Google's Pixel lineup is turning into a confusing mess

The launch of the Pixel 9 series this week brought some big upgrades to the phone lineup, but it also took another step in making Google’s Pixel lineup incredibly confusing when looking at what’s available and the different prices.

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Google’s 2024 Pixel lineup is pretty straightforward. There’s the baseline Pixel 9 at $799, which offers access to the bulk of the AI features, the same great main camera, and a compact form factor. Then there are two sizes of the Pixel 9 Pro that add more power and better cameras. And finally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which takes the best elements of the Google experience and adds them to a premium foldable device with a wide canvas. And underneath it all, you’ll find the Pixel 8a as Google’s most affordable device.

The problem starts when you get closer to the picture and take prices into account.

The Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro are also still actively selling on the Google Store.

It makes sense to keep the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, especially given the company’s commitment to updating its phones for seven years, but they’re still being sold at their original prices of $699 and $999. That’s technically cheaper than the Pixel 9, but selling the same phone for the same price a year later seems a little strange.

The Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a being sold side by side is quite confusing. Both phones are priced at $499, even though the Pixel 8a is a year newer and gets a full 7-year update schedule versus the Pixel 7’s 5-year schedule (with just three Android updates).

Additionally, it looks like Google is planning to sell the Pixel Fold again soon. Plus, you can still buy the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro for $599 and $899 if you want to. Use a direct link.

If you look at an overview of everything you can actually buy from the Google Store today, it makes no sense.

Pixel 7a: $499
Pixel 8a: $499
Pixel 7: $599
Pixel 8: $699
Pixel 9: $799
Pixel 7 Pro: $899
Pixel 8 Pro: $999
Pixel 9 Pro: $999
Pixel 9 Pro XL: $999
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: $1,799

This is confusing and maddening!

*This formation is becoming increasingly chaotic.*

I think the logical step here is to ditch the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a entirely. They’re outdated in more ways than one, and they only have one full Android update cycle left. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro should probably also get a $100 or so price cut. And if the Pixel Fold is to return, it should also be significantly discounted from the $1,799 Pixel 9 Pro Fold — the latter is just too big an upgrade to justify keeping the original at any exorbitant price.

Basically, Google should follow Apple’s lead.

Keeping older generations is great, but only if the price is lowered enough to make it worth it. Yes, the Pixel 8 series is indeed cheaper, but that’s only because the Pixel 9 series is a bit more expensive (largely due to hardware upgrades).

This concept doesn’t seem out of place for Google! The company did exactly that with the Pixel Watch. The Pixel Watch 2 dropped to $249, while the new Pixel Watch 3 came out at $349, while the original model was discontinued. Makes sense!

What do you think of Google’s current lineup?

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Made by Google 2024

The highlight of the week was clearly Google’s latest launch event. The Pixel 9 series, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Watch 3 all arrived, and they all look great. You can follow our full coverage of the event below.