Who Owns Google Pixel?

Google launched the Pixel line in October 2016 with the original Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. The phones were manufactured by HTC under contract but designed and branded by Google. The first Pixel devices were priced starting at $649, positioning them as premium smartphones competing directly with Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy S series. The original Pixel received positive reviews for its camera quality and clean Android software but sold in modest volumes.

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launched in October 2017, manufactured by HTC (Pixel 2) and LG (Pixel 2 XL). The Pixel 2 introduced the Pixel Visual Core, a custom image processing chip that enabled advanced computational photography. The camera received the highest score ever from DxOMark at the time, establishing Pixel as a leader in smartphone photography. Google also introduced Google Lens, an AI-powered visual search tool.

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL arrived in October 2018, manufactured by Foxconn. The Pixel 3 introduced Night Sight, a computational photography mode that produced detailed photos in extremely low light without a flash. Night Sight was widely praised and influenced competing phones to adopt similar features. The Pixel 3 also introduced Top Shot, which captured multiple frames and recommended the best one.

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL launched in October 2019. These devices introduced Motion Sense, a radar-based gesture system that allowed users to control the phone without touching it, and a 90Hz display. The Pixel 4 also added a telephoto lens for the first time. However, the Pixel 4 received criticism for poor battery life, and sales were disappointing.

The Pixel 5 launched in October 2020 at a lower price point of $699, shifting from the premium tier to a more competitive mid-premium position. Google dropped the telephoto lens and flagship processor in favor of a mid-range Snapdragon 765G chip. The strategy was to offer strong value rather than compete head-to-head with the most expensive phones.

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, launched in October 2021, marked a major shift. These were the first Pixel phones powered by Google's custom Tensor chip, developed in partnership with Samsung. Tensor prioritized AI and machine learning performance over raw benchmark scores. The Pixel 6 Pro added a telephoto lens and a 120Hz display. The Pixel 6 series sold better than previous generations, helped by aggressive pricing starting at $599.

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro launched in October 2022 with the Tensor G2 chip. The Pixel 7a launched in May 2023 at $499, bringing Tensor-powered photography to a lower price point. The Pixel Fold, Google's first foldable phone, launched in June 2023 at $1,799.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launched in October 2023 with the Tensor G3 chip. Google promised 7 years of software updates, matching Apple's support commitment for the first time. The Pixel 8a launched in May 2024.

The Pixel 9 series launched in August 2024 with the Tensor G4 chip. The lineup expanded to include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro brought pro-level camera features to a smaller form factor.

The Pixel 10 series launched in August 2025 with the Tensor G5 chip, the first Pixel processor manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process. The Tensor G5 improved CPU single-core performance to levels competitive with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, though the GPU remained behind Qualcomm's offerings. The Pixel 10 lineup included the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Pricing started at $799 for the base Pixel 10.

The Pixel 11 series is expected in August 2026 with the Tensor G6 chip. Reports indicate the lineup will include the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, with pricing starting at $899 for the base model.