Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Is it worth the upgrade?

Over the years, I’ve noticed a lot of discussion about Google’s commitment to the smartphone market. Some people have suggested that Google only makes phones to inspire innovation among Android partners. However, my personal experience tells me that this perception has changed significantly since the launch of the Pixel 6, and it’s even more evident with the recent release of the Pixel 8 Pro. Google seems genuinely dedicated and competitive now. When it comes to the design of the new Pixel 8 Pro, it closely follows its predecessor’s aesthetic. Nevertheless, like many other phone manufacturers this year, Google has made some refinements.

They’ve evolved the design to be both familiar yet distinct in its appearance and feel. Personally, I’ve always found Pixel phones to have a unique look. The bold metal camera housing band is unmistakable, and it boldly declares, “This is a Pixel device!” However, the new curved corners add a touch of elegance to the overall look, similar to what you’d find on Apple and Samsung phones. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetics but also makes even the largest handset a joy to hold in your hand.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Specifications

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a flagship smartphone that, in general, features a strong processor, an exceptional camera system, and a battery that lasts for a very long time. In addition to this, it is one of the very few smartphones now available that provides up to 7 years of Android OS updates.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Design

The Pixel 6’s two-toned back and glass camera ring were odd. The Pixel 7 Pro fixed those concerns with a single rear color and a metal camera band, and the Pixel 8 Pro is even better. My favorite hue this year is Bay, a sky blue. Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (off-white) are also alternatives. The phone’s IP68 dust- and water-resistance suggests ‘Bay’ as a color name. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects the screen and back.

The polished aluminum frame’s curved sides make the phone comfortable to hold. The screen is flat, which I like, despite the curved sides. The bottom USB-C charge port and button positioning remain. Although the camera supports eSIM, the 5G phone still accepts nano SIM cards. The metal band holds three cameras, a flash, and the new temperature sensor. This phone has a thermometer, which I’ve never seen before. It looks like a camera but measures surface temperature instead of taking photographs. Simple to use: aim the sensor at something, open the new Temp app, press a button, and the temperature appeared. Hit the refresh button to get another reading fast.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Display

The Pixel 8 Pro still has a 6.7-inch LPTO OLED panel screen, but Google says it’s 42% brighter than the Pixel 7 Pro screen and can reach up to 2,000 nits of light at its brightest. It’s hard for me to say what the phone looks like because I only saw it inside. The edges are thin, but not as much as on the 7 Pro. The cutout in the screen for the front-facing camera is still there.

I should also say that camera now has autofocus. Google also said that the face unlock system is now up to a high enough biometric level to be used to verify phone payments. The frame rate can now be changed from 1Hz to 120Hz. That’s better than the Pixel 7 Pro, which could only slow down to 10Hz. That means the always-on mode will work better, and the battery life might get a little longer.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Cameras

Cameras are essential when considering the Pixel series. Google based its Nexus successor on its amazing photo capabilities, integrating innovative hardware, software, and AI-powered photo processing. Google has utilized camera sensors for years, but the Pixel 6 dropped the Pixel 3 sensor. However, this year’s lineup changes that. The Pixel 8 Pro has three new sensors, while the Pixel 8 just has one. Both phones use the same 50MP lens with an excellent f/1.68 aperture. As promised, it uses pixel binning and can crop in for 2x zoom.

Super Res Zoom caps out at 8x on the Pixel 8, which uses the same lens. The Pixel 8’s ultrawide is unchanged, but the Pro’s is new. A 125.5-degree field-of-view 48MP f/1.95 lens seems remarkable. New periscope telephoto lens with 48MP sensor and f/2.8 aperture. Again, Super Res Zoom lets the Pro crop 30x digitally.

Both models have a 10.5MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, however only the Pro has autofocus. Despite this, both feature face unlock with authentication, an improvement over last year’s phones. We emphasize software. Magic Editor, Best Take, and Video Boost are finally coming to better photographs and videos. Now that Night Sight is supported, the Pixel 8 may be the greatest Android phone for nighttime video shooting. Time will tell.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Software Updates

Google’s current software support has exceeded Apple and Samsung’s, in my experience. My Pixel 8 will receive operating system updates, new features, and security patches for up to seven years, extending its support until 2030. The many AI features in this year’s Pixel models make this long-term support exciting. I hope Google will keep improving these features, making my Pixel 8 more valuable.

Given Google’s history of canceling initiatives and services soon after delivery, I was first suspicious about this pledge. Recently, the Pixel Pass Subscription, which allowed Pixel phone users to upgrade to the current model after paying off their old one over two years, was abruptly ended. Just weeks before Pixel 6 customers were eligible for a Pixel 8 upgrade, this decision was made. It’s a reminder that Google’s software support is promising, but its discontinuations raise concerns.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: Price And Availability

At the launch event for the Pixel 8 on October 4, Google introduced both the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 8, in addition to launching the Pixel Watch 2 at the event. The Pixel 8 Pro has a starting price of $999, which is equivalent to £999 and AU$1,699, while the Pixel 8 has a starting price of $699, which is equivalent to £699 and $1,199. The phone was available for preorder on October 4, and it will start shipping on October 12.

Note that the 1TB storage option of the Pixel 8 Pro is a launch exclusive to the United States and is only available in the Obsidian colorway, whereas the other storage versions can be purchased in any of the three colorways offered for the Pixel 8 Pro. Of course, if you’ve had enough information and are ready to make the Google Pixel 8 Pro your own personal flagship, you’ll want to take a look at our roundup of preorders for the Google Pixel 8, which we keep up to date with the latest and greatest deals that are currently available.

Final Words

My personal recommendation for the greatest Android phone is the Google Pixel 8 Pro. After some use, it’s impressed me. Its sleek, modern appearance struck my eye initially. This phone looks great and runs well. In my opinion, the Pixel 8 Pro’s strong new chip stands out. It makes the phone fast and responsive. It handles multitasking, gaming, and online browsing well. This better performance has improved my smartphone experience. Another Pixel 8 Pro highlight is its camera. I adore shooting photos and documenting memories, and this phone’s camera always works well.

The camera performs effectively in bright or dim light. I’ve taken great photos with it. However, several drawbacks must be considered. First, the Pixel 8 Pro is expensive. I think it’s worth it for its performance and camera, but not everyone can afford it. The phone also lacks headphone jack and expandable storage. Since I use wireless headphones and have decent base storage, this hasn’t been a problem. If expandable storage or a headphone port are essential to your smartphone experience, examine other options.

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on review: The Good and Bad

The Google Pixel 8 Pro was one of two brand-new Pixel phones that were unveiled by the tech giant after it took the wraps off of them. Nevertheless, even a person who isn’t particularly interested in technology.

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