Meet Google’s Latest Pixels – 8 and 8 Pro Review

Google Pixel 8 Pro Review? The Google Pixel series has consistently stood out for its exceptional software and camera capabilities. With the release of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google aims to reaffirm its position in the market. In this review, we’ll delve deep into both these smartphones, examining their design, features, and the unprecedented seven-year software support that Google has introduced, setting new industry standards.

Google Pixel 8 Review : A Compact Delight

Google continues its two-model trend with the Pixel 8 series, and the standard model, the Google Pixel 8, is now the latest entry-tier flagship in the Pixel lineup.

• Design and Feel – Design-wise, the Pixel 8 doesn’t deviate much from its predecessors, with the key change being its size. At 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm, it’s the smallest mainline Pixel phone since the Pixel 5. Small phones might have fallen out of favor, but the Pixel 8’s size feels just right. It strikes a balance that’s comfortable for all, especially those with smaller hands or tired of thumb-stretching displays. While not much else has changed in design, Google’s winning formula remains intact. The camera bar accommodates two new lenses, and bezels are slightly thinner. The aluminum rails and glossy back glass, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus, remain familiar but stylish.
  
• Stunning Color Options – The Google Pixel 8 introduces new colorways that are sure to please. Obsidian (black) offers a classic look, while Hazel provides a classy gray/green option. Peony adds a delightful touch of pink to the lineup.
  
• Impressions of the Pixel 8 – The Pixel 8 embodies the mantra, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Google retains everything users love about modern Pixel phones and addresses common requests for more compact devices and thinner bezels. The Pixel 8’s compact size and thoughtful design make it a strong recommendation for the upcoming holiday season. Thanks, Google, for delivering a fantastic option.

A Design Evolution: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review

While the Pixel 8 hasn’t undergone major changes, its Pro counterpart, the Pixel 8 Pro, introduces notable upgrades that set it apart from its non-Pro siblings. Here’s the Google Pixel 8 Pro Review

• Design and Feel – The Pixel 8 Pro features two significant design changes this year. Firstly, it boasts a flat display, a first for a Pro Pixel device. This change eliminates the steep curves found in previous models, making it easier to use Android’s navigation gestures. Secondly, the Pixel 8 Pro sports a matte glass back, crafted from Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This glass feels soft to the touch and is resistant to fingerprints, a departure from the slick, fingerprint-prone backs of the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro. The matte back offers a tactile feel reminiscent of the beloved Pixel 5. Beyond these major alterations, there are more subtle changes.
  
  The camera bar adopts a different design, housing all the lenses in a single “pill” container instead of the “pill + circle” system of the Pixel 7 Pro. Size differences are minimal, with the Pixel 8 Pro being slightly larger than the Pixel 7 Pro by fractions of a millimeter.Color options for the Pixel 8 Pro provide variety. While Obsidian is retained, the Porcelain model replaces the Pixel 8’s Peony variant. Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a stunning Bay (blue) color option, likely to be a popular choice for those seeking a more vibrant phone.
  
• Impressions of the Pixel 8 Pro – Having used the Google Pixel 7 Pro extensively, I can confidently say that the Pixel 8 Pro represents a significant design improvement. The matte glass and flat display enhance the user experience, offering comfort and familiarity. While it remains a sizable and weighty phone, those seeking a more compact alternative can consider the Pixel 8.

A Game-Changing Upgrade

The most remarkable improvement isn’t physical but rather software-related. Google made history by announcing that the Pixel 8 series will receive an astonishing seven years of software support. This includes seven Android versions, 84 monthly security updates, and 28 quarterly Pixel Feature Drops, ensuring Google’s support until 2030.

This unprecedented commitment sets Google far ahead of its competitors in terms of software support. Apple typically offers five to six years of iPhone support, Samsung provides five years with only four Android upgrades, and even Fairphone’s celebrated ten-year promise encompasses only five Android upgrades.

While this is a significant leap, it’s unclear if this policy will extend to other Pixel phones. Notably, the $1,800 Google Pixel Fold deserves similar support, considering its premium price tag. For now, the seven-year commitment applies exclusively to the Pixel 8 series, but future developments remain uncertain.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Review Specs

While our initial hands-on experience didn’t allow for comprehensive testing, we can highlight key upgrades. Both phones feature the new Google Tensor G3 chipset, offering improved power and on-device AI capabilities. Exciting AI features like “Best Take” and “Magic Editor” enhance user experiences.

The displays have also seen upgrades, known as “Actua displays.” The Pixel 8 reaches 2,000 nits peak brightness, comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro series. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts an impressive 2,400 nits with its Super Actua display. However, further testing is required for a precise evaluation.

For a detailed spec breakdown, consult the table below.

Official Website: https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_8_pro?hl=en-US&pli=1

Conclusion

As we wrap up this hands-on review of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it’s evident that Google is taking its Pixel smartphones seriously. The consistent design language across all Pixel phones showcases a commitment to a cohesive product lineup. Google is not only adding features that users genuinely appreciate but also refining the look and feel of the devices for maximum comfort.