The tech world eagerly awaits Google’s latest offering, the Google Pixel 8, and we’re here to provide an exclusive review of this highly anticipated smartphone. In this article, we’ll delve into the Google Pixel 8’s specifications, price range, and some of the best deals available.

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Google Pixel 8 Specifications:

1. Display: The Google Pixel 8 boasts a stunning 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass for durability.

2. Performance: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU, the Pixel 8 promises a swift and efficient user experience. The phone handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease.

3. Camera: Google’s expertise in photography shines through in the Pixel 8’s camera setup. It features a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens, ensuring exceptional photo and video quality.

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4. Battery Life: With a 4,500mAh battery, the Google Pixel 8 offers all-day battery life. Fast charging and wireless charging capabilities make refueling quick and convenient.

5. Software: Running on Google’s Android 13, the Pixel 8 benefits from the latest software features and security updates. The phone is also guaranteed to receive timely updates for several years.

6. Storage: The Pixel 8 comes in two variants: 128GB and 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.

7. 5G Connectivity: The device is 5G-ready, ensuring lightning-fast internet speeds for browsing, streaming, and online gaming.

8. Biometric Security: The phone features an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.

Price Range:

The Google Pixel 8 is competitively priced in the premium smartphone market. Prices may vary based on the storage capacity you choose. As of the release date, the estimated price range for the Pixel 8 is as follows:

• 128GB Model: $799 to $849
• 256GB Model: $899 to $949

It’s important to note that prices may fluctuate, and various factors, such as the choice of retailer or region, can influence the final cost.

Best Deals for the Google Pixel 8:

1. Carrier Deals: Many mobile carriers offer promotions when you purchase the Google Pixel 8 along with a service plan. These deals may include discounts, trade-in options, or special offers for new subscribers.

2. Trade-In Programs: Google often offers trade-in programs where you can exchange your old device for credit towards the purchase of a new Pixel 8.

3. Online Retailers: Keep an eye on online retailers, especially during seasonal sales events, for potential discounts on the Pixel 8.

4. Bundle Offers: Look for bundle deals that include accessories like cases, chargers, or headphones with your Pixel 8 purchase.

5. Refurbished Options: Consider certified refurbished Pixel 8 devices, which can offer substantial savings while maintaining quality and functionality.

6. Google Store: The official Google Store frequently provides exclusive offers, trade-in options, and financing plans for the Pixel 8.

7. Amazon and Other Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Amazon may feature competitive pricing and various purchasing options.

When searching for deals, it’s essential to compare prices from different sources and read customer reviews to ensure a smooth and reliable purchasing experience.

Design

The Google Pixel 8 is slightly smaller than its predecessor, making it more manageable in hand. It has a flat-screen design, which offers a bit more grip and real estate along the edges, improving the overall feel of the phone.

Furthermore, Google has opted for a matte glass back on the Pixel 8, a shift from the glossy finish of the previous model. This matte finish, particularly in the new baby blue color option, gives the phone a spiffy look. However, it does make the phone a bit slippery to hold, which can be a concern. The side frame provides some much-needed grip to compensate for this.

Compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s large profile, the smaller size of the Pixel 8 is a welcome change, measuring 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm, this device offers a more “reasonably sized” option in a world of increasingly large smartphones. Meanwhile, the curved corners contribute to a more comfortable grip, reducing the risk of discomfort during prolonged use.

On the rear, Google continues with its signature design language introduced with the Pixel 6. The visor-style camera bar, made of brushed aluminum, remains a defining feature of the Pixel 8 series, extending across the top of the phone’s back.

Additionally, the Pixel 8 front has a slightly smaller 6.2-inch screen compared to the Pixel 7, making it a tad more compact. The flat screen design offers a bit more grip, and the phone remains unmistakably Pixel.

Above all, the Pixel 8 phones may have a seemingly identical design to the Pixel 7 phones but there are several smaller changes here that make a big difference to the way the phones feel.

