Are Google’s Latest Releases, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Smartphones, Worth the Hype? Our Phone Experts Weigh In

Pixel 8
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: The Future of Android Unveiled | Image : Google

Today, Google unveiled its latest innovations: the groundbreaking Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. These devices are nothing short of remarkable, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the title of the finest Android smartphones when pitted against offerings from industry giants like Samsung and others. The option to pre-order these cutting-edge phones commences today, offering a plethora of pre-order incentives ripe for the taking. Mark your calendars for their official release on Thursday, October 12.

While it’s true that all previous iterations of the Google Pixel series have boasted power, affordability, elegant design, impressive cameras, and have harnessed the capabilities of the Android OS in ways that set them apart from the competition, it’s regrettable that these devices often go unnoticed. This oversight is a substantial misstep for enthusiasts of Android-based smartphones.

Consider this: Google, the driving force behind the ubiquitous Google search engine, YouTube, Google Maps, a suite of powerful Google Workspace apps, and numerous other essential services relied upon by millions every day, is also the mastermind behind the Android operating system powering some of the world’s most beloved smartphones and tablets. It stands to reason that when developing its own smartphone, Google would seamlessly integrate its most potent applications, tools, and services into a device that fully harnesses the potential of the Android OS.

Get ahead of the curve—Secure your pre-order for the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 8 Pro today!

Image credit : Google

To celebrate the launch of these innovative Google Pixel smartphones, there’s a treasure trove of enticing deals waiting for you on Amazon and Best Buy. Pre-order the Pixel 8 from Amazon, and you’ll be treated to a complimentary pair of Google Buds Pro wireless earbuds, boasting noise-canceling capabilities. Meanwhile, Best Buy offers a matching deal, along with the potential to receive up to $800 in trade-in credit when you swap your eligible phone.

Opt for the Google Pixel 8 Pro pre-order from Amazon or Best Buy, and you’ll receive a free Pixel Watch 2 (Wi-Fi version). Once again, Best Buy sweetens the deal by providing up to $800 in trade-in credit for eligible devices.

Both the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro smartphones will be widely available starting next week, specifically on Thursday, October 12. However, if you aspire to be among the first to experience these marvels, it’s highly advisable to secure your pre-order promptly. The Google Pixel 8 begins at $699, while the Google Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999.

Explore the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Configuration Options

The Google Pixel 8 presents itself in a trio of captivating colors: hazel, obsidian, and rose. It offers internal storage options of either 128GB or 256GB, and you can select between an unlocked version or one activated through a major carrier such as AT&T, Verizon, or GoogleFi.

Remember, both Amazon and Best Buy are offering complimentary Google Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds with your pre-order. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

  • Google Pixel 8 (128GB, Unlocked) – $699 at Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 (128GB, Unlocked) – $699 at Best Buy
  • Google Pixel 8 (256GB, Unlocked) – $759 at Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 (256GB, Unlocked) – $759 at Best Buy

The Google Pixel 8 Pro also graces us with its presence in three stunning colors: bay, obsidian, and porcelain. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Like its sibling, it can be procured as an unlocked device or one activated through major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, or GoogleFi. (Please note that the 1TB variant is not currently available for pre-order.)

When you pre-order this phone from Amazon or Best Buy, you’ll have the privilege of claiming a brand-new Google Pixel 2 smartwatch for free. The pricing for the Pixel 8 Pro is as follows:

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB, Unlocked) – $999 at Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (256GB, Unlocked) – $1,059 at Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (512GB, Unlocked) – $1,179 at Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB, Unlocked) – $999 at Best Buy
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (256GB, Unlocked) – $1,059 at Best Buy
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (512GB, Unlocked) – $1,179 at Best Buy

Unveiling the Distinctive Features of the Google Pixel 8

  • Display size: 6.2 inches
  • Display type: OLED
  • Display resolution: 1,080 x 2,400 pixels
  • Display brightness: Up to 2,000 nits
  • Dimensions: 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches
  • Operating system: Android 14
  • Processor: Google Tensor H3
  • Battery life: Up to 24 hours
  • Water resistance: IP68
  • Storage capacity options: 128GB or 256GB
  • Front camera: 10.5MP
  • Rear cameras: 50MP wide camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera

A standout feature of the Google Pixel 8 is its exceptional design. The device boasts an ever-present, 6.2-inch Actua (OLED) display that’s crafted from robust materials to withstand cracks and scratches effectively. The screen offers a resolution of 1,080 x 2,400 pixels, with an impressive 428 pixels per inch and a 20:9 aspect ratio. Notably, the display incorporates a variable refresh rate ranging from 60Hz to 120Hz, alongside a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. The phone’s body, excluding the screen, flaunts a luxurious satin finish. Furthermore, it embraces both wireless and wired fast charging, delivering a battery life of up to 24 hours.

Powering the Google Pixel 8 is Google’s proprietary Tensor G3 processor, in tandem with the Titan M2 security chip, ushering in a new era of technology integration. This dynamic duo empowers the phone to leverage artificial intelligence across a diverse spectrum of applications and tasks, spanning from photography to seamless interaction with Google Assistant.

The Google Pixel 8 is currently available for pre-order and will enjoy widespread availability next week.

