Pixel 8 (Pro) presented: Minor hardware adjustments and new software functions

Despite all the improvements to the features, Google is focussing on the software of the new smartphones. Among other things, this should help you with photos. Google also wants to provide the Pixel 8 with updates for seven years.

Design and display: flatter and brighter

At first glance, the new models look very similar to the old ones. At second glance, however, there are differences. For example, the Pixel 8 has more rounded corners and therefore looks less angular. On the Pro, the two camera cut-outs have merged into one. The back is now matt and no longer glossy.

Google has opted for a conventional selection of colours. The Pixel 8 is available in grey, black and rose. The Pro comes in black, light blue and a light beige. The greenish shades from last year have disappeared.

You will notice the change on the front more in everyday life. The display is now flat and no longer curved over the edges. The corners are lower and the frame around the display is thinner.

The Pixel 8 has a slightly smaller screen than its predecessor - 6.2 inches instead of 6.3 inches. The Pixel Pro still has a 6.7-inch screen. It is pleasing that the non-Pro now also offers a refresh rate of 120 hertz - however, the smartphone can only adjust this down to 60 hertz. The Pro automatically varies between 1 and 120 hertz.

Perhaps even more important in everyday use is the fact that Google has significantly increased the brightness of both models. The Pixel 8 has 1400 to 2000 nits instead of 1000 to 1400 nits. The Pro even has 1600 to 2400 nits instead of the previous 1000 to 1500 nits.

All technical details and the comparison between Pro and non-Pro can be found here in a table.

Cameras: more light sensitivity and lots of software tricks

Here too, first impressions are deceptive: Like the Pixel 7, the two new models do have a main camera with 50 megapixels. However, instead of an f/1.9 aperture, a lens with f/1.68 is now used. Google claims 21 per cent more light sensitivity. The test will have to show how much difference this makes, especially in difficult lighting conditions.

While the main camera is the same on both models, there are differences in the ultra-wide-angle camera. The Pixel 8's 12-megapixel sensor is unchanged, but has autofocus. The Pixel 8 Pro uses a 48-megapixel sensor that can capture 105 per cent more light than its predecessor.

This should help with night shots - and in macro mode. You can now get up to two centimetres closer to an object and the autofocus will still focus. The five-fold optical zoom is only available in the Pro model, and the light sensitivity has also been increased here, by 56 per cent according to Google.

Google is still not focussing on the selfie camera. Nevertheless, there is a new sensor: after a 10.8 megapixel in the 7 models and a 13 megapixel in the 7a, a 10.5 megapixel is now used. The aperture remains the same, while the Pro model now has autofocus.

Almost traditionally, the Pixel is given tricks for the photo app. This year, for example, the "Magic Editor", which can combine several images in a series. In group photos, someone always has their eyes closed or is not looking at the camera. The software now uses artificial intelligence to put together a shot in which everyone shows their best smile. In the examples that Google has shown, it looks almost frighteningly good. We will test whether it also looks natural.

In Photo Pro mode, you can set the exposure, ISO value or shutter speed manually. Just like the iPhone Pro models, for example. In the Pixel, you now have the same options for the first time.

The manufacturer has also invested a lot in the video area: you can edit the audio track and filter out background noise in videos with the "Magic Audio Eraser". Using the sliders. As strong as you like. The Pro model also offers special night videos and subsequent video optimisation.

Smartphones

EUR479,57

Google Pixel 8

128 GB, Rose, 6.20", SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G

402

Smartphones

EUR628,72

Google Pixel 8 Pro

128 GB, Porcelain, 6.70", SIM + eSIM, 50 Mpx, 5G

406

Depending on the model and memory variant, the Pixel 8 models have become 110 to 200 euros more expensive compared to the previous models - based on the recommended retail price.

Software: exemplary seven years of updates

What many users worldwide have appreciated about the devices for years is the operating system. The Pixel 8 also uses the pure version of Android. Android 14 is already pre-installed and with a Pixel you always receive all software updates with new functions immediately. With other Android manufacturers, you still have to wait much longer in some cases.

Google goes one better with the two new products. The manufacturer guarantees not only security updates, but also new Android versions for a whole seven years. The Pixel 8 comes with Android 14 and should then be updated to Android 21. This is the first time Google has overtaken Apple: iPhones usually receive new iOS versions for six years.

As a special extra, the Pixel 8 Pro has a built-in temperature sensor. For the time being, you can scan objects to see how hot a pan is or how warm the milk for your baby's porridge is. However, Google is working on an application to measure body temperature. However, a mobile clinical thermometer first needs approval, for example from the FDA in the USA.

Battery and features: No progress in battery life

Although the new Tensor G3 processor enables computing-intensive video and photo editing and the long update period, it is unlikely to be any more economical. According to Google, a battery of the same size as last year should give similarly long runtimes. Unfortunately, these have only been so-so so far. You shouldn't have high expectations when it comes to the topic of charging either: 27 watts for the Pixel 8 and 30 watts for the 8 Pro are just as mediocre as last year.

That's a bit of a shame, because otherwise the Pixel is excellent down to the last detail. For example, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on the cheaper model and Victus 2 on the Pro. This robust glass is also used on the back. Google has also already integrated the WiFi 7 standard, which will not really take off until 2024.

The detailed test will show how convincing the new features are in everyday use and where the differences lie compared to the previous models.

By the way, Google has also unveiled the second generation of the Pixel Watch. You can find all the information in the overview by my colleague Kim.