Google Pixel 8 Review: No Longer a No-Brainer

Value When Reviewed

From $699

Greatest Costs As we speak: Google Pixel 8

$759

If 2023 is the 12 months of AI, the Pixel 8 and eight Professional showcase it greater than another telephones. 

Synthetic intelligence is used to optimise efficiency, take and edit images, summarise webpages, display screen calls and even create personalised wallpapers. 

The common Pixel 8 will get all these options, however lots extra are unique to the costlier Pixel 8 Professional. It’s no shock to see the 5x telephoto lens lacking and an inferior ultrawide digital camera, however you’ll additionally must make do with a worse show, shiny end, no temperature sensor and a few lacking software program options. 

Are these compromises value it in an effort to save $300/£300? In the end, that is dependent upon what you’re on the lookout for in a telephone. 

Design & Construct 

• Compact but premium design 
• Glass again attracts dust 
• Light-weight, however nonetheless sturdy 

After years of experimenting with the design of its telephones, Google handsets now have a really clear identification. And other than extra rounded corners, not a lot has modified on the Pixel 8. 

It means the placing digital camera visor nonetheless extends all the best way throughout the highest of the telephone. I’m not an enormous fan of the best way it seems to be, and however you possibly can’t argue it’s not distinctive. Digicam modules proceed to be one of many most important methods a telephone stands out from the competitors, although you’ll have to put up with dust accumulating above and beneath the visor. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Whereas each the Pixel 8 telephones have glass backs, the common mannequin has a shiny end somewhat than the matte on the 8 Professional. Even on the Hazel mannequin I examined, it started exhibiting fingerprint smudges and different dust inside a few minutes of use. I’d count on the state of affairs to be even worse on the Obsidian (black) and Rose (pink) variations, your solely different decisions. 

In consequence, I’d suggest a case. The official Google model provides loads of grip and a pleasant splash of color, however prices an additional $34.99/£34.99. As typical, there are many third-party alternate options. 

Nonetheless, even with out it, I wouldn’t be too involved on the sturdiness entrance. Each the back and front of the telephone are geared up with Gorilla Glass Victus, which has been examined to outlive drops of as much as 2m and be proof against scratches (although our Pixel 7 did crack just a little on the nook when falling out of a automotive). 

And the Pixel 8’s IP68 ranking is consistent with most flagship telephones. It means the gadget is totally protected in opposition to mud and may deal with submersion in as much as 1.5m of water for half-hour. 

Sustaining nice sturdiness in such a light-weight, compact telephone is spectacular. The Pixel 8 weighs simply 187g – a refreshing change in comparison with the massive Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely (234g) that I often use. It’s nonetheless not fairly a one-handed telephone, however only a few smartphones are nowadays and it’s extra compact than the Pixel 7. 

The premium feel and appear extends to the aluminium sides, however it took me a few days to get used to the location of the bodily buttons. On the Pixel 8, the ability button is above the quantity controls, the alternative of what we see on most Android telephones.

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It means the ability button is awkwardly excessive on the correct facet, however it is advisable to press and maintain each it and quantity as much as flip the telephone off anyway. Whenever you do, you’ll discover simply how good the vibration motor is, enabling nice haptic suggestions in quite a lot of situations – together with whereas typing. 

Display & Audio system 

• Glorious 6.2in, 120Hz OLED 
• Upgraded face unlock 
• First rate stereo audio system 

The Pixel 8 can’t be thought-about a small telephone, however it’s comparatively compact by fashionable requirements. Google has really shrunk the show barely to six.2in (from 6.3in), making the distinction between it and the 6.7in Pixel 8 Professional extra clearly outlined. 

On paper, the display screen itself doesn’t sound exceptional. We’ve seen 1080×2400 OLED panels many instances earlier than, however it nonetheless seems to be nice on the Pixel 8, delivering wealthy, vibrant colors within the default ‘Adaptive’ mode. You may simply swap this for the ‘Pure’ setting that’s simpler on the eyes, although – each look good. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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Whichever you select, the wonderful deep blacks we’ve come to affiliate with OLED are evident, particularly with a systemwide darkish mode utilized by default. The next decision might be good, however I didn’t miss it; the Pixel 8’s display screen gives loads of element, with all content material wanting clear and crisp. 

