Google Unveils Pixel 8 And Pixel 8 Pro: 7 Years Of Updates And Tensor G3 SoC

Google has introduced its latest smartphone models, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, featuring notable hardware and software updates. These devices are designed with a focus on sustainability, as they include casings made from 100% recycled aluminum.

In terms of design, they closely resemble their predecessors, with the most significant change being the consolidation of all rear camera lenses into a single module. Both phones feature OLED displays, but there are differences in size and resolution.

The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch screen with FHD+ resolution and a variable refresh rate of 60 Hz to 120 Hz, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch LTPO display with QHD+ resolution and a variable refresh rate between 1 Hz and 120 Hz. Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro includes a temperature sensor on the rear panel alongside the cameras.

Under the hood, both devices share Google’s proprietary Tensor G3 chipset built on a 4nm process. They come equipped with up to 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. Connectivity options include 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for contactless payments, under-display fingerprint sensors or facial recognition, and IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.

Powering the devices are 4,575 mAh and 5,050 mAh batteries for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, respectively. Both support fast charging of up to 30W with a wired connection and up to 23W wirelessly.

Improved Cameras

The camera systems have also seen improvements. The standard Pixel 8 features a 50 MP primary sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 8 Pro steps it up with a 50 MP primary camera, a 48 MP ultrawide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens that enables optical zoom of 5x or 30x via software.

Several software enhancements have been introduced for these cameras, including a night mode for video recording and a “Best Take” feature for editing group photos.

Android 14 and 7 Years of Updates

In terms of software, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro come with Android 14 out of the box and come with a remarkable promise of 7 years of software updates, extending their usability and security for an extended period.

Specs

Google Pixel 8

• 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED Actua display
• Punch-hole design with support for up to 120Hz refresh rate
• Google Tensor G3 SoC
• 8GB of RAM
• 128GB or 256GB of internal storage
• 10.5MP front camera
• Dual rear cameras:
  • 50MP primary lens with OIS and EIS
  • 12MP ultrawide lens
• 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, stereo sound, IP68 rating, and Wi-Fi 7
• 4,575mAh battery with 27W wired charging and 18W wireless charging
• Android 14
• Dimensions: 105.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm
• Weight: 187g

Google Pixel 8 Pro

•  6.7-inch QHD+ Super Actua LTPO OLED display
• Punch-hole design with support for up to 120Hz refresh rate
• Google Tensor G3 SoC
• 12GB of RAM
• 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage
• 10.5MP front camera
• Triple rear cameras:
  • 50MP primary lens with OIS and EIS
  • 48MP ultrawide lens
  • 48MP telephoto lens (5x optical zoom or 30x via software)
• 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, stereo sound, IP68 rating, and Wi-Fi 7
• 5,050mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging
• Android 14
• Dimensions: 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.7 mm
• Weight: 213g

Availability and Price

Both phones are available for pre-order in the United States, with the Pixel 8 starting at $699 and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999. The color options include pink, green, or black (Rose, Hazel, and Obsidian) for the Pixel 8 and beige, blue, and black (Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian) for the Pixel 8 Pro. Both devices will be available at the Google Store and retail partners beginning October 12.

Paulo Montenegro
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Android, Google, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Tensor G3, Pixel