The Google Pixel 8 may not boast all the premium features found in the Pixel 8 Pro, but Google has introduced several notable upgrades to ensure its competitiveness against the popular smartphones like the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23.
In our hands-on review of the Pixel 8, we observed the remarkable capabilities of the new Tensor G3 chip, which powers impressive AI-driven features. Additionally, significant enhancements to the Pixel 8’s photo processing capabilities have piqued our interest, making us eager to test the device’s photography prowess. Furthermore, improvements to the display and Google’s commitment to enhanced software support policies make the Pixel 8 a strong contender for the title of the best phone.
However, one aspect that may give potential buyers pause is the Pixel 8’s higher price compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7. When coupled with certain missing features, it becomes apparent that the Pixel 8 may not be the ideal choice for everyone.
If you’re considering pre-ordering the Pixel 8, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a breakdown of the reasons to consider buying or passing on this new addition to the Google smartphone lineup.
Advantages
Pixel 8’s Acuna Display: Brighter and More Compact
Google’s decision to slightly shrink the Pixel 8’s display to 6.2 inches, down from the Pixel 7’s 6.3-inch screen, has left some enthusiasts pleasantly surprised. The compact form factor of Google’s flagship phone is a welcomed change for fans of smaller devices, offering a more manageable and pocket-friendly design.
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However, the real standout feature is the introduction of the Acuna display technology on the Pixel 8, significantly enhancing screen brightness. Google claims that the Pixel 8 boasts an impressive HDR content brightness of 1,400 nits, with a maximum brightness reaching a remarkable 2,000 nits. This places it on par with the peak brightness of the iPhone 15 and surpasses the Galaxy S23’s promised peak brightness of 1,750 nits.
While real-world measurements will confirm these claims, there’s little doubt that the Pixel 8’s display will shine brightly, even under direct sunlight. This feature is especially valuable when you’re capturing photos on a sunny day, eliminating the need to squint and struggle with the viewfinder controls.
Google Pixel 8 Camera Innovations: Software Takes Center Stage
While Google reserved the most significant hardware camera upgrades for the Pixel 8 Pro, the standard Pixel 8 still brings notable improvements, particularly on the software front. The primary camera benefits from a wider aperture, enhancing low-light performance, while the ultrawide lens now includes macro photography capabilities. However, the real stars of the show are the software-driven innovations integrated into the Pixel 8’s camera system.
Magic Editor, powered by AI, takes center stage, offering impressive photo-editing capabilities on the go. With this tool, users can manipulate objects within a photo, adjust lighting, and make various changes to achieve the perfect picture. While some may find it unsettling, it remains an incredibly powerful photo editing feature in the palm of your hand. Best Take is another noteworthy addition, allowing you to swap faces from different group photos until everyone looks their best.
For those who have experienced the frustration of background noise ruining their videos, the Audio Magic Eraser feature promises salvation. It dissects the audio in video footage into separate layers, enabling you to eliminate distracting or unwanted sounds, such as background chatter, ensuring your recordings sound pristine.
These software enhancements elevate the Pixel 8’s photography and videography capabilities, empowering users to capture and edit their moments with greater precision and creativity.
The Powerhouse Behind Pixel 8’s Innovations: Tensor G3 Chip
Much of the Pixel 8’s remarkable software features are brought to life by the all-new Tensor G3 chip, a technological marvel developed by Google. This advanced silicon boasts the capability to run twice as many on-device machine learning models compared to the first-generation Tensor chip found in the Pixel 6. As a result, the Pixel 8 offers an array of innovative software features that are exclusive to this device.
Google Assistant has undergone significant improvements, now equipped to summarize web pages with bullet points seamlessly. Moreover, users can instruct the assistant to read web articles aloud, granting the freedom to divert their attention from the Pixel 8’s screen. While Siri introduced a similar feature in iOS 17, Google’s implementation appears more accessible on the Pixel 8. The call screen function has also received enhancements, with the voice screening calls sounding remarkably lifelike. It can even determine the purpose of incoming calls and display this information on the screen.
