• Google Pixel 8 Review

    Google Pixel 8 Review: A Deeper Dive into Design, Display, and Longevity Over Pixel 7

    Daven Toumar Posted on

    The Google Pixel 8 series has entered the scene, promising a range of enhancements and improvements over the previous generation, particularly in the Pixel 8 Pro. In this in-depth review, our focus will be on the standard Pixel 8.

    This review aims to explore every facet of the Pixel 8, from its design and display to performance, camera capabilities, software, and overall user experience. Check out the latest price: Google Pixel 8.

    Design:

    Upon first inspection, the Pixel 8‘s design appears to follow the footsteps of its predecessor, the Pixel 7, with the iconic large camera bar on the rear. However, a notable deviation from the norm is the decision to adopt a flat display on the front, a departure from the curved display found on the Pixel 7.

    While the Pixel 7 Pro underwent a transformation with a new matte finish, the standard Pixel 8 continues to sport a glossy exterior, a decision that might disappoint users concerned about fingerprint smudges.

    Despite this minor setback, the Pixel 8 maintains a premium feel in hand, a characteristic synonymous with the Pixel line. It’s available in three distinct colors – Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose, with the Hazel model under review.

    Display:

    The display on the Pixel 8, albeit slightly smaller than that of the Pixel 7, introduces several noteworthy improvements. It features an OLED display with a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, surpassing the Pixel 7’s fixed 90 Hz rate. Additionally, the display is brighter, boasting a peak brightness of 2400 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor environments.

    While the resolution remains at 1080p, the display delivers crisp and detailed visuals. The decision to prioritize a higher refresh rate over a higher resolution is commendable, contributing to an enhanced user experience.

    Performance:

    Under the hood, the Pixel 8 houses Google’s new Tensor G3 processor, promising a performance boost and unlocking new AI features. In everyday usage, the device delivers smooth performance, though it lags behind some competitors, such as the chip found in the iPhone 15.

    While the Tensor G3 excels in AI capabilities, it would be beneficial for future iterations to place a heavier emphasis on basic performance. Despite this, the Tensor chip does exhibit better power efficiency, contributing to an overall improvement in battery life.

    Software:

    The software experience has long been a highlight of Pixel phones, and the Pixel 8 continues this tradition. Running on Android 14 with the Pixel Android skin layered on top, the interface is sleek, user-friendly, and responsive.

    Google’s commitment to providing seven years of operating system updates sets a new standard in the Android world, surpassing competitors. This, coupled with the overall well-designed software experience, makes the Pixel 8 an attractive option for those deeply entrenched in Google’s ecosystem.

    Battery Life and Charging:

    One of the standout features of the Pixel 8 is its enhanced battery life, easily lasting through a full day of moderate use. It often concludes the day with around 50% battery remaining, outperforming the Pixel 7.

    Charging the device is straightforward, supporting wired charging at 24 W, albeit a bit slow, and wireless charging at 12 W with a Qi wireless charger or 18 W with the Pixel Stand. The combination of better battery life and flexible charging options adds considerable value to the Pixel 8.

    Camera:

    Turning our attention to the rear, the Pixel 8’s camera setup consists of a 150 MP main camera and an 11-12 MP ultrawide camera. While lacking a telephoto lens present in the Pro model, Google’s digital zoom processing proves commendable in both well-lit and low-light environments.

    The addition of AI-based camera features, including the Magic Editor and Best Take, enhances the overall photography experience. These features empower users with creative tools for image editing and optimization, further solidifying the Pixel’s reputation for excellent camera capabilities.

    • Pros:

