Summary
My experience with Google’s new flagship Pixel 8 Pro was first challenging. During my first testing, I saw peculiar problems with the camera, particularly in circumstances with strong contrast, which were consistently seen on numerous mobile devices. I decided to delay delivering my ultimate decision over the phone until we did further testing and spoke with Google on the magnitude of these issues.
Google Pixel 8 Pro review
Both I and my colleague Stephen Shankland in the US have dedicated a significant amount of time to using the Pixel 8 Pro. Google released a camera update that partially resolves the problems we found, however not all of them were addressed. After doing comprehensive testing on the phone’s CPU, battery, display, and camera configuration, I am now prepared to provide my final assessment.
The Pixel 8 Pro may be considered satisfactory
If the aforementioned statement seems to lack excitement, it is indeed appropriate, as it aligns with my own observations of the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones demonstrated exceptional performance across all aspects and had exceptional photographic capabilities. Both devices were bestowed with a highly esteemed CNET Editors’ Choice award.
Consequently, I was enthusiastic about the Pixel 8 Pro and had great expectations for Google’s next smartphone. However, after dedicating a significant amount of time to it, I am left feeling disappointed. The phone does not exhibit any conspicuous deficiencies, with the exception of some camera-related concerns that will be elaborated upon subsequently. However, it does not possess any particularly noteworthy attributes. The battery life of the device is acceptable, the processor performance is satisfactory, and I have a preference for the design of the outdated model.
The phone’s notable advancements, such as AI capabilities for wallpaper creation and picture editing, as well as a novel temperature scanner on the rear, function well. However, their contributions are insufficient to distinguish them as exceptional new traits.
One of the primary advantages it has is Google’s commitment to provide software upgrades for a duration of seven years. This is a significant improvement compared to Google’s prior product, and it surpasses the duration provided by the majority of other Android manufacturers. This implies that the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to maintain its functionality until the year 2030, perhaps leading to a reduction in the number of mobile devices being disposed of in landfills.
After extensive and practical testing, I am certain that Google’s latest flagship phone provides a comprehensive and reliable experience that caters to the majority of individuals’ daily requirements. It effortlessly manages your daily social media dependencies and captures great photographs of your children in the park. If you are able to identify a suitable use for that temperature sensor, then commendable on your perseverance, surpassing my own.
Does the item justify its asking price of $999? In general, I would argue that it is very justified, mostly due to the extensive software support. Despite lacking the linear CPU speed of its competitors, the Pixel 8 Pro remains a commendable mobile device that I found enjoyable to use.
Initial camera malfunctions
During our first testing, we encountered peculiar problems with the camera, which displayed unusual abnormalities, particularly in settings with strong contrast. A few of our preliminary test photographs exhibited peculiar image noise and artifacts in the gloomy regions, accompanied by excessive software smoothing in places that are expected to retain fine details.
CNET journalist Stephen Shankland thoroughly examined several problems with the Pixel 8 Pro and provided detailed explanations for their potential causes. The crux of the problem lies in the software’s attempt to integrate several picture exposures, which is not executed with a high degree of precision. Google released an update in an effort to address the issue, which has provided some assistance but has not completely cured the problem.
The Pixel 8 Pro has generated a significant level of picture noise in the darker regions of the scene, as seen in this indoor photograph.
Close cropping reveals the turbidity resulting from the camera software of the phone in the obscured region of the vehicle. The legibility of the menu on the Pixel’s picture is compromised, but it is prominently shown on the image of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Although it is disheartening to see, it is crucial to acknowledge that I have only experienced this problem in a limited fraction of the several test photographs I have captured using the phone.
Furthermore, a multitude of instances have been seen whereby the Pixel 8 Pro has shown exceptional performance. These instances will be further examined in the subsequent section pertaining to the camera. We conducted tests in several conditions, including daytime, nighttime, and in comparison to competitors like as the iPhone 15 Pro and the older Pixel 7 Pro.
Adobe’s improved support will address previous problems, such as the appearance of washed-out raw DNG picture files when viewed in Adobe Lightroom. However, our complaint over the 1 to 2 second delay in capturing 50-megapixel photographs persists, since this is only a result of the computational demands involved in generating such large files.
Have we resolved our original concerns? Primarily, affirmative. While not completely fixed, significant issues have been reduced to the extent that they are insignificant. We are now content to proceed with the phone in the same manner as we would with any other device.
Create and exhibit
The Pixel 8 Pro has a physical resemblance to its previous models, with a prominent camera bar positioned at the rear. The back glass panel has been replaced with a frosted appearance instead of a glossy one. The design of the phone does not vary much from the previous generation, however it does provide a more gentle tactile experience when held, while also reducing its susceptibility to fingerprints. In my opinion, the phone does not possess the same level of sophistication or elegance as a sage-and-gold Pixel 7 Pro, particularly the simple black edition I have been evaluating. This variety, like many plain black phones, seems uninteresting and easily forgotten. The blue variant has a greater degree of distinctiveness, characterized by a vibrant and cheery frosted-glass back and a camera bar in a shade of bluey-silver.
