Google has announced Pixel 8, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as their top-tier handsets 2023. Alongside the Google Pixel 8 Series, we may also get the Pixel Watch 2. The company has scheduled the event for October 4. Before the official launch, we had key specifications for the device, including the pricing of the Pixel 8 Series.
Ahead of the Google Pixel 8 event, the company has published a new #BestPhonesForever story with a scary theme for Halloween. They compare the latest iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max in this video against the Pixel 7 Pro. Google showcased different mute buttons, Dynamic Island, and charging ports on the new device. The Pixel 8 aims to hint at how the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be more innovative with the new AI.
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Render
It finally appears in official renders and colour options are also revealed. These devices adopt a more rounded design and ditch the sharp corners we saw on the Pixel 7 Series. Similarly to the last generation, the Pro will have a superior display and camera; however, the vanilla phones will be smaller than their predecessors.
| Specification | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Husky | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7” LTPO 1,344×2,992px FHD+ (20:9) 120 Hz OLED, 1,400 nits | 6.2” 1080×2400 120 Hz |
| Rear | 50 1/1.31” 1.2µm ISOCELL GN2 OIS OIS + 64MP 1/1.37” 0.8µm Sony IMX787 (5x Optical Zoom) + 48MP GM5 + ToF Sensor, 4K Video Recording | 50MP GN2 + 12MP, 4K Video Recording |
| Front | 10.5MP | 10.5MP |
| Processors | Google Tensor G3 Soc + Titan Security chip | |
| Configuration | 12GB LPDDR5 Samsung’s RAM/ 128/256GB UFS 4.0 by SK Hynix | |
| OS | Android 14 | |
| Sensor | Temperature sensor, Ultrasonic FP | Ultrasonic FP |
| Connectivity | USB-C | |
| Battery | 5000mAh, | 4355mAh, 12W Qi2 |
| Dimension | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.7 mm | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm |
| Color | Licorice, Porcelain, and Sky. | Licorice, Peony, and Haze. |
Google Photos Audio Magic Eraser
Google has also leaked the upgraded Audio Magic Eraser in action, which could debut with the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Here, the Short Clip suggested Audio Eraser will be accessible through the Google Photos App, allowing users to remove background noise from videos.
It will offer three different types of sounds: noise, people, and music, which allow users to choose how much background sound to filter out. Not to mention, the Magic Erase feature will also be made available for selected Pixel smartphones and will also be available for non-Pixel and iOS users. The Google Photos app, provided by the Google One subscription, will be exclusive to the Pixel 8 Series. Whether or not it will come to other Pixel and non-Pixel devices remains to be seen.
Display
Regarding display, the device is said to come with an LTPO OLED screen that features a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Pixel 8 Pro is the only device that can go as low as 1Hz.
It comes with a 6.7” 120Hz QHD+ LTPO OLED screen for the Pixel 8 Pro, while the Pixel 8 is expected to come with a 6.7” 1080×2400 display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
From DSCC's new monthly OLED smartphone service:
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) April 12, 2023
– Google Pixel 8 – 6.16", down from 6.32" on the Pixel 7
– Google Pixel 8 Pro – 6.7", same as Pixel 7 Pro
Both start panel production in May.
Processor
Under the hood, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be powered by the Google Tensor G3 SoC. The SoC of the device is said to have a major upgrade with better processing power, and the selfie shooter also gets an upgrade. One potential upgrade for the smaller Pixel is the addition of 12GB of extra RAM and an upgrade to UFS 4.0 storage.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
— Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) July 17, 2023
– 6.7" QHD+ LTPO OLED, 120Hz
– Google Tensor G3 + Titan chip
– 12GB RAM
– 128/256GB storage
– Camera: 50MP (OIS) + 64MP UW + 48MP (Tele)
– Selfie: 11MP
– Temperature sensor, Ultrasonic FP
– Android 14
– 4,950mAh battery, 27W wired charging
Launch: October
This device keeps the same design language as its predecessors, with various enhancements here and there. One of the major highlights of the device is the thermometer on the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which allegedly allows users to measure their body temperature by pointing it at their temple region for a few seconds. Keep the device close to your forehead without letting it touch your skin; it will vibrate when the temperature measurement is complete.
Across the series, the devices remain IP68 dust and water-resistant. The device also has a massive 4485mAh battery, which supports 24W wired and 12W wireless charging.
Camera
The camera gets a major upgrade in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The upgraded camera will be GN2, which brings a new autofocus method called Dual Pixel Pro. It has a diagonal split, allowing it to detect vertical and horizontal phase differences.
Regarding camera performance, the Pixel 8 will have a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 Wide + 12MP ultrawide with Macro. The selfie shooter will be 10.5 MP. The Pixel 8 Pro will also come with a 50MP Wide + 48MP Ultra with Macro Focus + 48MP 5x telephoto lens. The selfie shooter remains the same at 10.5 MP. The third camera will be placed in an oval design next to the other two shooters.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are confirmed to have 8x Super Res Zoom and 5x Optical Zoom cameras, which can go up to 30x Zoom, respectively. Google has had one of the best camera setups for a while, and there will be additional features, including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Face Unblur, Night Sight, Real Tone, and more.
Google initially made it available for Pixel users and will be available for non-Pixel and iOS users through the Google Play App. However, it seems exclusive to the Pixel 8 Series, and whether or not it will come to Pixel and non-Pixel devices remains to be seen.
Google Pixel 8 Series comparison with Google Pixel 7 Series
Here, we compare the device against the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a.
Colour and price
The starting price of the Pixel 8 is $699 for the base variant with 8GB of RAM. The Pixel 8 Pro costs $899, and the Pixel Watch 2 costs $369 in the US. Additionally, the primary colour of the device will be blue, which will be featured in several promotions.
The Google Pixel 8 does have a base variant of the device with 128GB, reportedly costing $874, and 256GB for $949. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro is rumoured to be launched for $1235 for 128GB, $1309 for 256GB, and $1461 for 512 GB.
The Pixel 8 Pro has three primary colours: obsidian, porcelain, and sky blue. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 has Peony Rose, Grey, and Obsidian, the only familiar colours again.