Excitingly, these software updates are just the beginning. Google has plans to introduce further capabilities through software updates. In December, a feature will be added to the Recorder app, enabling it to summarize recorded meetings and lectures with a simple touch. While the Tensor G3’s performance compared to chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 remains to be seen, there’s no denying its dominance in powering AI-driven features, setting the Pixel 8 apart as a true technological leader.
Google’s Groundbreaking Commitment: Seven Years of Software Support for Pixel 8
For years, consumers have clamored for Google to expand its software support for Pixel phones beyond the standard three years of Android updates. With its latest offering, the Pixel 8, Google not only surpasses this expectation but also outshines Apple in the realm of software support.
Google has officially pledged seven years of Android updates and security patches for the Pixel 8, marking a significant leap in sustainability and longevity for its devices. In comparison, Apple typically provides five years of software support for iPhones before introducing a new iOS version that drops support for older models.
This bold commitment by Google aligns with the industry’s growing emphasis on product sustainability, enabling users to enjoy their devices for an extended duration while reducing electronic waste. Google’s Pixel 8 stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering a seamless and enduring user experience.
Exceptional Value: Google Pixel 8 Pricing
While the cost of the Google Pixel 8 may have risen compared to its predecessor, it’s important to keep the larger smartphone landscape in perspective. Even with its higher price tag, the Pixel 8 at $699 remains a more budget-friendly option when compared to the latest iPhone 15 or Galaxy S23.
Although many would appreciate it if Google had managed to maintain the Pixel 7’s $599 starting price, the Pixel 8 continues to offer exceptional value in the smartphone market. This pricing strategy underscores Google’s commitment to delivering quality devices without breaking the bank for consumers.
Drawbacks
Addressing the Rising Cost Trend in Smartphones
The smartphone industry has witnessed a concerning trend of gradually increasing costs, which is reflected in the pricing of the latest models. This trend isn’t unique to Google, as other manufacturers, such as Apple, have also raised the prices of their flagship smartphones. For instance, consumers are now required to pay more for the iPhone 15 Pro compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 14.
While it’s true that the production costs of smartphones are on the rise, manufacturers are attempting to justify these price hikes by incorporating additional features and technologies into their devices. Nevertheless, there’s a point at which consumers may question how far these increasing costs will go. In such a scenario, individuals might opt for reasonably priced mid range smartphones, which provide a compelling alternative to higher-priced flagships.
Addressing the Lack of Telephoto Lens in the Pixel 8
One notable omission from the Pixel 8’s camera setup is a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. Instead, users must rely on digital zoom and Google’s Super Res Zoom technology for zooming in on subjects. The more advanced Pixel 8 Pro offers a telephoto lens, but this feature is absent from the standard Pixel 8.
While it’s common for budget-friendly smartphones to lack advanced camera hardware, the Pixel 8’s pricing has moved closer to that of the Samsung Galaxy S23, a direct competitor. Samsung manages to include a telephoto camera even in its entry-level smartphone models. Therefore, some users might find it disappointing that the Pixel 8 doesn’t offer this feature, especially considering its pricing in the premium midrange segment.
Battery Life Concerns with the Pixel 8
While we remain open to changing our assessment if further testing reveals significantly improved battery life, our initial impression of the Pixel 8’s battery life is cautious. Historically, Google’s flagship phones, including the Pixel 7, have not excelled in terms of battery endurance.
Although the Pixel 8 boasts a larger battery compared to its predecessor and features the Tensor G3 chip, which could potentially offer more efficient power management, Google has not made explicit claims about its battery life. This omission raises some concerns, and we will need to conduct comprehensive battery tests to determine the actual performance of the Pixel 8’s battery. Until then, we remain cautious about its longevity on a single charge.
