The Google Pixel 8 sits in the phantasma of the Google Pixel 8 Pro . It ’s not its fault , but it ’s always that way when one phone is labeledProand the other is not . It ’s see as the “ cheap ” selection and , therefore , the less suitable model .
I ’ve been using the Google Pixel 8 as my main phone for a while now , and there is no way you ’re being unawares - changed if you select it . Let ’s go into detail about why you should n’t directly just go Pro with your new Pixel .
About our Google Pixel 8 review
Our Google Pixel 8 revaluation was publish and published by Andy Boxall after using the phone for over a calendar week in the United Kingdom . It was update in April 2024 by Joe Maring , who write the “ six calendar month by and by ” section below after revisiting the Pixel 8 for a couple of week in the U.S.
Google Pixel 8: six months later
It ’s been about six months since the Google Pixel 8 collide with the scene . We ’ve been process to alotof great Android phones since then , be it the Samsung Galaxy S24 or the OnePlus 12 . Although those phones are loaded contender for Google , the Pixel 8 still superintend to stand up out as something special .
Six month post - release , almost everything that wasgreat about the Pixel 8 at launching remains just as near in April 2024 . The compact size is terrific , the presentation is endearing , and the camera is just as reliable as ever . Google ’s Android 14 software stay to impress , too . I still have sex the simplicity of it , and the extra characteristic Google has added on are legitimately useful . roofy to Searchis one of the most recent additions , and although I do n’t use itconstantly , I ’m always well-chosen it ’s there when I do need it .
Like any phone , though , the Pixel 8 has n’t get on utterly . I ’ve found the battery life to only be in effect for about a full day of use , which is less than what Andy found during his examination . The Tensor G3 cow chip has also frequently cue me that I ’m not using a earphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU — be it the Pixel 8 getting strong after a few minutes of gambling , or apps randomly lock up for no ostensible rationality . They are n’t biz - break issues the way the Tensor G2 was for the Pixel 7 serial publication , but they ’re still things I notice .
The Google Pixel 8 has fiercer competition than ever before powerful now , and in some regards , it ’s notquiteas soft of a testimonial as it was a few months ago . But subjectively , it ’s a phone I ca n’t help but love . It ’s cute , comfortable , easygoing , and a phone I do n’t have to suppose too much about . More often than not , the Google Pixel “ just works , ” and it ’s a phone I ’ve been happy to revisit .
Google Pixel 8: design
The Google Pixel 8 has a lusterlessness aluminum metal chassis and a urbane chalk rear venire , with Gorilla Glass Victus over the 6.2 - column inch screenland , and it evaluate 8.9 millimetre thick with a entire weight of 187 grams . It also has an IP68 water and junk electrical resistance rating and a large metal tv camera visor stretching across the top of the rear panel . It ’s not drastically different from theGoogle Pixel 7or theGoogle Pixel 6 in term of facial expression , but it is when you piece it up .
It ’s a much more succinct phone than the last two , helped by the 0.1 - column inch reduction in screen size scatter over the last two generations , and it ’s also much lighter . The 150 mm by 70 mm dimension make it very comfortable in your hand ( Asus ’s inquiry articulate this is the staring size of it for a one - handed function telephone , and it amaze to this pattern for itsZenfone serial publication ) , and it never becomes tedious or ungainly . The more curved corners look modern and help it sit down comfortably in your palm .
The side buttons are comfortable to locate and military press , plus the in - video display fingerprint detector is spry and accurate . I do n’t always have to use the fingerprint sensor , as Face Unlock commonly generate there before me . Even better , Google has updated the system for the Pixel 8 so it meets requirements for payment and in - app authorization too . The quiet , easy security is another reason populate with the Pixel 8 is so pleasant , and there are no compromises on itcompared to the Pixel 8 Pro .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Most of the time , the Pixel 8 has survive inside Google ’s silicone case , which does get cover in junk and lint , but it is also credibly wise to habituate such a thing . I ’ve withdraw it mostly just to take photos of the speech sound , but during this metre , it has cull up a pair of scratches on the glass back already . They ’re visible in the right light but not all that detectable under your fingernail , and it ’s a little concerning it has scratch so quickly .
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 were quite expectant headphone , and while the Pixel 8 is still quite thick and slab - like , it ’s considerably more hand - well-disposed and can accurately be described as compact this time around . The Pixel 8 is a modern , lightweight , almost dead - sized smartphone .
Google Pixel 8: camera
The main 50 - megapixel camera on the Pixel 8 is the same as the Pixel 8 Pro and comes with optical and electronic paradigm stabilization ( OIS and EIS ) , and it has an f/1.68 aperture . The broad - slant camera has 12MP and a 125.8 - degree field of opinion , but there ’s no dedicated telephoto camera , so you make do with the 2x “ ocular quality ” rapid growth provided by the main camera . The selfie camera has 10.5MP and fixed focus .
