Google is constant the custom of Pixel units and sticking to the two-device tactic: along the standard Pixel 8, the producer additionally provides a Pixel 8 Professional with a bigger battery, greater show and a zoom digicam. For the standard Pixel 8, Google depends upon shape issue and makes the system a lot more compact. A different function of the present Pixel collection is the prolonged replace make stronger: the producer plans to give you the units with new device for 7 years.
Google provides the Pixel 8 in 3 other colours: Hazel (grey), Obsidian (black) and Rose (purple). The smartphone is to be had with 128 or 256 GB of space for storing. Our check unit is black and has 128 GB.
Google has selected a matte steel body for the Pixel 8, which is split by way of antenna strips. Gorilla Glass Victus is used on the back and front. The show edges are even and pleasantly skinny. The Pixel 8 is IP68-protected towards ingresses of mud and water.
The cameras are housed within the Pixel-typical bar that obviously protrudes from the system. The truth that the digicam bar extends throughout all the width of the system implies that the system does now not wobble when put on a desk. The glass has a shiny end and is liable to fingerprints, and numerous mud additionally collects at the digicam hump.
Torsional pressure is excellent, however the system may also be simply compressed. This affect is strengthened by way of the truth that the system sounds reasonably hole when inputs are made at the show. The buttons have the everyday pixel association and the ability button is positioned above the amount rocker. The keys have a excellent force level, however also are reasonably free.
Google makes use of its personal SoC within the Pixel 8, the Tensor G3. The smartphone helps NFC and has twin SIM. A bodily SIM card may also be inserted and an eSIM may also be saved. The space for storing isn’t expandable. The producer installs a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port that helps the exFAT layout, however now not NTFS. This implies no symbol output is conceivable.
In our replica check with the Samsung 980 Professional in an Asus ROG Strix Arion case, the Pixel 8 accomplished a most pace of 102.15 MB/s. So the rate of the USB port is fairly gradual.
The Pixel 8 ships with Android 14. Google provides the system completely with its personal apps, so the machine is slightly lean and handiest 14 GB is occupied ex works. Vanilla Android is expanded with some Pixel options and apps, such because the Pixel Recorder, which is able to transcribe robotically. Key phrases can be utilized to seek for recordings. Automated name answering with the Google Assistant may be a Pixel-exclusive function.
Those purposes apart, there may be the choice of customizing the glance of Android with “Subject material You”. Probably the most vital device facet is Google’s new, seven-year replace promise, which incorporates each model and safety updates. As well as, Google will proceed to ship “function drops” that upload new purposes to Pixel units.
The Pixel 8 may be future-proof with regards to wi-fi requirements, because it helps WiFi 7. Switch charges along with our Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 reference router are solid and more or less on the similar stage because the predecessor and so at a normal elegance stage. Most effective the Samsung Galaxy S23 obviously sticks out within the 5 GHz vary.
In relation to cellular communications, the Pixel 8 naturally helps 5G. The frequency protection is excellent. The Pixel 8 helps 27 LTE and 21 5G bands, so world cell protection isn’t any factor. The system’s reception is unremarkable in on a regular basis use. The Pixel 8 helps twin SIM, both within the type of a bodily and an eSIM, or two eSIMs. WiFi telephony and VoLTE also are conceivable at the Pixel 8.
The Google Pixel 8 helps all commonplace satellite tv for pc programs. Then again, localization indoors takes a couple of seconds and isn’t specifically actual. Open air, that is a lot faster. We additionally took the Google Pixel 8 on a excursion with a Garmin Venu 2 for comparability functions. Th smartphone’s monitoring functions are convincing for essentially the most section. In some spaces, then again, the recorded course does now not fit the course at the saved map. In on a regular basis use, navigation with Google Maps, as an example, works with out factor.
