Google Pixel 8 Pro Review; Everything you need to know

Google Pixel 8 Pro Review

In the dynamic world of smartphones, where competition is fierce, Google's Pixel series has consistently distinguished itself. Known for its commitment to camera quality and software excellence, the Google Pixel line has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro is no exception.

The Pixel 8 Pro builds on the legacy of its predecessors, introducing several enhancements, most notably in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and software support. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every facet of the Google Pixel 8 Pro, from its unboxing to the depths of its AI capabilities and longevity.

Unboxing the Google Pixel 8 Pro: What's in the Box?

As you unbox the Google Pixel 8 Pro, you'll find that Google has opted for a minimalistic approach. Inside the box, you'll discover the essential components: the smartphone itself, a USB-C cable, a SIM tray ejector tool, user manuals, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Notably absent is a charging adapter, following the trend that several smartphone manufacturers have embraced in recent years. While this may be in line with environmental concerns, it could leave some users searching for a compatible charger.

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel 8 Pro showcases a design language that has evolved over the years, reflecting both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Notable design elements include the distinctive camera module that stretches horizontally across the rear of the device, housing a suite of powerful lenses. This design choice is both functional and emblematic, serving as a recognizable feature of the Pixel series.

The rear of the phone is adorned with frosted glass, which not only adds an elegant touch but also has the practical benefit of resisting fingerprints and providing a comfortable grip. However, it's worth noting that the metal side frame and the camera module are susceptible to scratches and scuffs over time.

The Pixel 8 Pro carries an IP68 certification, assuring users of its water resistance up to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This translates to peace of mind when using the phone in various conditions. In terms of color options, the Pixel 8 Pro is available in Porcelain (beige) and Obsidian (black), catering to different tastes.

Display

The display on the Google Pixel 8 Pro is undeniably one of its standout features. Unlike some of its predecessors with curved screens, the Pixel 8 Pro features a flat 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels. This results in an impressive pixel density of 489 pixels per inch (ppi). The display boasts a maximum brightness of 2400 nits when playing HDR content, ensuring that you can comfortably view your screen even in bright sunlight. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects the display, offering good resistance to drops and scratches.

The Pixel 8 Pro's display offers a visual experience that's hard to fault, with well-balanced colors, sharpness, and intricate detail. What's more, it is one of the brightest displays available on the market, surpassing even some of its competitors. While it is an 8-bit panel, rendering over a billion colors, it is recommended to set the screen resolution to "Full resolution" for the most detailed and immersive experience.

Specifications at a Glance

• Display: 6.7″ LTPO OLED, 2992 x 1344, 120Hz, 2400 nits
• Protective Glass: Gorilla Glass Victus (2nd gen)
• Dimensions and Weight: 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm, 213g
• Chipset: Tensor G3, Titan M2
• Memory: 8/12 GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128 GB UFS 3.1
• Software: Android 14, 7 years of updates
• Battery: 5050mAh, 30W charging
• Main Camera: 50Mpx, 50Mpx telephoto lens (5x optical/30x digital zoom), 48Mpx ultra-wide sensor
• Selfie Camera: 10.5 Mpx
• Price: Google Pixel 8 Pro (Bay, 128 GB)  (12 GB RAM) Priced @ ₹1,06,999 (approx. USD 1282.75 $)
• Where to buy: Flipkart (Link)

Hardware and Performance: Inside the Engine Room

At the heart of the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the Google Tensor G3 chipset, manufactured using an advanced 4nm process. This cutting-edge chipset is pivotal to the phone's performance. The CPU configuration is a blend of processing power, with one formidable Cortex-X3 core, four Cortex-A715 cores for balanced performance, and four power-efficient Cortex-A510 cores. Graphics duties are executed by the Immortalis-G715s MC10 chip.

While the Pixel 8 Pro may not have top benchmark scores when compared to some of its competitors, it compensates with smooth and seamless real-world performance. The device operates without noticeable lags or slowdowns, handling multitasking and demanding applications with finesse. The magic lies in the optimization that Google has poured into this device.

When it comes to storage, the Pixel 8 Pro utilizes UFS 3.1 technology. Although slightly older than the UFS 4.0 found in some competing devices, the Pixel 8 Pro leverages its software and efficient memory management to provide a responsive experience. Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro employs LPDDR5X RAM, which is the fastest available in terms of memory performance.

Also read: Apple's First Foldable iPad expected to launch in 2024

Camera

One of the hallmarks of Google's smartphones has been their impressive camera capabilities, driven by the power of advanced machine learning and AI. The Pixel 8 Pro continues this legacy, offering a formidable camera system that's ready to capture the world with unparalleled detail and finesse.

The camera setup on the Pixel 8 Pro is as follows:

• 50MP Main Camera
• 50MP Telephoto Lens with 5x Optical Zoom and 30x Digital Zoom
• 48MP Ultra-Wide Sensor
• 10.5MP Selfie Camera

The main camera captures photos with high levels of detail, rich colors, and excellent dynamic range. Google's software magic enhances image processing, reducing noise, and increasing overall image quality. Low-light photography, in particular, benefits greatly from the software-driven Night Sight feature. This technology allows you to capture stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions.

The telephoto lens provides the capability for impressive zoom shots. It offers a 5x optical zoom and extends up to a 30x digital zoom. This feature opens up a world of possibilities for capturing distant subjects, whether it's wildlife, distant landmarks, or even just intricate details.

The 48MP ultra-wide sensor is a versatile addition to the camera setup, ideal for landscape shots and creative compositions. It ensures that you can frame your shots with a distinct perspective, capturing more of the environment in a single image.

The selfie camera delivers sharp and vibrant self-portraits, ensuring that you can capture your best moments with stunning clarity.