The 120Hz refresh price is the principle show improve in comparison with the Pixel 7 at 90Hz, bringing it consistent with most flagship telephones. It’s a comparatively delicate change within the grand scheme of issues, however makes every part really feel that bit extra fluid and responsive. 

Nonetheless, you miss out on the Pixel 8 Professional’s LTPO tech, which permits the refresh price to dynamically modify all the way down to 1Hz relying on what you’re doing and helps to preserve battery life. 

As a substitute, the ‘Easy show’ toggle on the Pixel 8 solely switches between 60- and 120Hz, with the one guide possibility 60Hz. As good as it’s to have a 120Hz show, Google may’ve finished a greater job with its implementation right here. 

However one factor I can haven’t any complaints about is brightness. I recorded a most of 950 nits utilizing a SpyderX calibration software, and visibility is nice in all environments together with direct daylight. And as somebody who’s not a fan of curved shows, I’m actually glad Google went for a flat model right here. 

Inside the show is an optical fingerprint sensor, which is easy to arrange however annoyingly temperamental. I enrolled the identical finger 4 instances to enhance the probabilities of a quick unlock, however it nonetheless typically took a number of tries. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

I’d suggest utilizing the upgraded face unlock as a substitute. For the primary time in a Pixel telephone, it’s safe sufficient for use for the likes of Google Pockets and cellular banking apps, with the Tensor G3 chip supposedly the driving pressure. 

Whereas not fairly as seamless as Apple’s Face ID, a key profit is that you simply don’t want a notch or huge pill-shaped cutout, simply the standard punch-hole selfie digital camera. AI and ML (machine studying) are doing a whole lot of the work within the background, and the additional second or two it takes is effectively value it for the additional safety.  

The Pixel 8 helps stereo audio, with sound emitted from two downward-firing audio system and the earpiece. It’s surprisingly punchy for such a small telephone, with a good quantity of element and strong mid-range frequencies.  

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However as anticipated, bass and treble are each missing, so that you’ll want to attach headphones for something greater than informal listening. 

Specs & Efficiency

• Google Tensor G3 and 8GB RAM 
• Excellent efficiency 
• Solely 128- or 256GB of storage 

Google’s Tensor G3 chip is likely one of the most important upgrades on the Pixel 8 line, and it’s out there on each telephones. New AI capabilities are its most important promoting level, however efficiency can be essential.  

Earlier than testing the Pixel 8, I used to be involved that solely 8GB of RAM may make it really feel sluggish, particularly when the 8 Professional has 12GB, however I needn’t have anxious.  

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Efficiency isn’t fairly class-leading, however the Pixel 8 nonetheless gives greater than sufficient energy for the overwhelming majority of individuals. My typical day includes a number of messaging, net shopping, navigation, taking images and watching the occasional video. The Pixel 8 dealt with all that with out even getting noticeably heat, even when rapidly switching between them. 

I used to be additionally stunned by how effectively it dealt with demanding cellular video games, with the likes of Asphalt 9 and Name of Obligation: Cellular operating with none noticeable stuttering or dropped frames. Nonetheless, I’d nonetheless suggest a devoted gaming telephone for those who’re actually critical about it.  

Combining the Tensor G3 with that 120Hz refresh price means every part feels very slick and responsive, albeit not fairly as speedy as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 telephones. That’s mirrored within the benchmarks beneath, however it’s not a trigger for concern.  

Google Pixel 8 benchmarks

Disappointingly, there are solely two choices for inside storage: 128- or 256GB. With no possibility for microSD growth and round 18GB taken up with system recordsdata, it’s value paying the $60/£60 premium for 256GB for those who’re in any respect uncertain. It’s a disgrace the 512GB and 1TB choices from the 8 Professional aren’t out there within the UK, and simply within the US.  

There are some small upgrades to connectivity, although, and Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 are extra about futureproofing than use in 2023. And, after all, there’s 5G help. 

Cameras & Video 

• Excellent most important and selfie cameras 
• First rate 12Mp ultrawide 
• No telephoto 
• Numerous AI modifying options 

Cameras have at all times been the principle motive to purchase a Pixel telephone, and that’s much more true on the Pixel 8. 

