Google Pixel 8 review: A better choice a year on

If 2023 was the 12 months of AI, the Pixel 8 and eight Professional showcase it greater than some other telephones. 

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

The common Pixel 8 will get all these options, however a lot 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 as a way to save a number of hundred kilos/{dollars}? Finally, that is dependent upon what you’re in search of in a cellphone.

It’s value noting that the Pixel 9 collection is now official, however this older mannequin is less expensive than its successor.

Design & Construct 

• Compact but premium design 
• Glass again attracts filth 
• 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 way in which throughout the highest of the cellphone. I’m not an enormous fan of the way in which it appears to be like, and however you’ll be able to’t argue it’s not distinctive. Digicam modules proceed to be one of many fundamental methods a cellphone stands out from the competitors, although you’ll have to put up with filth accumulating above and beneath the visor. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Whereas each the Pixel 8 telephones have glass backs, the common mannequin has a shiny end fairly than the matte on the 8 Professional. Even on the Hazel mannequin I examined, it started displaying fingerprint smudges and different filth 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.

Nonetheless, the Mint mannequin launched in January 2024 does look significantly good in official photographs.

Even so, I’d advocate 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 cellphone are outfitted 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 a bit of on the nook when falling out of a automobile). 

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

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

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

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

It means the facility button is awkwardly excessive on the suitable aspect, however it’s essential press and maintain each it and quantity as much as flip the cellphone 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 screen & Audio system 

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

The Pixel 8 can’t be thought-about a small cellphone, however it’s comparatively compact by fashionable requirements. Google has truly 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 itself doesn’t sound exceptional. We’ve seen 1080×2400 OLED panels many instances earlier than, however it nonetheless appears to be like nice on the Pixel 8, delivering wealthy, vibrant colors within the default ‘Adaptive’ mode. You possibly can simply swap this for the ‘Pure’ setting that’s simpler on the eyes, although – each look good. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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. A better decision could possibly be good, however I didn’t miss it; the Pixel 8’s display provides 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 the whole lot 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 alter right 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 might’ve finished a greater job with its implementation right here. 

However one factor I can don’t have 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. 

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

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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

Whereas not fairly as seamless as Apple’s Face ID, a key profit is that you simply don’t want a notch or large pill-shaped cutout, simply the same old 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 cellphone, with an honest quantity of element and stable mid-range frequencies.  

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

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 
• Superb efficiency 
• Solely 128- or 256GB of storage 

Google’s Tensor G3 chip is without doubt one of the fundamental upgrades on the Pixel 8 line, and it’s obtainable on each telephones. New AI capabilities are its fundamental 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 nervous.  

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

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

I used to be additionally shocked by how effectively it dealt with demanding cell video games, with the likes of Asphalt 9 and Name of Obligation: Cell working with none noticeable stuttering or dropped frames. Nonetheless, I’d nonetheless advocate a devoted gaming cellphone in the event you’re actually severe about it.  

Combining the Tensor G3 with that 120Hz refresh price means the whole lot feels very slick and responsive, albeit not fairly as fast 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 enlargement and round 18GB taken up with system information, it’s value paying the $60/£60 premium for 256GB in the event you’re in any respect uncertain. It’s a disgrace the 512GB and 1TB choices from the 8 Professional aren’t obtainable 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 assist. 

Cameras & Video 

• Very good fundamental and selfie cameras 
• First rate 12Mp ultrawide 
• No telephoto 
• Varied AI modifying options 

Cameras have all the time been the principle cause to purchase a Pixel cellphone, and that’s much more true on the Pixel 8. 

The 50Mp fundamental sensor is the first cause for this – it’s an identical to the Pixel 8 Professional, and a barely tweaked model of 50Mp discovered on the Pixel 7. Alongside Google’s excellent (arguably unmatched) software program processing, the Pixel 8 can’t be overwhelmed relating to point-and-shoot smartphone pictures. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / 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 constantly glorious, whether or not you’re capturing an expansive panorama or build up 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 in the event you don’t like what Google is doing right here, you’ll be able to all the time shoot in RAW and make guide adjustments your self. 

