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  • Google Pixel 9

    Google launched the Pixel 9 in India in August 2024 at Rs 79,999 for 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. It introduced a new design with flat aluminium sides and a floating, pill-shaped camera island, and was among the first phones built around Gemini, with features like Gemini Live, Pixel Screenshots and Add Me.

    The 6.3-inch Actua OLED is larger than the Pixel 8's and brighter still, while the extra RAM supports on-device Gemini Nano models. Tensor G4 is a modest step over G3, so performance remains behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 and the A18 in the iPhone 16, but daily use is smooth and thermals improved.

    The camera system pairs a 50 MP main sensor with a new 48 MP ultrawide that captures better detail and macro shots. The 4700 mAh battery and 27W charging deliver a full day comfortably. Against the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16, the Pixel 9 offers the strongest AI feature set and seven years of updates, though it costs more than discounted rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2424
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4
    RAM12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery4700 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight198 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony

    What we like

    • Gemini AI features built in
    • Improved 48 MP ultrawide
    • Bright 6.3-inch Actua display
    • Seven years of updates

    What could be better

    • Tensor G4 is only a small upgrade
    • No telephoto lens
    • Charging speeds still modest

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Google's AI features and reliable cameras in a mid-sized flagship with long software support.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 8a

    The Pixel 8a launched in India in May 2024 at Rs 52,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It brought the flagship Tensor G3 and the seven-year update promise down to the A series, along with a 120Hz screen at last. The price, however, was significantly higher than earlier A-series Pixels, placing it against the OnePlus 12R and Galaxy S23 FE.

    Its 6.1-inch Actua OLED is bright and smooth, and the compact body with rounded edges is easy to use one-handed. Tensor G3 handles everyday tasks and Google's AI features, including Circle to Search, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. The thick bezels and plastic back remind you it is a cheaper Pixel, though IP67 rating is retained.

    The 64 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide cameras produce Pixel-quality images that outclass most phones at this price, particularly in tricky lighting. Battery capacity is 4492 mAh with slow 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. The OnePlus 12R offers far faster charging and performance for similar money, so the 8a mainly suits buyers who prioritise camera and update longevity.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 52,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4492 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight188 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe

    What we like

    • Seven years of updates on a mid-ranger
    • Excellent camera for the price
    • Compact, easy to hold
    • 120Hz Actua display

    What could be better

    • Expensive for an A-series Pixel
    • Slow charging
    • Thick bezels and plastic back

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a small phone with Pixel cameras and long software support more than fast charging or gaming power.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro

    Google launched the Pixel 8 Pro in India in October 2023 at Rs 1,06,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, putting it in the same bracket as the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra. It moved to a flat 6.7-inch display, a matte glass back, and introduced a temperature sensor, a curious extra that saw little real-world use.

    The Super Actua LTPO OLED is one of the brightest displays of its year, running between 1 and 120Hz. Tensor G3 brings on-device AI features including Video Boost, Magic Editor and Best Take, though it remains behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A17 Pro in graphics performance and efficiency. Seven years of updates make it a long-term proposition.

    The camera system was upgraded to a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide and 48 MP 5x telephoto, with Pro controls for manual settings. Image quality is excellent across lenses, especially in low light. The 5050 mAh battery gives a full day, charging at 30W wired and supporting wireless. Its high Indian price was the biggest obstacle compared with the S23 Ultra.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 106,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED (Super Actua), 120Hz, 1344 x 2992
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 48 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery5050 mAh
    Charging30W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight213 g
    ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Bay

    What we like

    • Outstanding triple camera with Pro controls
    • Very bright flat LTPO display
    • Seven years of updates
    • Useful on-device AI features

    What could be better

    • Very expensive in India
    • Tensor G3 gaming performance lags rivals
    • Temperature sensor adds little

    Who should buy it

    Photography-focused buyers who want Google's best camera and long software support and can absorb the premium price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 8

    The Pixel 8 launched in India in October 2023 at Rs 75,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, a sizeable jump over the Pixel 7. Google justified it with a brighter 120Hz display, the new Tensor G3 and, most importantly, seven years of Android OS and security updates, a commitment no Android rival matched at the time.

    The 6.2-inch Actua OLED is smaller than the Pixel 7's screen and very bright, and the softer rounded corners make the phone comfortable to hold. Tensor G3 improved efficiency and enabled new AI tools such as Best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. It still trails the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 on gaming performance.