The camera bar protrudes significantly from the rear, measuring around 4 millimeters, surpassing the dimensions of the 7 Pro. The 8 Pro is ergonomically designed for ease of grip, yet I have difficulty in securing it inside my pants pocket. I am being meticulous, but this is one of those things that has the potential to become more bothersome as time passes. A case decreases the vertical disparity between the body and the bar, so resolving the issue.
The phone’s frame is constructed of recyclable aluminum, similar to previous Pixel phones. Additionally, the phone is equipped with an IP68 rating for water resistance, ensuring its protection against rain or spilled beverages. The presence of a concealed fingerprint scanner inside the display was seen to be intermittent. However, the face unlock feature has been enhanced compared to the 7 Pro. The enhanced accuracy of the system enables its use for the authentication of Google Pay payments.
The display size of 6.7 inches, which is equivalent to that of the Pixel 7 Pro, is really impressive. It is dynamic and vivid, effortlessly complementing any brilliant YouTube or Netflix film you like to see while on the bus. The device is compatible with HDR content, has sufficient brightness for outdoor viewing, and has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz for seamless navigation and gaming.
Thermometer
Located on the rear of the device is a little circular structure next to the camera flash, which accommodates a novel functionality: a temperature sensor. This feature enables the mobile device to assess the thermal properties of various items or surfaces. The process is straightforward: just launch the Temperature application and position the phone around 5 centimeters away from your item, simulating a close-up photograph. By tapping the screen, a visual representation of the object’s temperature will be shown.
The concept is use this device to assess the temperature of beverages before to consuming a substantial quantity, or to verify that a piece of peach pie does not exceed the temperature of the sun before being forcefully inserted into one’s mouth, perhaps resulting in severe burns. The experiment yielded satisfactory results, effectively demonstrating the rise in temperature on the kettle throughout the process of boiling water for a cup of tea.
While I acknowledge the potential use of this device, such as parents using it to monitor the temperature of a baby’s bottle, I believe its practical usage is restricted. The inclusion of this feature seems to have been included in a manner that serves as a distinguishing factor from rival products. Although it lacks the capability to measure body temperature, Google is now collaborating with the US Food and Drug Administration to explore its potential use in this domain.
Indeed, the Pixel 8 Pro now has a function that is absent in the iPhone 15. However, it remains uncertain if this feature is of genuine significance to you. I am uncertain. Upon verifying its functionality, I inadvertently forgot its existence and refrained from further use.
The Tensor G3 processor
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with Google’s most recent, internally developed CPU, the Tensor G3, which I personally found to be subpar. It failed to impress testing applications, placing its performance on par with that of more affordable midrange phones rather than today’s top competitors. While benchmarks may not provide a comprehensive assessment, there are some areas where I see a distinct absence of authority.
The delay of 1 to 2 seconds seen while capturing a 50-megapixel raw picture might be attributed to the substantial processing necessary for storing such large files. A more powerful processor would probably not need such a wait. When capturing 48-megapixel raw photographs on Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro, there is no observable delay.
Additionally, I saw prolonged processing durations while used the AI image-editing capabilities. These software applications let users to perform targeted modifications to the sky in a landscape photograph or manipulate the dimensions of objects, even their entire removal. The duration required for each modification on the phone ranged from 13 to 18 seconds, resulting in a very prolonged waiting period that hindered my motivation to engage in further exploration. According to Google, these modifications occur on the cloud rather than on the device. While this may not be a direct critique of the Tensor chip, it does result in a bothersome delay when using these features. Google informed me that the outcome is contingent upon your internet connection. It is important to note that my testing was conducted at home with a gigabit fiber connection, hence the results may differ.
Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro exhibits a high level of speed and responsiveness. The navigation inside the Android 14 interface exhibits a high level of responsiveness and little latency, with programs opening promptly and multitasking between open applications being effortless. Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Real Racing 3 are examples of graphically demanding games that exhibit exceptional frame rates when played at their top graphics settings.
Android 14 with its artificial intelligence capabilities
Google has pledged to deliver a seven-year duration of software and security updates for the Pixel 8 series, including the more affordable Pixel 8 priced at $699. This represents a significant enhancement compared to the previous three-year Android OS upgrades provided by the tech giant. Samsung provides a four-year duration for software upgrades and a five-year duration for security updates. Increasing the duration of security support is a significant method for mitigating the environmental consequences of phones, since the hardware on older models is often functional but it is not advisable to continue using devices with obsolete software due to safety concerns.