Display

The Google Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch OLED display, which not only delivers a compact screen size but also impresses with its slim bezels, giving you a more immersive visual experience. The display features a variable refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smoother scrolling and an improved overall user experience.

This display has up to 1,400 nits in HDR and a dazzling peak brightness of 2,000 nits, it stands out as one of the brightest displays in the industry. The brightness factor contributes to excellent outdoor visibility, even under bright sunlight, making it a standout feature when compared to the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7a, which might appear dim in similar conditions.

Furthermore, the 6.2-inch screen has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio, ensuring that content appears sharp and detailed. Likewise, the colors on the Pixel 8’s screen are vibrant and vivid, providing a visually appealing experience whether you’re reading text, watching videos, or viewing photos. It also has high contrast and an impressive dynamic range that further enhances the quality of content, making it a joy to use for various tasks.

The Pixel 8 also features an “Always-on Display.” This means that even when the screen is technically off, it can display certain information like the time, date, notifications, and more, without significantly draining the battery.

Above all, this display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. This is one of the toughest glass solutions available, providing superior protection against scratches and impacts. It helps safeguard the screen from everyday wear and tear, making it more resilient and durable.

Camera

Google Pixel 8 has a dual rear camera setup that includes a high-resolution 50-megapixel primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for steady and sharp shots. Complementing this impressive primary lens is a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera.

The Pixel 8’s primary camera has an f/1.7 aperture and a sensor size of 1/1.31 inches, and leverages the power of 9-in-1 pixel binning, combining nine pixels into one to excel in low-light situations. With its wide aperture and OIS support, this camera ensures that your photos are clear, well-focused, and vivid, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Moreover, the primary sensor’s Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) capability enables quick and precise focusing. It also has a 25mm focal length that offers a broader field of view compared to standard lenses, allowing you to capture more in your shots.

Meanwhile, the ultrawide-angle camera provides a wide 126-degree field of view, making it perfect for capturing vast landscapes and group shots. It features an f/2.2 aperture and individual pixels measuring 1.25µm, which makes it well-suited for low-light conditions. This camera delivers high-quality images with enhanced brightness and detail, expanding your creative possibilities.

For selfie shots, the Pixel 8 offers a 10.5-megapixel front camera with an f/2.2 aperture and individual pixels measuring 1.22µm. This combination ensures that your selfies are sharp, clear, and vibrant, whether you’re capturing everyday moments or striking self-portraits.

In addition, the Pixel 8’s camera system supports impressive video recording capabilities. You can capture 4K video at 24/30/60fps, ensuring high-resolution video with clarity and detail. Furthermore, it offers the option to shoot 1080p video at up to 30/60/120/240fps, delivering smoother motion for your videos.

Hardware and Software

Inside the Pixel 8, you will find the Tensor G3, the third-generation custom chipset from Google, which is based on Samsung’s 4nm manufacturing process. It features a nona-core design with 3.0GHz Cortex-X3, 2.45GHz quad-core Cortex-A715, and 2.15GHz quad-core Cortex-A510. The GPU is an Immortalis-G715 MP10. This allows the Pixel 8 to deliver fast and responsive performance, even when running demanding apps and multitasking. This makes this device one of the best gaming phones.

The Pixel offers up to 8GB of RAM LPDDR5X memory, which helps to ensure smooth performance and fast app loading times. For storage, you get a choice of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1 TB UFS 3.1, but there is no MicroSD card for expansions.

Additionally, the Pixel 8 runs on Android 14 out of the box which is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. This OS offers a lot of AI features including the new Audio Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, the Best Take feature, Video Boost, and Assistant with Bard.

Above all, Android 14 includes a number of performance improvements, such as smoother animations and faster app loading times. The Android 14 also includes a number of new security and privacy features, such as restrictions on sideloading apps and a new permission manager that gives users more control over the permissions that apps can request.

