The Google Pixel 8 Pro review unfolds with a peek at Google’s flagship, the Google Pixel 8 series lineup. This smartphone is more than basic. It unveils a myriad of Google Pixel 8 Pro features, blending elegance and AI performance. Interestingly, the AI features are the highlight of this phone as the whole launch event was mostly about AI features. The Google Pixel 8 Pro design screams premium, marking its spot in the Google phone lineup. The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro pre-orders are available with early sale offers, including free Pixel Watch 2.
The magic lies in the Google Pixel 8 Pro camera. Each click tells a vivid story with AI tools such as the Magic Editor. A Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on session reveals a reliable AI digital companion. The Google Pixel 8 Pro price reflects the new AI with software integration and camera features it offers. Therefore, making the Pixel 8 Pro phone more than just a smartphone. We used AI a lot to describe it, but really, it’s what the 8 Pro is all about. Moreover, we witnessed a river of leaks about Pixel 8 series, unboxing video, price leaks, feature leaks, Geekbench score, before its official launch.
Pixel 8 Pro Review
Being an Android phone, it ranks among the best Android phones, showcasing a blend of AI software features and user-centric design. The variety of Google Pixel 8 Pro colors offers a pleasing palette. As the Pixel 8 Pro pre-order buzz grows, potential buyers are on their toes. Advantage of getting latest Android 14 OS updates first-hand and OS updates up to 7 years, is pleasing for Android users. Plus, there is now a 7-year support period for phone’s parts.
In this review, we’ll dissect each feature, explore every spec, and delve into the user experience. This will provide a full understanding of what the Pixel 8 Pro offers. As we unravel this new Pixel smartphone, we aim to give a comprehensive insight into Google’s latest venture in the smartphone market.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro at a Glance
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G, Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| Release Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Price | Starting at $999.00 |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Actua Display, 1344 x 2992 pixels, up to 120Hz refresh rate |
| Storage / RAM | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | Triple: 50MP (main), 48MP (ultrawide), 48MP (telephoto with 5x optical zoom) |
| Battery | 5,050 mAh |
| Wireless Charging | 23W with 2nd gen Pixel Stand, standard Qi wireless charging at 12W |
| Other Features | Wi-Fi 7, New Temperature Sensor, Enhanced Google Assistant Features |
Pixel 8 Pro Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Camera Features: Revolutionary camera features enhancing both photo and video capturing experience.
- Google Assistant: New capabilities bring a level of smartness that feels intuitive and helpful in daily tasks.
- Software Support: Significant with 7 years of updates, a game-changer in smartphone industry.
- Design: New matte finish design not only looks sleek but also provides a better grip.
- User Experience: Android 14 introduces exclusive features that provide a smoother and smarter user experience. More AI camera and video tools, Magic Editor.
Cons
- Storage: Starting storage of 128GB may feel restrictive to power users, especially at the high price point. No microSD support for expandable storage.
- Camera Cover: Single piece of glass covering the camera is a step back in design, making it prone to damage.
- Temperature Sensor: Practicality is questionable and might not find much use in daily scenarios.
- Performance Benchmarking: Despite the powerful Tensor G3 chipset, competition with rivals remains a challenge. The focus is more on AI software and user experience rather than high-end performance.
- Wireless Charging: Speed didn’t see an improvement, stuck at 23W.
Pixel 8 Pro Unboxing
The Pixel 8 Pro package includes a USB-C cable, an adapter, and a brief instruction manual. Beyond these items, the box doesn’t house anything extra, a characteristic shared with the Pixel 8 as revealed in its leaked unboxing video.
The Design
When it comes to making a statement, the Google Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t shy away. The first thing that caught my eye was its new matte finish. Unlike the previous glossy finish, the matte texture offers a more grippy feel which is a pleasant change. This small but noticeable change reduces the chances of the Pixel 8 Pro phone slipping out of your hand, a smart move considering the premium feel of this Google phone.
However, not all design changes were met with applause. The decision to revert back to a single piece of glass for its triple camera setup raised eyebrows. Having experienced a shattered glass on the Pixel 6 Pro, the two separate pieces of glass on the Pixel 7 Pro was a welcomed improvement. Going back to a single glass piece in the Pixel 8 Pro seemed like a step back, making the camera setup more vulnerable to damages. It’s advisable to invest in a camera cover case to provide that extra layer of protection, considering the Google Pixel 8 Pro price tag.
