Google’s Pixel 8 is the season’s newest phone, and it’s AI season, so why should phones be left out? The Pixel 8 has a similar exterior shell and some incremental updates within, as well as a slew of new AI tricks up its sleeve.
We’ve been using the Pixel 8, Google’s latest “made by Google” phone, for almost a week now. So, here’s a glimpse of how things have gone so far as we continue to test the phone in the next weeks to provide our final opinions.
“We’ve come too long to give up who we are”
The Pixel 8 appears to be cosmetically identical to its two predecessors, with the same old visor. Though it appears to be the same as the Pixel 7 or Pixel 6, there are some minor improvements. The sides have a larger curve, and the phone is somewhat smaller than the Pixel 7, making it simpler to grip and more pleasant to carry.
Spoiler alert: the Pixel 8’s display is stunning to look at. The 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED display, or “Actua Display,” as Google prefers to call it, features a 20:9 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 120Hz, up from 90Hz on its predecessor. The display is clear and vivid. It can also go fairly bright, reaching 1400 nits in HDR mode and 2000 nits outside.
The AI impact
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro ship with Android 14, which includes a suite of AI capabilities exclusive to the Pixel 8 (and Pixel 8 Pro). Sorry to disappoint, but there isn’t much new with Android 14. However, there are a slew of new AI functions that may not make their way to older Pixels very soon.
Google Photos now includes AI-assisted features such as Audio Magic Eraser for removing background noise and Magic Editor for removing distractions, changing lighting, and swapping backdrops. In group photographs, Best Take allows you to have the best facial expression.
The Bard connection is making Google Assistant smarter, but it is not arriving anytime soon. You may now additionally summarise, read aloud, and translate web pages. Call Screen is also improving its intelligence, so it will be much better at filtering spam calls and recommending contextual responses, however, it does not operate in India.
Google has revealed a seven-year upgrade cycle for the Pixel 8 series, including Android updates, security fixes, and feature updates. According to Google, the Pixel 8 should be good until 2030. It remains to be seen which will arrive first, the seventh-year upgrade or the end of Pixel.
The Pixel 8 and its bevy of AI functions are powered by Google’s third-generation in-house processor, the Tensor G3. Tensor’s history has not been kind to him. It has a reputation for poor performance, heating troubles, and other concerns. For the time being, the Pixel 8 does not encounter any of these issues. It has been doing well in day-to-day duties, despite the fact that gaming is not its strong suit. The battery life has been satisfactory, much better than on the Pixel 7. However, we will wait for the final word until we have properly tested it.
Butter and bread
The Pixel 8’s dual-camera configuration includes a new and enhanced 50 MP sensor with an f/1.68 aperture, laser detect autofocus, and optical and electronic stabilization to make the footage as steady as possible. The ultrawide is also improved, with a 12MP sensor and f/2.2 aperture.
The main camera catches a fair level of detail and a wide dynamic range, and the big aperture allows for more light, so the camera performs well even in low-light circumstances. The Pixel ultra-wide camera is broader than previously, yet the photographs are not noticeably distorted. The 2x zoom here has been digitally cropped, but it still appears sharp.
While images have been the Pixel phones’ bread and butter, videos have not been as impressive. That is no longer the case. The Pixel 8 produces excellent video regardless of whether it is day or night.
The Pixel 8 is easy to handle, has a beautiful display, and has been operating well up until now. As usual, the camera is excellent for still photography, and there are several AI gimmicks to enhance the experience. The Pixel 8 is a pricey buy, with a starting price of Rs 75,999, but if you adore the magic of Pixels, there’s no other option. However, we are currently evaluating the Pixel 8, so stay tuned for a comprehensive review.
