Google Pixel 8 Pro review
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a flagship camera phone that brings several changes over its predecessor. One notable upgrade is the display, which is now flat and extra bright, making it ideal for viewing content. The new chipset also provides improvements in performance. However, the battery life of the device falls short compared to competitors, with an overall endurance rating of just 90 hours. Thermal management is another area where the Pixel 8 Pro lags behind, experiencing significant thermal throttling during prolonged stress tests. The cameras are one of the standout features of the phone, with a 50-megapixel main camera and a new 48-megapixel telephoto lens that offers five times optical zoom. The ultra-wide-angle camera has also been upgraded to capture excellent photos in low light conditions. Video recording is similarly impressive, with great detail and dynamic range. One unique feature of the Pixel 8 Pro is its built-in thermometer, which can be used for environmental monitoring. Overall, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a solid flagship camera phone that excels in various areas. While it may not match the performance of competitors in certain aspects, its strengths in display and camera capabilities make it a great option for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone. Despite some shortcomings, the Pixel 8 Pro remains a compelling choice for those who value long-term software support – Google promises seven years of updates. If you're considering alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max are worth exploring, but the Pixel 8 Pro is certainly a great option to consider.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a device that embodies the essence of refinement, with its sleek design and solid build quality. The moment you lay hands on it, you can't help but appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into crafting this smartphone. The device's exterior features a premium feel, with a glass back panel that showcases the phone's internal components through a subtle layering effect. This design element not only adds an air of sophistication to the overall look but also gives a glimpse into the cutting-edge technology that lies beneath. In terms of build quality, the Pixel 8 Pro is a force to be reckoned with. The device's metal frame provides an excellent grip, while the glass back panel resists scratches and wear admirably. Despite its impressive durability, however, the phone's design doesn't quite scream "innovation" or "showstopper." It's more of a "solid foundation" kind of build. One notable departure from previous Pixel models is the adoption of a flat display. Gone are the rounded corners and sleek curves; instead, we get a more angular look that, while polarizing, is undoubtedly unique. While it may not be to everyone's taste, the new design does bring with it improved ergonomics and a slightly more compact footprint. Ultimately, the Google Pixel 8 Pro's build quality and design are the epitome of "good enough." They're not particularly groundbreaking or exciting, but they do deliver on substance. If you value reliability, durability, and a professional-grade aesthetic, then this phone should be high on your list. However, if you're looking for something that will truly make a statement – whether through innovative design or bold styling – the Pixel 8 Pro might not be the best choice.
Battery Life
While the Google Pixel 8 Pro brings many exciting features to the table, its battery life is unfortunately a major letdown. Despite packing a generous 5,500mAh battery, this phone falls short of its competitors in terms of endurance. In our testing, the Pixel 8 Pro managed an overall endurance rating of just 90 hours, which is significantly lower than what we've seen from other flagship devices. This means that you'll likely need to recharge your phone at least once a day, even with moderate use. Furthermore, the charging speed isn't particularly impressive either. With Google's official 30W charger, it takes a full hour and 23 minutes to top up the battery from empty to full. Wireless charging is also available, but this only adds to the overall time spent recharging. While the Pixel 8 Pro's battery life might not be the worst we've seen, it's definitely disappointing considering the phone's premium price tag. If you're someone who relies heavily on their smartphone for extended periods of time, you may find yourself needing to carry a portable charger or two just to get through the day. Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro's battery life is a major misstep in an otherwise solid package. We hope that Google takes note of this and addresses it in future updates.
Display
The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts an impressive display that sets it apart from its competitors. The flat design of the screen is a welcome change, providing a more seamless viewing experience. But what truly stands out is the extra brightness and vivid colors on offer. With a peak brightness of [insert number], the Pixel 8 Pro's display shines in even the most challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're watching a movie or scrolling through your social media feed, the visuals are always crisp and clear. The color accuracy is also noteworthy, with subtle nuances that bring out the true beauty of the images on screen. One of the notable upgrades to the Pixel 8 Pro's display is its ability to produce 12.5 megapixel photos at the camera's full resolution. This means that you can take incredibly detailed shots, perfect for capturing special moments or showcasing your photography skills. The dynamic range and contrast of the display also make a significant impact on the overall viewing experience. In terms of technical specifications, the Pixel 8 Pro's display measures [insert size] inches diagonally, with an impressive resolution of [insert resolution]. This translates to razor-sharp text and images, making it ideal for reading, gaming, or simply browsing through your favorite websites. While the Pixel 8 Pro's display is undoubtedly one of its standout features, there are some areas where it falls short. For example, the battery life could be improved, and the thermal management could be better. Nevertheless, the display remains a major selling point for this flagship device, and it's certainly worth considering if you're in the market for a new smartphone with a top-notch screen.
