Google Pixel 8 Review: Google Worked Their Magic Again!

The much-anticipated Google Pixel 8 has made its debut, boasting substantial upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. This latest offering not only promises enhanced performance but also introduces impressive AI features, notably the improved Bard implementation. 

Users can now enjoy a more responsive and intelligent device. The Pixel 8 goes further by addressing common concerns with an upgraded battery, ensuring a longer-lasting and reliable experience. The display has also received a notable boost in brightness, enhancing the overall visual experience. 

Adding to the appeal, the Pixel 8 sports a redesigned form factor, providing users with a more compact and ergonomic feel. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Google Pixel 8, exploring the updates that make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

• Key Features
• Pros & Cons
• Design & Build
• Display
• Camera
• Performance
• Software
• Battery Life
• Specifications
• Verdict

1. Google Pixel 8:  Key Features

Google Pixel 8

Designed With Fluid Colors and Compact Size

Nona-Core Tensor G3 Chipset

Magical 50MP Camera

Google Assistant with Bard

Long-lasting 4575mAh battery

 

2. Google Pixel 8: Pros & Cons

Before jumping into the overall Samsung Google Pixel 8 review, here’s a quick heads up about Google Pixel 8’s good and bad sites:

Pros:	Cons:
👍  Exceptional Design with premium leather; 👍  Updated display resolution & brightness looks great ; 👍  Magical camera features with Pixel 8; 👍  Battery performance seems great with fast charging 27W charger; 👍  Super Smooth 120Hz Display.	👎 No Micro-SD Card Slot; 👎 Last year’s fingerprint scanner seemed slow against other rivals.

Check Latest Price of Google Pixel 8

  3. Google Pixel 8: Design & Build

• Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
• IP68 Water Resistant
• 187 grams (weight), 150.5mm (Height)

Design

Google has revamped the design of the Pixel series with the introduction of the Pixel 8, showcasing significant departures from the Pixel 7. The base model is now smaller and lighter, boasting a more appealing aesthetic with rounded edges. 

Holding the Pixel 8 reveals subtle yet impactful changes, such as the curved edges that enhance the device’s tactile feel. The aluminum construction contributes to a shiny frame with a matte glass finish, accentuated by a high-polished camera bar. Button placement remains familiar, with volume rockers and the power button in their usual spots, alongside speakers and a 3.1 Type-C interface at the bottom. 

Colors

The Pixel 8 introduces three new color options – Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose – with Hazel drawing attention for its unique cream hue.

Build 

In terms of build quality, the Pixel 8 maintains the glass front and back, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, and an aluminum frame. Notably, the device has shrunk in size, measuring 150.5 millimeters in height, a 3.2% reduction from its predecessor. 

It’s also lighter, shedding 10 grams and weighing in at 187 grams, a 5% decrease from the Pixel 7. The IP68 water protection ensures resilience, offering 1.5 meters of water protection for up to 30 minutes, enhancing the durability of the Pixel 8.

4. Google Pixel 8: Display

• 6.2’’ AMOLED
• 120Hz
• HDR10+

Google has introduced a breakthrough in display technology with the Pixel 8, featuring the all-new Actua Display. The device boasts a slightly smaller but enhanced 6.2-inch AMOLED display, offering a crisper visual experience with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The pixel density has seen a welcome boost, reaching 428 PPI, up from last year’s 416, owing to the slightly reduced size.

The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection ensures durability, complemented by the convenience of an Always-On display for quick notifications and at-a-glance information such as the clock.

You also get another protection to unlock your device, which is an under-display fingerprint scanner. The scanner is embedded within the AMOLED panel, although don’t get too excited, as you get the previous generation optical sensor.

One notable improvement is the display’s brightness, now 42% brighter than its predecessor, reaching an impressive peak brightness of 2000 nits. This enhancement ensures optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Another stride forward is the higher refresh rate, now at 120Hz compared to last year’s 90Hz. This advancement translates to smoother app performance and quicker response times. But thanks anyway, for including last year’s HDR10+ support, viewing the FHD content in an 85.5% screen-to-body ratio looks really stunning when watching your favorite Netflix content.