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

Night time Sight is obtainable 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 evening 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. After all, this isn’t fairly pretty much as good, however it does a exceptional job of preserving particulars, even on the most 8x. 

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

The software program additionally allows glorious portrait pictures, each from the principle and selfie cameras. Topics are crisp and well-lit, whereas edge detection is one of the 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 number 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 gaggle shot for one from one other picture taken across the identical time. I agree with my colleague Hannah that it feels dystopian, however can’t deny how effectively it truly works and could possibly be a ebook in the event you wrestle to get household pictures the place everyone seems to be smiling on the identical time. 

Then there’s Magic Editor, which lets you seamlessly change the scale and place of some topics in a photograph, or eliminate them fully. 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

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

However the Video Increase function is unique to the Pixel 8 Professional, so that you received’t get the improved high quality and Night time Sight assist 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 
• Wonderful consumer expertise 
• Seven years of updates 

The Pixel 8 and eight Professional are the primary telephones to run Android 14 out of the field. A lot 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 consumer expertise on the Pixel 8 is one of the best you’ll discover on any smartphone. It’s slick, clear and intuitive, and seems like the whole lot has a transparent place. That features the always-on show, which is straightforward and straightforward to see at a look.  

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

I additionally desire the rounded app icons and fast settings buttons, and you may add a pleasant splash of color through themes and wallpapers. The latter even helps generative AI, that means you’ll be able to create a wallpaper that’s utterly distinctive to you.  

Name screening stays a Pixel-exclusive function, and it’s a pleasant technique to filter out spam calls or shortly obtain a message (equivalent to a bundle arriving) with no need to reply. I additionally significantly benefit from the Now Taking part in function, which mechanically identifies songs which can be enjoying round you – even when offline.

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

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

That’s one of the best of any Android cellphone 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 concerning the Pixel 8. That speaks volumes concerning the high quality of the cellphone, because it received’t be a dealbreaker for many individuals, however I used to be anticipating higher.  

Google has outfitted the cellphone 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 anxiousness or activate battery saver mode in the direction of the tip of the day.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

On these heavy utilization days, with cell knowledge, location providers and excessive display brightness for a number of hours, you’ll have to discover a energy supply as night approaches. A rating of 10 hours and 49 minutes in PCMark’s battery take a look at is respectable, however it doesn’t replicate my real-world expertise. 

I feel there are a number of components at play right here. The primary is a battery capability that in all probability isn’t giant sufficient to assist such a robust, shiny cellphone. 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 one of the best battery life. 

Sadly, charging isn’t significantly better. The Pixel 8 is proscribed 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 cellphone reached 23% in quarter-hour and 44% after half an hour, with a full cost taking round 85 minutes. Some fashionable telephones cost virtually 3 times as quick. 

You do a minimum of get 18W Qi wi-fi charging, plus slower reverse wi-fi charging for some other cellphone which helps the Qi customary. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Worth & Availability

At launch, the Pixel 8 began at $699/£699. Nonetheless, following the launch of the Pixel 9, it now begins at £599 within the UK, although the US beginning worth hasn’t modified.

That will get you the 128GB mannequin I examined, however stepping as much as 256GB will now price you $759/£659. You should purchase 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 cellphone outright or on contract – see our devoted Pixel 8 offers article for the complete vary.

It’s value noting that the newer Pixel 9 is much more costly, beginning at $799/£799. However there are many different various in our information to one of the best smartphones.

Must you purchase the Google Pixel 8? 

That every one is dependent upon what you’re in search of. The Pixel 8 is an excellent smartphone, however it’s actually not proper for everybody.  

Very good fundamental 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 lens, and the ultrawide is a transparent step down. 

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

There aren’t any caveats to software program, with the wonderful Android 14 and an unimaginable seven years of OS and safety updates. However the mixture of disappointing battery life and gradual charging holds it again a bit of. 

And with so many options now unique to the Pixel 8 Professional, the common mannequin is far much less interesting. It’s positively 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 fundamental 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