IP68 Waterproof Rating
The design doesn’t take a radical departure from its predecessors, maintaining a solid construction that feels premium in hand. The IP68 rating reassures that the phone can withstand dust and water, a standard in today’s flagship phones. This solid build quality, coupled with its elegant aesthetics, makes the Google Pixel 8 Pro a serious contender in the best Android phones market, especially for those who appreciate a good blend of form and function in their Pixel 8 Pro review.
Display Quality
When it comes to the display, the Pixel 8 Pro sports a 6.7-inch Super Actua Display with a resolution of 1,344 x 2,992 pixels. The display is touted to reach a brightness of 1,600 nits with HDR and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits. This is a substantial upgrade from the Pixel 7 Pro, which struggled with lower brightness levels.
The enhanced brightness levels promise better visibility under direct sunlight, which was a concern with the previous model. The 20:9 screen aspect ratio remains unchanged, making one-handed use still a challenge for some users. However, the sharpness and vibrancy of the display are bound to make media consumption and gaming a delightful experience.
Pixel 8 Pro Review: Refresh Rate and Performance
The display’s refresh rate can scale from 1 to 120Hz, aiming to provide a smoother user experience while also being mindful of battery consumption. The higher refresh rate is especially beneficial while gaming or navigating through the UI, providing a buttery smooth experience.
The design and display of the Pixel 8 Pro review indicate a thoughtful approach by Google in enhancing user experience. The new matte finish, the improved brightness levels, and the adaptable refresh rate are features that current and potential Pixel users will appreciate. While the color options could be more extensive, the existing palette is elegant and sophisticated.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Colors
The color options available are Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay. Though the choices are limited, the Bay color is particularly charming, adding a unique touch to the overall aesthetics of the phone. This color variety somewhat caters to different tastes, making the Google Pixel 8 Pro a fashionable accessory in addition to being a powerful smartphone.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro stays true to its roots in design while attempting to offer something new. The matte finish and the unique color option of Bay are steps in the right direction, although the single glass piece for the camera setup might be a concern for some. The build quality remains top-notch, making the phone a sturdy companion for daily use.
A Camera Setup Built for Pro Users
One of the main attractions of the Google Pixel 8 Pro is undoubtedly its camera setup. The Pixel line has always been known for its camera capabilities, but with the Pixel 8 Pro, Google takes it a notch higher. This smartphone boasts a triple camera arrangement on the back, consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This trio is poised to tackle various photography scenarios, making it a versatile choice for shutterbugs.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro camera now features full manual controls for both photos and videos, a much-anticipated feature for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Now, adjusting the ISO, shutter speed, and white balance to get that perfect shot or video is within reach. The 24fps video capture adds a cinematic touch to your recordings, a feature usually found in professional camera setups.
The upgrade from a 12-megapixel to a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera is a significant leap. This jump translates to sharper images with more details, especially in wide-angle shots. Coupled with its 5x zoom camera, capturing distant subjects clearly is less of a hassle. While some might argue that a more extended zoom range could have been better, the existing setup still holds its ground in the Pixel 8 Pro phone category.
Pixel 8 Pro Camera Detailed Review
Google’s claim of better low light photography, sharper selfies, and its best zoom yet, sets high expectations. The new photo and video features like Magic Editor, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, and Video Boost, are not just fancy names but practical tools that could make a significant difference in how you capture and edit content right on your Pixel 8 Pro phone.
The Magic Editor, for instance, allows you to isolate and move subjects within a photo seamlessly, a feature that could save the day when you’re trying to get that perfect family photo with everyone smiling. Audio Magic Eraser, on the other hand, can be a lifesaver when recording videos in noisy environments, as it helps to minimize or eliminate unwanted background noises.
Our Pixel 8 Pro review underscores the holistic upgrade with both hardware and software working hand in hand to deliver a superior camera experience. It’s clear that with the Pixel 8 Pro, Google is targeting not just the average smartphone user, but also professionals and camera enthusiasts who want more control and better results from their smartphone cameras.
Manual Controls and New Features
The Pixel 8 Pro review revealed that Google didn’t just stop at hardware upgrades. The smartphone introduces full manual controls for both photos and videos, a feature avid photographers and videographers will appreciate. This level of control allows users to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, among other settings, enabling a more refined control over the shot or video being taken.
