Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have taken center stage this year. Intrigued by the evolution of Pixel phones since their inception in 2016, this review provides an in-depth exploration of the Pixel 8’s various facets after almost a month of hands-on experience. From design and display to performance, software, battery life, and the much-celebrated Pixel camera system, we aim to dissect the device’s offerings and evaluate whether the array of upgrades justifies the notable price hike.
I. Design and Display: Google pixel 8
Design Evolution: The Pixel 8, while not a radical departure from the Pixel 7 in terms of design, introduces subtle changes that refine the handset’s dimensions, making it more comfortable to hold. The glass back and matte aluminum frame persist, with a deeper curve at the edges of the rear glass panel. Noteworthy is the thicker camera bar at the back, offering stability when placed on a surface.
Display Dynamics: A standout feature of the Pixel 8 is its 6.2-inch Actua AMOLED display, protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus. Offering a 120Hz refresh rate, users can opt for either 60Hz or 120Hz, with improved brightness reaching up to 2000 nits and 1400 nits in HDR mode. Compared to the Pixel 7’s 90Hz panel, the Pixel 8’s display is a flagship-level upgrade, providing a superior visual experience, especially in outdoor conditions.
Distinctive Design Elements: Google’s commitment to distinctive design elements continues with the Pixel series. The camera bar not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also prevents the phone from wobbling when placed on a surface. Despite not deviating significantly from the previous model, the Pixel 8 maintains its uniqueness in a market crowded with smartphones.
II. Performance and Software:
AI-Focused Performance: While the Pixel lineup may not be synonymous with benchmark-topping performance, the Pixel 8, powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, emphasizes AI and software prowess. The 4nm chip with a nona-core architecture, 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, and Immortalis-G715 MP10 GPU ensures smooth daily usage. Google’s focus on software optimization, although not reaching iOS levels, results in seamless UI navigation, animations, and app usage.
Clean Android Experience: Being a Google phone, the Pixel 8 benefits from the cleanest Android software. The stock Android feel and look, coupled with exclusive Pixel features like Now Playing, contribute to a user-friendly interface. Android 14 introduces additional features such as Lock Screen customization, new Clocks, and monochrome themes, enhancing the overall software experience.
Innovative AI Features: The Pixel 8 introduces new AI features, including Audio Eraser, Best Take, and Magic Editor. The Audio Eraser effectively removes distracting sounds from audio recordings, showcasing the phone’s AI capabilities. Best Take aids in selecting the best faces in group photos, and Magic Editor allows advanced photo manipulation, albeit requiring an internet connection for cloud-based processing.
III. Battery Life and Cameras:
Battery Performance: Equipped with a 4,575mAh battery, It battery life showcases marginal improvement over its predecessor. Lasting around 20 hours in an HD video loop test, regular usage provides more than a day’s worth of battery life. However, the device still faces challenges in optimizing battery consumption when the screen is off.
Camera Innovations: The Pixel 8’s camera system continues the legacy of Pixel phones as photography powerhouses. The 50-megapixel primary rear camera, with a new f/1.68 aperture lens, introduces Dual Exposure for reduced noise and sharper images. The ultra-wide 12-megapixel sensor now features autofocus and a 22 percent wider FoV. The addition of Macro mode enhances the device’s photography capabilities.
AI-Driven Photography: New AI features augment the Pixel 8’s photography prowess. Best Take facilitates the selection of individual faces in group photos, and the Magic Editor allows extensive image manipulation. Real Tone, Google’s technology for accurate skin tone detection, extends to video recording. The Pixel 8 also introduces an impressive 7 years of OS upgrades, surpassing industry standards.
Key Points:
- Design and Display:
- Pixel 8 design retains familiarity with slight improvements.
- Comfortable to hold with reduced dimensions.
- Performance and Software:
- Google’s focus on AI and software over raw performance.
- Equipped with Tensor G3 SoC, 8GB RAM, and Immortalis-G715 MP10 GPU.
- Cleanest Android software with Pixel-specific features.
- Battery Life:
- Slightly larger 4,575mAh battery but marginal improvement over Pixel 7.
- 27W fast charging support for faster charging times.
- Cameras:
- 50-megapixel primary rear camera with f/1.68 aperture for 21% more light.
- Dual Exposure for reduced noise and sharper photos.
Significance:
The Pixel 8 represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, offering noteworthy improvements in design, display, performance, and camera capabilities. The refined design, coupled with a flagship-level display, enhances user experience. Google’s emphasis on AI and software excellence continues, bringing features like Audio Eraser, Best Take, and Magic Editor to elevate the camera experience. The Tensor G3 SoC contributes to smooth daily usage, although not chasing benchmark scores. The commitment to seven years of OS upgrades sets a new standard in Android support. While the Pixel 8 isn’t positioned as a flagship all-rounder for everyone, it stands as a compelling choice for existing Pixel users seeking a meaningful upgrade. The device’s strengths lie in its camera prowess, software optimizations, and the promise of extended software support, making it a valuable option for Pixel enthusiasts.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Pixel 8 emerges as a substantial upgrade over the Pixel 7, boasting improvements in display quality, camera capabilities, and AI features. The flagship-level display, coupled with innovative camera enhancements and software refinements, positions the Pixel 8 as a contender in the competitive smartphone landscape. However, the commendable upgrades come with a significant price increase, prompting consideration based on individual preferences and priorities.
For existing Pixel users seeking a comprehensive upgrade, especially those enamored with the Pixel camera experience, the Pixel 8 presents a compelling choice. The combination of Google’s clean Android software, AI-driven features, and a camera system that consistently sets industry standards solidifies the Pixel 8’s position in the upper echelons of the smartphone market.
Google Pixel 8
50MP + 12MP | 10.5MP Front Camera
4575 mAh Battery
Tensor G3 Processor