Google makes use of its personal telephone app for the Pixel 8. The device is obviously structured and reasons no confusion. We truly just like the voice high quality. Each the Pixel person and the dialog spouse have transparent transmission with out background noise. The smartphone is satisfactorily loud always and filters out background noise smartly. With the “Crystal Transparent Calls” serve as, Google improves at the smartphone’s already excellent noise filtering functions.
Calls by the use of loudspeaker also are of excellent high quality. Even supposing switching is noticeable, voice high quality stays excellent. At top volumes, the body of the smartphone vibrates noticeably.
The cameras are historically a power of Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 8 continues this practice and delivers spectacular effects. Probably the most pictures are closely processed by way of Google’s device, giving them a top dynamic vary and powerful distinction.
Google equips the Pixel 8 with a 50 MP major digicam and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The setup corresponds to that of its predecessor, the Pixel 7. Most effective the Pixel 8 Professional will get the brand new 48 MP ultra-wide-angle digicam. Nonetheless, the pictures from the ultra-wide-angle digicam also are enjoyable; the sharpness decreases reasonably against the peripheral spaces.
In contrast to the Pixel 8 Professional, the standard Pixel 8 does now not have a zoom lens; the zoom is handiest carried out digitally. This works smartly at 2x magnification, however at 5x magnification the pictures are closely overdone and symbol noise is visual. Greater than 8x zoom isn’t conceivable.
The smartphone has a macro mode, which is activated by way of default. If the device detects an in depth object in entrance of the digicam, it robotically kicks in. This allows transparent pictures from quick distances. The smartphone makes use of the extremely wide-angle digicam for this, with a reasonably other colour stability to the principle digicam. There also are particular modes for lengthy publicity, for footage of shifting gadgets and night time pictures. The Pixel 8 does now not be offering a professional or guide mode, even supposing it’s conceivable to set the white stability manually.
Footage taken by way of the selfie digicam are enjoyable and the portrait mode additionally works very reliably. Then again, the solution is slightly low at 10.5 MP. Lengthy publicity and motion footage also are conceivable with the entrance digicam.
Video recordings are conceivable with all cameras at a most of 4K and 60 FPS. The Pixel 8 additionally helps 10-bit HDR recording. The video high quality of the 4K recordings is pleasant. Video stabilization and autofocus paintings reliably, and audio recording may be excellent. In HDR movies, the picture is reasonably distorted when panning.
Google supplies further video choices equivalent to a panning mode with higher stabilization, movies with a blurred background (24 FPS), gradual movement and time lapse. The smartphone will get noticeably heat at the again when filming.
One new function is Google’s “Magic Editor”, which permits pictures to be edited afterwards with the assistance of AI. The variability of purposes extends from casting off an object, adjusting the colour of the sky, to stylizing or abstracting a picture. Now not all purposes are conceivable in all pictures; in some circumstances the device has to indicate the serve as itself. Then again, the pictures need to be stored within the cloud for enhancing and this system additionally takes its time right here. Submit-editing effects can range very much: occasionally the device produces spectacular effects, different occasions the pictures are unusable.
No primary surprises are in retailer relating to the Pixel digicam’s colour accuracy. The most important deviation is in white, which is displayed too warmly. Symbol sharpness is excellent, even within the peripheral spaces. Footage taken in managed low mild (1 lux) also are spectacular. Colours and shapes are really easy to acknowledge, however the sharpness decreases.
The scope of supply of the Google Pixel 8 is slightly easy. Along with the smartphone, the packaging handiest accommodates a USB cable (USB-C to USB-C) and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. The facility adapter or case need to be ordered one at a time.
Google provides a 24-month guaranty at the Pixel 8 in Germany, which would possibly range in different international locations. No prolonged guaranty is to be had. Then again, spare portions will likely be to be had for seven years. Google provides more than a few circumstances for the smartphone in its personal retailer.
Google makes use of its personal GBoard keyboard for the Pixel 8. Which means that entries may also be made reliably and with out mistakes in each portrait and panorama mode. The smartphone’s display screen normally impresses with excellent gliding homes. Then again, inputs within the corners – when gaming as an example – aren’t at all times at once carried out.
