The transition from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7 series may have seemed rather modest, but the launch of the 8 series stands out with a multitude of fresh features and improved hardware. What’s particularly intriguing in this review is the altered approach to the smaller Pixel model. One of the standout alterations in the standard Pixel 8 for this year is its reduced size. The Pixel 8 has noticeably downsized, primarily due to its smaller 6.2-inch display, and additional design adjustments have further contributed to the reduction in weight and dimensions.
At the core of the new Pixel 8 series lies the cutting-edge Google Tensor G3 chipset, manufactured by Samsung on a 4nm process. This chipset is poised to deliver superior efficiency and enhanced performance when compared to its forerunners. Notably, it also addresses the long-standing issue of excessive heat generation that had plagued some previous models. Complementing the Google Tensor G3 is Google’s Titan M2 security chip and an improved NPU dedicated to handling AI-related tasks.
This year, particular emphasis is placed on the display department. While the Actua-branded LTPO OLED panel is exclusive to the Pro version, the standard Pixel 8 introduces a significant improvement over its predecessor. Though it lacks LTPO technology, it elevates the refresh rate to a commendable 120Hz, catching up to the industry standard that emerged in 2020. Moreover, the display is promoted as reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
The camera system has consistently been a standout feature for Pixel phones, and the 8 series maintains this tradition. Although the primary camera remains unchanged, this is not a drawback, given that the 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.31″ lens continues to deliver exceptional still images. However, there is a notable addition in the form of the new ultrawide snapper. While it retains its 12MP resolution and doesn’t quite reach the ultrawide capabilities of the 8 Pro, it now boasts autofocus, resulting in sharper overall photos and the ability to capture macro-level photography. Furthermore, this lens offers an expanded field of view.
There’s also a modest increase in battery capacity, now at 4,575 mAh. The battery now supports 27W of wired charging and 18W of wireless charging, which is somewhat unusual because it signifies a significant improvement in wired charging speed but a slight decrease in wireless charging speed. Notably, the Pixel 7 from the previous year supported 20W wireless charging.
Last but not least, Google is elevating its game in terms of software support. With the Pixel 8 series, Google is making a commitment to provide 7 years of OS and security updates. This surpasses the offerings of any other smartphone manufacturer at the moment, including Apple, whose latest iOS 17 is only accessible to iPhones that are no more than 5 years old.
While all of this may seem promising in theory, the true test lies in the specifics. So, read on to discover how the Pixel 8 stacks up against its competitors in various scenarios, and whether the 8 Pro justifies the additional cost over the standard 8.
Full Specifications:
- Body:Dimensions: 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 187 grams
Build: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes) - Display:Type: 6.20-inch OLED display
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
HDR Support: HDR10+
Brightness: 1400 nits (High Brightness Mode), 2000 nits (peak brightness)
Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 20:9
Pixel Density: 428 pixels per inch (PPI)
Additional Feature: Always-on display - Chipset:Processor: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
CPU Cores: Octa-core
1x 3.0 GHz Cortex-X3
4x 2.45 GHz Cortex-A715
4x 2.15 GHz Cortex-A510
GPU: Immortalis-G715s MC10 - Memory:RAM: 8GB
Storage Options: 128GB or 256GB
Storage Type: UFS 3.1
Operating System/Software: - Operating System: Android 14
Camera Setup: - Rear Cameras:
Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/1.31-inch sensor, 1.2µm pixels, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
Ultra Wide Angle Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, 126-degree field of view, 1/2.9-inch sensor, 1.25µm pixels, AF
Front Camera: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1-inch sensor, 1.22µm pixels
Video Recording:
Rear Camera: 4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Front Camera: 4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60fps - Battery:Capacity: 4575mAh
Charging: 27W wired charging (PD3.0, PPS) with 50% charge in 30 minutes (as advertised), 18W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging - Connectivity:Network: 5G
SIM: eSIM
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD support
NFC: Supported
Miscellaneous Features: - Fingerprint Reader: Under-display optical fingerprint sensor
Audio: Stereo speakers
Google Pixel 8 Price in India:₹ 75,999
