Here's how Google Pixel phones performed in MKBHD smartphone awards 2024

The 2024 MKBHD Smartphone Awards are here, and if you’re a Google Pixel fan, there’s plenty to unpack — but don’t expect all good news. After dominating the MVP (Most Valuable Player) category for two years with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8, Google has officially lost its crown. Instead, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra snatched the top prize this time.

This year’s Pixel lineup brought us the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the much-anticipated Pixel 9 Pro Fold. But despite the buzz surrounding these releases, only the Fold managed to capture MKBHD’s attention in a big way. In fact, it bagged not one but two awards: Best Foldable and Most Improved.

MKBHD had high praise for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, calling it “the most polished” foldable Android phone on the market. “Google trimmed up all the dimensions, flattened the sides, improved the hinge, and upgraded the cameras,” he said, adding that the device was highly usable even when closed. This glowing review highlights the Fold’s leap forward compared to its predecessor. Still, it’s a bittersweet victory — the Fold excelled, but the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup struggled to stand out.

In the budget category, the Pixel 8a earned a nod as one of the best value phones of the year. Priced at $500, it packed an impressive camera system for its price range, making it a strong contender. However, it ultimately lost to the Nothing Phone 2A. According to MKBHD, the Pixel 8a “felt like it was clashing a little bit with the Pixel 8,” which may have hurt its chances. Still, it’s a testament to Google’s commitment to delivering solid midrange devices — even if they’re not always perfectly positioned.

One of the most surprising critiques came in the design category. While MKBHD admitted that the Pixel 9’s design was “boring” but also clarified that it was boring in a good way. Translation? The Pixel 9’s design didn’t do anything wrong, but it didn’t excite him either — a critical factor in a year filled with standout designs like Huawei’s Mate XT, which took home the Best Design award.

When it came to the MVP award, the Pixel series didn’t make the cut. Instead, MKBHD crowned the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as the Phone of the Year. Interestingly, he noted that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is still his personal daily driver, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the top spot. This speaks volumes about how competitive the smartphone landscape has become. Other OEMs have stepped up their game, forcing Google to fight harder for recognition across the board.

So, where does this leave Google? The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s success shows that the company can innovate and dominate niche categories, but the broader Pixel lineup needs more cohesion and excitement to regain its MVP status. With Samsung’s relentless push in the premium space and Nothing’s growing presence in the value segment, Google has its work cut out for 2025. Will the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 reclaim the MVP crown in years to come? Only time will tell.

As the smartphone world keeps evolving, its clear the Pixel brand isn’t out of the fight — but it’s no longer the undisputed champion. So yeah, time to step it up, Google.

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