Furthermore, the Google Pixel 8 is powered by a 4575 mAh, non-removable battery that supports fast charging using the PD3.0 technology. It also supports a wireless charging speed of 18W. For connectivity, the Pixel 8 supports Wi-Fi 7, tri-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, and 5G connectivity, which provides faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE.

Google Pixel 8 Specs

Here are a few specs of the Google Pixel 8:

General Features

• Platform: Android 14
• Processor: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) Nona Core Processor (3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 and 2.45 GHz quad-core Cortex-A715 and 2.15 GHz quad-core Cortex-A510)
• GPU: Immortalis-G715s MC10
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Colours: Obsidian, Hazel, Rose
• Dimension: 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm
• Weight: 187 g
• SIM Type: Nano SIM, eSIM
• SIM Count: –

Display

• Display: 6.2 inches OLED Display, 1080 x 2400 pixels (~428 ppi density), ~85.5% screen-to-body ratio, 120Hz Refresh Rate, HDR10+, 1400 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) Brightness, Always-on Display
• Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
• Foldable Display: No

Camera

• Rear Camera: 50 MP (wide), f/1.7, dual pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS + 12 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, 126˚ FoV, Autofocus Dual Camera
• Rear Camera Features: Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
• Front Camera: 10.5 MP (wide), f/2.2 Camera, Auto-HDR, Panorama, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Storage

• Built-in Storage: 128GB, 256GB
• Memory Card Support: No
• Bundled Cloud Storage: –

Network Support

• 2G GSM: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• 2G CDMA 1X: –
• 3G WCDMA: HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
• 3G CDMA EVDO: –
• 4G LTE: Yes, LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 – GKWS6, G9BQD
• 5G: Yes, 5G Bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – GKWS6; 5G Bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 – G9BQD

Internet & Connectivity

• GPRS: Yes
• EDGE: Yes
• 3G/WCDMA/HSPA: Yes
• HSPA+: Yes
• CDMA EVDO: –
• 4G LTE: Yes
• 5G: Yes
• WLAN: Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
• NFC: Yes
• Infrared Blaster: –
• USB Port: Yes, USB Type-C 3.2

Messaging

• SMS/MMS: Yes
• Instant Messaging: Yes
• Push Emails: Yes
• Email Protocol: –

Entertainment

• Music Player: Yes
• Video Player: Yes
• FM Radio: –
• Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers
• 3.5mm Jack: No

Navigation

• Navigation: Yes, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
• Maps: Yes

Sensors & Control

• Digital Compass: Yes
• Accelerometer: Yes
• Proximity Sensor: Yes
• Light Sensor: Yes
• Barometer: Yes
• SpO2: –
• Pedometer: –
• Heart Rate Monitor: –
• Gyroscope: Yes
• Fingerprint Scanner: Yes, (under display, optical)
• Iris Scanner: –
• Face Unlock: –
• Stylus Pen: –
• Intelligent Digital Assistant: Yes
• Motion Sensing / Gesture Control: –
• Voice Control: Yes

Other Features

• Video Streaming: Yes
• Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless Charging: Yes, 18W Wireless Charging Capacity, Reverse Wireless Charging
• Built-in Mobile Payment: –
• Water Resistant: Yes, IP68 (survives for up to 30 minutes in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water)
• Dust Resistant: Yes, IP68
• Image Editor: Yes
• Video Editor: Yes
• Document Viewer: –
• Document Editor: –

Battery

• Battery: 4575 mAh Non-removable Li-ion Battery
• Talktime: –
• Standby Time: –
• Fast Charging: 27W Fast Charging Capacity

In Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 8 is a compelling addition to Google’s lineup, offering impressive specs and features. With a competitive price range and various deals available, it presents an enticing option for users seeking a high-quality Android smartphone. Whether you’re looking for top-tier camera capabilities, smooth performance, or timely software updates, the Google Pixel 8 is poised to meet your expectations.