The 50Mp most important sensor is the first motive for this – it’s equivalent to the Pixel 8 Professional, and a barely tweaked model of 50Mp discovered on the Pixel 7. Alongside Google’s very good (arguably unmatched) software program processing, the Pixel 8 can’t be overwhelmed in relation to point-and-shoot smartphone images. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

I examined the digital camera in quite a lot of situations, and there have been no weaknesses. Element, dynamic vary and publicity are all persistently wonderful, whether or not you’re capturing an expansive panorama or increase shut. 

The picture processing isn’t true to life, however I feel the delicate boosts to saturation and distinction match how most individuals would wish to edit them. And for those who don’t like what Google is doing right here, you possibly can at all times shoot in RAW and make guide modifications your self. 

Sadly, the 12Mp ultrawide lens is a major downgrade in comparison with the equal 48Mp sensor on the Pixel 8 Professional. Photos are noticeably much less detailed because of this, however the highly effective software program processing means they’re nonetheless very usable except you zoom in. Colors and publicity are nonetheless very spectacular.

Evening Sight is on the market on each the principle and ultrawide lenses, and it does an excellent job of brightening low-light pictures whereas nonetheless sustaining key particulars. It’s one of the vital spectacular night time modes I’ve used. 

However with the 48Mp telephoto lens completely lacking right here, there’s no optical zoom in any respect, so that you’ll must depend on the digital model as a substitute. In fact, this isn’t fairly nearly as good, however it does a exceptional job of preserving particulars, even on the most 8x. 

There are not any downgrades in relation to the entrance digital camera, although. Regardless of a seemingly low res 10.5Mp sensor, the Pixel 8 is able to taking wonderful common and ultrawide pictures. Element and dynamic vary are additionally wonderful right here, and it handles publicity very effectively. 

The software program additionally allows wonderful portrait pictures, each from the principle and selfie cameras. Topics are crisp and well-lit, whereas edge detection is the very best I’ve seen on any smartphone. The picture of the canine within the gallery beneath was an actual ‘wow’ second. 

However there are additionally a bunch of highly effective modifying options for after you’ve taken a photograph or video. Essentially the most noteworthy addition is Greatest take, which helps you to swap folks’s precise faces in a bunch shot for one from one other picture taken across the similar time. I agree with my colleague Hannah that it feels dystopian, however can’t deny how effectively it really works and might be a e book for those who battle to get household pictures the place everyone seems to be smiling on the similar time. 

Then there’s Magic Editor, which lets you seamlessly change the dimensions and place of some topics in a photograph, or eliminate them solely. That is extra hit-and-miss, with the brand new background typically wanting very unrealistic. However Magic Audio Eraser is spectacular, lowering distracting background sounds very successfully. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

However the Video Increase function is unique to the Pixel 8 Professional, so that you gained’t get the improved high quality and Evening Sight help it allows. The footage you get from the Pixel 8 (as much as 4K at 60fps) is respectable, however considerably worse than the iPhone. 

Software program & Options 

• Runs Android 14 
• Glorious person expertise 
• Seven years of updates 

The Pixel 8 and eight Professional are the primary telephones to run Android 14 out of the field. Loads extra will get the replace over time, however solely Google handsets get the so-called ‘inventory’ model. And from utilizing it extensively, I completely perceive why Android on the Pixel is held in such excessive regard. 

For my part, the person expertise on the Pixel 8 is the very best you’ll discover on any smartphone. It’s slick, clear and intuitive, and seems like every part has a transparent place. That features the always-on show, which is easy and simple to see at a look.  

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

I additionally favor the rounded app icons and fast settings buttons, and you may add a pleasant splash of color by way of themes and wallpapers. The latter even helps generative AI, that means you possibly can create a wallpaper that’s utterly distinctive to you.  

Name screening stays a Pixel-exclusive function, and it’s a pleasant strategy to filter out spam calls or rapidly obtain a message (equivalent to a bundle arriving) while not having to reply. I additionally notably benefit from the Now Taking part in function, which robotically identifies songs which are taking part in round you – even when offline.

Android 14 doesn’t introduce any big modifications, however new accessibility options, an up to date share sheet and the choice to make use of the flash as a notification gentle are all welcome.  

However Google’s dedication to software program help is extraordinarily spectacular. The corporate says the Pixel 8 will get seven years of each Android and safety updates, taking all of it the best way as much as Android 21 in 2030. 

That’s the very best of any Android telephone maker, and an enormous enchancment on the Pixel 7’s three years of Android updates and 5 years of safety updates and Samsung’s beforehand main OS improve promise of 4 years – we simply sincerely hope Google retains its promise. 

