The Google Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s latest flagship smartphone, promising cutting-edge AI features, a powerful camera system, and a refined design. But does it live up to the hype? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software enhancements to help you decide if it’s worth the upgrade.
Design & Build QualityThe Pixel 8 Pro sports a sleek, premium design with a matte-finish aluminum frame and a glossy Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back. It’s available in three elegant colors:Obsidian (Black)Porcelain (White)Bay (Light Blue)
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Key Design Improvements:
- Flat Display – Unlike the curved edges of the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro has a flat screen, making it easier to use with screen protectors.
- Smaller Bezels – The bezels are thinner, giving it a more modern look.
- IP68 Rating – Dust and water-resistant, perfect for accidental spills.
At 213g, it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor but feels well-balanced in hand.
Display: Best-in-Class OLED Panel
The Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with:
3120 x 1440 resolution (QHD+)1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate (smoother scrolling & battery efficiency)Peak brightness of 2,400 nits (great for outdoor visibility)Super Actua Display – Google’s branding for improved brightness and color accuracy.
Display Highlights:
- Smoother Animations – Thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Better HDR Performance – Ideal for streaming Netflix and YouTube.
- Always-On Display – Now with more customization options.
Performance: Tensor G3 & AI-Powered Efficiency
The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, which focuses on AI and machine learning rather than raw performance.Benchmark Scores (For Reference):Geekbench 6: ~1,500 (Single-core), ~4,500 (Multi-core)
AnTuTu: ~1,000,000While it doesn’t beat the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple A17 Pro, it’s optimized for AI tasks like: Real-time voice transcription (Call Screen, Recorder app)Magic Editor (AI-powered photo enhancements) Best Take (Combines multiple group photos into one perfect shot)
Gaming Performance:
Handles Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG at high settings smoothly.
Not the best for hardcore gamers (if you want max FPS, consider Galaxy S23 Ultra).
Camera: Still the King of Smartphone Photography?The Pixel 8 Pro has a triple-camera setup:
50MP Main Sensor (f/1.68, OIS) – Excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.95, macro mode) – Wider field of view than most competitors.
48MP Telephoto (5x optical zoom, 30x Super Res Zoom) – Better than the Pixel 7 Pro’s 4x zoom.
Camera Highlights:
- Pro Controls – Manual settings for advanced users.
- Video Boost – Enhances video quality in post-processing.
- Night Sight Video – Improved low-light video recording.
Real-World Performance:
- Daylight Photos – Sharp, vibrant, and well-balanced.
- Portrait Mode – Better edge detection than before.
- Zoom Quality – 5x optical zoom is great; 30x digital zoom is usable but not perfect.
Battery Life & Charging
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh battery, slightly larger than the Pixel 7 Pro.
Battery Test Results:
- 6-7 hours of screen-on time (mixed usage).
- All-day battery life for most users.
- Extreme battery saver mode can extend usage further.
Charging Speeds:
- 30W Wired Charging – 0 to 50% in ~30 mins.
- 23W Wireless Charging – Supports Pixel Stand 2.
- Battery Share – Reverse wireless charging for earbuds/smartwatches.
Note: No charger included in the box (USB-C cable only).
Software: Android 14 & 7 Years of UpdatesOne of the biggest selling points of the Pixel 8 Pro is its long-term software support.
Key Software Features:
- Android 14 – Smoother UI, better customization.
- 7 Years of OS & Security Updates – Beats Samsung & Apple.
- AI-Powered Features – Call Screen, Live Translate, Magic Editor.
Exclusive Pixel Features:
- Now Playing – Identifies songs in the background.
- Direct My Call – Navigates automated phone menus.
- Hold for Me – Waits on hold during calls.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Pixel 8 Pro?
Pros:
✔ Best-in-class camera performance.
✔ Clean Android experience with long-term updates.
✔ Excellent display with high brightness.
✔ Strong AI and machine learning features.
Cons:
- Tensor G3 still lags behind Snapdragon/Apple chips in raw power.
- No significant charging speed improvements.
- Expensive compared to some competitors.
Who Is It For?
Photography enthusiasts who want the best point-and-shoot camera.Android purists who prefer stock Android with no bloatware.Long-term users who value 7 years of updates.Alternatives to Consider:Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Better raw performance, S Pen support.iPhone 15 Pro Max – Stronger chip, better video recording.
Final Thoughts:
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best Android phones of 2024, especially for photography and AI features. While it’s not the fastest in benchmarks, its software optimization, camera quality, and long-term support make it a top-tier flagship.Should you buy it? Yes – If you want the best Android camera and clean software.No – If you need the absolute fastest performance or faster charging.
