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Google Pixel: Complete Release Date Timeline

by Layla May 03,2025

The Google Pixel lineup stands tall among the elite smartphones, rivaling the likes of Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy series. Since its debut in 2016, Google has consistently evolved the Pixel to be a top contender in the Android market. With numerous iterations over the years, it can be tricky to keep track of all the models. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every Google Pixel smartphone along with their release dates. If you're curious about the evolution of Google's flagship phones, now's the perfect time to delve in!

How Many Google Pixel Generations Have There Been?

In total, there have been 17 different Google Pixel generations. This count encompasses the mainline Pixel models and includes variations like the 'a' series and the Fold series, but does not list Pro or XL models separately.

Every Google Pixel Generation in Order of Release

Google Pixel - October 20, 2016

Google Pixel - October 20, 2016 The inaugural Google Pixel was launched in October 2016, marking a significant milestone as one of the earliest smartphones to embrace USB-C technology. It featured a 12.3-megapixel camera and was available in both Pixel and Pixel XL variants, with the latter boasting a larger display.

Google Pixel 2 - October 17, 2017

Google Pixel 2 - October 17, 2017 The Google Pixel 2 hit the market in October 2017, bringing enhanced camera capabilities, including optical image stabilization. It stirred some controversy by ditching the headphone jack, though it did address Bluetooth issues present in its predecessor.

Google Pixel 3 - October 18, 2018

Google Pixel 3 - October 18, 2018 The Google Pixel 3, released in October 2018, introduced a sleeker design with reduced bezels and a higher-resolution 5.5-inch display. It also brought wireless charging to the lineup, eliminating the need for a USB-C cable to charge.

Google Pixel 3a - May 7, 2019

Google Pixel 3a - May 7, 2019 In 2019, Google introduced the mid-range Google Pixel 3a, a cost-effective alternative to the flagship Pixel 3. While it omitted some features, it retained the impressive back camera system. You can find our detailed review of the Pixel 3a to see how it performed upon release.

Google Pixel 4 - October 15, 2019

Google Pixel 4 - October 15, 2019 The Google Pixel 4, released in October 2019, focused on internal upgrades. It featured a 90Hz refresh rate display and camera enhancements, including a 2x optical zoom. The RAM was also boosted to 6GB, up from the 4GB in the Pixel 3.

Google Pixel 4a - August 20, 2020

Google Pixel 4a - August 20, 2020 The Google Pixel 4a, launched in August 2020, omitted the 90Hz refresh rate but made significant strides in display brightness, reaching a peak of 796 nits. It also boasted improved power efficiency, offering an additional four hours of battery life compared to its flagship counterpart.

Google Pixel 5 - October 15, 2020

Google Pixel 5 - October 15, 2020 Battery life was a priority with the Google Pixel 5, released in October 2020, featuring a 4080mAh battery that provided nearly 50% more life per charge than the Pixel 4. It also incorporated the enhanced display brightness from the Pixel 4a, a fingerprint scanner, and reverse charging capabilities.

Google Pixel 5a - August 26, 2021

Google Pixel 5a - August 26, 2021 The Google Pixel 5a, launched in August 2021, closely resembled the Pixel 5 but offered a slightly larger 6.34-inch display and a bigger 4680mAh battery. However, it did not support wireless charging, unlike the Pixel 5.

Google Pixel 6 - October 28, 2021

Google Pixel 6 - October 28, 2021 The Google Pixel 6, launched in October 2021, introduced a fresh design with a camera bar. Despite its advanced features, it was priced $100 less than the Pixel 5. It also featured significant camera improvements, particularly in low-light conditions. The Pro version was a standout and remains a solid choice.

Google Pixel 6a - July 21, 2022

Google Pixel 6a - July 21, 2022 The Google Pixel 6a, released in July 2022, scaled back the refresh rate to 60Hz and RAM to 6GB. Its main camera sensor was also reduced to 12.2MP from the 50MP on the Pixel 6.

Google Pixel 7 - October 13, 2022

Google Pixel 7 - October 13, 2022 The Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, offered incremental upgrades with an improved fingerprint sensor, a redesigned camera bar, and enhanced performance. While not groundbreaking, it was a solid choice for those upgrading from older models. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its larger size, was our preferred option.

Google Pixel 7 (128GB)

Google Pixel 7a - May 10, 2023

Google Pixel 7a - May 10, 2023 The Google Pixel 7a, released on May 10, 2023, came equipped with a 64MP main camera, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 8GB of RAM. Despite its slightly smaller size, it maintained similar screen dimensions to the Pixel 7 and comparable battery life, with faster charging capabilities.

Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel Fold - June 20, 2023

Google Pixel Fold - June 20, 2023 In 2023, Google introduced the Google Pixel Fold, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.6-inch display when unfolded and a standard external screen. It retained the popular camera features of the Pixel 7 Pro and offered unique camera angles thanks to its foldable design.

Google Pixel 8 - October 12, 2023

Google Pixel 8 - October 12, 2023 The Google Pixel 8, launched on October 12, 2023, featured a peak brightness of 2000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a significant upgrade from the Pixel 7.

Google Pixel 88

Google Pixel 8a - May 14, 2024

Google Pixel 8a - May 14, 2024 The Google Pixel 8a, launched on May 14, 2024, switched to Gorilla Glass 3 for the display. While it shares similar performance and an OLED display with the Pixel 8, it features a 64MP main camera compared to the 50MP on the Pixel 8, albeit with less depth due to the supporting cameras.

Google Pixel 9 - August 22, 2024

Google Pixel 9 - August 22, 2024 The Google Pixel 9, released in August 2024, broke tradition by launching before October. It introduced Satellite SOS features, a new design, and a triple rear camera. The Pro series upped the RAM to 16GB, marking a significant advancement for the Pixel lineup.

Google Pixel 9 Pro8

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold - September 4, 2024

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold - September 4, 2024 The latest addition, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, launched on September 4, 2024, features a taller and thinner foldable display. It offers OLED screens on both the 6.3-inch outer and 8-inch inner displays, three rear-facing cameras, and 16GB of RAM, positioning it as Google's premier phone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 256GB

When Is the Google Pixel 10 Coming Out?

The Google Pixel 10 lineup, including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, is anticipated to be released in the fall of 2025. While Google typically launches new models in October, the earlier release of the Pixel 9 in August 2024 suggests that the Pixel 10 might follow suit in August 2025.