In addition to manual controls, the Pixel 8 Pro flaunts new photo and video features that enhance the user experience. The Magic Editor feature allows users to isolate and move subjects within a photo almost seamlessly. For instance, if you have a photo of a child trying to reach a basketball hoop, Magic Editor can help move the child closer to the hoop in the image. Another exciting feature is Best Take, which helps users choose the best faces for a group photo by analyzing other photos and offering options. This feature is a lifesaver when trying to capture that perfect family photo where everyone is smiling and has their eyes open.
Audio and Video Enhancements
The Audio Magic Eraser feature is a useful feature for videographers. It helps to minimize or eliminate unwanted background noises in video recordings, delivering a cleaner audio output. This feature can be a boon in situations where ambient noises could ruin a perfect shot.
The Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t disappoint in the video department either. With the introduction of 24fps video capture, users can now achieve a cinematic look in their videos. Moreover, the option to shoot in both JPEGs and RAW gives creators more flexibility in post-production.
Performance: Where Hardware Meets Software
The heart of the Pixel 8 Pro’s performance lies in the Google Tensor G3 chip, touted as the most potent chip by the company to date. While it’s a promising declaration, the real-world application of this chip is what most users are keen on. The comparison with rival chips like Apple’s A17 Pro and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is inevitable, and the Pixel 8 Pro has a hill to climb to prove its mettle.
The call screening feature, for instance, showcases the natural language response prowess of the Tensor G3 chip. It’s fascinating how it can screen calls with an AI-generated voice that sounds utterly human, providing contextual options for responses. This Pixel 8 Pro review would be incomplete without mentioning the “Fix It” feature, which is a boon for those who type on the go. It’s like having a Grammarly extension built right into your phone, checking your grammar as you type along.
Pixel 8 Pro Features and Performance Expectations
With the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8 Pro has set high expectations in performance. While the chip flaunts a more complex machine learning model compared to its predecessor, its real test will be in handling everyday tasks and operations efficiently. Key questions remain on its rendering speed compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and its gaming performance against the iPhone 15 Pro Max. These performance metrics will be crucial in establishing the Pixel 8 Pro’s standing in the high-end smartphone market.
Google AI Integration
A remarkable aspect of the Pixel 8 Pro review is the evident leap in AI integration, bringing a suite of handy, smart features to the user. The Google Assistant now plays a more vital role, showcasing impressive capabilities that significantly differentiate the Pixel 8 Pro from other Android phones.
For instance, the enhanced call screening feature makes the Assistant sound incredibly human-like when answering calls on your behalf. The provided demo showcased an AI-generated voice so natural; it was almost indistinguishable from a human voice. This feature isn’t just about screening calls; it also provides contextual options for the user to choose a response, almost like having a personal assistant managing your calls.
Grammar and Language Support
Another noteworthy feature is the “Fix It” functionality that helps correct grammar as you type, much like having Grammarly built into your phone. This feature is particularly useful for those who type fast and need a quick grammar check without switching apps.
Furthermore, the multiple language support with dictation is a boon for multilingual households. It allows for seamless dictation in mixed languages without having to change the keyboard settings, showing a deep understanding of diverse user needs.
Summarizing Text
A feature that stands out is the ability to get text summaries from Google Assistant. With just a squeeze of the phone, Google Assistant can summarize long passages of text, saving the user time and making information consumption more efficient.
Wi-Fi 7 Support: A Future-Proof Feature
A little surprise comes with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 support, which, although might be overlooked by an average user, holds significant promise for streaming and large file downloads. This feature adds a layer of futureproofing to the Pixel 8 Pro, albeit requiring a Wi-Fi 7 router to take full advantage.
The Pixel 8 Pro’s Temperature Sensor
The Pixel 8 Pro introduces a quirky temperature sensor, nestled beneath the camera’s LED flash on the back. Unlike body temperature tracking seen in some smartwatches, this sensor is designed to measure the temperature of objects. You need to specify the material—wood, glass, or metal—to get an accurate reading. The catch? It only works from a 2-inch distance. While an intriguing feature, its practicality seems limited when laser temperature guns and thermal cameras are at our disposal for similar purposes.
Battery Capacity
The Pixel 8 Pro steps up with a slightly larger 5,050 mAh battery, up from the 5,000 mAh one in the Pixel 7 Pro. Although it’s a modest increase, the real determinant of battery longevity will be the power efficiency of the new Tensor G3 chip and the Super Actua Display. This Pixel 8 Pro review reveals that a lot hinges on these two components to push the battery life to the desired levels, matching or even surpassing contemporaries.