  • Google Pixel 8 (128GB, Unlocked) – $699 on Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 (256GB, Unlocked) – $759 on Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 (128GB, Unlocked) – $699 at Best Buy
  • Google Pixel 8 (256GB, Unlocked) – $759 at Best Buy

Unveiling the Standout Features of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Display size: 6.7 inches
  • Display type: OLED
  • Display resolution: 1,344 x 2,992 pixels
  • Display brightness: Up to 2,400 nits
  • Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches
  • Operating system: Android 14
  • Processor: Google Tensor H3
  • Battery life: Up to 24 hours
  • Water resistance: IP68
  • Storage capacity options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
  • Front camera: 10.5MP
  • Rear cameras: 50MP wide camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, 48MP telephoto (with Super Res Zoom up to 30x)
Image Credit : Google / CNBC

The Pixel 8 Pro smartphone introduces an array of astonishing features and design enhancements, starting with a brilliantly vivid 6.7-inch Super Actua (OLED) display. Additionally, it incorporates a revamped camera system and an elegantly crafted aluminum frame with a matte finish on its sides and rear. Under the hood, the phone harnesses the might of Google’s Tensor G3 processor, which not only accelerates overall performance but also seamlessly integrates AI functionality into a plethora of phone functions, ranging from call screening to the capabilities of Google Assistant, as well as photo and video editing.

Distinguishing itself from prior Pixel smartphone models, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a rear-mounted temperature sensor, opening doors to intriguing possibilities. Presently, this sensor can be directed at objects such as baby bottles to ensure safe temperatures. Notably, Google has initiated FDA approval procedures, which may pave the way for body temperature monitoring in the near future.

By amalgamating cutting-edge hardware with a potent operating system, enhanced applications, and the capacity for the phone to seamlessly communicate with Google’s data centers, the Pixel 8 Pro achieves feats previously beyond the scope of smartphones. Google Assistant exhibits heightened efficiency in handling incoming call screening, reducing unwanted spam calls by an impressive 50%. The camera system excels in capturing precise skin tones and intricate details, even in low-light conditions or during zoomed photography.

Voice calls deliver unparalleled clarity, with automatic elimination of unwanted ambient noise. In the realm of text messaging and email, AI lends its prowess to enhance spelling, grammar, and punctuation, while comprehending contextual nuances to mitigate various types of errors. In sum, the Google Pixel 8 Pro stands as an exceptionally potent smartphone, introducing cutting-edge features that set it apart from the latest Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and even the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Credit: Marques Brownlee / YouTube

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is presently available for pre-order and will be widely accessible in the coming week.

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB, Unlocked) – $999 on Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (256GB, Unlocked) – $1,059 on Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (512GB, Unlocked) – $1,179 on Amazon
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (128GB, Unlocked) – $999 at Best Buy
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (256GB, Unlocked) – $1,059 at Best Buy
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro (512GB, Unlocked) – $1,179 at Best Buy

Exciting New Features Enhanced for the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google has unveiled a plethora of exhilarating features and capabilities that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones will boast, both at launch and through a forthcoming OS update scheduled for December. Here, we highlight 15 key features that our smartphone experts deem particularly compelling, cementing these new smartphones as a sound investment:

  1. AI Integration: Google has seamlessly integrated AI functionality into various phone features and applications, allowing users to choose the extent and timing of their reliance on AI-based features.
  2. Enhanced Processing: The Google Tensor G3 processor, in tandem with the Titan M2 security chip, delivers smoother, faster, and more secure performance, regardless of the tasks these phones are engaged in.
  3. Design Elegance: Both Pixel models feature gracefully rounded edges and a range of captivating new colors.
  4. OLED Displays: The always-on displays harness the power of OLED technology, offering remarkable brightness and rapid refresh rates. These displays can showcase over 16 million colors with exceptional clarity and precision.
  5. Extended Battery Life: Both Pixel phones offer up to 24 hours of battery life, which can be extended to a remarkable 72 hours via the Extreme Battery Saver mode.
  6. Wireless Fast Charging: The phones support wireless fast charging.
  7. Android 14 Features: Android 14 introduces a slew of impressive new features.
  8. Temperature Sensor: The inclusion of a temperature sensor on the back of the Google Pixel 8 Pro opens doors to fascinating applications, from checking a baby’s bottle temperature to eventually monitoring body temperature.
  9. Photography and Videography: The new Best Take feature ensures everyone in a group photo looks their best, while the Pro Controls feature within the Pixel 8 Pro provides photographers with comprehensive control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus. These enhancements complement improvements to Photo Unblur, Night Sight, Live HDR+, Magic Eraser, Ultra HDR, and skin tone capturing capabilities.
  10. Magic Audio Eraser: Videographers gain the ability to remove specific unwanted sounds from video content, such as barking dogs, wind noise, and background sounds generated by cars.
  11. Video Enhancement: The introduction of Magic Editor and Video Boost features enhances the quality of 4K video content, making it crisper and smoother than ever before on a Pixel smartphone.
  12. Clearer Calls: Voice calls benefit from noise suppression, Call Assist, and Auto Call Screening, resulting in clearer conversations, even in noisy environments.
  13. Improved Text Communication: The Pixel 8 phones utilize AI to enhance spelling, grammar, and punctuation correction, while also grasping contextual nuances to minimize various types of errors.
  14. Enhanced Data Sharing: Expect improved data sharing between apps and the internet, enhancing productivity.
  15. DIY Repair Kits: Google collaborates with iFixit to offer DIY repair kits for the new phones, promoting sustainability.

Additionally, Google guarantees seven years of OS, security, and AI updates, ensuring these phones remain supported through 2030.

Should You Upgrade to the Google Pixel 8 Pro?

Our in-house smartphone experts are genuinely impressed with the innovations incorporated into the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Consequently, we firmly believe that upgrading to this device is a wise decision, particularly if you’re already a Pixel phone enthusiast or if you’re considering switching from another Android-based smartphone.

Even if you’re a dedicated Apple iPhone 15 fan, we find compelling reasons for iPhone users to contemplate a shift to Android, especially in the realms of photography, videography, and AI. Furthermore, the enticing pre-order deals currently available make acquiring the new phone an even more alluring proposition.

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