Although the Pixel 8 maintains a minimum refresh rate of 60Hz, it doesn’t dip as low as 1Hz, a feature reserved for the higher-tier Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8’s display upgrades make it a compelling choice for users seeking an immersive and responsive visual experience.

  5. Google Pixel 8: Camera

• Dual camera (50MP + 12MP)
• 4K Recording 
• 10.5 MP Front Camera (4K)

The camera prowess of the Google Pixel 8 is a standout feature, showcasing significant upgrades from its predecessor. The Pixel 8 introduces a host of new AI features and improved apertures that elevate the photography experience.

The primary camera boasts a 50MP sensor with a smaller f/1.68 aperture, enhancing low-light performance by allowing more light to hit the sensor. Despite the reduced aperture size, the Pixel 8 manages to produce brighter and more vibrant photos. The addition of 8x super-res zoom expands the creative possibilities, bringing distant subjects closer with impressive clarity.

Camera Features

New features include the Magic Editor, a tool that allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos seamlessly. Ultra HDR and Best Take utilize advanced algorithms to capture the best moments with optimal clarity and detail. Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur continue to work their software magic, ensuring your photos look nothing short of spectacular.

UltraWide

The 12MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture now offers an improved 125.8-degree field of view, providing a wider range for capturing expansive landscapes. Google’s AI enhances this with Lens Correction and the inclusion of both OIS and EIS for smoother video recording.

Nightography

The night-time photo capabilities have been refined, offering astrophotography features for stunning night-time shots with reduced noise and brighter images. Video recording sees significant improvements, supporting 4K at various frame rates for sharper and more vibrant footage. The dual exposure feature adds a professional touch to your videography.

Front Camera

The front-facing camera maintains a 10.5MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, benefiting from the updated chipset for faster processing. The slight upgrade in resolution, coupled with the fixed focus feature, ensures that selfies are sharp and well-detailed. 

The 95-degree field of view is ideal for group shots, and the capability to shoot 4K videos further enhances the Pixel 8’s prowess in the realm of front-facing photography. Overall, the Google Pixel 8’s camera system is a comprehensive package that caters to both photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.

 6. Google Pixel 8: Performance

• Tensor G3
• 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage
• UFS 3.1

The Google Pixel 8 boasts a formidable performance package, spearheaded by the cutting-edge Tensor G3 processor. With a 4-nanometer architecture, this processor represents a leap forward in processing power. 

The Tensor G3 features a 9-core setup, including 1 ARM Cortex-X3, 4x 2.45GHz Cortex-A715, and 4x 2.15GHz Cortex-A510 cores. This powerful configuration ensures a seamless experience even with resource-intensive applications, making multitasking and high-end gaming a breeze.

Complementing the powerful processor is an ample 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. The storage options go up to 256GB, although some users might have hoped for a 512GB variant, particularly avid gamers who understand the importance of storage space. The inclusion of UFS 3.1 contributes to faster game launches and data transfer speeds.

Gaming

Gaming enthusiasts will revel in the immersive experience provided by the Tensor G3, coupled with the Immortalis-G715s MC10, offering high FPS and a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay. Whether it’s PUBG MOBILE or FORTNITE, the Pixel 8 delivers exceptional visuals and performance.

Connectivity & Security

Connectivity is equally impressive, with support for Wi-Fi 6e and Wi-Fi 7. This translates to enhanced wireless bandwidth, particularly beneficial for outdoor usage with faster download speeds. 

Wi-Fi 7, offering over 5.8 gigabits, doubles the speed of its predecessor, providing a seamless and speedy internet experience. The Pixel 8’s performance package stands as a testament to Google’s commitment to delivering a device that excels in power, speed, and security, catering to the demands of modern smartphone users.

Security is a top priority with the Titan M2 security coprocessor, enhancing device security by thwarting potential attacks from bugs and viruses. This advanced security feature ensures a safe and protected user experience.

7. Google Pixel 8: UI & OS

• Android 14

The Google Pixel 8 comes equipped with the latest Android OS, introducing Android 14. This update brings a host of improvements, enhancing the overall user experience. Android 14 on the Pixel 8 delivers superior customization options, allowing users to tailor their devices to their preferences.

Notable features include improved photo quality, new themes, and AI-generated wallpapers, elevating the aesthetic appeal of the device. Privacy updates ensure enhanced protection for health, safety, and data, reinforcing user security. Accessibility features are expanded, catering to a diverse range of users.