The smartphone may also be unlocked the usage of an optical fingerprint within the show or 2D facial popularity. Each paintings temporarily and reliably. When trying out the Pixel 8, we didn’t have any of the issues that earlier Pixel generations had with the fingerprint scanner within the show. Facial popularity may also be activated by way of maintaining the system upright and the lock display screen may also be skipped if desired.
Google has given the Pixel 8 a better refresh fee of 120 Hz. Then again, this isn’t an LTPO show; the panel can handiest show content material at 60 or 120 Hz.
The 6.2-inch OLED panel shines at most brightness. We measured a median brightness of 1410 cd/m² and a most of 1930 nits when viewing HDR content material, so the smartphone virtually reaches the 2000 cd/m² marketed by way of Google. Those values had been all accomplished with the brightness sensor activated. With out the sensor, we achieve a most of 1024 nits.
The panel’s solution is 428 ppi and content material is displayed sharply always. The black stage and distinction are best. Then again, we additionally spotted display screen flickering in our measurements: the typical frequency is 170 Hz. The minimal flicker is 120 Hz and the utmost 240 Hz. The Pixel 8 helps HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG.
The show’s colour constancy is forged. Colour deviation is beneath the perceptible vary and handiest reasonably greater within the grayscale, particularly within the white price.
Because of the panel’s exceptional most brightness values, the Pixel 8 is so easy to learn in daylight. The automated brightness adjustment works temporarily and reliably.
The viewing perspective steadiness of the Pixel 8 is excellent. Content material is recognizable at steep angles. Then again, there’s a slight brown/grayish haze when seen at steep angles.
A equivalent image emerges relating to GPU efficiency. Google installs a Mali-G715 MP7 graphics unit and the variation to the Mali-G710 MP7 from the Google Pixel 7 is handiest marginal within the benchmarks. In some circumstances, the check values of the predecessor are even reasonably higher.
The Xiaomi 13 and Samsung Galaxy S23 – each with Adreno 740 – are a lot better performers. The graphics unit within the Pixel 8 isn’t able to ray tracing.
The result of the browser benchmarks ascertain the similar image from the former assessments: the efficiency of the Pixel 8 is at a excellent stage, however Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Apple iPhone 15 are even higher performers.
No problems pop up all through on a regular basis browsing. Pages load temporarily. Scrolling may be splendidly easy due to the 120 Hz show.
UFS 3.1 garage is put in within the Google Pixel 8. Reminiscence enlargement by the use of microSD card isn’t conceivable. No anomalies in garage pace had been seen in on a regular basis use. Our garage benchmark does now not run on Android 14 – we’re operating on an answer.
The efficiency functions of the Google Pixel 8 are enough for present video games equivalent to PUBG Cellular or Asphalt 9. PUBG Cellular may also be performed easily on the Extremely HDR and Extremely framerate settings. Measuring the framerate is these days now not conceivable as a result of GameBench isn’t but appropriate with the Pixel 8 or Android 14.
Asphalt 9 has lengthy loading occasions at the Pixel 8. Then again, as soon as the sport is open, periods may also be performed easily and with out factor.
The Pixel 8 will get noticeably heat beneath most load. We measured a median temperature of round 40 levels beneath load. Which means that the smartphone may also be held always and stays operable.
The Pixel 8 generally stays pleasantly cool in on a regular basis use. Most effective when taking part in video games or looking at motion pictures does the system get noticeably heat with out changing into uncomfortable. Now not handiest the back and front get heat, but additionally the body.
The Pixel 8 plays smartly within the Wild Existence Pressure Check Balance and the Wild Existence Excessive Pressure Check. The smartphone’s efficiency is throttled, however now not up to the Pixel 7 or the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Google depends upon stereo audio system for the Pixel 8 and the setup works rather well. The decrease speaker fires downwards whilst the higher one is built-in into the earcup. The mids specifically are reproduced very linearly, which is any other development at the Pixel 7. Then again, the bass and coffee frequencies are fairly susceptible, even for a smartphone.
