Google has recently unveiled the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, featuring powerful camera systems, game-changing editing tools, and first-of-their-kind AI features powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor. Both phones will receive seven years of software updates, including Android OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops. The Pixel 8 Pro features a larger, higher-resolution display with a higher refresh rate, more advanced camera system, and a larger battery compared to the Pixel 8. Both phones are powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor and run on Android 14.
Design and Camera Upgrades
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have elegant designs with softer silhouettes, beautiful metal finishes, and recycled materials. Both phones feature upgraded camera systems for stunning photo and video quality. The Pixel 8 Pro has upgraded cameras, including a main camera that captures better photos and videos in low-light settings, a bigger ultrawide lens with improved Macro Focus, a telephoto lens that captures 56% more light and takes 10x photos at optical quality, and a front-facing camera with autofocus for better selfies. The Pixel 8 has the same updated main camera and a new ultrawide lens that enables Macro Focus. The camera app has a redesigned interface for quick access to photo and video modes. Pixel 8 Pro users will have access to Pro Controls, offering more creative control with settings like shutter speed, ISO, and 50 MP photos throughout the zoom range.
The new camera features of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro include:
- Super Res Zoom: Both phones have Super Res Zoom, with the Pixel 8 Pro offering up to 30x zoom and the Pixel 8 offering up to 8x zoom.
- Macro Focus: The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro both have Macro Focus capabilities, with the Pixel 8 Pro having a 48 MP ultrawide lens that focuses 30% closer for improved Macro Focus shots.
- Ultra HDR: The Pixel 8 series is the first to use Ultra HDR, an Android photo format that adds extra information to a JPEG photo for a high dynamic range version.
- Enhanced Magic Editor: This experimental editing experience in Google Photos uses generative AI to help users make complex edits, such as resizing or repositioning subjects.
- Video capabilities: The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have improved video quality with dual exposure on the main camera. The Pixel 8 Pro will also receive Video Boost, which automatically adjusts color, lighting, stabilization, and graininess, and enables Night Sight Video.
These features, combined with the upgraded camera hardware, provide a powerful and versatile photography experience on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Android 14 and Software Updates
Launching with Android 14, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will receive updates up to Android 21, assuming the naming doesn’t change before 2030. Android 14 brings choice improvements, new features, and APIs. The Pixel 8 series will also receive quarterly Pixel Feature Drops, bringing new app and OS features every three months. This seven-year software update commitment surpasses Samsung’s four-year promise and brings Google closer to the iPhone’s software longevity. Google can offer this extended support due to its Tensor G3 processor, which provides more control over the hardware compared to most Android competitors.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Pixel 8 Pro | Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED (1344 x 2992) | 6.4-inch OLED (1080 x 2400) |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120 Hz Smooth Display | 90 Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP wide, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP telephoto | 50 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 12 MP with autofocus | 8 MP |
| Battery | 5050mAh | 4600mAh |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 14 |
