The Google Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s latest flagship phone for 2023. As the successor to last year’s Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro brings some notable upgrades and refinements while still delivering on Google’s vision of an AI-powered computing experience. In this in-depth review, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the Pixel 8 Pro and see how it stacks up against other leading phones.
Design and Display – Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro retains a similar design language to the Pixel 7 Pro, with some refinements. The rear camera bar is still present but is now made of polished aluminum for a more premium feel. The frame is stainless steel for added durability. The front and back are covered in Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for robust scratch and drop protection.
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7” QHD+ OLED display with a variable 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is bright, vivid, and super sharp. It supports HDR10+ and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The bezels have been slimmed down even further for a more immersive viewing experience.
Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro has an elegant yet functional design with excellent fit and finish. The use of premium materials like aluminum and stainless steel give it a luxury feel in the hand. If you found the Pixel 7 Pro attractive, you’ll love the design updates on the 8 Pro.
Cameras – Google Pixel 8 Pro
The cameras remain a highlight feature on the Pixel 8 Pro. The rear camera system consists of:
- 50MP wide camera with f/1.85 aperture and 1.2μm pixel width
- 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom
- 12MP ultra-wide camera with 114-degree field of view
The new telephoto camera enables much better optical zoom performance compared to the Pixel 7 Pro. You can get up to 5x lossless zoom now which makes a big difference when zooming into subjects. The Super Res Zoom uses AI techniques to enhance zoomed images up to 30x.
The front selfie camera is 11.1MP and delivers fantastic image quality even in low light. It can shoot 4K video as well.
As expected, photo and video quality from the Pixel 8 Pro is outstanding. Images have loads of detail, accurate colors, and great dynamic range. The Pixel’s computational photography consistently delivers superb results with very natural-looking images. Video recording is silky smooth with excellent stabilization at up to 4K 60fps.
Some of the camera highlights include:
- Real Tone – Better represents all skin tones accurately
- Night Sight – Dramatic improvements to low light photography
- Motion Mode – Creates artistic motion blur in action shots
- Macro Focus – Focuses on tiny details as close as 3cm away
- Magic Eraser – Easily remove unwanted objects from photos
- Photo Unblur – Sharpen blurry old photos with AI
The Pixel 8 Pro builds upon the already great cameras of the 7 Pro and offers one of the most versatile and intelligent camera systems on a smartphone. From everyday snapshots to pro-level photos and videos, the Pixel 8 Pro cameras excel.
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Performance and Battery – Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the newest Google Tensor G2 chip. Combined with 12GB of RAM, performance is blazing fast and responsive. The Tensor G2 enables lots of AI capabilities in the camera, speech processing, and Google Assistant.
Everyday tasks fly along at super quick speeds. Heavy apps and games load fast and run smoothly. The 120Hz display keeps everything looking fluid and sharp. Switching between multiple apps is effortless on the Pixel 8 Pro.
For storage, you get plenty of options including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This should be enough for all your apps, photos, videos, and other data storage needs.
The battery capacity is a beefy 5000 mAh which delivers excellent battery life. Even heavy users can expect a full day of use on a single charge. For lighter users, two days of battery life is achievable.
Charging is fast with the included 30W USB-C charger. You can get a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also supported.
Overall, the combination of the Tensor G2 chip, ample RAM and storage, and large battery equate to blazing fast performance and long endurance. The Pixel 8 Pro won’t slow down even with demanding use.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ QHD+ OLED, 120Hz variable refresh rate |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 48MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 11.1MP |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired, wireless and reverse wireless |
| Biometrics | Under-display fingerprint, face unlock |
| Resistance | IP68 water and dust resistance |
| Software | Android 13 |
| Colors | Hazel, Snow, Obsidian, Lemongrass |
| Price | Starts at $899 |
Software and AI Features – Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro comes with the latest Android 13 out of the box. As a Google phone you get the cleanest possible Android software and quick updates as new versions are released.
