Google Pixel 8 Review 

Could Google have finally created the perfect Pixel? 

I just got my hands on the brand new Google Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro, and let me tell you, these handsets might just rival the very best flagship phones around. 

These two hotshot mobiles just made their grand debut at Google's latest Made by Google event. But today, we're shining the spotlight on the regular Google Pixel 8. So, if you're itching to uncover all the juicy details about the non-pro Pixel 8, you've landed in the perfect spot! Down below, we've got the inside scoop on the phone's cameras, chip power, battery life, style, screen, price, and more. Plus, we've whipped up a nifty specs table to make it a breeze for you to compare the Pixel 8 with its fancier sibling, the Pixel 8 Pro. Let's dive right in…

First things first, let's talk about the design. These phones are sleeker than ever, with that classic Pixel aesthetic (not too dissimilar from the Google Pixel 7). It's got that familiar camera bump on the back, a smooth glass back, a sturdy metal frame, and a tough screen protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. It's even dustproof and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. In terms of size, the Pixel 8 is a bit smaller and lighter than the Pixel 7, but it's a tad thicker. (check out the exact measurements in my cheat sheet below). Now, let's talk about the screen. The Pixel 8 sports a 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400, 428 pixels per inch, a 120Hz refresh rate (which can switch to 60Hz when you don't need that extra smoothness), a 20:9 aspect ratio, a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and as with many of today’s flagships ,supports always-on display features.

This screen is a bit smaller than the Pixel 7's 6.3-inch display (hence the smaller phone size), but it's an upgrade with a higher refresh rate and brighter peak brightness. The Pixel 8 is your everyday champ, while the Pro version feels like it's been hitting the gym – it's got a bigger display and some extra muscle under the hood.

When it comes to the cameras on the Google Pixel 8, there aren't any major overhauls (again check out the exact hardware in both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in my cheat sheet below). In terms of megapixels, it's not a big jump from the Pixel 7. However, there are some subtle tweaks. The ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 8 is a bit wider and has autofocus, and the main camera is 21% more sensitive to light, making low-light shots even better. But where things get interesting is in the software and processing department. Google is jazzing up the image processing with more advanced features and introducing cool modes like Best Take, Macro Focus, and Magic Editor. For video, whether you're filming with the front or back camera, you can shoot in up to 4K resolution at 60fps. The photos from these phones are like eye candy for your social media feeds. 

Performance-wise, these Pixels are like lightning bolts. Apps open in a snap, and multitasking feels like a breeze. The Pixel 8 runs on a new chip called Tensor G3, which is Google's most powerful chip yet. It's got some nifty AI tricks up its sleeve. But, just so you know, Google's chips have never quite matched up to the top ones from Qualcomm or Apple. We'll have to see how strong this new version is.

For keeping your personal stuff safe, the Pixel 8 has a Titan M2 security chip. It comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

And check this out, it's got an under-display fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock. Plus, there are stereo speakers for great sound. But here's the real kicker – Google is promising to update the Pixel 8 for a whopping seven years! That includes system updates and security fixes. It's way longer than what most Android phones get and even more than iPhones. Google's really taking the crown in the software support department.

Oh, and let's not forget about the battery life. Both phones can easily go all day without needing a pit stop at the charger. The battery inside the Google Pixel 8 is a bit bigger than its predecessor. It has a typical capacity of 4,575mAh. That's more than the Pixel 7, which had 4,355mAh.

But here's the cool part – even with the bigger battery, both phones are quoted to last the same amount of time: over 24 hours, or up to 72 hours if you use the Extreme Battery Saver mode.

When it's time to recharge, the Pixel 8 can juice up at speeds up to 27W, and Google says you can get around 50% battery in about 30 minutes with a 30W charger. That's just as fast as the Pixel 7, but the Pixel 8 actually has a bit more power. Wireless charging is in the mix too. You can charge it wirelessly at up to 18W using the Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen) or up to 12W with other Qi-certified chargers. It's slightly slower than the 20W wireless charging on the Pixel 7.

But, hey, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The price tag is on the steeper side, and while the Pro model offers some sweet extras, it might be overkill for some folks. Also, the design isn't a massive departure from the previous Pixel, so don't expect a jaw-dropping visual overhaul.

All in all, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro are a solid pair of smartphones. If you're a Pixel fan, you won't be disappointed. But if you're coming from another camp, are they enough to make you consider switching teams?

Check out the cheat sheet below to help understand some of the main differences between the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.