Google Pixel 8 Full Review: Is This the Best Android Phone?

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel 8 showcases a modern and functional design, following the minimalist aesthetic for which the Pixel series is known. The 6.2-inch OLED display is slightly more compact than some of its rivals, making it easier to handle with one hand. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which adds a layer of durability against scratches and drops.

The Pixel 8’s aluminium frame gives it a premium feel, while its lightweight construction—at 178 grams—ensures it doesn’t feel bulky. Google has opted for an IP68 rating, making the Pixel 8 resistant to dust and water. This level of protection is expected in a flagship phone, but it’s reassuring to see it included here.

The phone has three subtle colour options: Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose. Each colour has a matte finish that reduces fingerprints and gives the device a sleek, understated look. The camera bar on the back, a signature of the Pixel design, is more refined in this iteration, seamlessly blending with the body.

Display: A Visual Delight

The Google Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution. The screen delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks. The 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, ensuring smooth scrolling and an overall fluid experience. Whether browsing the web, scrolling through social media or playing games, the high refresh rate significantly enhances the visual experience.

One of the key advantages of the Pixel 8’s display is its adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts to your environment. The screen performs well under direct sunlight, maintaining visibility without draining the battery excessively. The always-on display feature is also a nice touch, providing glanceable information like time and notifications without fully waking the device.

Performance: Powered by Google Tensor G3

The heart of the Pixel 8 is the Google Tensor G3 chipset, a custom processor developed by Google. This chip optimizes AI and machine learning tasks, making the Pixel 8 exceptionally smart in handling complex operations. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the Tensor G3 ensures smooth multitasking and quick app launches.

The Pixel 8 easily handles everything from demanding games to productivity apps in real-world use. Integrating the Tensor G3 with Android 14 provides a seamless experience, with the software and hardware working perfectly. The phone’s performance remains consistent, even during extended use, with no noticeable overheating or lag.

The Pixel 8 also benefits from Google’s commitment to software updates. With Android 14 out of the box, users can expect timely updates and long-term support, keeping the device secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

Camera: Photography Perfection

Google’s Pixel series has always been renowned for its camera capabilities, and the Pixel 8 continues this tradition with impressive results. The dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide sensor. This combination offers versatility in photography, allowing users to capture detailed landscapes and close-up shots easily.

The primary 50MP sensor excels in various lighting conditions, producing sharp, vibrant images with accurate colour reproduction. Google’s computational photography techniques, powered by the Tensor G3, enhance photos with features like HDR+, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom. These features capture stunning images even in challenging conditions, such as low-light or high-contrast scenes.

The ultrawide camera is equally capable, providing a wider field of view without significant distortion. It’s beneficial for group shots or when you want to capture more of a scene. The front-facing 10.8MP camera is ideal for selfies and video calls, delivering clear and well-balanced images.

One of the standout features of the Pixel 8’s camera system is its AI-driven photography. The phone intelligently enhances real-time photos, ensuring every shot is Instagram-ready. Features like Magic Eraser, which allows you to remove unwanted elements from photos, and Real Tone, which provides accurate skin tones across all complexions, make the Pixel 8 a powerful tool for photography enthusiasts.

Video Recording

The Pixel 8’s video capabilities are just as impressive as its photography. It supports 4K video recording at 60fps, ensuring smooth and detailed footage. Optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic (EIS) help minimize camera shake, producing professional-looking videos.

Google has also added features like cinematic pan and auto-focus tracking, making capturing dynamic scenes easier. The audio quality during video recording is clear, with sound noise reduction, making the Pixel 8 a reliable option for vlogging or capturing important moments.

Battery Life and Charging

The Google Pixel 8 has a 4,350mAh battery, slightly larger than its predecessor. This capacity is sufficient for a full day of moderate to heavy use, including streaming, gaming, and web browsing. The Tensor G3’s power management features enhance battery efficiency by intelligently optimizing energy consumption based on usage patterns.

In our tests, the Pixel 8 consistently delivered around 7-8 hours of screen-on time, which is impressive considering its high refresh rate display. For those concerned about battery longevity, the adaptive battery feature learns your habits over time and limits power usage for rarely used apps.

When it comes to charging, the Pixel 8 supports 30W wired charging and 18W wireless charging. While not the fastest in the market, it’s adequate for most users. With the correct charger, the phone can charge from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes, making quick top-ups during the day convenient. However, it’s worth noting that the charger is not included in the box, a trend that has become common in recent flagship smartphones.

Software Experience

The Pixel 8 runs on Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive user experience. Google’s vision for Android is evident in the Pixel 8, focusing on simplicity, speed, and intelligence. The interface is accessible from bloatware, providing a pure Android experience that many users prefer.

One of the highlights of using a Pixel device is the integration of Google Assistant, which is deeply embedded into the software. The Tensor G3’s processing power makes voice commands more responsive and accurate. Features like voice typing, quick phrases, and Now Playing, which identify songs playing around you, showcase Google’s commitment to making the Pixel 8 a smartphone and an intelligent companion.

Google’s long-term software support is another significant advantage. The Pixel 8 will receive at least three years of major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring that the device remains secure and functional well into the future. This makes the Pixel 8 a sound investment for those looking for a phone that will last.

Connectivity and Network Performance

The Google Pixel 8 supports the latest connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. These features ensure fast and reliable connections, whether browsing the web, streaming content, or connecting to other devices. The 5G performance is particularly noteworthy, offering fast download and upload speeds in areas with

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