    The 50 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide cameras, now with autofocus on the ultrawide for macro shots, remain dependable and natural. The 4575 mAh battery gives a solid day of use, charging at 27W wired and wirelessly. Against the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15, it competes on camera and software longevity, but its launch price made it hard to recommend over discounted rivals.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 75,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.2-inch, OLED (Actua), 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.5 MP
    Battery4575 mAh
    Charging27W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursObsidian, Hazel, Rose

    What we like

    • Seven years of OS and security updates
    • Bright, smooth 120Hz Actua display
    • Excellent AI photo tools
    • Compact and comfortable

    What could be better

    • High launch price in India
    • Tensor G3 still trails Snapdragon in gaming
    • Charging is slow by Indian standards

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who plan to keep a compact phone for many years and value camera and software over raw speed.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7a

    Google launched the Pixel 7a in India in May 2023 at Rs 43,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB. It was the most feature-rich A-series Pixel so far, adding a 90Hz screen and wireless charging, two things the Pixel 6a lacked, while sharing the Tensor G2 chip with the more expensive Pixel 7.

    The 6.1-inch OLED is compact and colour-accurate, though 90Hz felt behind the 120Hz panels on the OnePlus 11R and Galaxy A54 at similar prices. Tensor G2 offers flagship-grade software features, Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur among them, but warms up under sustained load. The plastic back and matte aluminium frame feel solid, and the phone is IP67 rated.

    The new 64 MP main camera with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide produce photos that rival far pricier phones, especially in low light. The 4385 mAh battery gets through a day, but 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are slow. The main argument against it in India was price: the Pixel 7 itself often sold for only a little more during sales.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main (OIS) + 13 MP ultrawide
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery4385 mAh
    Charging18W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight193.5 g
    ColoursCharcoal, Snow, Sea

    What we like

    • Flagship-quality camera at a lower price
    • Compact size
    • Wireless charging added
    • Same Tensor G2 as the Pixel 7

    What could be better

    • Slow wired and wireless charging
    • 90Hz while rivals offer 120Hz
    • Priced close to the Pixel 7 during sales

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want Pixel camera quality in a smaller, cheaper phone and can live with slow charging.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7 Pro

    The Pixel 7 Pro launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 84,999 for 12 GB plus 128 GB, taking on the Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro. It was Google's most complete phone up to that point, refining the bold camera-bar design of the Pixel 6 Pro with a polished aluminium finish and a slightly less aggressive curve to the display.

    The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED runs at a sharp 1440 x 3120 with a variable 120Hz refresh rate. Tensor G2 is quick in everyday use and excels at speech recognition and image processing, though it trails Snapdragon rivals in gaming and efficiency. Android 13 here felt fluid, with exclusive features such as Call Screen, Recorder transcription and Photo Unblur.

    The triple camera, with a 50 MP main, a 12 MP ultrawide with autofocus for macro shots and a 48 MP 5x telephoto, is among the best of its year. Super Res Zoom stays usable well beyond 10x. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a day, though charging at 23W is slow. Against the S22 Ultra it lacks the S Pen and 10x lens but matches it on overall photo quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 84,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM12 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 48 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging23W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight212 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Hazel

    What we like

    • Class-leading camera with 5x zoom
    • Sharp 1440p LTPO display
    • Clean software with exclusive Pixel features
    • Premium build with IP68

    What could be better

    • Tensor G2 efficiency and thermals
    • Slow 23W charging
    • Only 128 GB storage in India

    Who should buy it

    Photography enthusiasts who want a top-tier zoom camera and the purest Android experience.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Google Pixel 7

    The Pixel 7 launched in India in October 2022 at Rs 59,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, the first mainline Pixel sold in the country since the Pixel 4 skipped it. Google positioned it as an alternative to the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22, betting on software, camera processing and a promise of five years of security updates.

    The 6.3-inch OLED runs at 90Hz rather than 120Hz, a noticeable compromise at the price. Google's second-generation Tensor G2 is not as fast as Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in benchmarks and can run warm, but it powers on-device features such as Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and fast voice typing. The aluminium camera bar and matte frame give it a distinctive look.