Google’s dedication to software ensures that the Pixel 8 Pro will remain robust until 2030, making it the longest-lasting Android device among major manufacturers. It is only surpassed by Fairphone, which provides eight years of security upgrades for its newest model, the Fairphone 5. The extension of Google’s support term is commendable, and I anticipate that it will serve as a catalyst for other manufacturers to follow suit.
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with the Android 14 operating system, which bears resemblance to its predecessor, Android 13. Both operating systems exhibit a high degree of similarity in appearance and provide a range of options for customizing interface components. Google has included supplementary AI functionalities, such as a novel generative AI wallpaper generator.
The software enables users to choose from a diverse range of prompts, including object-related terms such as “bicycle” or “lighthouse,” texture-related terms like “wood” or “bamboo,” and a multitude of color and art style terms, all of which contribute to the creation of a distinctive background. Engaging in play is enjoyable, and I derived pleasure from exploring various prompt combinations in order to locate visuals that I found appealing. I sometimes had reservations about the outcomes; at times, the AI’s performance is subpar. The tool’s limited selection of preset prompts restricts its ability to provide the extensive and limitless customization that one would anticipate from generative AI.
Google has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities into its mobile devices in various locations. These include call screening, the capability to condense content on web sites (both of which were initially limited to the United States), and enhanced speech-to-text and translation capabilities. However, artificial intelligence is also used in the field of picture editing, whereby AI technologies enable users to carefully modify the sky in a landscape photograph, as well as adjust the size of objects or individuals inside the frame, or even eliminate them entirely. The outcomes may not always seem optimal, particularly from my perspective as a professional photographer, but it may be an enjoyable method to modify informal photographs. If one has the requisite patience to await their processing, that is.
Additionally, a novel technology known as Best Take has been developed with the purpose of generating photographs that optimize the appearance of all individuals involved. The system acquires a series of photos and combines them into a single image by autonomously selecting the most suitable facial expression from a collection of individuals. Throughout my experience with the phone, I have not found this function to be beneficial. However, my colleague Patrick Holland found it enjoyable to use in his evaluation of the smaller Pixel 8. Patrick observed that it was effective in his photographs, since the replacement of people’s faces in the final image was mainly smooth and seamless.
Additionally, an intriguing anomaly was seen during the process of choosing a desired frame from a motion picture. During the editing phase, a spectral representation of a figure became perceptible, although it did not manifest in the ultimate exported frame. Although insignificant, it once again emphasizes that some elements lack the level of refinement I would anticipate.
The cameras of the Pixel 8 Pro
In general, the camera of the Pixel 8 Pro is reliable, and I am pleased that I dedicated more time to evaluating it after Google’s software update. The camera has the ability to capture stunning photographs using all of its lenses, and its night mode is a significant improvement compared to its previous model. The use of excessive picture processing techniques remains evident, suggesting that those with a strong interest in photography may find the iPhone 15 Pro Max to be more suitable for their needs.
Captured with the primary camera of the Pixel 8 Pro, these images exhibit high luminosity, vividness, and exceptional clarity. I like the vibrant hues and precise lighting.
The 5x optical zoom lens, which is included in both the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, is retained in the Pixel 8 Pro. Under optimal daylight situations, it has the capability to capture high-quality photographs that are rich in intricate details.
The Pixel 8 Pro is capable of capturing visually appealing photographs in typical daylight scenarios. In general, it exhibits comparable performance to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While I have seen variations in color balance between the two phones (with the Pixel exhibiting a greater inclination towards a magenta hue), there are little disparities in terms of exposure and contrast.
The Pixel captures decent nighttime images, but, the iPhone 15 Pro Max surpasses it in this aspect. Both the primary and ultrawide lenses often provide superior picture details, more precise color reproduction, and reduced image noise.
In addition to its 50-megapixel mode for capturing high-resolution images, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a range of novel camera functionalities, such as manual settings for modifying shutter speed and white balance. The additional resolution over the standard 12-megapixels used by the camera becomes readily apparent when zooming in to examine intricate details. However, the majority of photographers will not get any advantages from it, particularly due to the significant delay in capturing each shot, which hampers the shooting process to the extent that this mode is only appropriate for stationary situations such as landscapes.
The front-facing camera of the Pixel 8 Pro captures satisfactory selfies in high lighting situations, and I have a preference for its overall quality compared to the images taken by the iPhone 15 Pro Max. In my observation, the photographs captured with the iPhone exhibited enhanced sharpness and detail.
Battery
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 5,050-mAh battery, which demonstrated satisfactory performance throughout our battery drain testing. Following an hour of streaming a YouTube video at maximum brightness, the phone’s battery level decreased from 100% to 97%, which is satisfactory. Following the third hour, the percentage had decreased to 84%, a figure that falls below the performance seen in the iPhone 15 series, but is consistent with that of the Galaxy S23.
