A smaller and more affordable design that combines abundant power, advanced camera capabilities, and impressive AI features compared to its competitors
Google’s standard Pixel 8 has been made slightly smaller, faster, and smarter, offering extended longevity with seven years of updates. Priced at £699 (€799/$699/A$1,199), it’s £100 more than the previous year’s model but still comes in below the price tags of competitors like Samsung and Apple, which are around £800.
With a slight reduction in size compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 8 is one of the few premium smartphones available in a more compact form. Its 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED display is both vibrant and sharp, delivering smooth performance, all while remaining large enough for apps and video content. The rounded aluminum sides and curved glass back provide a pleasant feel and an ergonomic grip.
The phone features an enhanced 2D face unlock system, akin to the one in the Pixel 8 Pro, along with a swift and reliable under-display fingerprint scanner. Equipped with Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip, it excels in everyday tasks and effortlessly handles gaming. The battery now boasts slightly extended endurance compared to the previous model, offering about 36 hours of usage between charges. Using a 30W power adapter (not included), it takes roughly 80 minutes to reach a full charge, achieving a 50% charge in under 30 minutes.
Specifications
Display: A 6.2-inch 120Hz FHD+ OLED screen (with a pixel density of 428ppi)
Processor: Powered by the Google Tensor G3
RAM: 8GB
Storage Options: Available in 128GB or 256GB configurations
Operating System: Runs on Android 14
Camera Setup: Includes a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.5MP front-facing selfie camera
Connectivity: Supports 5G, eSIM, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS
Water Resistance: Rated at IP68, providing protection against water immersion at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes
Dimensions: Measuring 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm
Weight: Weighs 187 grams
Android 14 with seven years of updates
The primary enhancement for this year’s Pixel phones is the commitment to delivering seven years of Android and security updates, ensuring their usability until at least October 2030. Few other manufacturers provide such extended support, placing Google on par with Apple’s iPhones. Only Fairphone offers more extended support with a 10-year backing. This extended support not only allows users to keep their phones for a more extended period but also potentially increases their resale value in the second- and third-hand markets.
Incorporated into the Pixel 8 are numerous new generative AI features from Google, including various image and video editing tools, enhanced capabilities for its voice assistant, and additional features that are slated for future updates. For a deeper dive into features like the Magic Editor and more, you can refer to the Pixel 8 Pro review.
Camera
The Pixel 8 shares the same outstanding primary camera as the 8 Pro, featuring a 2x optical zoom using the sensor’s center. This represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, delivering enhanced low-light performance and producing faster, crisper images. Additionally, the 12MP ultra-wide camera maintains its solid performance and now serves a delightful macrophotography mode for close-up shots of objects.
The Pixel 8 also gains access to most of the generative AI tools found on the 8 Pro, such as Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. However, it lacks comprehensive manual control within the camera app and some of the more advanced features.
In summary, the Pixel 8 boasts one of the market’s top-tier camera systems, although the absence of an optical zoom lens is somewhat disappointing.
Sustainability
While Google does not offer a specified battery lifespan, it’s expected to endure over 500 full-charge cycles, maintaining a minimum of 80% of its original capacity. Repair options are available through both Google and third-party repair shops, and authentic replacement parts will soon be accessible via iFixit. For those beyond the warranty period, Google charges £66 for out-of-warranty screen replacements and £36 for battery replacements.
The Pixel 8 is constructed with a minimum of 18% recycled materials, comprising aluminum, plastic, and tin. Google provides an extensive breakdown of the phone’s environmental impact within its sustainability report. Additionally, Google offers complimentary recycling services for old devices.
Price
The pricing for the Google Pixel 8 starts at £699 (€799/$699/A$1,199).
To put this into perspective, here’s a comparison with other smartphones: the Pixel 7a is priced at £449, the Pixel 8 Pro at £999, the Samsung Galaxy S23 at £849, the Fairphone 5 at £649, and the iPhone 15 at £799.
