Google delivers top-tier Android phones, and the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro continue this trend. Google unveiled the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro at its Made by Google event on October 4, 2023, with US availability starting on October 12, 2024.
The Google Pixel 8 series brings exciting upgrades. They feature new design tweaks and are powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor. Let’s dive into the standout features of the Google Pixel 8 series.
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: Display and Design
The Google Pixel 8 series has a familiar but refined design with a horizontal camera bar. Announced in October 2023, official images were available nearly a month before.
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro maintain the design language of their predecessors with minor changes like more rounded screen corners. They use classic glass and aluminum materials. The Pixel 8 Pro has a matte finish with a brushed aluminum camera bar, while the Pixel 8 features a matte aluminum frame and glossy back glass.
Camera bar is tweaked with closer lenses on the Pixel 8 Pro, which also includes a new thermometer sensor. The Pixel 8 is available in Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose, while the Pixel 8 Pro comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay. Matching cases are available, including a Coral option for both models.
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Camera
When discussing the Google Pixel 8, the camera stands out. Google built its reputation on excellent photo capabilities, combining advanced hardware with AI-powered processing. The Google Pixel 8 Pro gets three new sensors, while the Google Pixel 8 receives a new main sensor.
Both phones feature a 50MP lens with an f/1.68 aperture, offering pixel binning and 2x zoom cropping. The Pixel 8’s ultrawide lens remains the same, but the Pro gets a new 48MP sensor with a 125.5-degree field of view. The Pro’s telephoto lens is also new, featuring a 48MP sensor and enabling up to 30x digital crop via Super Res Zoom.
Both models share a 10.5MP front-facing camera, but only the Pro supports autofocus. Both support face unlock with authentication. Software enhancements include an improved Magic Eraser, new video editing tools like Magic Editor, and Night Sight for video recording, making the Google Pixel 8 excellent for low-light video.
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: Specs
In terms of hardware, both phones feature the new Google Tensor G3 chipset, enhancing efficiency, performance, and AI capabilities.
The Google Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery with 27W wired charging. The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 5050mAh battery with 30W wired charging. Both models support 12W Qi wireless charging and 23W wireless charging with the Google Pixel Stand 2. A USB-C to USB-C cable is included, but no charger.
The Google Pixel 8 comes with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, with a 256GB option available.
It offers 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Despite more storage options, it still uses UFS 3.1 storage, unlike other flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which use UFS 4.0.
Android OS and Feature Drop
Google typically releases its latest Android updates between August and October each year. Android 12, featuring a visual overhaul, was introduced in October 2021 alongside the Pixel 6 launch. The smaller Android 13 update arrived in early August 2022, allowing time for last-minute bug fixes.
Following its usual pattern, Google began Android 14 developer previews in February 2023, followed by a beta program in mid-April 2023. Beta 5, the final release before stable builds, underwent iterative bug fixes in August 2023. While Android 14 was expected in September 2023, it debuted alongside the Google Pixel 8.
Google’s commitment to software has evolved, now promising seven years of full Android OS updates, surpassing its previous policy of three major OS upgrades and five years of patches for older Tensor-powered phones. This exceeds Apple’s track record; the 2017 iPhone X reached its End of Life date with iOS 17, six years later. With seven years of comprehensive OS, security, and Feature Drop support, Google leads the industry.
Google’s emphasis on software distinguishes the Pixel experience, particularly with this lineup. AI takes center stage, notably with Assistant featuring Gemini.
From the advanced camera capabilities to enhanced Assistant functionalities, there’s a wealth of features. Google’s voice tools offer text summarization, faster voice typing, and additional information via At a Glance. Alongside AI, Pixel Call Assist tackles background noise reduction, spam filtering, and more.
Conclusion
The path leading to the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro has been eagerly anticipated. Google endeavors to rectify past shortcomings with these new flagships, pledging a blend of robust specifications and smart software upgrades. While the price hike warrants attention, if Google fulfills its commitments, the Pixel 8 Pro has the potential to redeem past setbacks. Let us know what you think about Google Pixel 8 in the comments below.
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