    • Enhanced Design Continuity: The Pixel 8 maintains the sleek design language of its predecessor, offering a premium feel in hand. The flat display design, though reminiscent of the Pixel 7, brings a touch of familiarity, while the three available colors provide users with more customization options.
    • Upgraded Display Technology: The Pixel 8’s OLED display, with its variable refresh rate ranging from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, surpasses the fixed 90 Hz rate of the Pixel 7. The increased peak brightness of 2400 nits ensures better visibility in various lighting conditions, contributing to an improved overall viewing experience.
    • Tensor G3 Processor: The introduction of Google’s Tensor G3 processor provides a performance boost, enabling new AI features. While the day-to-day performance might not exhibit a significant difference, the Tensor chip’s focus on AI processing contributes to improved power efficiency, enhancing overall battery life.
    • Extended Battery Life: The Pixel 8 boasts better battery life, easily lasting through a full day of moderate use. The combination of improved power efficiency from the Tensor G3 processor and a larger battery contributes to an extended lifespan between charges, a notable improvement over the Pixel 7.
    • Camera Innovations: The dual-camera setup, featuring a 150 MP main camera and an 11-12 MP ultrawide camera, delivers excellent image quality. The addition of AI-based camera features, such as the Magic Editor and Best Take, enhances the photography experience, offering creative tools for image editing and optimization.
    • Seven Years of OS Updates: Google’s commitment to providing seven years of operating system updates sets the Pixel 8 apart in the Android world. This longevity promise not only future-proofs the device but also surpasses competitors, making it an attractive option for users seeking long-term software support.
    • Premium Software Experience: The Pixel 8 runs on Android 14 with the Pixel Android skin, providing a sleek, user-friendly interface. Google’s attention to software design, coupled with the responsiveness of the device, ensures a premium software experience that remains one of the key strengths of Pixel phones.

    • Cons:

    • Glossy Finish: Unlike the Pixel 8 Pro, the standard Pixel 8 retains a glossy finish, making it prone to fingerprints and smudges. This design choice might be a drawback for users who appreciated the matte finish introduced in the Pro model.
    • Performance Gap with Competitors: While the Tensor G3 processor enhances AI capabilities, the Pixel 8 lags behind some competitors in terms of basic performance, particularly compared to the chip in the iPhone 15 and other top-of-the-line Android phones. Future iterations of the Tensor chip may need to focus more on overall performance improvements.
    • Lack of Telephoto Lens: The absence of a telephoto lens in the Pixel 8 might be a disappointment for users who value optical zoom capabilities. While the digital zoom processing is commendable, having a dedicated telephoto lens could have further expanded the device’s photography versatility.
    • Moderate Charging Speed: The wired charging speed of 24 W, while functional, might be considered a bit slow compared to some competitors. Users who prioritize quick charging might find this aspect of the Pixel 8 slightly lacking.

    Reasons to Upgrade from Pixel 7:

    Improved Display: The Pixel 8 features an upgraded OLED display with a variable refresh rate and higher peak brightness, offering a more vibrant and responsive viewing experience compared to the Pixel 7.

    Enhanced Performance: The Tensor G3 processor in the Pixel 8, while not drastically changing day-to-day performance, brings new AI features and contributes to better power efficiency, resulting in improved overall battery life compared to the Pixel 7.

    Extended Battery Life: The Pixel 8 demonstrates better battery life, ensuring it lasts through a full day of use with significant charge remaining, a notable improvement over the Pixel 7.

    Camera Innovations: The dual-camera setup and new AI-based camera features in the Pixel 8 provide an improved photography experience, giving users creative tools for image editing and optimization that were not present in the Pixel 7.

    Seven Years of OS Updates: The Pixel 8‘s commitment to seven years of OS updates surpasses the Pixel 7, offering users a more extended period of software support and future-proofing the device.

    Refined Design: While maintaining the familiar design language of Pixel phones, the Pixel 8 introduces a flat display and subtle design tweaks, offering a fresh yet familiar feel in hand.

     

    In conclusion, the Google Pixel 8 brings a host of significant upgrades, ranging from a refined design and improved display to a more robust processor and enhanced camera features.

    The device excels in delivering a premium software experience, backed by an impressive commitment to seven years of OS updates. While the upgrades might appear incremental for Pixel 7 users, those with older Pixel models will find the Pixel 8 a compelling and worthwhile upgrade. In summary, the Pixel 8 successfully builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, offering a well-rounded and immersive smartphone experience that is sure to captivate users. Check out the latest price: Google Pixel 8.

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Daven Toumar
    I'm a Tech. passionate. I do follow all the brand's new products... discussing them, and analyzing them, Sometimes, I thank, and sometimes I criticize some feature or all the feature. I'm here to give a fully unbiased review, not to sell something to anyone, or for anyone.
    View all posts