Google's latest flagship, the Pixel 8, launched on October 4, 2023, promises to redefine smartphone photography with advanced AI and a commitment to seven years of software updates. Priced at $699 for the 128GB model, it positions itself as a value-packed alternative to pricier rivals like the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 (yet to launch). After a week of hands-on testing, here's our comprehensive review.
Design and Build: Compact and Premium
The Pixel 8 measures 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm and weighs 187g, making it noticeably smaller and lighter than the Pixel 8 Pro's 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm and 213g frame. Its matte glass back in Obsidian, Hazel, or Rose colors resists fingerprints better than glossy predecessors. The signature camera bar remains, now flatter for easier desk placement.
IP68 water and dust resistance is standard, and the build feels premium with Gorilla Glass Victus on front and back. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, which is faster and more reliable than the under-display ones in competitors. No wireless charging speed boost (still 18W), but reverse wireless works fine at 12W.
Pros: Ergonomic size, durable build. Cons: No slot for microSD; charging speeds lag behind Samsung.
Display: Brighter and Smoother
A 6.2-inch Actua OLED panel with 1080 x 2400 resolution (428ppi) hits 2,000 nits peak brightness—double the Pixel 7's—making it visible in direct sunlight. 120Hz refresh rate ensures buttery animations, and always-on display now shows widgets natively.
HDR10+ and adaptive color options enhance media viewing. Compared to the iPhone 15's 6.1-inch 2,000-nit display, the Pixel edges out in refresh rate fluidity.
Benchmarks: Excellent for outdoor use, minimal burn-in risk after prolonged testing.
Performance: Tensor G3 Delivers AI Smarts
The custom Tensor G3 chip, built on 4nm Samsung process, scores 1,115 single-core and 3,219 multi-core in Geekbench 6—behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's 2,000+/5,500+ but optimized for AI. Daily tasks like browsing, Netflix, and light gaming (Genshin Impact at medium settings) are smooth, with no thermal throttling in 30-minute stress tests (max 42°C).
8GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage handle multitasking well. Android 14 ships out-of-box with Pixel-exclusive features. Seven years of OS and security updates (until 2030) crushes Samsung's four years.
Gaming Note: Not for hardcore gamers; frame drops in heavy titles.
Camera: AI Elevates Excellence
The star feature: 50MP main (f/1.68, OIS), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 125.8°), and 10.5MP 4x telephoto (software-based). Video hits 4K60 with excellent stabilization.
AI magic shines:
- Magic Editor: Resizes, relocates objects in photos post-capture.
- Best Take: Swaps faces from burst shots for group perfection.
- Audio Magic Eraser: Removes background noise in videos.
Night Sight outperforms iPhone 15 Pro in low light; portraits nail skin tones. Ultrawide is sharp, though colors slightly oversaturated.
DxOMark teases top scores; real-world samples beat Pixel 7 in detail.
Battery Life: All-Day Reliability
4,575mAh battery lasts 10-12 hours screen-on time (web, video mix). 27W wired charging hits 50% in 30 minutes; no charger included.
Standby drain is minimal (3-4% overnight). Adaptive Battery learns habits effectively.
Software and Features
Clean Android 14 with Material You theming. Call Screen now handles more spam; Live Translate works offline for 10 languages.
Face Unlock is secure (requires attention); no 3D mapping like Face ID.
Pricing and Value
$699 (128GB)/$759 (256GB). Pixel 8 Pro at $999 offers bigger screen/battery/telephoto.
Vs. Competition: | Phone | Price | Updates | Camera Score | |-------|-------|---------|--------------| | Pixel 8 | $699 | 7 yrs | 150+ | | iPhone 15 | $799 | 6 yrs | 148 | | Galaxy S23 | $799 | 4 yrs | 147 |
Verdict: Buy If...
Score: 9/10
Buy for camera AI and longevity. Skip if you need top gaming power.
The Pixel 8 proves Google prioritizes smarts over specs, making it a top Android pick in 2023.
Tested on T-Mobile, Android 14 (UP1).
