Google Releases Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro
October 5, 2023Google has released its latest crop of smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Choosing modest, evolutionary exterior improvements, the new devices are slightly better looking than their predecessors. The use of more premium metal finishes and a more neutral profile makes them easy on the eyes too.
The Pixel 8 looks a little smaller than the Pixel 7 but comes with a 6.2-inch Actua display that’s 42% brighter than that of of its predecessor. The Pro comes with a 6.7-inch Super Actua display, which happens to be the brightest one Google has ever produced.
Both phones are powered by Google’s tensor G3 (4nm) chipset. It works with the Titan M2 security chip to help protect your personnel information from sophisticated attacks. This also results in the Face Unlock feature meeting the highest Android biometric class. This now allows you to access comfortable banking and payment apps.
Pixel 8 Pro gets 12GB RAM and you can choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of UFS3.1 storage. Pixel 8 gets 8GB RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS3.1 storage. As such, both phones should offer snappy performance for most tasks.
Pixel 8 has satin metal finishes and a polished glass back. It comes in Rose Hazel and Obsidian. The Pro model has a polished aluminum frame, matte glass back and comes in Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian.
Pixel 8, Photo Credit: Google
On the back of the Pixel 8 Pro, there’s a new temperature sensor that lets you scan an object to gauge its temperature. Examples of these include checking to see if a pan is hot enough to start cooking or if the milk in a baby’s bottle is at the right temperature. Google has also applied with the FDA to allow the Pixel’s Thermometer app to take your temperature and save it to a Fitbit.
Better Cameras & Features
Both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro get more powerful camera hardware. The former gets a 50MP wide (with OIS), 12MP ultrawide and a 10.5MP selfie sensor. The latter on the other hand, gets a 50MP wide (with OIS), 48MP telephoto (with OIS), 48MP ultrawide and 10.5MP telephoto.
Google says that the Pixel 8 Pro can take better photos and videos in low-light settings. The larger ultrawide lens offers better Macro Focus while the telephoto lens captures 56% more light and takes 10x photos with superior results. The selfie camera now supports autofocus, which should produce the best results of any Pixel phone.
Pixel 8 Pro, photo credit: Google
Pixel 8 Pro also gets better pro controls in the camera app. This allows you tweak the shutter speed, ISO, 50MP photos throughout the zoom range and several others. The Best Take feature on this phone helps you take the best pictures possible by using the on-device algorithm to create a blended image from a series of photos that were taken. This makes sure that everyone looks their best.
Magic Editor in Google photos uses generative AI to boost details. It lets you reposition and resize subsets or use presets to improve the background. Audio Magic Eraser helps reduce audio distractions in your video like the whistling wind and noisy crowds. Machine learning models are used to separate sounds into distinct layers to control their levels.
Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 5,050mAh battery and supports 30W wired as well as 23W wireless charging. The Pixel 8 on the other hand gets a 4,575mAh unit with support for 27W wired and 18W wireless charging.
Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro Gets 7 Years Support From Google
Google has decided to follow in Samsung’s footsteps by promising to keep pushing upgrades and updates to its latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones for the next 7 years. This is great news for potential customers and far exceeds the support offered by the Korean smartphone make.
The updates will include improvements to safety, security, camera and various feature enhancements to apps like Night Sight, Call Assist, Magic Eraser and Recorder. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which are the first devices to ship with Android 14, will also receive hardware support and parts supply for the next 7 years to match the software commitment.
If you’re interested in these phones, then you’ll be happy to know that the Pixel 8 can be pre-ordered today starting at $699 and Pixel 8 Pro from $999. If you do buy the Pixel 8 Pro, Google will throw in a Pixel Watch 2 for free. Both phones will hit shelves on October 12th in select markets around the world. Check with Google to know if they’re available in your region.
