Google announced on Wednesday the latest devices in its smartphone series, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The new flagships include several new feature updates, such as an intricate progression in design, camera updates, and the latest Tensor G3 chip, bringing a number of generative AI enhancements.
Both devices have a rounded-edge design, but models differ in overall look, with the Pixel 8 having a more glossy finish and the Pixel 8 Pro having a matte finish. Google has also introduced new colors. The Pro model includes a bright Bay Blue and Porcelain, in addition to Obsidian. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 comes in Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose color options.
For the front, Google has introduced what it is calling an Actua display on the Pixel 8, which supports a maximum brightness of 2000 nits and refresh rates between 60 and 120 Hz. The 6.2-inch OLED display features a 20:9 aspect ratio, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 428 PPI, HDR support, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus cover glass.
The Pixel 8 Pro features a Super Actua display, supporting 2400 nits maximum brightness and refresh rates between one and 120 Hz. The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display features a 20:9 aspect ratio, 1344 x 2992 resolution, 489 PPU, HDR support, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass.
Introducing the latest Google Tensor G3 chip and Titan M2 security coprocessor, the SoC includes a TPU, GPU, CPU, ISP, context hub, imaging DSP, and security. As a primarily on-device AI engine, the Tensor G3 chip allows for two times faster processing of on-device machine learning models than the Pixel 6, and 10 times more complex model processing than those seen on the Pixel 6, Google said.
Tensor G3 upgrades allow models to run concurrently and the accuracy of processes rivals that of Google data centers. One feature that utilizes this data processing power is Smart replies in Gboard. It can identify a language and switch back and forth between languages in real-time. Another feature allows users to long-press the power button to read text out loud. You can also fast forward, modify speed, and read in text different languages.
The Pixel 8 Pro introduces a temperature sensor, which users need only tap on to use as a measuring tool. Google said it has submitted an application to the FDA to allow the sensor to be used for human temperature checking, with plans to have the data saved with the Fitbit app in the future.
Other hardware on the Pixel 8 includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, in addition to a 4,575mAh battery that supports fast charging, fast wireless charging, and battery share. It also supports over 24 hours of battery life and up to 72-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver. The Pixel 8 Pro includes 12GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB UFS 3.1 storage options, in addition to a 5,050mAh battery, with similar support.
The cameras on the Pixel 8 devices include a number of new camera features and upgrades. Many are machine learning-powered, thanks to the Tensor G3, such as the Audio Magic Eraser feature, which separates and reduces distracting sounds in your videos. The Best Take feature allows users to swap out more pleasing facial expressions that can be chosen from multiple shots in group photos. Additionally, the devices include feature updates to Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Guided Frame for front and rear cameras.
The Pixel 8 features a dual-lens camera setup, including a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with ƒ/1.68 aperture and 82-degree field of view and a 12-megapixel lens with ƒ/2.2 aperture, 125.8-degree field of view, and lens correction, among other features. The front-facing camera features a 10.5-megapixel lens with ƒ/2.2 aperture, a 95-degree ultrawide field of view, and autofocus.
The Pixel 8 Pro features a triple-lens camera setup, including a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with ƒ/1.68 aperture and 82-degree field of view. The lens provides 21 percent more light sensitivity than the previous model. The 48-megapixel ultrawide lens includes autofocus and has a ƒ/1.95 aperture, 125.5-degree field of view, and lens correction. The lens provides 105 percent more light sensitivity than the previous model. The 48-megapixel telephoto lens includes 5x optical zoom and has a ƒ/2.8 aperture and 21.8° field of view, among other features. The lens provides 56 percent more light sensitivity than the previous model. The front-facing camera features a 10.5-megapixel lens with ƒ/2.2 aperture, a 95-degree ultrawide field of view, and autofocus.
The Pixel 8 Pro camera also includes pro controls, which include ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, lens selection, and focus, in addition to high-resolution 50-megapixel zoom from across the zoom range in JPEG and raw, and HDR adjustments maintained in Lightroom. Google also showcases the Videoboost feature, which compresses a high-quality video that can easily and quickly be uploaded. Google will introduce this Videoboost with its Feature drop in December.
Google is also experimenting with its Bard AI on the Pixel 8 series, bringing a feature called Assistant with Bard to the devices. The productivity-driven feature allows users to summarize their recent emails and highlight important information, such as invites or deadlines. Users can extract from those details, such as a party invite, to prompt Map details to the event from Bard. Then they can use Assistant to make a voice command and send a text asking if they are traveling together to the party.
Another example is planning a grocery list for a weekend friend trip, which is itemized by recipe. Users can also get recommendations for things to do in the area and use their cameras to get the best route directions. They can also use Assistant with Bard to generate captions for their social media photos. The tool will be available on an opt-in basis and will be rolling out soon to select testers.
The Pixel 8 series will ship with Android 14 on board and has a number of other software features set to roll out in future feature drops in December, including Smart replies in Gboard, Recorder (app) summarize, and Zoom enhance (for camera).
Google has also confirmed that the Pixel 8 devices will be supported by seven years of OS upgrades, Security upgrades, and feature drops, meaning the devices will be viable until at least 2030.
The smartphones are currently available for preorder at the Google Store, online, and in person. With the Pixel 8 starting at $699 and the Pixel 8 Pro starting at $999. The devices will be on sale starting next week. Google also has a limited-time preorder deal offering a Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Buds when purchasing a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro before its official retail launch.
