The Google Pixel 8 Pro combines a sleek design with powerful innovation. Its flat, vibrant display serves as the backdrop for an outstanding camera system, highlighted by a five-times lens and AI-powered editing tools.
Powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip provides smooth performance and efficient energy usage, ensuring a dependable daily experience. This is my full review, so let’s explore it in detail!
Design and Build
The design of the Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra. The cameras have been repositioned and now boast one of the softest matte finishes ever felt. The slightly more rounded corners blend seamlessly with the elements of the pixel software. The camera bar, love it or hate it, has become a defining physical feature of Pixel phones, providing easy recognition.
One standout feature of the camera bar is its stability. Unlike other flagship phones, it doesn’t wobble when placed on a table, offering a solid feel. While much attention has been given to the vibrant bay colorway, my preference leans towards the neutrals – porcelain, obsidian, and bay, in that order.
Display and Speakers
The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is a visual delight, seamlessly blending aesthetics with practicality. Opting for a completely flat design proves advantageous for users seeking screen protector compatibility. Subtle yet effective enhancements contribute to the device’s overall visual appeal, not only simplifying screen protector application but also adding a contemporary touch to the form factor.
Despite a minor 16-inch LTPO OLED 120hz 2992×1340 resolution downgrade, the real-world impact remains negligible, maintaining the display’s high quality with sharp visuals and vibrant colors. the 1600 nits HDR and 2400 nits peak brightness make the particularly suitable for outdoor use, although its reflective nature can pose visibility challenges in bright environments.
The user experience is enriched by the Pixel’s clean software, featuring a minimal number of pre-installed apps. Haptic feedback, a subtle but crucial feature, introduces a tactile dimension to user interactions. However, the unremovable Google search bar and At a Glance widget, while functional, may feel limiting for users who prefer a more customizable home screen.
Auto-brightness, although conservative, showcases adaptability by adjusting screen settings based on usage patterns. An interesting optimization choice is the default high resolution, suggesting a deliberate focus on enhancing battery life.
Overall the display is a key asset, boasting enhancements that contribute to a visually pleasing and functional user experience. While some aspects may require fine-tuning, the overall result is a display that aligns with the Pixel’s commitment to clean, user-centric design.
Audio often gets overlooked, but it makes strides in this area. The speakers show a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, narrowing the gap with competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung S23 Ultra. This is a commendable move, especially for users who appreciate immersive audio experiences.
Software and Features
Google’s commitment to clean software is evident in the Pixel 8 Pro with minimal pre-installed apps, the promise of 7 years of OS updates sets a new industry standard. The unremovable Google search bar and At a Glance widget, while somewhat limiting, don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
Performance and Gaming
| 3DMARK Extreme Stress test | Best Loop | Lowest Loop | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | 1877 | 1101 | 58.7% |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | 2385 | 1532 | 64.2% |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | 3766 | 2809 | 77.6% |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 3624 | 2798 | 77.2% |
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is propelled by Google’s Tensor G3, a chip that may not lead in raw benchmarks but excels in providing a smooth day-to-day user experience. The device effortlessly handles common tasks, making it one of the smoothest phones in its class. Navigating through the clean software, which includes just a handful of pre-installed Google apps, feels responsive and seamless.
Haptic feedback plays a subtle yet crucial role in enhancing the overall user interface. The gentle knocks when pulling down the notification shade or unlocking the phone contribute to a satisfying user experience. However, there is room for improvement, as some users might notice a slight hesitation when using the editor in Google Photos.
While benchmarks may not position the Pixel 8 Pro at the absolute top, its real-world performance is commendable. Gaming, such as Call of Duty Mobile, is handled with ease, though more demanding games like Genshin Impact might require lowering graphic settings to avoid potential frame drops.
For those who prioritize mobile gaming, there may be other options in the market that offer a slightly better gaming experience. Nevertheless, for day-to-day usage and a generally smooth performance, remains a strong contender.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Google’s Pixel 8 Pro is its impressive battery efficiency. Not only does it run cooler than its predecessor, but it also demonstrates a notable improvement in terms of energy utilization for certain tasks. During battery tests, unplugging at 8 a.m. and utilizing mobile data throughout the day, it’s effortlessly lasts the entire day, with approximately 30% battery left by 9:00 p.m.
This improved battery life is a welcome step in the right direction for Google. While it may not outperform the current flagships from Samsung and Apple in terms of efficiency, the battery performance is more than satisfactory for the average user.
Charging capabilities have also seen an upgrade, with supporting up to 30W charging, a boost from the 23W on its predecessor. The device charges from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, making it convenient for users who need a quick top-up during the day.
Camera Test
Revamped and reimagined, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system solidifies its position among the best in the industry. The moody, contrasty aesthetic remains but is toned down for a more refined look. The five times camera steals the spotlight, consistently delivering stunning results. New features like manual lens selection, Pro controls, and AI-powered editing tools elevate the photography experience.
Beyond standard photography, the it introduces innovative features like the Magic Editor for photo manipulation and Best Take, an AI-driven tool for perfect group photos.
While the Pixel 8 Pro might not snatch the crown for the video king from the iPhone, Google’s upcoming video boost feature, set to release in November, promises to bridge the gap. It’s an exciting addition that could potentially elevate the Pixel’s video capabilities.
Final Thought
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a lot to offer, from refined design to a revamped camera system and impressive AI features. It falls short in some aspects, especially considering its higher price point.
The question remains: Does it do enough to sway high-end smartphone buyers from their iPhones and Galaxy phones? While I’m not entirely convinced, the Pixel’s outstanding cameras and unique features make it a strong contender in the market.
The Pixel 8 Pro shines in various aspects, from its refined design to a powerhouse camera system and improved audio. While it has room for improvement, particularly considering its premium price point, the Pixel's exceptional cameras and unique features make it a strong contender in the competitive smartphone market.
-
Design10
-
Display8.5
-
Audio8
-
Software8
-
Performance8.5
-
Battery Life8
-
Camera8
