup!

Pixel 3 shared the design of Pixel 2 XL, while the new Pixel 3 XL saw the addition of a thick notch. Under the hood, there was nothing extraordinary in the third-gen of Pixel devices. We saw the same old improvements in processors, cameras, and software features.

The phones now had a larger display, two selfie cameras, and a new Titan M security chip underneath. The only key addition was the wireless charging capabilities; for that, Google asked for a much more premium price tag.

Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL Specs:

• Display:
  • Pixel 3: 5.5-inch P-OLED, 1080×2160 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5
  • Pixel 3 XL: 6.3-inch P-OLED, 1440×2960 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5 (Pixel 3 XL)
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 845 (10nm), Adreno 630
• Internals: 4GB RAM, up to 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP, OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP+8MP dual sensor, 1080p@30fps, HDR
• Battery: 2915mAh (Pixel 3) & 3430mAh (Pixel 3 XL) , 18W fast charging, wireless charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

• Portrait mode shots
• Top Shot, an automated photo-selection tool
• Field unwanted calls using AI
• Turn the phone over to silence incoming calls
• Super res zoom, wide-angle selfies, night shift, playground

Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (2019)

• Price: $399 and $479 respectively
• OS: Android 9 Pie, upgradeable till Android 12

The Google Pixel 3a release date was May 15, 2019!

Just like every other smartphone company at that time, Google also wanted to tap into the affordable flagship segment. That’s where Pixel 3a comes into the picture.

It was the company’s inexpensive offering with no so flagship features. For the cheaper price tag, buyers would give up IP rating, wireless charging, large battery, and multiple storage options.

Furthermore, Pixel 3a also compromised a bit on performance by incorporating a less powerful chipset. So why would anyone want to buy this smartphone? Well, for the cameras and software. Those were the two key selling points of Pixel 3a. A flagship camera at an affordable price paired with an authentic Android experience from Google itself.

Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are the same under the hood except for a few minor differences. The only difference between the two is the screen size and battery capacity. Ignoring some slowdown experiences, Pixel 3a received positive criticism from the tech community and critics.

Google Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL Specs:

• Display:
  • Pixel 3a: 5.6-inch OLED, 1080×2220 pixels, Asahi Dragontrail Glass
  • Pixel 3a XL: 6.0-inch OLED, 1080×2160 pixels, Asahi Dragontrail Glass
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 670 (10nm), Adreno 615
• Internals: 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP, OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, Pixel Shift, HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, HDR
• Battery: 3000mAh (Pixel 3a) & 3700mAh (Pixel 3a XL) , 18W fast charging, wireless charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

With Pixel 3a having the same DNA as Pixel 3, the lineup shared all the software features from the bigger sibling.

Looking at the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, it was clear that giving two options with the only difference being screen size was more of an overkill. A single affordable Pixel might also have done the same job. That is something Google would soon realize and fix the mistake.

Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL (2019)

• Price: from $799 (Pixel 4) and $899 (Pixel 4 XL)
• OS: Android 10, receiving updates till present

The Google Pixel 4 release date was October 23, 2019!

Unlike the previous generation of Pixel devices, the fourth generation had some good things going on. We saw a lot of improvements and new additions in the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. As always, the only thing that separates both the devices is the screen size and comes with that battery capacity. Pixel 4 and 4 XL came with increased screen size, better resolution, and thin bezels.

Google gave up the dual-tone design and instead went with pastel colors having a new camera array. For the first time, Google added a 90hz refresh rate to the Pixel lineup and HDR support. Google implemented a new Pixel Neutral Core that would improve cameras even more. The company also introduced a third sensor on the back, not for the camera but for spectral and flicker.

The most beautiful and unique thing on the Pixel 4 series had to be the all-new Soli radar. The radar was capable of tracking your hand gestures very accurately. You could perform various tasks such as check notifications, change trucks, and more using hand gestures. While the new Soli radar might look interesting, it was also a downside for the new Pixel lineup.

Thanks to the Soli radar, Google could not release the smartphone in numerous countries such as Japan and India.

Google Pixel 4 & Pixel 4 XL Specs:

• Display:
  • Pixel 4: 5.7-inch P-OLED, 1080×2280 pixels, 90Hz, HDR, Gorilla Glass 5
  • Pixel 4 XL: 6.3-inch P-OLED, 1440×3040 pixels, 90Hz, HDR, Gorilla Glass 5
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 855 (7nm), Adreno 640
• Internals: 6GB RAM, up to 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP+16MP dual sensor, OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP+TOF 3D dual sensor, 1080p@30fps, Auto-HDR
• Battery: 2800mAh (Pixel 4) & 3700mAh (Pixel 4 XL) , 18W fast charging, wireless charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

• Improved Face Unlock that works even your eyes are closed
• Snappy fast Google Assistant
• Motion sensor allowing you to use hand gestures
• Live captions

Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G (2020)

• Price: $349 and $500 respectively
• OS: Android 10, receiving updates till present

The Google Pixel 4a release date was August 20, 2020, and the Google Pixel 4a 5G was released on November 5, 2020!

