Review  Smartphones  October 14, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

The Google Pixel 8 is Google's mid-range offering for 2023, and while it may not have all the bells and whistles of its Pro sibling, it certainly has its own merits. Priced at $699, it offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, with many core features in tow.

The design of the Pixel 8 closely resembles its predecessor, the Pixel 7, with minor changes. It's slightly smaller with a 6.2-inch display, making it more manageable to hold. The build quality is excellent, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back and an aluminum frame. The phone is also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.

The display, while maintaining the same resolution as the Pixel 7, offers significant improvements. It reaches an impressive peak brightness of 2,000 nits and features a 120Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for various scenarios, including watching content and gaming. The stereo speakers are decent, although not exceptionally loud.

The Pixel 8 retains the under-display fingerprint scanner, which works well but is a bit slow, along with facial unlock, which has been improved but struggles in low-light conditions.

PICTURE TAKEN WITH PIXEL 8 CAMERA

It supports 5G networks, though the base model lacks mmWave support, which is available in the Verizon and AT&T versions for an extra $100. The device comes with Android 14 and promises seven years of OS, security, and feature updates, which is a significant selling point, but its track record for delivering on such promises remains to be seen.

In the camera department, the Pixel 8 is not as well-equipped as the Pro model. It features a 50MP primary rear sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10.5MP selfie camera. The primary sensor is sharp, performs well in low light, and offers decent 2x zoom capabilities. However, the ultrawide sensor is noticeably weaker in terms of detail and can't match the primary camera's performance. The selfie camera is a capable shooter with a wider field of view.

PICTURE TAKEN WITH PIXEL 8 CAMERA

The Pixel 8 is powered by Google's Tensor G3 chip, which offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and handles gaming quite well. However, it doesn't compete with the top-tier Snapdragon chips from Qualcomm in terms of sheer power. It struggles with heat management, and the device tends to warm up during regular usage.

In conclusion the Google Pixel 8 is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers good value for its price. It doesn't introduce revolutionary changes compared to the Pixel 7 but enhances essential aspects like performance and display. Its promise of seven years of updates is a significant advantage for long-term users. While it may not be the most powerful smartphone on the market, it provides a user-friendly and well-balanced Android experience. However, its price increase may give potential buyers pause, especially when considering other high-end alternatives like the Galaxy S23.

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