3 Best Google Phones in 2020: Which Phone Should You Buy?
New year, new phone…
If that’s what you’re thinking, then consider getting the best Google phones this 2020.
There are just too many smartphones to choose from. To help you narrow down your search, and if you’re interested in getting a Google phone, read on…
Are Google and Android phones synonymous, you might wonder. Well, yes, you could say that. That’s because a Google phone could refer to any smartphone that runs on Google’s OS, Android.
The Best Google Phones in 2020
Best Overall | Google Pixel 4 XL |
Cheapest | Google Pixel 3a |
Best Value | Google Pixel 3 |
However, for this article, what we’ll focus on are the phones developed by Google. Yes, we’re referring to the Google Nexus and the Pixel family.
But since the Nexus series is technically put on hold since 2015, we’ll focus more on the newer releases of the Pixel series. Though there are talks of Nexus might get a revival in the future, for now, we’ll have to wait and see and just focus on the Google phones currently available in the market.
So without further ado, here are some of the best Google smartphones to consider if you’re planning to get a new phone this year. That is, while we wait for what’s to come: the Pixel 4a.
Related: Custom ROM for Google Pixel
3 Best Google Phones in 2020
There are not that many Google phones available. And since Google has stopped (for the time-being) releasing Nexus phones, we just focused our attention on the Pixel series.
Check out the best phones and take your pick.
1. Google Pixel 4 XL
The Google Pixel 4 XL is the latest flagship phone from Google. It really stands out among the best Android smartphones available in the market today. This is especially true when it comes to its photography features.
Saying that Pixel 4 XL’s cameras are excellent is an understatement. On top of its superb main cameras, this phone comes with a telephone lens and delivers a 2x optical zoom. It also sports an improved Night Sight mode, which allows you to take snapshots of the evening sky and night views with depth and clarity. And speaking of clarity, this phone is packed with features that allow you to tweak image brightness, shadows, and depth.
Features
- 6.4-inch screen
- Android 10 OS
- Snapdragon 855 processor
- 6GB RAM, 64/128GB storage
- Motion Sense feature
- Dynamic 90-Hz refresh rate
- Wireless charging
But this device got more to offer than its camera. Among its best features is the dynamic 90-Hz refresh rate, which is responsible for better gaming experience and smoother, more responsive scrolling. On top of this, it offers a cool Motion Sense feature which lets you do certain commands (like silencing calls or skipping songs) with just a wave of your hand.
With Call Screen, you won’t be getting robocalls anymore. Google Assistant will filter out potential spams and robocalls before your phone rings.
Compared with its sibling, Pixel 4, this device has a larger screen and is packed with a bigger battery. But other the battery and screen size, the 2 Pixel flagship phones are packed with the same features. For this reason, we won’t be featuring the Pixel 4 anymore.
If you’re planning to get this device, you may also want to check out these cool Google Pixel 4 XL phone cases.
Related: Google Pixel 4 Phone Cases
2. Google Pixel 3a
If you’re kind of low on budget and want to make the most of your money, check out Google Pixel 3a. With the rising costs of many Android phones, it’s great to see an affordable option such as this.
It retains the many great features of Pixel 3 such as the superb camera but for a lesser value. Aside from the 12MP main camera, it offers the same AI-powered photography features of the Pixel 3. So it feels like capturing photos using the Pixel 3, but without spending as much on the phone. Some of its great photography features include Night Sight mode, Portrait mode, and HDR+ feature.
Features
- 5.6-inch display
- Unlimited photo storage (Google Photos)
- Fast charging and large battery
- Android Pie OS
- Snapdragon 670 processor
- 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
- Built-in Google apps
However, because of its price, you should expect that it is less powerful than the leading Android smartphones. Instead of a Snapdragon 855 (like the one found on Pixel 4 and 4 XL), it is only powered by a Snapdragon 670 processor. It’s also not made of metal and glass, but of polycarbonate.
Still, it draws strength in its long-lasting battery and great camera features. Considering its price, it offers a solid performance. If you want a bigger display, then you should get the Pixel 3a XL. But that means you’ll have to pay more.
Since the 2 sibling phones are more or less the same in features and design (and only vary mainly on display and screen size), we opt to just feature the Pixel 3a, being the more budget-friendly of the 2.
3. Google Pixel 3
Released in 2018, the Google Pixel 3 (and its companion the Pixel 3 XL) are quite old models compared with the recent flagship phones. But this does not make them obsolete or out of the picture. Even in 2020, this device still can compete and has a lot to offer.
Let’s start with the camera. Google is known for making great camera phones, and this phone is where the company really turned towards that direction. It has a12.2MP dual-pixel rear camera and 2 front-facing cameras. Its 8MP wide-angle front camera is really great for capturing group selfies.
Other camera features include an advanced AI photo correction, faster HDR processing, a Night Mode for capturing clear images even in a low-light environment, and a Top Shot mode for taking several shots at different frames to give you the best option.
Features
- 5.5-inch screen
- Top Shot mode and Night Sight mode
- Dual front-facing cameras
- Supports wireless charging
- Snapdragon 845 processor
- 4GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage
- 2915 mAh battery
- Android 9 OS
But it’s more than just a camera phone. It is powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor and a generous battery size, as well as fast-charging and wireless charging capabilities. It’s a great device for those who are tired of large-looking metal-and-glass phones that are hard to hold and easily slip off. This one’s easier and lighter on the hands and has better anti-slip features than most phones.
However, if you’re more into larger phones, check out its sibling, the Pixel 3 XL. It has a better and larger display and battery.
Related: Google Pixel 3 Camera Tricks
Bonus: Google Pixel 4a (Renders)
Since we’re talking about the best Google phones to get in 2020, we might as well include a phone that would be or could be released this sometime this year.
There are leaks of the phone’s design and rumors about its release. This only makes sense considering that Google did the same move when it surprised everyone with the release of Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.
Renders may not be a guarantee that we’ll really see an affordable version of the Pixel 4. At least, we’ve got something to look forward to. What we know so far is that the Pixel 4a sports a mix of both new and old designs.
What People Ask
Which Google phone is the best?
The best Google phone is also the latest, the Pixel 4 XL. This is especially true when it comes to its camera and photography features.
Is Google phone an Android?
Not all. Some Google phones run on Chrome OS.
Are Google phone numbers free?
Yes, you can do that by setting up Google Voice.
Wrapping Up
So which phone should you get? It depends really on what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to pay for a new phone. If you want the best flagship from Google, then you should get their latest, either the Pixel 4 or the larger Pixel 4 XL.
However, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, then the Pixel 3a is the best you can get. That is, while we wait for future releases from Google.
So which Google phone do you like best? Let us know your thoughts by leaving your comments or suggestions below.