After the launch of Pixel 4, it was time for Google to bring the cheaper affordable version named Pixel 4a. In 2020, the search engine giant released two Pixel 4a devices, one with 4G and the other with 5G connectivity. Google did learn from its mistakes and decided not to launch the XL variant.

Pixel 4a housed a better Snapdragon chipset capable of handling day-to-day tasks relatively better. It was also slightly larger than its predecessor. Google bumped up the RAM and storage, which was quite needed, to be honest. The most accepting change was the new design language with thin bezels, punch-hole cutout, and the square rear camera housing.

Of course, Google used plastic material to make this offering as cheap as possible. The rest of the things remained the same with slight improvements. Overall, Pixel 4a was a welcome device, and the new design language made it an excellent offering.

At the end of the year, Google released the Pixel 4a 5G with some significant differences. The 5G variant received a larger screen, improved chipset, dual rear cameras, larger battery, and more. Sadly, it did not make its way to all the markets like the Pixel 4. And it was not because of some sensors but just Google’s decision.

Google Pixel 4a Specs:

• Display: 5.81-inch OLED, 1080×2340 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3, HDR
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 730G (8nm), Adreno 618
• Internals: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP dual pixel PDAF, OIS, Pixel Shit, Auto-HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, Auto-HDR
• Battery: 3140 mAh, 18W fast charging

Google Pixel 4a 5G Specs:

• Display: 6.2-inch OLED, 1080×2340 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3, HDR
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 765G (7nm), Adreno 620
• Internals: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP+16MP dual sensor, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, Pixel Shit, Auto-HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, Auto-HDR
• Battery: 3885 mAh, 18W fast charging

Google Pixel 5 (2020)

• Price: from $699
• OS: Android 11, receiving updates till present

The Google Pixel 5 release date was October 15, 2020!

Google took a much different path with its Pixel 5 lineup, with the company dropping the XL variant. Pixel 5 also focussed more on the existing features rather than some dramatic new tech. It was also a very confusing smartphone considering it didn’t have a flagship chipset under the hood. This might be why it didn’t fare well in the market.

Google Pixel 5 had wireless charging along with reversible wireless charging support. It had a massive 8GB of RAM and a much better display. Sadly, the water resistivity was a miss, with just an IPX8 rating. Of course, it also had 5G connectivity, but Google followed the same design language as that of Pixel 4a.

To be honest, there was nothing much going on with Pixel 5. Nothing crucial or worthy of the next-gen moniker. It seemed like Google rebranded Pixel 4a 5G with some minor improvements and launched the device. Surprisingly, the device didn’t reach all the markets, even without a radar sensor.

Google Pixel 5 Specs:

• Display: 6-inch OLED, 1080×2340 pixels, 90Hz, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass 6
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 765G (7nm), Adreno 620
• Internals: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP+16MP dual sensor, OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, Pixel Shift, Auto HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, Auto HDR
• Battery: 4080 mAh, 18W fast charging, 12W wireless charging, 5W reverse wireless charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

• Hold for Me (call screening)
• Live View in Google Maps
• Reverse wireless charging
• Astrophotography, cinematic pan camera mode
• Smart device controls

Google Pixel 5a (2021)

• Price: $499
• OS: Android 11, receiving updates till present

The Google Pixel 5a release date was August 26, 2021!

In the second half of 2021, Google launched its next generation of affordable smartphones, the Pixel 5a. As expected, it was a mild upgrade over the predecessor. From the design point of view, everything remained the same with thin bezels and punch hole cutout on the front and a square camera array on the rear.

It was time for the Pixel 5a to feel more premium which is why it featured a unibody aluminum design. Google added IP67 dust and water resistance to the smartphone. We also saw the company following the trend of larger screen sizes. Pixel 5a sported the same hardware under the hood with the only difference in the cameras, which were now bigger.

Compared to the 4a 5G, the Pixel 5a was more affordable with better specs, making it a somewhat good deal.

Google Pixel 5a Specs:

• Display: 6.34-inch OLED, 1080×2400 pixels, HDR, Gorilla Glass 3
• Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 765G (7nm), Adreno 620
• Internals: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Main Camera: 12.2MP+16MP dual sensor, OIS, dual-pixel PDAF, Pixel Shift, Auto HDR
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, Auto HDR
• Battery: 4680 mAh, 18W fast charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

Like other affordable Pixel offerings, Pixel 5a borrowed all the software features from its elder Pixel 5 sibling.

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (2021)

• Price: from $599 (Pixel 6), from $899 (Pixel 6 Pro)
• OS: Android 12

The Google Pixel 6 release date was October 8, 2021, and it was released alongside Pixel 6 Pro!

