But when you open it up, you get a large 8-inch OLED screen that almost looks like a more compact iPad Mini. This screen is great for running two apps side-by-side in split-screen mode, or for watching shows, YouTube, and gaming. You may need to play with the aspect ratios for some apps, as some content may be cut off, but this can easily be changed in the phone settings.
Battery life is reliable enough, lasting a full day of typical use with about 30 percent left. (This will be different if you use the 8-inch screen more often than the external one.) It should be noted that you may have some issues with wireless charging with this device. It doesn’t work with Google’s own Pixel Stand Gen 2 because the coils aren’t aligned. I tried it with some other wireless charging with no effect. Your best bet is to use a wireless charging pad.
You get all the same software features as the Pixel 9 series, but with a few extras available on all screens. Made You Look, for example, plays a cute animation on the external screen to make sure your child is staring at it when you’re trying to take a picture. When you’re in a Google Meet call, you can now use all screens so that everyone around you can see the person you’re talking to, and that means you’re also using all cameras, so the person on the other end the end is no you just shouldn’t see your face.
At the end of the day, it’s still a $1,799 smartphone, and that’s a steep price to pay. But if you’ve got the cash and love foldable phones, especially when paired with the Pixel’s ingenuity and camera prowess, this is one of the best options available.
Works with all three major US carriers.
Photo: Julian Chokkattu
How Long Will Your Pixel Be Supported?
The Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 8A will get seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. The older Pixel 7A will receive three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from the launch date, just like older Pixels. Google has a page you can check to see what month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates. Security updates reduce the risk of malware, keep your phone bug-free, and make it more secure. Android version updates introduce new features—cosmetic and functional—that make the OS better overall.
Pixel phones are also the first to receive any kind of Android update, so as soon as Google releases a new version, like Android 15, you can download it right away by going to Settings > System > System Update > See Updates. You can also test beta versions of Android, but you’ll need to enroll your device. (Be sure to back up your phone first!) Pixels are also aware of Google’s feature drop issues every few months, which include features from newer Pixels coming to older models and new feature for the latest devices.
What About Old Pixels?
There are a few other Pixel phones to consider if you don’t like any of the above options. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is still available through official channels and third-party retailers (while supplies last). The main thing is not to pay more than $500 or $700 for any of them; otherwise, you might as well put the money on the Pixel 9 series.
The Pixel 6A (8/10, WIRED Recommended) as well Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) continues to Google third-party retailers like Amazon. However, they are not worth their MSRP. Try not to pay more than $300 for the Pixel 6A, $399 for the Pixel 7, or $500 for the Pixel 7 Pro as they used to be at or below these prices at retailers like Amazon.
