Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: What could surprise the new Pixel?
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2023, and its arrival was hardly a surprise given the plethora of leaks that flooded the tech community in the weeks leading up to its official announcement. But now that it’s here, does it live up to the lofty expectations set by those leaks? The answer, in all likelihood, will not leave you flabbergasted.
Before delving into the specifics of the Pixel 8 Pro smartphone, it’s important to establish a bit of context. Google’s journey in the smartphone industry has been a captivating one, marked by an evolution from mid-range devices like the Pixel 3 to high-end offerings such as the Pixel 4 and, let’s say, more budget-conscious options like the Pixel 5. This transition reveals how Google meticulously tested the waters, aiming to discern the right formula and the target audience. Drawing inspiration from Apple’s playbook, the Pixel 6 and now the Pixel 8 Pro are clear demonstrations of Google’s embrace of a classic “mid-range” and “Pro” (high-end) product lineup, a strategy that’s been a proven success.
Design remains consistent but refined, performance gets a boost, typically through an in-house processor, and the camera hardware sees incremental upgrades. Google, much like Apple, has adopted this successful recipe, and they’ve coupled it with a generous sprinkle of aggressive and omnipresent marketing. It’s a formula that has garnered them a dedicated fan base.
It’s the only contender that can go head-to-head with Apple and potentially dethrone the giant. But what is the Pixel 8 Pro really worth?
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Video Review
| Specs | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
| Display | 6.7 inches, LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 2400 nits (peak) |
| CPU | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Memory | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| Memory Card slot | No |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, |
| barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) | |
| OS | Android 14 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (telephoto), 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| NFC | Yes |
| Battery | Li-Ion 5050 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired, 23W wireless |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Waterproof | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay |
Unboxing
The Google Pixel 8 Pro arrives in a fresh and alluring new color, the “Bay Blue.” Once you set the device aside, you’ll find a neatly presented assortment of accompanying items. First up, a small booklet provides essential information and instructions.
Nestled alongside the booklet is a Sim ejection tool. Next, there’s a USB Type-A female to USB Type-C male adapter. And finally, the essential charging cable, a USB Type-C to USB Type-C connector.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Design
The Google Pixel 8 Pro maintains a sense of familiarity in its design, and you shouldn’t expect a radical departure from its predecessor. However, subtle refinements make a world of difference in the overall feel and experience of the phone. The most noticeable change is the rounded visual aesthetic, a departure from the sharp corners of previous models. This transformation lends the Pixel 8 Pro a softer, more inviting feel, making it a pleasure to hold.
While the entire device embraces these rounded edges, the screen remains flat, and this is, without a doubt, a commendable decision. The flat screen not only adds to the overall aesthetics but also contributes to a more comfortable grip, enhancing the handling experience.
Taking a closer look at the hardware, you’ll find the typical assortment of ports and buttons. Down at the bottom, there’s a microphone and a USB Type-C port, as well as one of the speakers. Along the right side, the volume rockers and power button are conveniently placed, and you’ll notice a slight camera bump, which, in reality, is rather unobtrusive. Moving up towards the top, another microphone and the 5G antenna add to the phone’s connectivity capabilities. On the left side, you’ll find the SIM card slot, where you can easily insert your Verizon SIM.
A closer examination of the back of the device reveals the exquisite matte finish, and the “Bay Blue” color is a real standout. It showcases the iconic top bar housing the camera setup, now featuring a new triple-camera configuration on the Pixel 8 Pro. Not only does this color look fantastic, but the matte texture on the glass offers a unique tactile experience. It’s reminiscent of the beloved texture found on the Pixel 3, with a soft touch that doesn’t show fingerprints or smudges.
However, it’s worth noting that the black color option may collect dust more easily, particularly around and below the camera module.
