Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Full Review

 Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro mark the latest addition to its lineup of smartphones. Both devices bring enhancements in design, performance, and software, especially with new AI-driven features and improved hardware. Here’s a detailed review:

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1. Design & Build

Pixel 8: The design is sleek and compact with a 6.2-inch flat OLED display, making it slightly smaller than the Pixel 7. The frame is aluminum, and the back is made of Gorilla Glass Victus, giving it a premium feel. It’s comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand.

Pixel 8 Pro: The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a matte finish on the back, which reduces fingerprints and provides a more refined look. It retains the distinctive camera bar, which makes it recognizable as a Pixel device.

Colors:

Pixel 8: Rose, Hazel, and Obsidian.

Pixel 8 Pro: Bay, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Durability: Both models have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

2. Display

Pixel 8: 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. Bright and sharp with excellent color reproduction, offering a smooth scrolling experience.

Pixel 8 Pro: 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED with adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. It has better peak brightness (up to 2400 nits) and slightly improved color accuracy, especially in direct sunlight.

3. Performance

Both phones are powered by Google’s new Tensor G3 chip, which focuses on enhancing AI and machine learning capabilities. It provides better performance than its predecessor, with faster app launches, smoother gaming, and improved multitasking.

RAM & Storage:

Pixel 8: 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage options.

Pixel 8 Pro: 12GB RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options.

Software: Both phones come with Android 14 out of the box, promising 7 years of OS and security updates, a significant upgrade from previous models. Google’s clean Android experience is paired with several new AI features, including Assistant with Bard, photo enhancement, and real-time translations.

4. Camera

Google continues to focus heavily on its camera technology:

Pixel 8:

Main Camera: 50MP with improved image processing.

Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP, with a wider field of view than Pixel 7.

Front Camera: 10.5MP with better low-light performance.

Pixel 8 Pro:

Main Camera: 50MP sensor with new software features like "Super Res Zoom" for up to 30x zoom.

Ultra-Wide Camera: 48MP, which doubles as a macro camera.

Telephoto Camera: 48MP with 5x optical zoom and improved digital zoom.

Front Camera: 10.5MP, the same as the Pixel 8.

New Camera Features:

Best Take: Combine elements from multiple photos to get the best expression for each person.

Magic Editor: Enhanced editing that lets users rearrange subjects, change backgrounds, and add objects.

Pro Controls (Pixel 8 Pro): Manual settings for exposure, ISO, and focus, which give photographers more creative control.

5. Battery & Charging

Pixel 8: 4,575mAh battery, supporting fast charging (27W wired) and wireless charging (18W).

Pixel 8 Pro: 5,050mAh battery with slightly faster charging speeds (30W wired, 23W wireless).

Google claims over 24 hours of battery life with standard use, and up to 72 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode. The new Battery Health feature helps users track the long-term health of their battery.

6. Unique AI Features

The Tensor G3 chip enables a variety of new AI-driven functionalities:

Audio Magic Eraser: Removes background noise from videos to make the main audio clearer.

Call Screen & Assistant with Bard: Improved spam detection and the ability to answer calls using AI-generated responses.

Real-Time Translations: Even more seamless translations for live conversations.

7. Pricing

Pixel 8: Starting at $699.

Pixel 8 Pro: Starting at $999.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Impressive AI features that enhance daily use.

High-quality cameras with useful new editing tools.

Smooth performance with the Tensor G3 chip.

7 years of updates for extended device longevity.

Bright and vibrant displays.

Cons:

Tensor G3 may still not compete with other

 flagship chips in raw performance.

No expandable storage.

Charging speeds are lower than some other flagship models.