Google recently unveiled its latest flagship smartphones – the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. As expected, these new Pixels bring significant upgrades over their predecessors, making them among the most advanced Android phones out there. In this article we Exploring the Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro- Specs, Features, Cameras, Pricing, and Beyond.
We’ll look at their specs, new features, camera capabilities, pricing and availability, and how they compare to other premium phones. Read on to learn all about Google’s latest and greatest smartphones.
Design & Display
Starting with the design, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro carry on the iconic two-tone color scheme synonymous with Pixel phones. The color extends around the aluminum frame for a more seamless, almost bezel-less look. The rear camera visor blends smoothly into the back glass.
Both models feature nearly identical 6.7-inch OLED displays with slim bezels all around. The Pixel 8 display has Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), while the Pro version bumps this up to a sharper QHD+ (3120 x 1440 pixels). The displays can reach brightnesses of up to 1500 nits, with up to 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance & Battery Life
Under the hood, the latest Pixel phones are powered by Google’s newest Tensor G3 chip. Built on a 4nm manufacturing process, this new chip delivers up to 30% faster CPU and GPU performance versus last year’s Tensor G2.
The Tensor G3 enables advanced AI capabilities, including speech recognition and photography features. It works together with the Titan M3 security chip to safeguard sensitive data like passwords.
For memory and storage, both phones come with 12GB of RAM. The Pixel 8 has 128GB or 256GB storage options, while the Pro goes up to 512GB. This abundant memory will let you run multiple apps smoothly while storing plenty of photos/videos.
Sustaining these premium internals is a large 5000mAh battery. Combined with optimizations from Android 13 and the power-efficient Tensor G3, the Pixel 8 series promises all-day battery life. 30W wired charging allows a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging support is also included.
Camera Upgrades
One of the biggest areas seeing improvement is the camera system. The Pixel phones have always been photography powerhouses, and the Pixel 8 lineup aims to continue that legacy with its triple rear cameras.
The main wide camera uses a 50MP sensor behind an f/1.85 lens with OIS. This enables detailed 12.5MP photos through Pixel’s signature pixel-binning method. The sensor also has fast autofocus thanks to dual pixel PDAF.
Ultra-wide photography gets a boost from a 12MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture lens capable of 125-degree FOV. This allows for creative shots with exaggerated perspective.
Finally, there’s a 10MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom paired with 20x “Super Res Zoom”. This lets you get much closer to subjects without losing quality. The telephoto lens has OIS too for steadier long-range shots.
Features like Real Tone, which accurately captures all skin tones, are also included. New this year is support for 10-bit HDR video recording for richer colors/contrast in clips. Night Sight sees improvements as well for low-light shots.
On the front is a 12MP f/1.85 selfie camera with 4K video. All cameras across both models are identical.
Unique Features
Some neat Pixel-exclusive features make a return with the Pixel 8 models. These include the Recorder app’s ability to transcribe speech recordings. Face Unlock via the selfie camera is present too.
The Pixel 8 series also brings back handy capabilities like Direct My Call. This lets Google Assistant handle phone menus for you to get to an actual human faster when calling businesses.
Another neat perk is VPN by Google One coming built-in with Pixel phones. When enabled, this encrypts all device traffic for more secure web browsing on public networks.
Other details like dual stereo speakers tuned by Grammy-winning engineers are included too. These provide balanced and immersive sound while watching videos or gaming.
Of course, being first-party Google phones, the Pixel 8 models launch with the latest Android 13 OS. This brings conveniences like improved privacy controls, a refreshed UI design, and more customization options. Faster updates to future Android versions are guaranteed as well.
Pricing & Availability
The Google Pixel 8 starts at $749, while the Pixel 8 Pro costs $999. Both phones are already up for pre-order in select markets like the US and will launch on October 13th.
Color options for Pixel 8 include Snow, Obsidian, and Lemongrass. The Pixel 8 Pro comes in Snow, Obsidian, and Hazel. Certain colors may be carrier/retailer-exclusives.
As you’d expect, Google is offering some tempting preorder bonuses. These include a Pixel Watch or $200 gift card with Pixel 8 Pro purchase. Overall, the pricing stays consistent with last year’s models.
How Pixel 8 Series Compares to Competition
So how does the Pixel lineup fare against other Android flagships in 2022? The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro match or beat top phones like Galaxy S22 and OnePlus 10 Pro in areas like premium design, vibrant OLED displays with high refresh rates, powerful custom chipsets, ample memory configurations, and extended software support.
Cameras have always been excellent on Pixels, and the Pixel 8 series doubles down on photography prowess with its upgraded triple rear camera array. From everyday shots to low light and telephoto zoom, these cameras hold up against the best from Apple, Samsung and others. Video enhancements like 10-bit HDR recording gives them an edge too.
Unique Pixel features like Recorder transcription, Direct My Call, VPN by Google One, and Face Unlock give the Pixel 8 models functionality you won’t easily find elsewhere. Add to that Google’s promise of fast and regular Android OS updates, and the Pixel phones have strong value.
Of course rivals like Galaxy and iPhones boast their own perks too, whether it’s higher resolution displays in the case of the S22 Ultra, longer battery life with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, or wider ecosystem integration. Still, if you want one of the best balances of premium design, performance, software, cameras and security in an Android device, the Pixel 8 series shines as excellent high-end options for 2022.
Conclusion
With notable upgrades across the board – from displays, power, and battery to cameras, AI features, and more – the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro represent Google’s best and most advanced smartphones yet. If early impressions are any indication, Google’s got another Pixel pair of winners on their hands with these new flagships.
Between the top-tier power packed into a refined design, intelligent software capabilities enabled by the new Tensor G3, and photography chops to rival the best camera phones out there, the Pixel 8 series has plenty to love for Android users. Pre-orders are open now for those eager to get their hands on Google’s latest Pixel phones. I sincerely hope you find this “Exploring the Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro- Specs, Features, Cameras, Pricing, and Beyond” article helpful.