The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro stand as Google’s latest flagship smartphones for the year 2023. While these two phones may appear similar at first glance, they introduce a range of substantial changes. These encompass refreshed designs, upgraded displays, an enhanced Tensor G3 chip, improved camera systems, and a multitude of AI-powered enhancements. Google has long been at the forefront of computational imaging, and it’s no surprise that camera performance and imaging capabilities continue to be a key focus for the Pixel smartphone line. When we delve into the camera hardware, the Pixel 8 Pro outshines its predecessor in various aspects. It boasts wider apertures across all three camera modules and a higher-resolution sensor in the ultra-wide camera when compared to last year’s Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 8, while impressive in its own right, utilizes the main camera from the Pro model but retains the same ultra-wide hardware as the Pixel 7, lacking a dedicated telephoto module. It relies on digital cropping and blending for zooming. On the software front, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces Pro Controls, exclusively available on this model, enabling more extensive control over shooting parameters like shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus. Pro Controls also provide DNG file output and 50MP JPG images. The Pixel 8, while not having access to Pro Controls, can capture 12.5MP DNGs created from combined images.
Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro exhibit the robust build quality expected from premium smartphones. The Pixel 8 features a glass rear plate with a matte aluminum frame, while the Pro model employs a ceramic-like material with a polished frame. Both phones handle comfortably for general use, as well as when capturing or editing images. The most evident distinction between the two devices lies in their size. The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 1080x2400px resolution and a variable 60-120Hz frame rate. In contrast, the Pro model offers a larger 6.7-inch screen with a 1344x2992px resolution and a 1-120Hz variable frame rate. The Pro model’s display offers slightly higher pixel density and peak brightness, but both displays deliver sharpness, detail, vivid colors, good contrast, and excellent dynamic range. Irrespective of size, both phones are powered by Google’s latest Android OS, featuring the in-house Tensor G3 chipset paired with a Titan M2 security coprocessor. The Pixel 8 includes 8GB of RAM and comes in 128GB and 256GB storage configurations, while the Pro model boasts 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. These resources ensure swift operation for various tasks, from camera module switching to parameter adjustments in the camera app and more complex image editing in the Photos app. Apart from size, display, and RAM, the major differences between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are found in their camera systems, which are housed in a distinctive horizontal ‘block’ on the back. While this design is unique, it is susceptible to fingerprint smudges and potential scratches when placed on its camera side. Both models share the same main camera with a 50MP Octa PD sensor, an F1.68 aperture lens, 25mm equivalent focal length, and optical and electronic image stabilization.
However, the Pixel 8’s ultra-wide camera, while sharing the same focal length as the Pro model, employs a slightly smaller and lower-resolution 12MP sensor with a slower aperture F2.2, resulting in reduced light collection capability. For zooming, the Pixel 8 relies on cropped and computationally enhanced images from the main camera. In contrast, the 8 Pro includes a dedicated stabilized 48MP telephoto camera with an F2.8 aperture and an equivalent focal length of 112mm, giving it an advantage at medium and long-range telephoto settings. The front-facing “selfie” cameras on both models are nearly identical, with the Pro version offering autofocus instead of fixed focus. Exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro is a temperature sensor within its camera array, allowing temperature readings of objects such as beverages and cookware. Google’s latest Android version 14 comes pre-installed on both devices, along with Google Camera and Google Photos for image capture and viewing/editing, respectively. Given Google’s software expertise, both apps are brimming with features, especially appealing to photography enthusiasts.
In-Depth Technical Details Of Google Pixel 8 Pro
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 162.6×76.5×8.8mm, 213g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant. |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. |
| Display | 6.7″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600nits (HBM), 2400nits (peak), 1344x2992px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 489ppi. |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 (4nm). |
| Memory | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM. |
| OS | Android 14 (1st Release). |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7. |
| Bluetooth | v5.3. |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 50MP; Telephoto: 48MP, 5x optical zoom; Ultra-wide: 48MP. |
| Front camera | 10.5MP. |
| Battery | 5050mAh; 30W wired, 25W wireless (Qi/PMA), reverse wireless. |
| Others | Fingerprint (under display); stereo speakers; NFC. |
In-Depth Technical Details Of Google Pixel 8
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 150.5×70.8×8.9mm, 187g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant. |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. |
| Display | 6.2″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1400nits (HBM), 2000nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 428ppi. |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 (4nm). |
| Memory | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM. |
| OS | Android 14 (1st Release). |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7. |
| Bluetooth | v5.3. |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 50MP; Ultra-wide: 12MP. |
| Front camera | 10.5MP. |
| Battery | 4575mAh; 27W wired, 18W wireless (Qi/PMA), reverse wireless. |
| Others | Fingerprint (under display); stereo speakers; NFC. |
Conclusion
The new Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, it evident that these devices hold substantial appeal, not just for general phone users but particularly for mobile photographers. These well-crafted phones feature impressive displays and possess abundant processing power, catering to even the most demanding tasks. Google’s unadulterated Android OS offers a delightful experience compared to the bloatware-laden versions found in many other brands. Smooth operation is a defining characteristic, with applications launching instantaneously and all user interface elements thoughtfully placed. This extends to the camera app, which maintains simplicity for users adhering to default settings while also offering easy access to manual parameters and special functions, catering to those desiring a customized camera experience. The Pixel phones truly excel in the realm of image quality. While their camera hardware specifications may not be the most extravagant, other flagship phones boast larger sensors, faster apertures, and longer telephoto lenses. However, Google’s exceptional image processing and camera tuning set them apart. Both still images and videos exhibit remarkable quality, characterized by natural colors, strong performance in low light conditions, exceptional detail, and a wide dynamic range that ensures outstanding results even in high-contrast scenarios. Notably, the Night Sight feature delivers stunning results in extremely low-light conditions, and the video stabilization is superb. The competition among top-end camera phones is fierce, and the Pixel 8 Pro stands tall alongside the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Huawei P60 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro, while priced slightly lower, arguably offers the finest camera experience in its class. Its superior telephoto zoom performance makes it the preferred choice for users seeking top-notch quality when zooming, justifying the Pro model’s higher price.