Pixel 8 Pro AI camera resilience

Seven years of assistance, advanced generative AI features, impressive zoom, and affordability compared to premium rivals.

Google’s flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro, returns with superior photography, intelligent features, and an extended seven-year software support. However, the debate lingers on whether the premium attributes justify a notable price increase to £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699), still lower than competitors from Apple and Samsung at £1,200. The £150 increase from last year’s 7 Pro may raise eyebrows.

Featuring an upgraded aluminum and glass design, the phone boasts a flat 6.7-inch OLED screen with remarkable smooth scrolling and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits. A new 2D facial recognition system enhances security, and the under-display fingerprint sensor adds versatility.

The Tensor G3 chip, while slightly lagging on paper, performs effectively in handling games, applications, and general usage. The phone’s battery life, lasting nearly 37 hours between charges, makes it suitable for heavy use, requiring nightly recharging with a 30W charger taking about 85 minutes.

Specifications:

• Display: 6.7-inch 120Hz QHD+ OLED.
• Processor: Google Tensor G3.
• Memory: 12GB RAM.
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB.
• OS: Android 14.
• Camera: 50MP primary, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x telephoto, 10.5MP front-facing.
• Connectivity: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS.
• Water Resistance: IP68 certified.
• Dimensions: 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm.
• Weight: 213 grams.

Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro distinguishes itself with seven years of update support, aligning with Apple’s iPhone and surpassing other Android manufacturers by at least two years, contributing to sustainability and potential resale value.

Generative AI is integrated across the phone, with features like Bard AI in Assistant and exclusive features in the United States. Google Photos introduces the “Magic Editor,” leveraging AI for advanced editing capabilities, promising remarkable results.

Camera

Pixel phones from Google have consistently featured exceptional cameras, and the 8 Pro is no exception. The core hardware has undergone enhancements, incorporating larger and more luminous sensors, improving low-light photography quality, and reducing blurriness in fast-paced scenes.

The most substantial improvement is seen in the ultrawide camera, while the main and 5x optical zoom telephoto cameras consistently deliver outstanding shots. Similar to the previous Pixel 7 Pro, the camera offers additional optical zoom capabilities, with 2x for the main camera and 10x for the telephoto, effectively utilizing central pixels, especially in well-lit conditions.

The camera boasts enjoyable and automated features, and notably, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces full manual controls for the first time, allowing photography enthusiasts to capture 50MP RAW format images with control over shutter speed, ISO, and focus.

In summary, the 8 Pro excels in effortlessly producing excellent images, particularly in challenging conditions, making it an outstanding point-and-shoot camera.

Sustainability:
Google anticipates the battery to endure over 500 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% capacity. Repair options are available through Google and third-party shops, with iFixit soon offering authentic replacement components. Screen replacements cost £116, and battery replacements are priced at £56.

The Pixel 8 Pro incorporates a minimum of 18% recycled materials, including aluminum, plastic, and tin. Detailed environmental impact information is available in Google’s sustainability report, along with a free recycling service for old devices.

Price:
The Pixel 8 Pro is priced at £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699).

In comparison, the Pixel 8 is available for £699, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is priced at £1,249, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max at £1,199, and the Fairphone 5 at £649.

While the Pixel 8 Pro may not match its predecessors in high-end value, it still offers excellent value compared to competitors, with standout features in screen quality, build, performance, and battery life. Its unique design and exceptional camera system, complemented by AI-driven editing tools, set it apart.

Moreover, the Pixel comes with the assurance of additional Google generative AI technology in the future, aligning with Google’s hardware philosophy of continuous enhancements through feature updates.

The most significant improvement lies in the extended seven-year software support, aligning the Pixel with Apple and surpassing most Android devices, except for the Fairphone 5, making a commendable stride toward sustainability.