It wo n’t come as a surprise to learn the main camera is first-class . The photos it take are vivacious and exciting , yet still natural looking for . It never veer into over - saturated territory but keeps colors punchy and fun to see to it you want to share them online with minimal editing . Zoom in to 2x ( there ’s a shortcut in the camera app to do so ) , and you will see a slight abjection in caliber if you cut back the image , but otherwise , it looks surprisingly good .
At 5x digital zoom , there ’s obviously pixelation , but at the maximal 8x Super Res soar , a lot of this is removed by Google ’s software , and the final prototype looks far better than you may expect . Night Sight brightens images a lot ( the exposure of the enter the gallery above was in almost complete darkness and shot with a three - second exposure ) , but it does add together grain and blur when it ’s very dark . But to find defect with the vast majority of photos taken with the Pixel 8 is just nitpicking .
Google Pixel 6 (left) with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
It ’s loose to see fault with the wide - slant camera , though , which has a disappointingly low megapixel enumeration , and although the colors , contrast , and tones in the picture it claim are consistent with the independent camera , the point levels when you crop the image or search very close ca n’t compete . It ’s certainly worth getting the Pixel 8 Pro if you take a lot of spacious - angle exposure . The macro fashion suffer due to the blanket - slant ’s inadequate tone too .
Put these thing away ( the Pixel 8 is n’t the only telephone lumbered with adisappointing wide - angle tv camera this year ) , and you ’re forget with an immensely capable main camera that takes awesome photo . It ’s not as versatile as its more expensive sib due to its mostly digital rapid climb feature , but many people wo n’t care at all . As an overall parcel , the Google Pixel 8 is so rewarding to use .
Google Pixel 8: screen and performance
The 6.2 - in screen is an OLED “ Actua Display ” gore with a 2400 x 1080 pixel settlement , a 2,000 - nit superlative smartness , and a variable refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz . It ’s the master difference between it and the Pixel 8 Pro , which does have a promising , more pixel - dense screen with a greater variable refresh pace and even potent glass over it . Both Pixel 8 earpiece use Google ’s fresh Tensor G3 flake , and the Pixel 8 has 8 GB of RAM .
We do n’t publish benchmarking tests in our critical review at Digital Trends — they ’re just numbers and can be easily manipulated — but I often use the 3DMark app and its 20 - minute Wild Life Extreme Stress Test to evaluate heating system buildup and to see how it handles really hardcore game . Given the Tensor ’s love of getting quick in the past , how would the Tensor G3 treat the test ? It does get very warm , but I would n’t call it live , and it ’s certainly not scalding . The earpiece works intemperately , just as you ’d ask during this test , but it never becomes a concern . This is a good preindication for anyone who wants to act as a tidy sum of games .
The screen may not get quite as bright as the Pixel 8 Pro ’s screen , but I ’ve had no problem ensure it outside in the descent sunshine and at various angle too . I only require enough brightness to see the screen , and the Pixel 8 fulfills my need , so I ’m not sure how much benefit I ’d get from the Pro here . Despite being technically flavorless , the eubstance blends into the filmdom with a nice curve and avoids any sharpness . It also is n’t excessively reflective , and the bezels are slim around the English . It ’s sharp-worded and colorful when watching videos .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
I ’ve had no issues using normal phone - related stuff , with birdcall voice groovy either through the speaker unit or when I expend Bluetooth - connected earbuds . The Pixel 8 pulls in a strong signal connected to both 4 G and 5 GB , while NFC and Google Pay work faultlessly . At this stage , the Tensor G3 is a better , more dependable performer than previous versions , giving the Pixel 8 mass of amphetamine and ability . I justhope it stays this way .
Google Pixel 8: software
Android 14is establish on the Pixel 8 , and Google is promising seven geezerhood of major Android updates and certificate updates , along with its veritable feature bead . This is first-class prospicient - term support and even better than Samsung and OnePlus ’s four - year support committedness . It think you could keep your phone until 2030 , and the software would still be as up - to - date as potential . Whether the computer hardware would be is another doubtfulness .
For example , Google Assistant will read entanglement pages and document out loudly ; it will screen , make out , and even react to call so you do n’t have to , plus it can provide sum-up of website . Even moreAI features are come at a later date , although not all will be available on the Pixel 8 . For example , the Zoom Enhance lineament for the camera is a Pixel 8 Pro single , as is the camera ’s Pro mode . Each live AI feature film has its place , but likely wo n’t be used by everyone and are n’t ground to purchase .
You may have more fun with the AI - generated wallpaper . Have you ever want to see what a wallpaper depicting a scenery show surreal cliff in nuance of indigo would look like ? Google ’s AI wallpaper will show you . It ’s fun and different . I also like the varied ways you may customise the lock sieve , from the layout of the time and date to tot up ready to hand shortcuts . Android has always been customizable , but Google has exercise hard on progress to these tweaks approachable and good - looking in Android 14 .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Android 14 on the Pixel 8 has been very reliable for me . I have not encountered any bugs , all my apps work without issue , and navigating and interact with the package is nonrational and fast . It ’s all you really take from a smartphone , and the wide-ranging AI characteristic only add to its ecumenical appeal .