Screen
The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a screen that takes performance to the next level, surpassing its competitors, including the Apple lineup. Google has aptly named it the “Super Actua” screen, a branding choice for their LTPO display technology. This display is a game-changer, with the ability to refresh at variable rates ranging from a minimal 1Hz to a blazing 120Hz, delivering a seamless and ultra-responsive experience. This wide range allows for energy savings, with 1Hz mode conserving power when needed.
The Super Actua screen, measuring 6.7 inches diagonally, retains a similar size as previous models, but there’s a significant departure from the past: Google has opted for a completely flat screen instead of the curved edges. This change offers a level surface that not only enhances the handling of the phone but also increases the usable screen area. Additionally, the flat screen allows users to confidently apply screen protectors without concerns about them lifting over time.
One of the standout features of this screen is its remarkable claimed maximum brightness of 2,400 nits. To put this in perspective, it outshines competing models such as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which peak at 2,000 nits in high brightness mode. This extreme brightness is particularly useful in situations like direct sunlight, ensuring that your screen remains visible and legible even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
The Super Actua display boasts a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9, with a maximum color depth of 24 bits or 16 million colors. Furthermore, it achieves an impressive pixel density of 489 pixels per inch. In practical terms, beyond the technical specifications, the screen impresses with its natural and well-calibrated colors, offering a visually pleasing experience.
In terms of durability, the display is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, known for its robust resistance to damage and scratches. While its long-term resilience will require real-world testing over time, the initial signs suggest that Google has taken measures to ensure that your display remains in pristine condition.
Performance
The introduction of Google’s Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8 Pro has certainly raised expectations for increased performance and improved efficiency. It features a 9-core processor, a configuration tailored to handle various tasks efficiently.
The Tensor G3 chip includes one Cortex-A3 core clocked at a speedy 2.91 GHz, which is designed to tackle the most demanding tasks. Accompanying this is a cluster of four Cortex-A715 cores, clocked at 2.37 GHz, ready to handle tasks that require substantial processing power. In addition, there are four Cortex-A510 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz, which are optimized for less resource-intensive tasks. This multi-core approach aims to offer a balanced and responsive user experience.
The GPU within the Tensor G3 chip is the Mali-G715, a successor to the Mali-G710 found in the previous Tensor G2 chip. While the improvements in the GPU might not be groundbreaking, they still contribute to enhanced graphical performance.
However, it’s worth noting that Google took a rather unique approach by blocking benchmark applications ahead of the official release. This means that users had to resort to using benchmarks through APK files, which can sometimes yield unpredictable results. On Antutu, the benchmark score increased from 817,402 to 893,439, marking an 8.5% improvement. Although this is a welcome boost, it falls short of the 20% performance gain that some might have hoped for. Notably, Google didn’t emphasize raw performance during the product’s launch, shifting its focus towards the significant enhancement in AI processing.
One crucial aspect of this chip’s improvement lies in its enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities. Google has allocated more resources to improve the management of applications reliant on AI. This means that tasks involving artificial intelligence, such as image recognition and language processing, should see substantial enhancements in efficiency and speed.
In terms of heat management, the Pixel 8 Pro does exhibit some warmth under certain conditions, but it seems less dramatic than previous iterations.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Sound
In the Pixel 8 Pro, you’ll find a robust primary speaker located at the bottom of the phone. Regrettably, this speaker is positioned in a way that directs sound to the side rather than towards the user. The second speaker, dedicated primarily to calls, is notably weaker. This audio configuration means that depending on the orientation of the phone when watching videos or consuming any media, the sound coming from the bottom often overshadows the secondary speaker. This has become an unfortunate norm in many smartphones today, where audio experiences have shifted away from the immersive stereo sound of yesteryears.
On the brighter side, when it comes to the microphone, the Pixel 8 Pro excels. The quality of the microphone is top-notch for a smartphone, opening the door to various functionalities, including real-time transcription and translation.
AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a feature but the very core of this new Pixel smartphone. Running on Android 14, it’s packed with innovative features, particularly in the photo and video domain, where AI takes center stage.