Charging Speed
On the charging front, the Pixel 8 Pro maintains the same 23W wireless charging capability with the 2nd gen Pixel stand. Standard Qi wireless charging remains at 12W. While these charging speeds are not groundbreaking, Google claims that the phone can reach up to 50% charge in about 30 minutes using a 30W charger. This feature could be a lifesaver for users needing a quick battery top-up during a busy day.
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is a convenience feature that many have come to appreciate. However, the 23W wireless charging speed may not impress those accustomed to faster wireless charging solutions available in the market. The fact that the Pixel 8 Pro didn’t advance in this department may be seen as a missed opportunity to compete with the fast wireless charging solutions provided by other flagship models.
The Pixel 8 Pro is presented with a challenge to optimize the battery performance, ensuring that the larger battery and the software optimizations work hand in hand to provide a long-lasting battery experience. The Pixel 8 Pro review suggests that the integration of Android 14 and the power management features it brings could play a significant role in enhancing the battery life.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Outlook and Verdict
The Google Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t bring a revolutionary change in hardware. It keeps the familiar Pixel feel while attempting to address some of the concerns from its predecessor. However, the focus of this Pixel 8 Pro review has clearly been more on the software enhancements. Google’s AI prowess to provide a richer user experience may be a step in the right direction.
Comparing with Competitors
When pitted against its fierce competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the hardware might seem underwhelming. The price hike, although a universal trend, makes the Pixel 8 Pro a harder sell, especially for those who’ve been accustomed to the Pixel line for its relatively lower price point in the premium segment.
Software Enhancements and 7-Year Service
The massive emphasis on software, backed by Google’s AI, might be a smart move. It’s the subtle nuances like the enhanced Google Assistant, Call Screen, Fix It, and multilingual support that enrich the user experience. The pledge of 7 years of software and security updates sets a new benchmark, ensuring the phone remains relevant and secure for a longer period. Also, Google now offers a 7-year parts replacement for Pixel 8 series.
The Wi-Fi 7 support, although an understated feature, is a step towards future-proofing the device. It prepares the Pixel 8 Pro for faster internet speeds. As Wi-Fi 7 routers becomes a commonplace, it can help users enjoy seamless streaming and quicker downloads.
Pixel 8 Pro Price, Availability, and Offers
Google has bumped up the price for its latest flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro. Now, it’s tagged at $999, a clear $100 jump from last year’s Pixel 7 Pro priced at $899. It’s a bit of a stretch, especially when you realize the starting storage hasn’t budged from 128GB. When you put it next to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, which now kicks off with a 256GB storage for $1,199, it puts things into perspective.
The doors for pre-ordering the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro swung open on October 4. They’ll grace the shelves and online platforms on October 12. If 128GB sounds like a tight squeeze, you’ve got options. The Pixel 8 Pro is also rolling out in 256GB, 512GB, and a 1TB storage variants, priced at $1,059, $1,119, and $1,219 respectively.
Here’s a sweetener – snagging a Pixel 8 Pro on pre-order lands you a free Pixel Watch 2. It’s a tempting cherry on top, making the Google Pixel 8 Pro price a bit easier to swallow. So, while you’re parting with more greenbacks, you’re also roping in more value, especially if you had an eye on the Pixel Watch 2.
Pre-order Google Pixel 8 Pro on Amazon and get free Pixel Watch 2.
Final Verdict
In wrapping up this Pixel 8 Pro review, it’s apparent that Google has made a deliberate shift to cater to the pro user market with significant software enhancements and camera upgrades. While the hardware hasn’t seen a radical overhaul, the software experience is where the Pixel 8 Pro shines. Making it a compelling option for those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem. Or those seeking pro-grade camera features in a smartphone. The price might be a hurdle for some. But for others, the enriched software experience and AI integration with camera functionalities might just tip the scale in favor of the Pixel 8 Pro.
Pre-order Google Pixel 8 Pro on Amazon and get free Pixel Watch 2.
Buy Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G -18% price $449.9 on Amazon.
Recommended Reading:
Google Pixel Watch 2 Smartwatch: New Features, Release Date, and Price
Google Pixel 8 Release Date, Specs, and Price: What We Know So Far
iPhone 15 Pro Review: Is It Worth the Hype? In-Depth Analysis
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