Google’s AI smarts are on full display here. The Recorder app provides real-time speech-to-text transcription. The Pixel’s speech recognition is extremely accurate.
The Google Assistant is deeply integrated and features continue conversation so you can have natural back and forth interactions without repeating “Hey Google” each time.
Some other handy AI features include:
- Direct My Call – Auto screens spam calls
- Google Lens – Identifies objects, text, plants, animals, and landmarks
- Live Translate – Real-time translation conversations
- Guided Frame – Gives audible guidance for visually impaired users to capture shots
- Clear Calling – Enhances voice clarity on calls
- Voice commands – Hands free phone operation
If you want a seamless software and AI experience, the Pixel 8 Pro delivers on that front. It has the smartest implementation of Android you can get.
Features Summary – Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Bright 6.7” QHD+ OLED 120Hz display
- Polished aluminum camera bar with 50MP wide, 48MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide sensors
- Google Tensor G2 processor with 12GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB/512GB storage options
- 5000 mAh battery with fast 30W charging
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Android 13 software with Google AI integration
- Face unlock and under-display fingerprint scanner for authentication
- Dual SIM (physical + eSIM) support
Pricing and Availability – Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is available now starting at $899 for 128GB storage. It can be purchased unlocked from the Google Store, Amazon, and Best Buy in the US. Availability expands to more carriers and retailers over time.
It comes in four color options: Hazel, Snow, Obsidian, and Lemongrass.
Overall Verdict
The Google Pixel 8 Pro delivers meaningful upgrades over the Pixel 7 Pro in the camera, design, and performance departments while retaining everything that made Google’s phones special. The camera system is even more versatile with the new telephoto lens and AI-enhanced software. The Tensor G2 processor and ample RAM provide exceptionally smooth and fast performance.
Battery life is a highlight with the large 5000 mAh capacity easily lasting a full day or more for most people. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging offer flexibility.
The polished aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front/back give the phone a premium high-end feel. Despite the large screen size, it remains comfortable and ergonomic to hold.
On the software side, the Pixel 8 Pro showcases the best of Google’s AI with helpful smarts across the interface. Real-time transcription and translation are standouts enabled by Google’s advanced machine learning technology.
Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro delivers an amazing combination of cutting-edge software, AI-enhanced cameras, fast performance, sleek design, and excellent battery life. If you want one of the very best Android smartphones available today, the Pixel 8 Pro is a top choice that exemplifies the best of Google.
FAQs on Google Pixel 8 Pro
When and where can I buy the Pixel 8 Pro?
The Pixel 8 Pro is available now in the US starting at $899 unlocked from Google’s online store, Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers. It will launch globally over the next few months.
What colors does the Pixel 8 Pro come in?
It is available in Hazel, Snow, Obsidian, and Lemongrass color options.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro have wireless charging?
Yes, it supports fast wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging to top up other devices.
How good is the camera on the Pixel 8 Pro?
The cameras are among the very best on any smartphone. The upgraded telephoto lens and Google’s computational photography produce outstanding photos and videos.
How long does the battery last?
With its 5000 mAh capacity battery, the Pixel 8 Pro can easily deliver a full day of heavy use on a single charge. Lighter users may get 1.5-2 days of use per charge.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro have a headphone jack?
No, like most modern phones it does not have a headphone jack. You can use Bluetooth headphones or the included USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter.
How much internal storage does it come with?
The Pixel 8 Pro is configurable with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. There is no microSD card slot for further expansion.
Does it support 5G networks?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks for super fast data on supported carriers. It also works on LTE networks.
What version of Android does it run?
It launches with the latest Android 13 out of the box. Pixel phones get quick software and security updates directly from Google.
How good is the display quality?
The 6.7” QHD+ OLED display is excellent. It’s sharp, bright, vivid, and supports a 120Hz variable refresh rate. HDR10+ is also supported for enhanced color and contrast.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro have face unlock?
Yes, in addition to the under-display fingerprint scanner, it supports fast and secure face unlock through the selfie camera and IR sensors.