Google Pixel phones have consistently stood out not just for their cutting-edge AI and camera tech, but also for their surprisingly delightful color palettes. With leaks hinting at intriguing new shades like Lemongrass and Indigo for the upcoming Pixel 10 series, it’s the perfect time to look back. We asked our team to pick their all-time favorite Google Pixel phone colors, celebrating the hues that truly broke the mold. Get ready to discover which vibrant and subtle shades made our top list!
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Close-up of a Google Pixel 8 Pro in a unique color, highlighting its distinctive camera bar design.
Our Top 5 Favorite Google Pixel Phone Colors
Google has a knack for giving its phones quirky, memorable color names, and often, the colors themselves are just as distinctive. From bold statements to understated elegance, here are the shades that captured our hearts (and votes!).
5) Really Blue (Pixel 1)
Kicking off our list is a blast from the past: the original Pixel’s “Really Blue.” Despite many newer blue Pixel phones, none have quite matched the deep, rich hue of this first iteration. It shows that even the earliest Pixels weren’t afraid to make a statement.
This bold color was available on both the standard Pixel and Pixel XL models, standing out from the more conventional Very Silver and Quite Black options. What truly made “Really Blue” special was how consistently the color extended across the phone, even wrapping around the frame for a unified, striking look. It was a clear signal that Google was ready to play with design.
The original Google Pixel in its striking Really Blue finish, showcasing the phone's deep, vibrant blue back.
4) Black and White (Pixel 2 XL)
Next up, a fan favorite lovingly dubbed the “Panda” or “Penguin” Pixel. The Black and White Pixel 2 XL offered a unique two-tone design that truly made it iconic. This particular shade was exclusive to the larger XL model, featuring a clean white back contrasted sharply with a black camera window at the top.
But the real “chef’s kiss” detail? A delightful little orange power button that provided a subtle pop of color against the monochromatic theme. This design choice gave the phone a distinct personality, setting it apart from competitors and even subsequent Pixel models, which often lacked such a stark contrast in their two-tone designs. Whenever we think of memorable Pixel aesthetics, this one instantly comes to mind.
The iconic Google Pixel 2 XL in Black and White, often called the Panda Pixel, with its two-tone rear and orange power button.
3) Sorta Sage (Pixel 5)
Tying for our third spot, “Sorta Sage” from the Pixel 5 proved that quiet elegance can be just as impactful as vibrant hues. This pale, muted green was a breath of fresh air for those tired of the typical black, white, and grey smartphone options. It offered a sophisticated yet understated way to express individuality.
The Sorta Sage finish on the Pixel 5 was a significant departure from the bolder colors of previous models, opting for a softer, more organic feel that blended seamlessly into daily life without screaming for attention. For many on our team, this calm and collected shade truly resonated, showing that sometimes, less is indeed more. Its only alternative was the more traditional “Just Black,” making Sorta Sage the clear choice for anyone wanting something subtly different. If you’re looking for an underrated gem, learn why the Pixel 5 is still an amazing phone.
A hand holding the Google Pixel 5 in the subtle and elegant Sorta Sage color, showing its matte finish.
2) Bay (Pixel 8 Pro)
Also tying for second place is “Bay,” a stunning color introduced with the Pixel 8 Pro. This is a lighter, more serene shade of blue compared to the deep, saturated blues seen on earlier Pixel models. It evokes a sense of calm and modernity, perfectly complementing the Pixel 8 Pro’s premium design.
The Bay color option offered a refreshing alternative to standard phone colors, and it quickly became a standout. While the Pixel 8 Pro also came in Rose, Hazel, Obsidian, and Porcelain, “Bay” was a clear favorite among our team members who appreciated its unique balance of vibrancy and sophistication. It represents a more mature evolution of Google’s color philosophy. For a deeper dive into Google’s latest flagships, check out our best Android phones list.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro viewed from the back, showcasing its calming Bay blue color and polished camera bar.
1) Oh So Orange (Pixel 4)
And the winner is… “Oh So Orange” from the Google Pixel 4! This vibrant, audacious shade captivated our team from the moment it launched in 2019. It wasn’t just orange; it was an “Oh So Orange” – a playful name for a color that truly varied in intensity depending on the light, always ensuring it caught the eye.
What made “Oh So Orange” a true champion was its complete confidence. The entire rear cover was unapologetically orange, cleverly offset by a sleek black camera housing and a matching black frame. Even the power button was a pale orange, tying the whole design together into one of the most memorable and enduring smartphone variants we’ve ever seen. Despite any criticisms about the phone itself, the “Oh So Orange” Pixel 4 proved that sometimes, a bold color is all it takes to leave a lasting impression. We sincerely hope Google brings back such an expressive hue for future Pixel devices.
The vibrant Oh So Orange Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL side-by-side, displaying their bold orange backs and contrasting black camera housings.
Honorable Mentions: More Pixel Colors We Love
It’s truly hard to pick just five favorite Pixel colors, as Google has consistently delivered compelling options. Here are a few more shades that also received significant love from our team:
- Kinda Coral (Pixel 6): This pinkish hue with a distinctive red strip above the black camera bar made the Pixel 6 instantly recognizable. It was a playful and unique color that sadly hasn’t reappeared on subsequent models.
- Sorta Seafoam (Pixel 6): Another Pixel 6 standout, “Sorta Seafoam” offered a refreshing greenish-blue tint with a contrasting light yellow strip above the camera bar. It perfectly embodied the Pixel 6’s bold design language.
- Wintergreen (Pixel 9): Even from what we know about the rumored Pixel 9, the “Wintergreen” color scheme is already garnering attention. This very pale green is a subtle yet elegant departure from the norm, offering a sophisticated alternative without being overly flashy.
A hand holding the Google Pixel 6 in the distinctive Sorta Seafoam color, highlighting its unique multi-tone back.
Google’s commitment to unique and thoughtful color choices is a testament to their design philosophy. While specs and features are crucial, sometimes it’s the perfect shade that truly makes a device feel personal. Do you agree with our top picks, or do you have a different favorite Pixel color that wasn’t on our list? Let us know!
For more exciting news and insights on Google’s innovations, be sure to explore our dedicated sections on Google features and the latest from Google Pixel.