Google's camera app is user-friendly and offers a range of shooting modes, including Night Sight, Portrait, and HDR+, among others. Additionally, video recording capabilities are top-notch, offering 4K video capture at up to 60fps.

One notable limitation of the Pixel 8 Pro's camera system is the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens for portrait photography. While the telephoto lens is excellent for zooming in on distant subjects, it doesn't directly contribute to creating portrait photos, which is an area where other flagship smartphones often excel.

AI Magic with Android 14

The Google Pixel 8 Pro comes with Android 14, providing an experience that's as close to pure Android as you can get. This means minimal bloatware, a straightforward interface, and a focus on simplicity. Moreover, Google promises a remarkable 7 years of software support for this device. This longevity is a strong selling point, especially in an industry where many devices receive significantly shorter support.

A significant part of the Pixel experience is the integration of AI throughout the user journey. Google has perfected the art of utilizing AI to enhance smartphone capabilities. Whether it's photography, voice recognition, or system performance, AI plays a pivotal role in delivering a seamless and user-centric experience.

One example is the AI-driven Personal Safety app, which can detect car accidents and notify emergency services if you're unresponsive. It also integrates with Google Assistant to enhance voice recognition and natural language understanding.

Google's AI prowess is perhaps most evident in the camera system, where algorithms work behind the scenes to improve image quality, reduce noise, and enhance low-light performance. Features like Super Res Zoom enhance digital zoom quality, making even distant subjects appear crisp and clear.

7-Year Software Support

One of the compelling selling points of the Pixel series is Google's commitment to providing extended software support. With the Pixel 8 Pro, Google continues this tradition by guaranteeing 7 years of software and security updates.

This level of support ensures that you receive the latest Android updates, security patches, and new features for a significantly extended period compared to most other Android smartphones. This not only adds value to your investment but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of your device, making the Pixel 8 Pro an excellent choice for those who wish to keep their phone for several years.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro houses a 5050mAh battery, a respectable size for a flagship smartphone. In everyday usage, the battery delivers a solid performance, comfortably providing enough power to get through a full day with moderate use. However, for more active users who engage in extensive gaming or media consumption, it may require a top-up before the end of the day.

Charging is facilitated through a 30W charger, which, if you have one available, can quickly juice up your device. Nevertheless, this is where the absence of an included charger in the box becomes noticeable. While it aligns with a general industry trend, it's still a convenience that many users might miss.

Comparison: Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Is the Pro Worth It?

With Google offering both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it's essential to consider which device best suits your needs. Here's a brief comparison to help you decide:

• Display: The Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly larger and higher-resolution display, which is ideal for those who prioritize visual quality and a more immersive experience.
• Camera: The camera systems on both devices are excellent, but the Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its additional telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities.
• RAM: The Pixel 8 Pro boasts more RAM, which can lead to slightly better multitasking and app-switching performance.
• Software Support: If software support is a significant factor for you, the Pixel 8 Pro offers an extended period of guaranteed updates.
• Battery Life: Battery life may be a deciding factor. The Pixel 8 Pro's larger battery can offer slightly better longevity for heavy users.
• Price: The Pixel 8 is notably more affordable, making it an attractive choice for those who want a premium Google experience without the added cost of the Pro model.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 8 Pro emerges as a testament to Google's unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional smartphone experience. With its compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, photography prowess, and prolonged software support, the Pixel 8 Pro earns its place among the upper echelons of flagship devices.

The design of the Pixel 8 Pro strikes a harmonious balance between form and function, featuring elegant frosted glass and a distinctive camera module. Its IP68 certification ensures resilience against the elements, and a commendable 7-year software support guarantee adds longevity to the mix, setting it apart from most competitors.

The crowning jewel of the Pixel 8 Pro is undoubtedly its display – a dazzling 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen that stands out as one of the brightest and most vibrant on the market. Boasting a flat, high-resolution panel with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, this window to the world immerses users in vibrant colors, sharp details, and industry-leading brightness.

Under the hood, the Google Tensor G3 chipset showcases Google's prowess in optimization. While benchmark scores might not top the charts, real-world performance remains impressively smooth, complemented by swift LPDDR5X RAM and 128 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Photography aficionados will appreciate the artistry and science behind the camera system. With a main camera that captures stunning details, a telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities, and an ultra-wide sensor for creative compositions, the Pixel 8 Pro leaves little room for disappointment. Google's AI-driven enhancements, such as Night Sight and Super Res Zoom, further elevate the photography experience, making it a formidable contender in the realm of mobile imaging.

Google's AI integration extends beyond the camera – it's woven into the very fabric of the device. Whether it's voice recognition, system performance, or battery management, AI contributes to a seamless and user-centric experience, raising the bar for everyday smartphone use.

Perhaps one of the most compelling features of the Pixel 8 Pro is its 7-year software support promise. This extended commitment to software updates provides unmatched longevity and ensures that your investment remains relevant and secure for years to come. It's a commitment that underlines Google's dedication to sustainability in the smartphone industry.

The only noticeable drawbacks are the absence of a charging adapter in the box and the average battery life for more active users. However, these shortcomings, while worth consideration, are far from deal-breakers when weighed against the device's many merits.

In summary, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a compelling all-rounder, catering to a wide array of user preferences. Its dedication to photography excellence, AI integration, remarkable display, and extended software support make it a formidable competitor in a highly competitive market. The Pixel 8 Pro is more than a smartphone; it's a promise of enduring quality and innovation in an ever-evolving industry. For those who seek a well-rounded, feature-rich, and future-proof device, the Google Pixel 8 Pro stands as an excellent choice, marking the next chapter in Google's distinguished smartphone journey.

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