Which Pixel for GrapheneOS? — model comparison 2026
GrapheneOS only works on Pixel phones. Which model do you choose in 2026? Comparison of available models on price, support duration, and practical use.
Which Pixel for GrapheneOS?
GrapheneOS supports only Google Pixel phones. The reason: Pixel is the only Android brand that supports verified boot with user-configurable keys — the technical foundation of GrapheneOS’s security guarantees.
This is a practical comparison of currently available models.
Support overview (2026)
| Model | Released | End of support | New price (NL) | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9a | 2025 | ~2032 | €399 | ✅ Coolblue |
| Pixel 9 | 2024 | ~2031 | €477 | ✅ Coolblue |
| Pixel 10 | 2025 | ~2032 | €629 | ✅ Coolblue |
| Pixel 10 Pro | 2025 | ~2032 | €840+ | ✅ Coolblue |
| Pixel 8a | 2024 | ~2031 | €300–400 | ⚠️ Hard to find new |
| Pixel 7a | 2023 | ~2028 | €250–350 secondhand | ⚠️ Secondhand only |
| Pixel 6/6a | 2021–2022 | 2026–2027 | — | ❌ Not recommended |
Google gives Pixel 8 and newer 7 years of security updates. For a device you want to use for 4–5 years, this makes a significant difference.
Recommended choices
Pixel 9a — best value in 2026
The Pixel 9a is the primary recommendation for most GrapheneOS users:
- €399 new at Coolblue — lowest price for a current model with 7-year support
- Tensor G4 chip — same as Pixel 9, fast enough for everything
- Titan M2 security chip
- 5100 mAh battery — larger than Pixel 9
- Wireless charging (7.5W Qi)
- GrapheneOS production support (codename: tegu)
- No UWB — the only limitation compared to Pixel 9
For anyone wanting a new device with maximum support duration at a fair price: this is the choice in 2026.
See also: Pixel 9a + GrapheneOS review
Pixel 9 — slightly more specs, same support
The Pixel 9 if you want a bit more than the 9a:
- €477 new at Coolblue — €78 more than the 9a
- Tensor G4 chip — same as 9a
- Better camera than 9a
- UWB present
- GrapheneOS production support (codename: tokay)
The price difference with the 9a is modest. The extras are camera and UWB — if those don’t matter to you, choose the 9a.
See also: Pixel 9 + GrapheneOS review
Pixel 10 — latest generation
The Pixel 10 if you want the newest hardware:
- €629 new at Coolblue
- Tensor G5 chip (new generation)
- 7 years support until ~2032
- GrapheneOS production support
- Significantly more expensive than the 9a without proportional benefit for most users
Budget: secondhand options
Pixel 8a — still good, but harder to find
The 8a is no longer widely available new. If you find one secondhand for €300–350:
- Tensor G3 chip — slightly slower than G4 but functional
- 7 years support until ~2031
- GrapheneOS production support (codename: akita)
- Wireless charging (7.5W Qi)
See also: Pixel 8a + GrapheneOS review
Pixel 7a — budget secondhand
- €250–350 secondhand
- Support until ~2028 — 2 years remaining
- Tensor G2 chip
- Wireless charging present
Downside: short remaining support duration. If you want to use the device for more than 2 years: choose 8a or newer.
Models to avoid
Pixel 6 and 6a
Support ends in 2026–2027. Not recommended for new or secondhand purchases.
Pixel 10a
GrapheneOS has experimental support for the 10a (codename: stallion) — no production release yet. Not suitable until support is stable.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold, 9 Pro XL, 10 Pro XL
More expensive without additional security advantages. Only if the extra screen size is a specific reason.
Things to watch when buying
Buy from reliable sellers:
- Coolblue (new, next-day delivery, 2-year warranty)
- Official Google Store
- Back Market / Coolblue Tweedekans (certified refurbished)
- Avoid unknown secondhand sellers — you don’t know what was previously installed
Check bootloader status on secondhand devices: A secondhand Pixel may have a previously opened bootloader. Not a problem for GrapheneOS installation — you’ll open it again anyway — but be aware of the device’s history.
No carrier-locked models: Some Pixels sold by carriers have locked or customised firmware. Buy unlocked.
Installing GrapheneOS
Once you’ve chosen a Pixel:
- Installing GrapheneOS on Pixel — step-by-step installation guide
- GrapheneOS first setup — initial configuration after installation
- GrapheneOS hardening — further security hardening
See also: