Activities
Divisions
Performances
Activities
Divisions
Performances
Long-Term Assessment of Google Pixel 8: A desirable small high-end phone that requires a price reduction
The Google Pixel 8 is an excellent comprehensive choice for those who prefer small high-end phones, if it can be found for less than Rs 60,000.
Advantages: – High-quality construction and appearance – Compact form with IP68 protection against dust and water – Superior primary camera, enhanced ultra-wide camera – Crisp and lively 120Hz OLED screen – Seamless and neat Android 14 interface – Assured 7 years of software updates – Satisfactory overall functionality following some updates.
Drawbacks: The charging process is sluggish and it lacks an included charger. The Tensor G3 tends to slow down significantly when burdened. It still doesn't have a telephoto camera. The price is high.
Score: 3.75 out of 5. The cost ranges from Rs 75,999 to Rs 82,999.
We've been experimenting with the Google Pixel 8 for several months. In fact, we had experienced enough of it by the close of last year to include it in our selection of top smartphones for 2023. Some high-end phones notably improve and stabilize over time, particularly after receiving a series of updates that address initial launch issues. The Google Pixel phones exemplify this. So, we decided to continue our use of the Pixel 8 a little longer, and now we're ready to share all the essential information about it.
The design of the Google Pixel 8 is compact and robust, with a high-end finish and feel. Google has made only minor modifications to the Pixel 8 design, which are just perfect. The phone continues to reflect the distinctive Pixel design style and is comfortable to hold due to its small size. The weight is maintained below 190 grams. The construction is durable with a luxurious finish because of an aluminum frame and glass back. It still has the IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water. Although the screen remains flat, the edges are a bit curved, enhancing the overall visual appeal and touch.
The edges are significantly slimmer, particularly the bottom edge, which assists in reducing the phone's height by a few millimeters. The screen and the rear are safeguarded against scratches by the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Finger marks and smudges are hardly noticeable on the Rose (which resembles Rose Gold) version we received for evaluation. The metal edges enhance the back beautifully. This metallic look also continues to the unique camera strip on the back, which has been a feature of the previous three phone generations, if not more.
The volume control and power button are situated on the right side of the device. They are conveniently positioned, as is the in-display fingerprint reader, and are easy to operate without much finger extension. The reader might not be the top of its kind, but it's a step up from the one in the Pixel 7 series. The SIM card holder is on the left side of the phone. The bottom side houses a USB-C port as well as a speaker. However, the phone still lacks a memory card slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Google Pixel 8 sports a crisp and colorful screen, which at long last boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. Google has slightly shrunk the display size without reducing resolution, thereby enhancing pixel density. The Pixel 8 comes with a neat 6.2-inch Full HD+ OLED screen featuring a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a maximum brightness of 2000 nits. This is the first time a non-Pro Pixel device achieves a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen, which supports HDR10+, delivers superb color accuracy and contrast right from the get-go.
The fine-tuning they've done is beneficial, especially because there aren't many options for color adjustment. You only have two choices – Adaptive and Natural. The first option makes the colors appear a bit brighter, whereas the second one maintains a more natural look. You should experiment with both and decide which one you like better. If you like, you can also use the always-on display. The display doesn't give much to complain about, and in many respects, it's one of the phone's most notable features.
The Google Pixel 8's hardware and performance are decent, but they don't quite reach the level of top-tier devices. The Pixel 8 uses Google's own third-gen Tensor G3 chip, which is also used in the Pixel 8 Pro. Although the chip offers a fair amount of power, it's not as powerful as the previous two generations of Qualcomm's leading Snapdragon chips, specifically the 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3, when it comes to raw processing power. However, it's important to note the Tensor G3's AI processing abilities, which might not be evident in common synthetic benchmark tests.
This device comes equipped with 8GB RAM and a choice between 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. It should be noted that some rival phones have offered the quicker UFS 4.0 storage since the start of 2023. In terms of performance, the Tensor G3 easily handles routine tasks such as using social media or messaging apps, viewing videos, surfing the web, opening various browser tabs and moving seamlessly between them. Initially during our tests, the phone tended to warm slightly, but it now maintains a comparatively cooler temperature for extended periods.
The phone typically maintains a cool temperature, but it can heat up slightly after half an hour of gaming or snapping numerous consecutive photos. While the heat doesn't become dangerously high, the device's performance does decrease noticeably as the temperature goes up. In some instances, performance can even fall to 50% as shown in the 3D Mark stress test image below. We conducted a series of synthetic benchmarks to evaluate its performance and to compare it with its previous model, the Tensor G2 that runs the Pixel 7 series.
The benchmark scores are provided in the subsequent image, but I'll also give you a comparison of its performance with its predecessor and the OnePlus 11 5G, which is equipped with Qualcomm's earlier flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Notably, the Tensor G3's Geekbench 6 single-core score is a whopping 50% higher than the other two chips, thanks to its 3 GHz Cortex-X3 core powering the nona-core chipset. However, its multi-core score is sandwiched between the two – it's 15% higher than the G2's score, but falls 10% short of the Qualcomm chip's score.
In the 3D Mark Wild Life gaming tests, we noticed a 33% increase in performance compared to the Tensor G2. Still, it falls significantly short of what the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can produce, with the Tensor G3 lagging behind by about 30%. That being said, the actual gaming performance of the Pixel 8 is fairly good, allowing you to play the majority of games available. In some instances, you might need to reduce the graphics quality to maintain acceptable frame rates.
The phone features dual speakers, situated at the back of the earpiece and the bottom of the device, respectively. Together, they deliver a robust and resonant audio output with excellent stereo differentiation. The device also supports Bluetooth 5.3 and has tri-band WiFi, compatible with a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 standards. Throughout our evaluation period, the call quality and signal reception were consistently satisfactory. Additionally, it is equipped with 5G compatibility.
Google Pixel 8's battery performance: Average battery duration without any significant fast charging. The Pixel 8's battery performance is reasonably good. The battery size has grown from Pixel 7's 4355 mAh to this model's 4575 mAh, but the actual battery lifespan remains more or less the same. Interestingly, it was even less efficient than the 7 at the beginning of our testing. However, after several updates and enhancements, the battery now lasts longer than a day of average use, and approximately 28 to 30 hours, which is satisfactory for a smaller phone.
The charging times have seen a slight improvement compared to the previous model, but still fall short when compared to current norms. In fact, they don't even match the standards set by numerous Chinese manufacturers five years ago. The Pixel can support 27W fast charging with USB-PD 3.0 chargers, an increase of 7W from the maximum charging capacity of the Pixel 7. Therefore, using a 30W charger instead of a 20W one does enhance the charging speed, although the difference is not significant, unlike with the Pixel 7.
Google continues to omit a charger from its package, providing only a USB-C cable. We tested multiple third-party chargers with power ratings of 20W, 25W, 30W and more. The quickest charging time we recorded for the Pixel 8, from 1% to 100%, was 88 minutes. This is 7 minutes quicker than the maximum speed for the Pixel 7. I think among the latest high-end gadgets, only Apple's devices charge more slowly. The OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 manage to charge in less than 40 minutes. If they can't match that speed, I hope Google aims for a charging time of less than an hour with their forthcoming Pixel 9.
The Google Pixel 8's camera quality is superb, with a notably enhanced ultra-wide camera. Despite having a similar appearance to the Pixel 7's rear cameras on paper, the Pixel 8's cameras are superior. The Pixel 8 boasts a 50MP primary camera that features laser auto-focus, optical image stabilisation (OIS), and a larger f/1.7 aperture. The 12MP ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 8 not only offers a wider 126-degree field of view but also provides auto-focus. This feature improves its function as a high-quality macro camera, a component that was lacking in the Pixel 7. However, the dedicated telephoto camera found in the Pro models is still not included.
The primary camera takes impressive photos in both well-lit and low-light settings. The colors it captures are pretty true-to-life and its dynamic range is top-notch. Just like previous Pixel models, the contrast on the Pixel 8 is outstanding. The photos it takes show a lot of detail, which you can see in the sample images at the end of this section. Its low-light performance is also among the best.
When the lighting is dim, the phone seamlessly transitions to Night Sight mode. This enhances the brightness of the picture adequately without sacrificing its details or overdoing it. The level of detail captured is usually on par with those taken in well-lit conditions. Pixel phones have always excelled in portrait photography, and this remains true with the Pixel 8. The device's ability to detect edges in portrait shots is highly accurate, resulting in almost perfect separation of the subject from the background. This feature works effectively not only on people but also on other items, as evident in the camera samples.
As previously stated, this device lacks a specific telephoto lens; however, the camera application does provide a 2X zoom switch, which can be described as either hybrid or digital. Although I wouldn't categorize the pictures as lossless, the 2X zoomed images are quite satisfactory, much like those taken with an optical zoom. You can continue to zoom up to 8X, but anything above 5X becomes noticeably fuzzy and lacks detail. The AI does a decent job up to the 5X zoom level.
Transitioning to the 12MP ultra-wide camera, the results are quite impressive under adequate light, with the color and dynamic range matching the primary camera. The colors may occasionally appear a bit oversaturated, but few might find this problematic. It also functions decently under low light, however, the colors seem somewhat dull and the details are not as sharp as the primary camera. The Pixel 8's ultra-wide camera features auto-focus, enabling it to take high-quality close-up shots.
The device comes with a 10.5MP front-facing camera, slightly lower in megapixel count compared to the 10.8MP on the Pixel 7, but the quality remains comparable. The front camera produces impressive selfies that portray natural-looking skin tones. It also boasts a wide field of view and is capable of capturing high-quality portrait selfies. All cameras have the ability to record 4K videos at 24, 30, and 60 frames per second, while the back cameras can record slow-motion videos at 1080p up to 240 frames per second. The Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and gyro-Electronic Image Stabilization (gyro-EIS) features enhance the stability of the video footage. There's also a 10-bit HDR feature available. Videos recorded from the back cameras are clear, stable, and quite impressive for this price range.
Click this link to see raw images taken with the Google Pixel 8.
The operating system and user interface of the Google Pixel 8 are top-notch, especially for Android. As a Pixel phone, it provides the most refined and excellent Android 14 experience currently available. It offers a pure Android experience, free from any unnecessary additional software and featuring the Material You design aesthetic. The user interface is smooth, completely free of lag, and major bugs have been eliminated. Any small problems that were present immediately post-launch have since been resolved.
The Pixel 8 operates on the most recent version of Android 14, inclusive of the March 2024 security update, and users can look forward to regular updates in the future. Google has even committed to providing software updates for the Pixel 8 series for a period of seven years, which is a significant commitment. The phone comes equipped with several handy features for users to experiment with, in addition to the widely-used Google apps, which are smoothly incorporated.
Whether it's recognizing objects with Google Lens, voice recognition or translation, everything operates smoothly. There are also software enhancements for the camera, such as Magic Eraser and Camouflage, that allow you to tweak and improve your photos. Google consistently updates this gadget with new features, now including enhanced AI-powered solutions. Regularly visit Pixel Tips to discover the latest updates and improvements for the Pixel 8.
The Google Pixel 8 is on sale for Rs 75,999 for the 128GB variant and Rs 82,999 for the 256GB model in India, and it comes with a one-year warranty. This is a significant Rs 16,000 increase from the original price of the Pixel 7. The delay in publishing this review was due to the anticipation of a potential price reduction, which unfortunately did not occur. A Rs 10,000 immediate discount is available for the Pixel 8 with the use of a specific credit card, but even so, the price still seems somewhat high. Let's delve into why this is the case.
The Pixel 7 Pro, which boasts advanced features except for its processor, is presently on sale for Rs 66,999 for the version with 128GB storage. While it runs on the somewhat outdated Tensor G2 chip, it's still sufficiently potent for a majority of tasks. Additionally, it offers a better quality screen and an upgraded camera system, including an exceptional telephoto camera that the Pixel 8 lacks.
The Pixel 7, with minimal differences from the 8, can be bought for as low as 45K. Given the substantial price gap, it's difficult to suggest purchasing the Pixel 8 at its existing price. Even though the Pixel 8 is marginally more advanced than the Pixel 7 in several aspects, the steep price doesn't seem justified. It's not only the older generation Google phones that are giving Pixel 8 a run for its money but also some other stronger and latest flagship phones like the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 that are available for less. The Apple iPhone 15 can also be included in this competitive list.
The Google Pixel 8 is by no means a poor-quality phone. Actually, it was among the top phones in 2023, and it continues to be a favorite. However, 2024 has introduced new competition that it must adapt to in order to offer superior value for the price. Currently, Google appears to be following Apple's pricing tactic, where their new phones become a good purchase a year later when the price decreases during the holiday season. If and when this occurs, the Pixel 8 would be a great option to consider, especially if you find it for less than 60K in the near future.
Look for us on YouTube
Top-Rated Television Programs
Related Articles
In-Depth Review of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: A Good Smartphone with Room for Improvement in Pricing
The Best Smartphones Priced Under Rs 75,000 (March 2023): From Apple iPhone 15, OnePlus 12 to Xiaomi 14
An Early Look at the Xiaomi 14: First Impressions, Key Features, Camera Configuration and More
Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra Introduced in India with SDG 8 Gen 3 and Leica Cameras; Review Price, Specifications, and Launch Deals
Long-Term Evaluation of Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: An Excellent Phone That Could Have Been Better Priced
Top Smartphones Under Rs 75,000 (March 2023): From Apple iPhone 15, OnePlus 12 to Xiaomi 14
An Introduction to the Xiaomi 14: First Thoughts, Main Features, Camera System and More
Launch of Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra in India with SDG 8 Gen 3 and Leica Cameras; See Price, Features, and Launch Specials
Find Our Channel on YouTube
Highlighted Shows
Associated Reports
Long-term Review of Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: A quality device that could have been more reasonably priced
Top mobiles for less than Rs 75,000 (March 2023): From Apple iPhone 15, OnePlus 12 to Xiaomi 14
A Sneak Peek at Xiaomi 14: First look, core specifications, camera system and more
Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra released in India with SDG 8 Gen 3, Leica Cameras; Explore the cost, features, and launch promotions
In-depth Review of Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: An excellent device that could have had a better price tag
Preferred mobiles under Rs 75,000 (March 2023): Ranging from Apple iPhone 15, OnePlus 12 to Xiaomi 14
Early Look at Xiaomi 14: First thoughts, main features, camera arrangement and more
Xiaomi 14, 14 Ultra introduction in India with SDG 8 Gen 3, Leica Cameras; Review the price, specifications, and introductory offers
Available on YouTube.
All content is exclusively owned by Firstpost, protected under copyright laws as of
+ There are no comments
Add yours