Google Pixel 8 Pro Review – The Specs, Price and Verdict

The long-awaited day has finally arrived, marking the official launch of the best of pixel phones – the Google Pixel 8 Pro which is unveiled on October 4, 2023. This flagship device is a testament to Google’s unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in both hardware and software. With the Pixel 8 Pro, the company not only seeks to build upon the strengths of its predecessors but also introduces a captivating array of innovative features and capabilities.

In their promotional video, Google places a significant emphasis on two pivotal keywords: “AI” and “Photography.” And, without any exaggeration, the Google Pixel 8 Pro currently stands as the undisputed leader in the realm of smartphones when it comes to capturing stunning photographs.

It’s worth recalling that before the 8 series, the Google Pixel 7 Pro held the esteemed title of having the best smartphone camera in the industry. With the introduction of the 8 Pro, it becomes evident that Google aims to elevate the photography experience to an artistic level, almost akin to the works of a true master like Picasso.

This isn’t mere speculation or leaks anymore; we can now talk about the one and only smartphone meticulously engineered by Google.

Key Specs of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro Review

Display and Design

The Pixel 8 Pro appears to continue the design language of its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro. It retains the same overall dimensions and features a distinctive rear camera bar with a shiny metal finish against the glass back of the phone. However, a notable change is the arrangement of the cameras, which now seem to be housed in a single pill-shaped cutout. To the right of the cameras, there’s an additional sensor whose purpose remains unknown.

Speculation surrounds the additional sensor, with possibilities including LiDAR for augmented reality, depth sensing for portrait photography, or even a temperature sensor for health-related applications.

The display is expected to measure 6.7 inches and feature an LTPO OLED panel capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, adjustable for various scenarios, including an always-on display mode. There’s potential for Google to enhance contrast, color accuracy, and brightness, pushing it to around 2,400 nits for an even more vibrant visual experience.

The color options for the Pixel 8 Pro are Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay.

Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Cameras

The Pixel series is renowned for its exceptional camera capabilities, and the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to continue this tradition with some exciting changes. While the main camera is anticipated to remain at 50MP, it incorporates a 48MP sensor to capture more light, promising sharper details and improved low-light performance. Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro is the first Pixel phone capable of recording 8K video, thanks to the Tensor 3 chip.

The ultrawide camera receives an upgrade, offering more detailed wide-angle and macro shots. The 48MP telephoto camera could see software enhancements for better detail, color accuracy, and improved stabilization during zoomed-in shots.

The front-facing camera maintains a 10.5-megapixel resolution, with improvements likely through software enhancements.

A lot of features are introduced such as helping clean up blurry footage in fast-moving videos, the magic edit, etc., using AI-powered image processing. This will be a huge upgrade in the world of Android’s cameras against the iPhones.

Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Software

The Google Pixel 8 Pro runs on Android 14, which is Google’s latest iteration of the Android operating system. With this version, Google continues to refine and optimize the Android experience, bringing improvements in performance, security, and user interface.

One of the highlights of the Pixel series is the seamless integration of software and hardware, and the Pixel 8 Pro is no exception. Google’s custom-designed Google Tensor G3 chip is optimized to work harmoniously with the Android 14 operating system, offering a highly responsive and efficient user experience.

Google Assistant, a signature feature of Pixel devices, is smarter than ever on the Pixel 8 Pro. It can assist you with a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and setting reminders to providing translations and even controlling compatible smart home devices. Live Translate, a standout feature, enables real-time translation of languages, making it an invaluable tool for multilingual communication.

One of the key advantages of owning a Pixel device is the extended software support. Google has committed to providing 7 years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 8 Pro. This ensures that your device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for years to come, offering both peace of mind and a longer usable life for your smartphone.

Pixel 8 Pro’s Performance

At the heart of the Pixel 8 Pro lies the powerful Google Tensor G3 chip, built on a 4nm process. This custom-designed chip features a nine-core CPU configuration, including a Cortex-X3 core for high-performance tasks, Cortex-A715 cores for efficiency, and Cortex-A510 cores for everyday use. The Immortalis-G715s MC10 GPU ensures top-notch graphics performance for gaming and multimedia.

Paired with 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 8 Pro offers seamless multitasking and rapid app launches. Whether you’re navigating through demanding applications or enjoying resource-intensive games, the device is equipped to handle it all with finesse.

Storage and Memory

The Pixel 8 Pro offers generous storage options to cater to various user needs. It’s expected to start with a base storage of 128/256/515G/1TB ROM and 12G RAM, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. 

While some may consider this base storage as somewhat modest compared to competitors, Google’s extensive cloud storage offerings can supplement this capacity effectively. Users who require more storage can potentially opt for higher-tier configurations, but the specific details of these configurations haven’t been confirmed yet.

Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t have an SD card slot.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and the Pixel 8 Pro has a reliable and enduring battery capacity of 5020mAh. While the exact battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimizations, it’s safe to assume that the Pixel 8 Pro should easily last a full day on a single charge.

Charging options for the Pixel 8 Pro are expected to include 30W wired charging, which allows for speedy top-ups when you’re in a hurry. Additionally, the phone should support Qi-certified wireless charging, providing users with the convenience of cable-free charging. Given Google’s emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, the Pixel 8 Pro may come with energy-efficient features that optimize battery usage and reduce overall power consumption.

Sound, Connectivity, and Biometrics

Sound quality is enhanced by stereo speakers, delivering immersive audio experiences for media consumption and calls. While the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, it compensates for this with wireless audio options and USB Type-C connectivity.

In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 8 Pro supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, offering tri-band connectivity and Wi-Fi Direct for fast and stable connections. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures seamless pairing with accessories, and NFC enables contactless payments and quick data sharing.

Biometric security is handled by an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, providing quick and secure access to your device. The device may also include facial recognition technology for an additional layer of security.

• Network Technology

The Pixel 8 Pro offers comprehensive network compatibility, supporting GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G technologies. This ensures that you can stay connected with high-speed data access, regardless of your location.

Release Date and Price

Google has already teased the Pixel 8 Pro on YouTube, and a “Made By Google” event is scheduled for October 4th. It’s highly likely that we’ll witness the full unveiling of the Pixel 8 Pro during this event, with preorders expected to follow shortly after. Based on previous release patterns, the Pixel 8 Pro may hit the market around October 11th.

In terms of pricing, rumors suggest that the Google Pixel 8 Pro will cost $999 in the US, maintaining the same price point as its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro. In the UK, it’s expected to start at £1100, a slight increase from the Pixel 7 Pro’s initial price of £849. As for Australian pricing, it hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s projected to be around AU$1,299.

For the official price, always check the Google store

The Google Pixel 8 Pro really worth the value!

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is poised to be a flagship device that combines impressive hardware, a stunning display, powerful performance, and innovative features powered by AI. With its robust specifications and Google’s commitment to software updates, it aims to deliver a top-tier Android experience. As the official announcement date approaches, tech enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to experience the future of Android innovation in their hands.