One remarkable addition is the introduction of a temperature sensor, a unique sensor that adds an entirely new dimension to the phone’s capabilities.
Moreover, the Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t just stop at AI-driven photography and videography enhancements. It comes bundled with a free VPN, an invaluable addition to ensure your online privacy and security.
But that’s not all. Google dropped a bombshell by announcing that both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro would receive software updates for a staggering 7 years. This means they will be future-proofed all the way up to Android 21, a remarkable commitment to longevity and user satisfaction.
Camera
The Google Pixel 7 Pro had already set a high bar in the world of smartphone photography, often emerging victorious in face-to-face comparisons.
The Pixel 8 Pro enhances its dedicated zoom sensor to a remarkable 48 megapixels, but what truly stands out is the substantial growth in sensor size, capturing 121% more light than its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro. This upgrade becomes evident when comparing the two devices, as the Pixel 8 Pro showcases a noticeable improvement in low-light performance and overall image quality.
In ideal lighting conditions, the Pixel 8 Pro’s primary sensors deliver exceptional results, but the true highlight is the remarkable color consistency when transitioning between the various zoom levels, from 0.5x to 1x and all the way up to 5x zoom. This consistency ensures that your photos maintain a cohesive color palette, providing a seamless visual experience.
While excelling in daylight is expected, the Pixel 8 Pro truly shines in challenging conditions, showcasing its superior performance. A direct comparison between the 30x zoom of the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro under indoor lighting conditions makes it clear who the winner is, with the Pixel 8 Pro offering significantly better image quality. It’s worth noting that the Pixel 8 Pro may have a reduced zoom range compared to its predecessor, but the improved sensor more than compensates for this.
Moving into nighttime photography, the Pixel 8 Pro continues to astound. It particularly excels when a tripod is employed, as it allows for extended exposures directly within the camera app. The night mode performs admirably, and the zoom, with its larger sensor, delivers richer colors and greater detail in challenging lighting conditions.
For the selfie enthusiasts, it’s worth mentioning that on rare occasions, photos taken with the front camera may appear slightly blurry. This issue is infrequent and can often be resolved by taking multiple shots. Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro is the only smartphone to feature autofocus on the front camera, an innovation that has the potential to enhance selfie photography.
Battery life
For users who engage in heavy usage, the Pixel 8 Pro provides the comfort of a full day’s worth of power. Google even offers an option to reduce screen resolution, choosing 1008p over the native 1344p.
The inclusion of Always on Display, a feature that consumes relatively little battery, adds to the convenience of using the Pixel 8 Pro without the constant worry of power depletion. However, it’s important to note that when the screen brightness is set to high levels, especially in outdoor conditions requiring maximum visibility, the battery might drain more rapidly.
In general, the Pixel 8 Pro offers more than satisfactory battery life for the majority of users, and it typically retains about 30% of its charge at the end of an intensive day.
One area of slight disappointment is the charging speed. Google has maintained a maximum charging speed of 30 watts, without introducing an ultra-fast charging option. As a result, it takes approximately an hour and a half to fully charge the battery. Wireless charging, on the other hand, can reach speeds of up to 23 watts, but this requires the use of the second-generation charging dock, which comes at an additional cost.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Conclusion
The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers a winning combination of power, a comfortable and ergonomic design, a superior quality screen, and remarkable photo and video capabilities.
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts notable improvements, largely due to its Tensor G3 chip and the significant advancements in artificial intelligence integration. This combination propels it to new heights in terms of overall performance and, particularly, its camera capabilities.
While the device offers solid battery life that can easily last a day for most users, it’s essential to point out that charging speed remains a slight area for improvement. The Pixel 8 Pro would benefit from a more rapid charging option, particularly as users increasingly demand speedy power replenishment.
The Pixel 8 Pro is a testament to Google’s commitment to excellence and innovation. With its unique strengths and areas for growth, the Pixel 8 Pro reinforces Google’s position as a prominent player in the world of smartphones.
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