Camera
The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts an impressive camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel telephoto zoom lens, and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. In this review, we'll focus on the camera performance of this flagship device. The main camera is the star of the show, producing exceptional results in various lighting conditions. With a new lens and wider aperture, it captures detailed photos with accurate white balance and pleasing color saturation. The 12.5-megapixel output is excellent, with plenty of detail and minimal noise. One notable upgrade is the ability to take photos at the camera's full 50-megapixel resolution, which can result in even more detailed shots – albeit at the expense of file size. The five-times telephoto zoom lens delivers crisp and clear images, with good detail and definition. It excels in low-light conditions, producing well-exposed photos with minimal noise and pleasing tonal development. The camera's ability to shoot in darkness without a noticeable decrease in quality is impressive. The ultra-wide-angle camera has undergone significant improvements, capturing excellent photos with great detail and sharpness almost all the way to the edges. Autofocus allows for close-up and macro shots that look great, even sharper than what the vanilla model's ultra-wide can manage. In low-light conditions, the ultra-wide performs admirably, containing highlights and boosting shadows. The main camera produces excellent 4K video footage with plenty of detail and nice dynamic range and color saturation. Video stabilization is effective in smoothing out footage. The telephoto zoom also delivers great footage, but unfortunately, the ultra-wide-angle camera struggles with white balance, resulting in an overly warm and yellowish tint. In conclusion, the Google Pixel 8 Pro's camera performance is impressive, with excellent results from the main camera, telephoto zoom, and ultra-wide-angle camera. While there are some minor issues, such as thermal management and chipset performance, the camera capabilities of this device make it a standout in its class.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a powerhouse of a smartphone, boasting impressive features such as a bright and vibrant display, improved cameras, and long-lasting battery life. However, the real question on every buyer's mind is: does it offer good value for its price? In terms of pricing, the Pixel 8 Pro falls in line with other flagship devices from top brands like Samsung and Apple. The starting price point is around $999, which may seem steep to some. However, considering the device's capabilities and features, it's hard to argue that it's not worth every penny. One major advantage of the Pixel 8 Pro is its long-term software support. Google has committed to providing seven years of updates for this device, making it a solid investment for those who plan to keep their phones for an extended period. This aspect alone makes the phone more appealing, especially considering the high cost of newer models from other brands. Furthermore, the Pixel 8 Pro's camera system is top-notch, offering exceptional image quality and features that rival even the best cameras on the market. While some may argue that the price is too high for a single feature, the overall package offered by this device makes it a compelling choice for those who value a great camera experience. In conclusion, while the Pixel 8 Pro's price tag may be daunting at first glance, its impressive features and long-term software support make it an attractive option for buyers. For those willing to invest in a premium smartphone, the Pixel 8 Pro offers exceptional value that justifies its price point.
Performance
The Google Pixel 8 Pro's performance is a mixed bag. On one hand, the device feels snappy and responsive in day-to-day use. Apps launch quickly, and navigating through menus is a breeze. However, when it comes to more demanding tasks, the phone starts to show its limitations. The chipset, while powerful, falls behind competitors in terms of raw numbers. Benchmarks reveal a slight deficiency compared to other flagship devices, making it less suitable for heavy gaming or multitasking. The lackluster thermal management is also noticeable during prolonged stress tests, with significant dips and spikes in temperatures. In terms of battery life, the Pixel 8 Pro falls short of its competitors. With an overall endurance rating of just 90 hours, it lags behind other flagships in this department. While it's not a deal-breaker by any means, it's something to consider if you're a heavy user who needs a phone that can keep up with your demands. Charging speeds are also underwhelming, taking around an hour and 23 minutes to fully charge the battery using Google's official 30W charger. Wireless charging is available, but it doesn't make up for the lack of speed. Despite these limitations, the Pixel 8 Pro still manages to deliver a great overall performance. It just won't blow you away with its raw power or efficiency. If you're looking for a camera-centric phone that's easy to use and has a great display, the Pixel 8 Pro is still a solid choice. However, if you prioritize performance, there are other options on the market that might better suit your needs.
Pros
1. Flat and extra bright display
2. 7 years of software support, a great advantage over competitors
3. Excellent camera performance with new lenses and pixel binning on the Ultra wide camera
4. Good battery life, although not the best compared to competitors
5. Thermometer feature is a nice addition
Cons
1. Battery life falls behind competitors' offerings
2. Chipset performance lags behind in raw numbers and thermal management
3. Selfie camera's white balance can be off resulting in an overly warm and yellowish tint (Ultra wide video recording)