GOOGLE
PIXEL 8 AND 8 PRO REVIEW: THE FUTURE OF SMARTPHONES WITH GOOGLE’S AI-POWERED
MARVELS
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: A Glimpse into the Future of
Smartphones
The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have been making waves in the
tech world, and after using them extensively, these phones are indeed unique.
They are the epitome of innovation and futuristic design. However, it’s worth
noting that while they excel in many areas, a few aspects need improvement.
Today, we will explore the key features of the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro,
discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determine if they are
worth investing in.
Design: A Familiar Aesthetic with a Modern Twist
The design of the Google Pixel 8 series is reminiscent of its
predecessor, the Pixel 7. It features the same sleek and futuristic look, with
minimal speaker grills and a comfortable form factor. The frosted glass
material on the Pixel 8 Pro adds a touch of luxury and feels incredibly smooth.
The visor, though polarizing to some, serves a practical purpose by keeping the
cameras elevated and symmetrical. However, it would have been better if the
matte visor was included on both models, as it is more resistant to
fingerprints and scratches.
Software: A User Experience That Sets It Apart
Google’s version of the new Android 14 is where the Pixel 8
truly shines. The software is meticulously designed, with silky smooth
animations and attention to detail. The screen turns on based on how the phone
is unlocked, creating a personalized experience. The haptic vibrations
physically impact interactions, making it feel like you are interacting with
natural objects. One standout feature is the improved Google Assistant, which
sounds more human than ever. The AI’s ability to control playback speed and
improved speech recognition makes it a valuable tool for everyday use. The
software also offers tutorials and explanations for more complex features,
ensuring users can make the most of their Pixel 8 phones.
7 Years of Updates: A Commitment to Long-Term Support
Google’s promise of 7 years of updates sets the Pixel 8
series apart from its competitors. While it may not be practical for most users
to keep a phone for that long, it ensures that even secondhand buyers can stay
up to date. However, it’s important to note that this promise comes with the
caveat that Google has a history of discontinuing products with low user
adoption. Nonetheless, the slowing pace of major Android updates and the fact
that many software features are eventually rolled out to older Pixel models
mitigate this concern.
The Cameras: Intelligent, But Room for Improvement
The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro boast intelligent and
sophisticated cameras but have some limitations. Both models feature a solid
primary camera, with the Pro model offering additional ultra-wide and telephoto
lenses. The telephoto camera’s ability to retain sharpness at high zoom levels
is impressive, and the Pro model excels in this area. However, the regular
Pixel 8 needs an ultra-wide lens and telephoto capabilities, making it fall
slightly behind.
While the
cameras offer high-quality photos with realistic colours, there are a few
drawbacks. The portrait mode requires a minimum digital crop, and zooming is
limited to three times, even on the Pro model with a dedicated telephoto lens.
Slow-motion videos utilize digital zoom instead of using the telephoto lens,
resulting in poor video quality. Additionally, the transition between lenses
could be more seamless, and stabilization can be inconsistent depending on
lighting conditions. However, Google has promised improvements through upcoming
features like video night sight and boost.
AI-Powered Features: The Future of Smartphone Photography
One area where the Pixel 8 series truly shines is in its
AI-powered features. The Magic Eraser, for example, can remove distractions
from photos seamlessly, and the Magic Editor offers advanced editing
capabilities. These features rely on cloud processing, which can sometimes feel
slow and disconnected from the phone. However, the results are impressive, with
the ability to erase people, move objects, and swap skies with remarkable
realism.
Battery Life and Other Considerations
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts impressive battery life, offering
around 7 to 8 hours of screen-on time. The regular Pixel 8, while decent, may
need help to last a full day with heavy usage. The screens on both models are
bright and offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. However, the overall performance
of the phones can be sluggish at times, and there have been occasional issues
with app responsiveness and stability.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the AI-Powered Future
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are remarkable
smartphones that glimpse the future of AI-powered technology. While they excel
in many areas, such as software design and AI features, some areas need
improvement, particularly in camera performance and overall stability. However,
with Google’s commitment to long-term support and the potential for upcoming
improvements, these phones have the potential to be truly groundbreaking.
Whether or not they are worth investing in depends on your priorities and
willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology.
Reference: Mrwhosetheboss, 2023