After years of uncertainty for the Pixel lineup, Google finally made the right smartphone everyone was waiting for. Pixel 6 and 6 Pro brought massive improvements that took the Pixel game up a notch. With the new lineup, Google increased the support to 5 years, which means the device will receive Android updates till Android 17, which is insane.

The thing that made the Pixel 6 series special was the company’s in-house powerful Tensor processor. So, Google now has complete control over the hardware and software and can offer the most optimized user experience that any Android phone can offer. Pixel 6 lineup also had a completely different design which looked refreshing and premium.

Google Pixel 6 series came with much better internal storage and memory. It also had a full 120Hz adaptive screen which was now larger and better than before. For the first time, Google decided to include higher MP sensors both on the front and the rear. The Pixel 6 series might be the best Pixel smartphone series to date.

Google Pixel 6 Specs:

• Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED, 1080×2400 pixels, 90Hz, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass Victus
• Processor & GPU: Google Tensor (5nm), Mali-G78 MP20
• Internals: 8GB RAM, up to 256GB storage
• Main Camera: 50MP+12MP dual sensor, Pixel Shift, Auto HDR, Laser AF, OIS
• Selfie Camera: 8MP, 1080p@30fps, Auto HDR
• Battery: 4614 mAh, 30W fast charging, 21W fast wireless charging, reversible wireless charging

Google Pixel 6 Pro Specs:

• Display: 6.71-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1440×3120 pixels, 120Hz, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass Victus
• Processor & GPU: Google Tensor (5nm), Mali-G78 MP20
• Internals: 12GB RAM, up to 512GB storage
• Main Camera: 50MP+48MP+12MP triple sensor, Pixel Shift, Auto HDR, Laser AF, OIS
• Selfie Camera: 11.1MP, 4k@30fps, Auto HDR
• Battery: 5003 mAh, 30W fast charging, 23W fast wireless charging, reversible wireless charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

• Magic Eraser to remove unwanted objects
• Pixel perfect shot with Face Unblur
• Motion mode to capture different perspectives
• Real Tone to capture the subject accurately
• Live translate
• Smarter Voice Typing
• HDRnet improves video recording
• Direct My Call and Wait Times

Google Pixel 6a (2022)

• Price: $499
• OS: Android 12

The Google Pixel 6a release date was July 21, 2022!

Google killed it with the all-new Pixel 6 series lineup regarding the flagship segment. And, it’s safe to say that the company has also made its affordable flagship offering a solid deal. Pixel 6a comes with the same affordable price tag but with better internals. It follows the same design as that of the flagship Pixel 6 series.

It houses the same flagship Tensor chipset, making it a very impressive deal. Furthermore, it still had more than enough internal memory and storage for most users. Pixel 6a had even better cameras, not on paper but in real-world usage.

Also, Google finally decided to leave the dedicated fingerprint sensor on the back to make way for the in-display fingerprint sensor. Surprisingly, it does have a smaller battery than its predecessor. Considering the camera capabilities and powerful chipset, Pixel 6a became an excellent offering at this price tag.

Google Pixel 6a Specs:

• Display: 6.71-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1440×3120 pixels, 120Hz, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass Victus
• Processor & GPU: Google Tensor (5nm), Mali-G78 MP20
• Internals: 12GB RAM, up to 512GB storage
• Main Camera: 50MP+48MP+12MP triple sensor, Pixel Shift, Auto HDR, Laser AF, OIS
• Selfie Camera: 11.1MP, 4k@30fps, Auto HDR
• Battery: 5003 mAh, 30W fast charging, 23W fast wireless charging, reversible wireless charging

Software Additions & Improvements:

Pixel 6a has almost all the software features you would find on the Pixel 6 series as the product shares the same DNA and tech.

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro (TBA)

• Price: TBA
• Release dates: TBA

The Google Pixel 7 release date is yet to be announced, but it’s likely to be unveiled later this year!

Google is now gearing up to launch its next-gen flagship smartphone, the Pixel 7 series. Like the Pixel 6, we will likely see two smartphones; the original Pixel 7 and the larger Pixel 7 Pro.

The search engine giant teased the lineup at the latest Google I/O 2022 event. The device would see the official release in October, which is not that far away now.

Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will follow the same design as their predecessor with a much bigger camera sensor. The lineup would also come in multiple color options, including some pastel ones. Google might add the second-gen Tensor chipset under the hood. We’re also expecting some solid software improvements and additions as well.

Conclusion

With its homegrown chipset, Google has kicked things up with its current generation of Pixel smartphones. The whole lineup has come a long way amid all the active bugs and the decision to launch devices in fewer markets. We’re pretty excited to see what Google has in stores for us with its upcoming Pixel 7 series.

Also Read: iPhone Release Order, So Far