The Pixel 8 can get loud with out distorting. There may be infrequently any vibrating both. Even supposing the smartphone does now not have jack output, we had been ready to glue Bluetooth headphones with out factor. The next formats are supported: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LC3 and Opus.
The facility intake has modified in comparison to its predecessor, the Pixel 7. Whilst the Pixel 8 has turn into less expensive in idle mode, it consumes extra beneath complete load. Then again, we now use the Burnout benchmark for the utmost measurements, so those values aren’t similar.
The Pixel units come shut within the different measured values. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is on par with regards to minimal intake, however is considerably less expensive in all different disciplines.
We subjected the Pixel 8 to more than a few battery assessments. Within the on a regular basis WiFi check, the Pixel 8 accomplished a runtime of 13.5 hours, which is an important development over the Pixel 7, however all different comparability units last more.
All over video playback in a continual loop, then again, the Pixel 8 shines and takes the lead within the comparability box. The measured runtimes beneath complete load are infrequently similar because of the transfer to the Burnout benchmark.
In on a regular basis use, the Pixel 8 will get thru an afternoon smartly, or even 1.5 days of use is conceivable if lengthy telephone calls and video games are have shyed away from. Stressed out charging takes position with a most of 30 watts. The smartphone additionally helps wi-fi charging by the use of the Qi usual, with as much as 18 watts at the Pixel Stand 2 and as much as 12 watts on different Qi chargers.
The Pixel 8 recharges from 0 to 84 % in a single hour by the use of an 18-watt Google energy provide. A complete fee takes 87 mins.
Google has advanced the Pixel 8 in different spaces in comparison to its predecessor. The brand new Pixel presentations forged leading edge growth, however does now not constitute an evolutionary soar. The case has turn into smaller, making it a extra compact system along the Professional.
The show now provides 120 Hz within the customary Pixel and is splendidly brilliant. The smartphone’s cameras also are spectacular, taking unbelievable footage in all lighting fixtures stipulations and the numerous new video purposes also are spectacular. In the end, the variation to the Pixel 8 Professional turns into transparent relating to the cameras.
The brand new Google Tensor G3 delivers excellent efficiency, however does now not achieve the extent of units supplied with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The similar applies to the integrated graphics unit. The Pixel 8 provides greater than sufficient efficiency for on a regular basis use, however isn’t on the best of its value vary.
A disgrace that Google hasn’t opted for the newest UFS 4.0 garage. The USB-C port additionally falls in need of expectancies with out a symbol output and gradual switch charges. The brand new AI-supported symbol processing leaves an ambivalent affect. The effects are sometimes spectacular – however now not at all times. As well as, the pictures should be sponsored up within the cloud and the operating pace has room for development.
Extra than simply natural efficiency, the Pixel 8 is a a success smartphone total with an excessively lengthy replace provide.
Google’s new replace promise, however, is commendable. The producer intends to give you the Pixel 8 collection with updates for seven years. Spare portions can be to be had for this era. This may make the Pixel 8 an actual long-distance runner. If the system is used for this sort of very long time, this places the higher value (in comparison to its predecessor) into standpoint.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit more robust and likewise provides excellent updates. The Motorola Edge 40 is considerably inexpensive and likewise comes with inventory Android.
The 128 GB variant of the Google Pixel 8 is these days to be had at discounted Black Friday costs on Amazon for US$549.49 in Rose, Obsidian or Hazel. Easiest Purchase additionally has the similar be offering for a similar variant, particularly $549.49 in Rose, Obsidian or Hazel. The 256 GB variant may be discounted at $609.00 (Rose, Obsidian or Hazel).
Costs are as of 18.11.2023 and are topic to modify.
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