Battery Life & Charging 

• 4575mAh battery 
• Underwhelming battery life 
• Solely 27W charging 

Battery life is undoubtedly essentially the most disappointing factor in regards to the Pixel 8. That speaks volumes in regards to the high quality of the telephone, because it gained’t be a dealbreaker for many individuals, however I used to be anticipating higher.  

Google has geared up the telephone with a 4575mAh cell, which is bigger than the Pixel 7 (4355mAh) however considerably smaller than the Pixel 8 Professional (5050mAh). You may get a full day of battery life on a single cost, however provided that you’re keen to tolerate battery nervousness or activate battery saver mode in the direction of the top of the day.

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On these heavy utilization days, with cellular information, location companies and excessive display screen brightness for a number of hours, you’ll must discover a energy supply as night approaches. A rating of 10 hours and 49 minutes in PCMark’s battery check is respectable, however it doesn’t mirror my real-world expertise. 

I feel there are just a few components at play right here. The primary is a battery capability that in all probability isn’t giant sufficient to help such a strong, brilliant telephone. One other is the excessive refresh price show and probably the Tensor G3 chip, too.  

And given Android 14 has solely simply been launched on the time of writing, it might be some time earlier than the software program is optimised to ship the very best battery life. 

Sadly, charging isn’t significantly better. The Pixel 8 is restricted to speeds of simply 27W, and there’s no charger included within the field, only a cable. 

Utilizing a 65W one I already had, the telephone reached 23% in quarter-hour and 44% after half an hour, with a full cost taking round 85 minutes. Some fashionable telephones cost nearly 3 times as quick. 

You do at the very least get 18W Qi wi-fi charging, plus slower reverse wi-fi charging for another telephone which helps the Qi commonplace. 

Value & Availability

The Pixel 8 begins at $100/£100 greater than its predecessor, the Pixel 7. That new $699/£699 beginning worth will get you the 128GB mannequin I examined, however stepping as much as 256GB will price you $759/£759. 

You should buy one from quite a lot of retailers in each the US and UK, together with the Google Retailer and Amazon. However there are many different choices, whether or not you’re seeking to purchase the telephone outright or on contract – see our devoted Pixel 8 offers article for the complete vary. 

The obvious alternate options are the common Samsung Galaxy S23 (from $799/£849) and OnePlus 11 (from $699/£729), however the usual iPhone 15 (from $799/£799) can be value contemplating for those who’re not an Android loyalist.  

A mid-range telephone – such because the Pixel 7a (from $499/£449) – may supply every part you want. Or you could resolve that the $300/£300 premium for the Pixel 8 Professional is value it. Additionally naked in thoughts that the Pixel 7 continues to be on sale and now diminished to $599/£599. 

Must you purchase the Google Pixel 8? 

That every one is dependent upon what you’re on the lookout for. The Pixel 8 is an excellent smartphone, however it’s definitely not proper for everybody.  

Excellent most important and selfie cameras cement its place as one of many most interesting digital camera telephones you should purchase, particularly when mixed with Google’s superior software program. Nonetheless, you miss out on the Pixel 8 Professional’s 5x telephoto sensor, and the ultrawide is a transparent step down. 

Google’s Tensor G3 chip is a nice shock, delivering wonderful efficiency in almost each state of affairs. But it surely’s not fairly as quick as Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.  

There are not any caveats to software program, with the wonderful Android 14 and an unbelievable seven years of OS and safety updates. However the mixture of disappointing battery life and gradual charging holds it again just a little. 

And with so many options now unique to the Pixel 8 Professional, the common mannequin is way much less interesting. It’s undoubtedly nonetheless value contemplating, however provided that a compact design and nice software program are most necessary to you. 

Specs

• 6.2in QHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED show 
• Google Tensor G3 chipset 
• 8GB RAM 
• 128/256GB non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage 
• 4575mAh battery 
• 27W wired charging 
• 18W wi-fi charging 
• 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging 
• 50Mp f/1.68 most important digital camera 
• 12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide digital camera 
• 10.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digital camera 
• 5G 
• Wi-Fi 7 
• Bluetooth 5.3 
• IP68 
• Gorilla Glass Victus 
• 150.5mm x 70.8mm x 8.9mm 
• 187g