Overview of the Google Pixel 8 Pro. The anticipation for Google’s latest Pixels has reached its pinnacle, setting the tech world abuzz. The annual unveiling of the Google Pixel lineup has always set the tone for Android devices, and this year is not lagging behind.
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Welcoming the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8, Google showcases its hallmark of merging software and hardware in perfect harmony. This deep-rooted integration hints at the firm’s aim to give the iPhone a run for its money and is a testament to Google’s persistent dedication to refining the Android world.
The real standout this year? The spotlight on artificial intelligence, as anticipated. Both editions are powered by the robust Google Tensor G3 processor, a fruit of Google’s proprietary efforts. The Pixel 8 Pro, with this chipset, unveils features tailored for all, tech aficionados or otherwise.
Dive deeper as we delve into the specifics of these fresh entrants in the smartphone market.
Packaging & Aesthetics
Google remains consistent in its pledge for eco-friendly devices, presenting the Pixel 8 Pro as a model for the green-minded. The packaging, true to Google’s sustainable ethos, is stripped-down. Enclosed, you’ll discover the device, a power cord, a USB-C adapter for ancillary connections, and a tool for the SIM. Yet, the charging brick is absent, underlining the universal charging adaptability of the Pixels.
The Pixel 8 Pro sports a familiar look but with a fresh twist. Its rounded edges, understated finish, and seamless camera integration make it a sight to behold. The measurements stand at 162.6×76.5×8.8mm, and it tips the scale at 213 grams. Front and center is a top-tier 6.7″ Super Actua OLED LTPO screen, boasting a dynamic refresh rate spectrum from 1 to 120Hz. The impressive stats don’t end there – a resolution of QHD (1344×2992), 489ppi density, 20:9 viewing ratio, HDR10+ recognition, and a stellar 2400nits brightness peak. Ensuring durability is the trusted Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
The face features an in-screen fingerprint reader and an unobtrusively placed front camera. Enhanced face unlock capabilities elevate the user experience, complemented by the dual-purpose earpiece which doubles as a second speaker.
The rear exudes elegance with its matte finish and the trusty Gorilla Glass Victus 2 shield. It proudly hosts the camera array, flash, laser focus tools, an audio-zoom microphone, and an innovative temperature sensor.
Navigating the phone’s sides, one finds the array of typical features: top-placed noise-reducing mic and UWB sensor, right-side power and volume controls, a left-placed nano SIM slot (with eSIM compatibility), and a base USB-C 3.2 outlet. The device’s tactile feedback feels more pronounced, and its IP68 badge ensures it’s guarded against environmental nuisances.
After rigorous testing, the screen’s brilliance is undeniable, with adaptive luminosity making it a joy to use, regardless of ambient light. Its flat demeanor, a divergence from the curved norm, fuses effortlessly with the metallic boundary. The always-active screen brings more to the table with novel clock visuals, notification previews, and the loved song identification feature. The rear’s matte texture, especially in the refreshing light blue shade, contrasts beautifully against the polished silver stripe. Audio-wise, the stereo sound is noticeably better, delivering vibrant audio sans external audio gear.
Characteristic features
Unveiling its flagship smartphone, Google has placed the third generation of its in-house processor, the Google Tensor G3, at the heart of the Pixel 8 Pro. With its distinct nine-core configuration that can hit speeds of up to 3 GHz, it’s designed for energy efficiency and outstanding performance.
Yet, the prowess of this processor isn’t just about its architecture. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts ARM’s G715s graphics, making it adept at rapidly processing camera-captured images and smoothly handling graphic-intensive games and apps. The Pixel’s camera system, historically notable, is anticipated to elevate photography with this chipset.
In terms of security, the Pixel 8 Pro comes fortified with the Titan M2 chip, an essential component for safeguarding user data. This chip keeps sensitive data such as passwords and biometrics under robust encryption.
Supported by 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM, the device offers storage variants of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of UFS 3.1. There’s also a 1TB option, but it’s reserved for the US market for now.
When we delve into connectivity and sensors, the Pixel 8 Pro stands out. Beyond 5G network support, it provides tri-band WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB, and dual-band GPS, complemented with screen and audio transmission via Google Cast. In the sensor suite, it comes packed with proximity, luminosity, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and a barometer, among others.
On the battery front, the Pixel 8 Pro is powered by a 5050mAh unit, promising over 24 hours of uptime on a single charge. Adaptive energy management can further stretch this duration up to 72 hours, albeit with some trade-offs. Even on a regular day, users can comfortably get into the second day without scrambling for a charger.
Charging capabilities of the Pixel 8 Pro embrace PD/PPS standards up to 30W. Additionally, it accommodates Qi EPP wireless charging of up to 23W with the Pixel Stand 2 and 15W with conventional wireless chargers. Reverse wireless charging is a nifty addition.