    Photography is the reason to buy it. The 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide deliver consistent, natural results with excellent dynamic range and Night Sight, and video improved noticeably over the Pixel 6. Battery life is adequate rather than great from the 4355 mAh cell, and charging is slow by Indian standards, with no charger in the box.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 59,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.3-inch, OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera10.8 MP
    Battery4355 mAh
    Software at launchAndroid 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight197 g
    ColoursObsidian, Snow, Lemongrass

    What we like

    • Excellent point-and-shoot camera
    • Clean Android with useful AI tools
    • Five years of security updates
    • IP68 and wireless charging

    What could be better

    • Only 90Hz display
    • Tensor G2 runs warm
    • Slow charging, no charger in box

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want the most reliable camera and clean Android in a compact flagship.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Moto G34 5G

    Motorola launched the Moto G34 5G in India in January 2024 at Rs 10,999 for 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. At that price it was among the most affordable ways to get 5G with a respected chipset, and it was aimed at first-time smartphone buyers and anyone wanting a reliable secondary phone.

    The Snapdragon 695 was a proven mid-range chip by then, and in a phone this cheap it delivers smoother performance than the entry-level MediaTek parts in many rivals. The 6.5-inch LCD runs at 120Hz but is only HD+ in resolution, so text looks slightly soft. Motorola includes stereo speakers, a headphone jack, microSD expansion and IP52 splash protection.

    Cameras are basic: a 50 MP main sensor and a 2 MP macro lens, with a 16 MP selfie camera. Daylight photos are usable, but low light is a struggle. The 5000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a day and a half, and the clean Android 14 build is a real advantage over ad-heavy budget skins from some rivals like the Redmi 13C 5G.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 10,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorSnapdragon 695
    RAM4 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursCharcoal Black, Ocean Green, Ice Blue

    What we like

    • Very affordable 5G phone
    • Snapdragon 695 is capable for the price
    • Clean software without ads
    • Stereo speakers and headphone jack

    What could be better

    • HD+ resolution only
    • Weak low-light camera
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    First-time smartphone buyers who want 5G and clean software at the lowest possible price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Moto G64 5G

    The Moto G64 5G arrived in India in April 2024 at Rs 14,999 for 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. It was a successor in spirit to the G54, and kept the same recipe: a large battery, clean software and a few useful hardware touches that budget phones often drop, such as OIS, stereo speakers and a headphone jack.

    The 6.5-inch full HD LCD runs at 120Hz. It is sharp and fluid but lacks the depth of the AMOLED screens on the Redmi Note 13 and Galaxy M35, and that is the main area where rivals pull ahead. The MediaTek Dimensity 7025 offers steady everyday performance and good efficiency, which pairs well with the 6000 mAh cell.

    On the back, a 50 MP main camera with OIS is joined by an 8 MP ultrawide, and the front has a 16 MP shooter. Battery life is the standout, easily stretching to two days for moderate users, with 33W charging. Android 14 with Motorola's light skin is uncluttered, though the update promise is shorter than Samsung offers on its M and F series.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 14,999 (base variant)
    India launchApril 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7025
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMint Green, Pearl Blue, Ice Lilac

    What we like

    • Excellent two-day battery life
    • OIS on the main camera
    • Headphone jack and microSD slot
    • Clean Android 14

    What could be better

    • LCD instead of AMOLED
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung
    • Average ultrawide camera

    Who should buy it

    Students and heavy users on a tight budget who value battery life above everything else.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (April 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Motorola Moto G85 5G

    Launched in India in July 2024 at Rs 17,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, the Moto G85 5G borrowed the curved-screen styling of Motorola's Edge phones and placed it in a budget-friendly price band. Vegan leather finishes and a slim profile make it look more expensive than it is, which is clearly the point.

    The 6.67-inch curved pOLED refreshes at 120Hz and is a highlight, with rich colour and good outdoor visibility. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is a modest chip, closer to the older Snapdragon 695 than to a true performance part, so heavy gamers should look at the Poco X6 or Realme Narzo 70 Pro instead. Everyday apps run smoothly on the clean Hello UI build of Android 14.

    Photography is handled by a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, a dependable combination in daylight. The 32 MP front camera is better than most rivals at this price. A 5000 mAh battery and 33W charging give all-day endurance. Overall it is a design-led phone that does the basics well rather than chasing specifications.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJuly 2024
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, Curved pOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 6s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Hello UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP52
    ColoursOlive Green, Cobalt Blue, Urban Grey

    What we like

    • Curved pOLED rare at this price
    • OIS on the Sony main camera
    • Slim, premium-looking design
    • Clean software

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is underpowered for gaming
    • Only IP52 splash resistance
    • 33W charging is average

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious budget buyers who want a curved OLED and dependable cameras under Rs 20,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (July 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.