Google Pixel 8: battery and charging
A 4,575mAh assault and battery pelt inside the Pixel 8 , and because it sounds a little pocket-size , I did have some concerns over how long it would last . Google ’s Tensor chip has n’t been the most efficient , and the Pixel compass has long had a repute for unsatisfying barrage life . The Tensor G3 did n’t seem to meliorate battery life-time in our Pixel 8 Pro either , but remember , it ’s driving a large , more advanced , in high spirits resolve screen equate to the Pixel 8 .
This does seem to make a conflict , and my worries have been groundless . My normal three hours of screen clip and use per day sees the barrage fire last deeply into a 2nd day , and not once has it threatened to expire at the ending of the first day , even when plug into to theGoogle Pixel Watch 2 . A sonorous four hour of filmdom clip takes about 50 % of the battery , which includes gaming , swarm video , apps , calls , and camera employment . put up your use is n’t too extreme , the Pixel 8 ’s barrage will last two day before it want recharge .
For a fiddling more granular information on battery carrying into action , teem YouTube for 30 mo eat the electric battery by just 2 % , enter a 4 K Timelapse TV for 15 minutes takes 4 % , and 30 minutes playingPocket Citytakes 7 % from the electric battery . These results are equal to , if not even secure than I ’d look to see from any current , eminent - performance smartphone .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
You do n’t get a charger in the box , and if you want the fastest battery charger , you must own or grease one’s palms one with support for USB - PD 3.0 PPS technology , put out at least 30W of power . Google claims this will deliver a 50 % charge in about 30 minutes . To learn , I used an Anker GaN battery charger , and it went from around 2 % to 58 % in 30 minutes , and in total , it took 75 minutes to to the full reload . The Pixel 8 also has 18W Qi radiocommunication charging and reverse wireless charging .
Google Pixel 8: price and availability
A Google Pixel 8 with 128 GB of storage space costs $ 699 , and increase the internal repositing to 256 GB sees the damage rise to $ 759 . There are three color choices — Obsidian ( which is the poser in our picture ) , Hazel , or Rose . The telephone can be buy through Google ’s own online store or with AT&T , T - Mobile , and Verizon . In the U.K. , the Pixel 8 starts at 699 British pound .
The Pixel 8 is $ 100 more expensive than the Pixel 7 . This rising brings it nigher to theSamsung Galaxy S24and theOnePlus 12‘s retail price of $ 799 . It has become more expensive than the $ 599Motorola Edge ( 2023)and theNothing Phone 2 — and much more than the $ 499Samsung Galaxy A54 . All are excellent smartphones , just with different metier . If you require very fast charging , the OnePlus 12 is for you , but if you require an middle - catching figure , the Nothing Phone 2 will definitely fit the government note , for illustration .
Why would n’t you want the Pixel 8 ?
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
It ’s no longer quite the midrange bargain it once was , but the terms increase does n’t put the Pixel 8 out of contention for those seeking a bargain altogether , as it ’s still another $ 100 step up to “ flagship ” devices like the Galaxy S24 . The good newsworthiness is , you ’re for certain not going to find a stepdownin build quality , software , or camera ability if you get the Pixel 8 . Yes , it ’s more expensive than last class , but I ’d say it ’s a better - plan phone , with some truly trim back - edge computer software feature to enjoy on the camera that you wo n’t find in the contention .
Google Pixel 8: verdict
Why would you require to purchase the Google Pixel 8 ? The more appropriate inquiry is whywouldn’tyou want the Pixel 8 ? It ’s more stocky , lighter , and better looking than ever before . The battery lasts two days with worldwide habit , even when connected to a smartwatch . The tv camera train awesome photos , and the AI edit out features are unlike anything else . Plus , the bright software program will be update until 2030 . All this is yours for $ 699 .
The Pixel 8 Pro certainly earns its Pro name with the more advanced camera and screen , plus a greater number of AI have to arrive in updates , but it costs $ 999 . That ’s a big start up ! The more modestly specced Pixel 8 ’s longer electric battery sprightliness is a reason to guess hard about your priorities when choose between these two phones .
When two brand raw phones are released , it ’s promiscuous to think the respectable matter to do is just buy the Pro or more expensive model , but Google has acquire the Pixel 8 ’s specification , performance , and ability just right so you do n’t have to feel this agency . I have been extremely happy with it as my main earpiece , so the Google Pixel 8 gets an enthusiastic good word from me , regardless of how much you have to spend .
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Wide-angleAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
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Front cameraAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Portrait modeAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Night SightAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Night SightAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
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Wide-angleAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
2x zoomAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
2x zoomAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
2x zoomAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
5x zoomAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
8x Super Res zoomAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Before and after Magic Editor changesAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Before and after Magic Editor changesAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Before and after Magic Editor changesAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
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Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