With the stable introduction of Android 14 on the Pixel 8 Pro, users can look forward to a slew of enhancements. These include new lock screen clocks, AI-driven custom wallpapers, and monochrome themes. Pixel-exclusive functions, such as enhanced call screening and real-time translation, further elevate the experience.
A standout commitment from Google for the Pixel 8 Pro is the 7-year update support, encompassing Android OS iterations, security updates, and feature introductions. The collaboration with iFixit also underscores Google’s commitment to device longevity, making essential repairs more accessible to the user base.
Photographic Excellence with the Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro continues its legacy as a benchmark in mobile photography. This year, the phone reveals a revamped sensor array and a refined Google Camera software, setting even higher standards in image capture.
A notable enhancement is the addition of Professional controls. This grants users the autonomy to tailor parameters like exposure time, ISO levels, and focus. Thus, camera aficionados can exercise greater command over their captures, yielding images of professional caliber. They can now opt to save images in the RAW format or choose a specific sensor for each shot, rather than solely trusting the phone’s automated decisions.
At its core, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera assembly boasts three powerful sensors. The primary 50MP sensor, with its f/1.68 aperture and a 24mm equivalent focal length, ensures superb captures. The 48MP ultra-wide lens offers an expansive 125.5° view and features macro capabilities from a mere 2cm distance. Furthermore, the 48MP telephoto lens, boasting 5x optical zoom, is reinforced with dual stabilization and advanced focusing.
On the video front, the Pixel 8 Pro can record in 10-bit HDR at resolutions up to 4K@60fps. It’s supplemented with time-lapse, slow-motion, cinematic pans, and enhanced time-lapse astrophotography. The Photos app now hosts a slew of new features to enhance this experience.
For selfie aficionados, there’s a 10.5MP front camera equipped with autofocus, night mode capabilities, and 4K@60fps video recording.
Intriguing features like Best Shot and Magic Editor elevate the photo experience, allowing for optimal expression selection and image element manipulation. The Audio Magic Eraser and Real Tone provide enhancements for video content. With several cherished features from previous Pixel models retained and enhanced, the Pixel 8 Pro notably utilizes Tensor G3’s computing prowess for on-device image processing, ensuring utmost user privacy.
In essence, the Google Pixel 8 Pro emerges as a beacon in mobile photography, delivering stellar results in varied lighting conditions. Tech aficionados will savor this device’s advanced features, and we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming Video Boost feature, expected to revolutionize smartphone video quality.
Essential Accessories for Your Pixel 8 Pro
When investing in a premium device like the Pixel 8 Pro, it’s imperative to complement it with top-tier accessories that both shield and augment its functionalities.
Firstly, safeguarding the screen is paramount. We’ve opted for PanzerGlass, renowned for its robust protective layers. Their recent partnership with D3O has further elevated their offerings, culminating in an ultra-durable protective layer. Excitingly, they’ve also rolled out Pixel 8 Pro cases crafted from the same formidable D3O material.
Moreover, Peak Design introduces a series of handy accessories, ranging from a mobile tripod perfect for the avid photographer, to a versatile wallet, and a Creator Kit facilitating seamless integration with action camera gear.
Final Thoughts
This year, Google has yet again unveiled a marvel in the Android realm with the introduction of the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This device embodies the zenith of both hardware and software advancements. Achieving such a harmonious integration between these facets is a rare feat, which arguably, only a handful of tech giants, including Apple, have mastered. It’s no wonder the Google Pixel is often dubbed the “Android’s answer to the iPhone” due to its unparalleled stability and reliability within the Android sphere.
The remarkable strides the Google Pixel 8 Pro has made, both in hardware and software, are truly commendable. Its accolades are already pouring in, with the device clinching the top spot in DXOMARK’s display rankings. Given its impeccable camera, we anticipate a similarly outstanding rating. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is clearly shaping up to be a touchstone among Android smartphones.
What sets the Google Pixel 8 Pro apart is its promised durability and longevity. With Google’s pledge of a whopping 7 years of updates – spanning OS updates, security enhancements, and feature additions – it’s evident that the device is here to stay. This commitment might exceed the average user’s smartphone lifecycle, but it ensures the device’s relevancy and top-tier performance across years.
Adding to the excitement is Google’s intent to broaden the Pixel’s horizons, allowing more users globally to experience the Pixel magic. This expanded reach has already shown its impact in territories like the U.S. and Japan.
Availability & Pricing
The lineup comprising of the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 7a, the Pixel Watch, and both editions of Pixel Buds, can now be found at all Unieuro outlets, Vodafone shops, and is just a click away on platforms like Amazon and the official Google Store.
Regarding the pricing for Pixel 8 Pro, the rates start at €1,099 for the 128GB variant, €1,259 for the 256GB model, and peak at €1,299 for the 512GB edition. Though there’s a visible uptick in the pricing compared to its predecessors, it remains in a competitive bracket when juxtaposed with giants like the iPhone and Samsung’s flagship S series.
