Google still lacks major AI advantages, but the Pixel 8 Pro still proves to be a worthy flagship.
Google has launched two really good Pixel smartphones and we got our first look at the new Pixel 8 Pro. It promises maximum improvement, but there are also some pitfalls. However, Google is on the right track and has, after all, managed to iron out some of the previous serious vulnerabilities
Better performance is found elsewhere
The Tensor chipset is still no performance miracle, but after a few hours of setting it up you notice that the battery doesn’t lose its percentage and the Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t get as warm as its predecessor. This was confirmed repeatedly over the next few days.
The underline of the golden autumn is that you can use the Pixel 8 Pro in sunlight even on hot days as it immediately starts to glow and does not switch to soft mode. Conversely, another strength that immediately stands out over all older Pixel models is the all-new display. Apart from the screen tilt, everything is basically different.
The screen is significantly improved
It looks more high quality. But apart from that, it can give much higher peak brightness. You can see this with HDR content, especially in combination with Ultra HDR, but especially in the sun outside. The screen explodes against the bright sun with a brutally high brightness, so you can see and read everything even in full sun.
Not only is the brightness better, but the power consumption is also significantly lower:
Immediately visible and noticeable changes that are positive in addition to the new housing can certainly be found in the Tensor G3 and the new Super Actua display. I especially love the screen and how much innovation like Ultra HDR can provide visual difference and convenience.
The camera could also do a bit more
With triple cameras on the back, you’ll notice high resolution with ultra wide angles from day one. In my opinion, 48 instead of 12 MP is very fast and clearly visible. Photos in this format look much better and, above all, sharper, and the overall quality is visibly higher.
But it’s not that Google invented a new camera, but rather improved it. The new app is certainly dramatically improved and easier to use with Pro mode and other improvements, but the rest of the camera hardware isn’t much different from the Pixel 7 Pro.
There are sometimes visible differences and improvements, I would say, but none of them are significant. It always depends on the subject. However, the difference is obvious when viewed. I repeat: Display and Ultra HDR change everything. If you want to view pictures from the camera, You can find an album with a selection here.
KI: Is it really all magic?
Well, of course we’ve played around a bit now and found that “AI first” smartphones aren’t bursting with AI functions. Honestly, how often do I make new wallpapers? And I also use Magic Editor from time to time, but definitely not for every photo.
Also, the Magic Editor can produce really good results, but sometimes it doesn’t. Right now it’s still a lottery. More tricks than useful functions. Also applies to other innovations such as top photos for group photos. And otherwise many AI functions are missing. There are no generative AI emojis yet, no birds available in the Google app, and Gboard has no announced AI features yet.
It has recently been proven that new AI functions are primarily executed on Google servers and have little to do with smartphones Therefore, you can’t even say that the current AI offering will be a real reason to buy. Google makes this artificially because new functions are only available on new devices.
It is better in everyday life
The battery no longer drains as quickly and the Pixel 8 Pro charges slightly faster via cable than its predecessor. I get through the day better: for example, I start at 100% around 5am and have about 30% left when I’m in bed at 10pm. These aren’t earth-shattering changes and you’re still lagging behind competition like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Xiaomi 13 Pro.
Pixel 8 Pro is better phone than Pixel 7 Pro. The biggest plus point for me is definitely the much better display and by the way, it’s no longer “curved”. It’s definitely worth the extra charge over its predecessor, but probably not an outright switch. Bigger leaps to be made.
I no longer notice any significant inconvenience in my daily life, as Face Unlock can now finally be used for contactless payments. I stopped it with the predecessor, but I’m using it again with the Pixel 8 Pro. However, the front camera solution relies on good ambient light.
Conclusion: One of the best top smartphones
Now Google only has to deliver when it comes to AI. There’s a lot of talk about this, but in day-to-day use it doesn’t feel like I have a significant AI advantage with my Google Phone. And functions like very powerful assistant voice typing were already available in predecessors.
But since none of the key points that make a good smartphone are significantly inferior to other factors, the Pixel 8 Pro lives up to its name. The biggest long-term benefit is the significantly improved update guarantee now totaling 7 years. So you can pass on the Pixel 8 Pro with a clear conscience even after normal hours of use.
If you don’t need a pro camera and can do without the Periscope zoom, you should be well served with the Pixel 8 and save around 300 euros. If you want a no-compromise package with all the extras, you certainly can’t go wrong with the Pixel 8 Pro, unless really fast charging is super important to you.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
In tests, the Google Pixel 8 Pro proved to be much better than its predecessor, but the battery and system performance still lacked compared to Pro/Ultra models from other manufacturers.
Editor’s Rating:
4.5
facilities
- Great camera
- Outstanding performance
- It feels so good
difficulty
- Battery and performance are not at the best level
- AI facility is not yet available
- becomes significantly more expensive
#MadeByGoogle ’23: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro cameras
Take a closer look at the amazing #Pixel camera updates on the #Pixel8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Features: 📷 Fully upgraded wide and ultrawide cameras that make 2x opt…
Data sheet: This is on the Google Pixel 8 (Pro).
These are the key technical data of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro:
- Pixel 8 with 6,2″ display (flash), 1.400 nits (HDR) – 2.000 nits (peak), 60-120 Hz, GG Victus
Pixel 8 Pro mit 6,7″ Display (Flash), 1.600 Nits (HDR) – 2.400 Nits (Peak), 1-120 Hz, GG Victus 2 - Google Tensor G3 chipset, 4 nm
8 GB LPDDR5X RAM (Pixel 8)
12 GB LPDDR5X RAM (Pixel 8 Pro) - 128/256 GB storage (UFS 3.1)
512 GB only on Pixel 8 Pro - New 50 MP main camera (Samsung GN2), 12 MP UW camera with autofocus (Pixel 8)
New 50 MP main camera (Samsung GN2), 64 MP UW camera, multi-zone laser autofocus, thermometer, 5x periscope zoom, autofocus front camera (Pixel 8 Pro) - UWB (Pixel 8 Pro), Bluetooth 5.3, USB C Gen 3.2, Wi-Fi 7,
- 4,575 mAh battery, 24 W wired, 20 W wireless (Pixel 8)
5,050 mAh battery, 27 watts wired, 23 watts wireless (Pixel 8 Pro) - Android 14 ex works, 7 year update guarantee for everything
- Pixel 8 Colors: Black, Grey, Rose Gold
Pixel 8 Pro Colors: Black, Beige, Blue - Massey Des Pixel 8: 150,5 x 70,8 x 8,9 mm
Pixel 8 Pro Dimensions: 162.6 × 76.5 × 8.7 mm - Price: 799 euros for Pixel 8, 1,099 euros for Pixel 8 Pro
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