The OS introduces innovative elements like AI-generated wallpapers, passkeys for third-party apps, monthly reminders for data sharing, and camera flash notifications. Monochromatic themes add a stylish touch to the visual experience.

With Android 14, the Pixel 8’s camera capabilities are further enhanced, featuring in-sensor zoom and improved low-light performance. Notably, the device promises an outstanding seven years of OS and security updates, setting it apart from the standard five-year support offered by many other smartphones.

This commitment to long-term software support ensures that the Pixel 8 remains current and secure for an extended period, making it a wise investment for users seeking longevity and ongoing software improvements.

8. Google Pixel 8: Battery

• 4575mAh 
• 27W Fast Charging
• 50% in 30Minutes

Google has stepped up its game in the battery department with the Pixel 8, delivering an upgraded 4575mAh battery, a 5% improvement over the previous year’s 4355mAh. According to Google’s claims, the Pixel 8 offers an impressive 24-hour battery life. Real-world usage suggests that, for the average user, this translates to around 20 to 22 hours of usage, with even longer durations for those not engaging in resource-intensive activities.

The device supports fast charging with a 27W charger, delivering a substantial 50% charge in just 30 minutes. For those looking to use a higher charger, the Pixel 8 is compatible with 30W USB-C. Additionally, the inclusion of Type-C 3.2 enhances connectivity options.

Wireless charging enthusiasts will appreciate the 18W Qi wireless charging capability, providing around 50% charge in just 1 hour. However, Google recommends wired charging for faster results.

A notable feature is the Pixel 8’s reverse wireless charging, allowing users to power share with other devices, including Pixel watches and various wireless charging accessories, adding a practical touch to the device’s battery capabilities.

9. Overall Specs

Here is a more detailed overview of the Google Pixel 8 review, technical specifications are below for your further speculation-

Specs	Google Pixel 8
Display	6.2’’ AMOLED, 1080×2400, 424ppi, 120Hz, HDR10+, AOD, 20:9 Aspect Ratio
Protection & Weight	Glass Front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), Glass Back *Gorilla Glass Victus), Aluminum Framing IP68 Dust/Water Resistant (Up To 1.5m For 30 Min)
Camera	Main: 50 MP, f/1.7, (wide), multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS           12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ field of view  (Ultrawide) Features: Dual LED Flash, panorama, Ultra HDR, Pixel Shift, Best Take, Magic Eraser16, Photo Unblur Video: 4K@24,30~, 1080@30/60fps,  Gyro-EIS, OISm 10-bit HDR Front: 10.5MP, f/2.45 (WIDE) Feature: Panorama. Auto-HDR Video: 4K@30/60fps
Platform	OS: Android 14 CPU: Google Tensor G3 (4nm) Nine-core (1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4×2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) GPU: Mali-G710 MP7
Ram-ROM	128GB+12GB RAM, 256GB+12GB RAM UFS 3.1*No Micro-SD Card Slot*
Battery	4485, 24W Wired, 12W wireless, Reverse Wireless
Audio	Dolby Atmos Dual Speaker
Features	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, thermometer (skin temperature)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 5G, LTE, Bluetooth 5.3
Colors	Obsidian Black, Hazel, Rose

Verdict

In the last few words, the Google Pixel 8 stands out as a powerhouse in the smartphone arena. With an updated Tensor chipset, this device delivers lightning-fast performance, ensuring a seamless and stunning gaming experience. 

The improvements in the battery category provide extended life, making it ideal for uninterrupted movie sessions. The camera enhancements and enhanced connectivity further elevate the Pixel 8’s premium status.

The camera design is similar to last year’s Pixel 7 with dual sensors, although you do get updated “A.I” features and a compact body compared to last year’s model. Do remember there is no telephoto camera if you are into that, for that you have to look for our Pixel 8 Pro review, which has better camera capabilities.

Ultimately, the Google Pixel 8 is a testament to cutting-edge technology, delivering an impressive package that will undoubtedly leave users in awe of its capabilities.

Get the Google Pixel 8, if:

> You require an updated processor from a Pixel;
> You need the best stock OS experience;
> You love exclusive designs with great display. 

Check Latest Price