The exam is challenging, and with regular use, you should not have difficulties in completing a whole day of varied tasks. It is important to understand that dedicating a significant amount of time to streaming videos or playing challenging games will result in a minimal amount of energy to call a taxi home after a night of socializing. Similar to the majority of mobile devices, it is very advisable to ensure that the phone is fully charged before retiring for the night.
Is it advisable to purchase the Pixel 8 Pro?
As a group, we dedicated a significant amount of time to thoroughly evaluating the Pixel 8 Pro, thoroughly testing all of its functionalities and capturing several test photographs under various settings. Notwithstanding my previous reservations, I am certain that the Pixel 8 Pro is a reliable smartphone to contemplate, particularly if you have an interest in capturing photographs at dark.
In general, it does not seem to be a significant improvement compared to the Pixel 7 Pro, which Google still officially offers for a price $100 lower. Although the price difference is not significant, it is important to consider if you want a high-quality versatile product at a little reduced cost. If an individual has a Pixel 7 Pro, it is not advisable to consider upgrading to the latest iteration.
However, those using earlier Pixel devices or Android smartphones that are several years old or older will undeniably see advantages from the advanced cameras and sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities offered by the Pixel 8 Pro.
Methods of phone testing
Each phone evaluated by tkgap review crew was really used in real-life scenarios. The functionalities of a phone are tested, games are played, and photographs are taken. We assess the display to determine its luminosity, clarity, and vividness. We conduct an analysis of the design and construction to assess its structural integrity and determine whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. In order to evaluate the processor’s performance, we use a combination of conventional benchmark programs like as GeekBench and 3DMark, as well as our own subjective observations. These observations include navigating the interface, capturing high-resolution movies, and engaging in visually demanding games with high refresh rates.
The cameras undergo testing in several situations, ranging from intense sunlight to dim indoor environments. We experiment with unique functionalities like as night mode and portrait mode, and then evaluate our results in comparison to other phones of comparable pricing. Additionally, the battery life is assessed by everyday phone use and a series of battery depletion tests.
In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, we consider other relevant functionalities like as 5G compatibility, satellite connection, fingerprint and face sensors, pen support, rapid charging rates, and foldable screens. We evaluate all of these factors in relation to the price to determine if the phone, regardless of its price, really offers excellent value. While tkgap original evaluation may not always include these tests, we typically carry out further and extended testing in the majority of cases.
Google Pixel 8 Pro specs vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.7-inch OLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.7-inch OLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.7-inch OLED; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088×1,440 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 489 ppi | 512 ppi | 460 ppi | 500 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.4x3x0.3 inches | 6.4x3x0.3 inches | 6.29×3.02×0.32 inches | 6.43×3.07×0.35 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 162.6×76.5×8.8mm | 162.9×76.6×8.9mm | 159.9×76.7×8.25mm | 163.3x78x8.9mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 213 grams (7.5 ounces) | 212 grams (7.5 ounces) | 221 grams (7.81 ounces) | 234 grams (8.25 ounces) |
| Mobile software | Android 14 | Android 13 | iOS 17 | Android 13 |
| Camera | 50 megapixel (wide), 48 megapixel (ultrawide), 48 megapixel (telephoto) | 50 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide), 48 megapixel (telephoto) | 48 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide), 12 megapixel (5x telephoto) | 200 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) 10 megapixel (3x telephoto) 10 megapixel (10x telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 10.5 megapixel | 10.8 megapixel | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 | A17 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Storage and RAM | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (RAM undisclosed) | 8GB + 256GB; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 12GB + 1TB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None |
| Battery | 5,050 mAh | 5,000 mAh | Undisclosed; Apple says up to 29 hours of video playback (25 hours streamed) | 5,000 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display | None (Face ID) | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None |
| Special features | 5G (Sub 6 and mmWave); VPN by Google One; 7 years of OS, security and Feature Drop updates; front-facing camera has autofocus; 13W Qi wireless charging; 30W wired charging; USB-3.2 speeds via USB-C; IP68 dust and water resistance; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back | 5G, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, Face Unblur, long exposure mode, Action Pan; Hold for Me, Wait Times, Direct My Call, Live Translate | 5G (Sub6, mmWave); Action Button, always-on display, IP68 water resistant, MagSafe, Dynamic Island, 5x optical zoom (120mm equivalent), satellite connectivity, eSIM, thread networking technology | 5G (Sub6, mmWave); IP68 water resistant; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; 100x Space Zoom; 10x optical zoom; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging |
| US price off-contract | $999 (128GB) | $899 (128GB) | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,200 (256GB) |
| UK price | Converts to £825 (128GB) | £849 (128GB) | £1,199 (256GB) | £1,249 (256GB) |
| Australia price | Converts to AU$1,575 (128GB) | AU$1,299 (128GB) | AU$2,199 (256GB) | AU$1,949 (256GB) |
