As we do annually, we’re curious to know which Google Pixel phone you use as your primary device – and 2026 is no exception.

Understanding the default devices of the 9to5Google readership is always helpful as it guides us in the right direction and ensures we know just what you love to read, view, or consume. While our focus is largely on Google’s products, the strength of the Android ecosystem is that you can get a diverse range of phones with varying designs, specifications, and price points to suit what you want or need.

It’s no secret that the smartphone market is fiercely competitive and getting even tougher, yet despite fewer players and greater challenges, Google appears to be steadily increasing its presence each year – even as the industry at large faces a rocky 2026 due to global component shortages.

Observing the current landscape, it’s probable you’ll encounter more Google Pixel phones now than ever before. This isn’t just anecdotal; various reports indicate that the brand is seeing its strongest growth to date, expanding market share in key areas including Japan, the UK, and the US. While these percentages may not yet rival the giants, a nearly 19% projected growth in shipments for 2026 is a massive signal that, despite still being a small component of the market, Google’s strategy is paying off.

The Pixel 10 series marked a major turning point for the company. It is the first TSMC-manufactured chip, and it is also the first time we’ve seen a “recycled” design, as it reuses the Pixel 9 series’ design. Maybe that negatively affects the appeal to upgraders or converts, but it followed a standout 2025 where Pixel shipments grew by roughly 25%, fueled by the success of the Pixel 9.

With the recent launch of the Pixel 10a in March, Google is positioning itself as the “bright spot” in a year where other manufacturers are struggling with rising costs. Even as we hover around that 4-5% market share mark in the US, that represents millions of users – and you can count many of our team in that figure.

Maybe we over-egg it a little, given the lack of presence in all regions, but Google making smartphones is still important in the context of the wider market. Market penetration remains tough as established players fight to control specific price segments amid a global RAM and storage crisis. What’s more, since the brand’s inception in 2016, Google has now released 34 Pixel smartphones. It seems like a lot, but pales in comparison to Samsung and even Apple’s same 10-year period. Technically, there are more if you count the Pixel Tablet or the Pixel Watch lineup, but those aren’t included in our primary phone poll.

Our rationale remains the same: it’s unlikely a tablet is your primary mobile device, functioning more as a supplementary screen or a Nest Hub replacement. We also don’t expect many pre-Pixel 6 owners (the start of the Tensor era) to be holding out as daily drivers, but it wouldn’t be fair to ignore the legacy handsets. With that in mind, our 2026 poll options are:

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