Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: A Deep Dive Into Google’s AI-Powered Flagships
Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have arrived, and they’re more than just a typical phone upgrade. While leaks revealed much about these devices, Google still managed to surprise with its bold integration of artificial intelligence (AI), making it feel like a glimpse into the future of mobile technology. Beyond AI, the design language has undergone a significant refresh, borrowing cues from the iconic original Pixel models, resulting in a familiar yet refined aesthetic. This article takes you on an in-depth journey, exploring the core features, design, performance, and price of these new flagships. Let’s dive in!
A Design that Remembers the Past, Embraces the Future
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro sport a more rounded aesthetic, a departure from the sharper, squared-off design of recent Pixels. This welcome change, reminiscent of the original Pixel models, provides a comfortable and familiar feel in hand. The visor-like camera module remains a signature element but feels less bulky than before, although it still gathers dust quite easily. The Pixel 8 Pro, however, impresses with a smooth matte finish on the rear glass panel, evoking a nostalgic feel for Pixel 3XL owners.
This design evolution extends to the hardware. Google has chosen to retain the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring peace of mind for users.
The Power of AI: Google’s New Tensor G3 Chip Sets a New Standard
Under the hood, the Tensor G3 processor, built on the 4nm manufacturing process, promises superior efficiency compared to the Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7 Pro. While raw performance improvements may not be groundbreaking, Google’s focus on AI shines through. This AI-focused chip boasts machine learning models 10 times more complex than those in the Pixel 6 series. This translates to a remarkable range of AI-powered features that enhance user experience.
AI-Powered Features that Reinvent the Way You Use Your Phone
Magic Audio Eraser allows you to remove distracting sounds or voices from video recordings. This, along with faster photo retouching and improved video recording, sets a new standard for how users interact with their content.
Google has also incorporated Face Unlock, a biometric authentication feature utilizing the front-facing camera that provides Class 3 security for banking transactions. This feature, though not groundbreaking on its own, signifies a move towards an Apple-like Face ID, without requiring extra specialized hardware.
Here’s a closer look at features already available and those making their debut later:
Available Features:
- Magic Editor: More advanced photo editing powered by AI, including the ability to move and resize objects within an image.
- Magic Audio Eraser: As mentioned above, this feature eliminates distracting audio from videos.
- AI Wallpaper: AI-powered dynamic wallpapers that change based on your phone’s usage patterns and location.
- Face Unlock: Secure authentication through the front-facing camera, offering Class 3 security for banking.
- Pro Camera Controls: Advanced manual controls for the cameras, providing users with more creative control.
- Object Temperature Sensor (app): A new app allowing you to measure the surface temperature of objects using the dedicated sensor.
- Best Take: A feature that intelligently picks the best shot from a series of pictures, ensuring you always capture the perfect moment.
Coming Soon:
- Video Boost: AI-enhanced video stabilization and quality improvements.
- Night Sight Video: Improved low-light video capture for better night time footage.
- Body Temperature Measurement: Utilizing the dedicated temperature sensor, this feature will enable users to measure their body temperature.
Redefining Photography with Upgraded Camera Systems
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro see significant upgrades to both the rear and front cameras. While the Pixel 8 retains the ultra-wide camera from the Pixel 7, the Pixel 8 Pro receives a full set of upgrades:
- Pixel 8:
- 50MP Primary Camera: Improved clarity and detail for stills and video.
- Ultra-wide Camera: Carried over from the Pixel 7.
- 10.8MP Selfie Camera: Designed for Face Unlock and featuring improvements over the previous model.
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- 50MP Primary Camera: Enhanced image quality and capabilities.
- 48MP Telephoto Camera: 5X optical zoom for closer and sharper shots.
- 48MP Ultra-wide Camera: A major upgrade from the 12MP camera in the Pixel 7 Pro, offering a wider field of view and better image quality.
- 10.8MP Selfie Camera: Similar to the Pixel 8, offering Face Unlock with improved capabilities.
- Temperature Sensor: Located next to the camera module, this sensor enables users to measure the temperature of objects.
Powering Through Your Day: Batteries and Charging Efficiency
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro see slight, but significant, upgrades in battery capacity:
- Pixel 8: 4,575mAh (up from 4,355mAh in the Pixel 7).
- Pixel 8 Pro: 5,050mAh (up slightly from 4,995mAh in the Pixel 7 Pro).
Charging speeds have also increased:
- Pixel 8: 27W wired charging (up from 20W).
- Pixel 8 Pro: 30W wired charging (up from 23W).
Importantly, wireless charging remains a standard feature on both devices.
Software Excellence: Android 14 and Beyond
Pixel devices have always been known for their timely software updates, and the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are no exception. Both devices come with Android 14 out of the box, complete with Pixel-specific customizations. Google has also committed to delivering seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drops updates to these devices, showcasing their commitment to long-term support.
Navigating the Price Point: Value for Money Concerns
Google has also raised the bar in terms of pricing. The Pixel 8 starts at Rs. 75,999, while the Pixel 8 Pro is priced at Rs. 1,06,999. This pricing strategy raises some concerns, particularly for the Pixel 8 Pro, which only comes in a 128GB variant.
The Final Verdict: An AI-Powered Future Awaits
The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are ambitious devices, pushing the boundaries of mobile technology with their AI-driven features and refined design. The commitment to long-term software support is commendable and demonstrates Google’s dedication to its customers. However, their higher price points warrant careful consideration. Ultimately, determining if these flagships are worth their price tags will require thorough testing and a detailed evaluation of their performance, battery life, and camera capabilities. Stay tuned for our in-depth reviews to understand if the Pixel 8 series truly lives up to the hype and delivers a truly powerful user experience.
