The Google Pixel 7 Pro, while generally well-received, had its share of issues, including subpar battery life, slow charging speeds, and a number of heating problems, in addition to camera bugs. With the arrival of the Pixel 8 Pro, users anticipated enhancements in these areas, as well as new design elements and AI-driven features. However, the experience with Google’s latest flagship model has revealed that not all previous shortcomings have been addressed.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Price in India
This year’s Pixel 8 Pro introduces a welcome upgrade: a larger base storage option. After receiving feedback about the limited 128GB storage for base models, Google has launched a 256GB variant in India. The 128GB version is priced at Rs. 1,06,999, while the 256GB variant costs Rs. 1,13,999.
The cost of the Pixel 8 Pro marks a significant increase of Rs. 22,000 compared to its predecessor, positioning it beyond the reach of many potential buyers. Customers should note that the base price still offers just 128GB of internal storage, without any complimentary cloud storage access.
Proving to be a challenge for Google, convincing existing Pixel users to upgrade is critical this year, which likely contributes to the interest in this review.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Design
This year’s Pixel 8 Pro features more extensive changes than the standard Pixel 8. The redesign includes elimination of superfluous details, alongside enhancements to the Pixel 7 Pro’s aesthetics. The phone’s flat display and overall profile give it a fresh appearance while retaining a distinctive Pixel identity through its prominent camera module.
The camera module is susceptible to scratches, a trait shared with the Pixel 7 Pro.
The new camera’s sharper edges enhance grip, allowing easier handling of the phone’s smooth matte-finish body, which has a striking appearance reminiscent of earlier Pixel models. Weighing in at 213g, the device feels equally balanced in weight, and its soft-finish glass presents a prominent premium vibe.
The Pixel 8 Pro embodies the aesthetics expected from a premium smartphone.
Retaining an IP68 rating from its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro’s build quality meets high standards. Additionally, it abandons the previous curved edge display, a feature that served little purpose given the lack of associated software enhancements, unlike those seen on Samsung devices.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Specifications and Software
Equipped with the new Tensor G3 chipset built on a 4nm process, the Pixel 8 Pro aims to deliver improved performance and efficiency. However, AI capabilities are touted as the processor’s primary strength. The device includes 12GB RAM as standard and supports storage options up to 256GB but lacks expandable storage and an additional SIM slot. Users can utilize eSIM functionality for dual numbers on a single device.
Connectivity options have been upgraded to include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB-C port, ultra-wideband (UWB) support, and multiple global positioning systems.
The Pixel 8 Pro shares some design traits with the previous Pixel 7 Pro model.
A new thermometer feature allows users to check the surface temperature of objects, with plans to add body temperature readings shortly. The battery capacity stands at 5,050mAh, supporting 30W wired and 23W wireless charging, though no charging adapter is included in the packaging.
This year also sees an AI wallpaper feature exclusive to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, generating unique wallpapers through an internet connection. The overall experience remains consistent with what users have found in Android 14 on previous Pixel models.
The Pixel 8 Pro offers new AI capabilities for reading web pages or articles aloud, with Google Assistant also able to provide translations, enhancing accessibility for users with busy hands.
The AI Wallpaper feature showcases the potential of AI while producing unique designs.
Improvements in the Photos app’s AI editing tools have been noted, with the Magic Eraser feature evolving over time. The new Magic Editor enables repositioning of subjects within photographs, relying on impressive AI models, although some minor imperfections may still exist.
The innovative Best Take feature captures multiple images of the same scene for seamless edits. Another tool, Audio Magic Eraser, efficiently identifies and categorizes sounds in videos, allowing users to adjust audio levels as needed.
The Audio Magic Eraser tool aids in editing sound in video recordings.
This year’s photography enhancements bring with them a host of tools that could assist users in creating better images. However, notable camera bugs persist from previous models, notably the Night Sight issue that prevents photos from saving after a series of rapid shots. This bug requires a phone restart or waiting for the camera application to resolve itself to restore normal operational functionality.
Google continues to lead in providing software updates, pledging up to seven years of support for the Pixel 8 Pro, including quarterly feature drops and security updates. This commitment includes assurances of spare parts availability, appealing to more environmentally conscious consumers.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Performance
The 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED display of the Pixel 8 Pro performs exceedingly well even in bright outdoor settings, delivering accurate colors when in Natural mode. Its dynamic refresh rate can vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, functioning smoothly across different applications.
Battery performance remains a concern, with users often reaching for a charger by evening due to moderate usage draining it quickly. The device performed slightly better than the Pixel 7 Pro during video tests, yet still falls short of competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra, which boasts superior endurance.
The Pixel 8 Pro features a flat display, contrasting with the more rounded edges of the Pixel 7 Pro.
While most casual and high-end games run decently on the Pixel 8 Pro, its Tensor G3 chipset struggles in comparison to Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, particularly when managing demanding titles. Gameplay may fluctuate in frame rates, and the device tends to warm up during intensive gaming sessions.
Benchmark testing placed the Pixel 8 Pro behind many competitors, and processor performance in demanding situations like continuous portrait photography falters, with the device pausing to process images before allowing more captures.
The Pixel 8 Pro experiences heating issues, especially under demanding conditions such as 5G usage.
Concerns linger regarding Google’s decision to maintain its custom Tensor architecture, particularly in light of its inadequacies when managing demanding photographic tasks. Significant improvements in camera performance are still elusive, leading users and critics alike to call for enhancements moving forward.
In everyday use, instances of jitteriness during scrolling or navigation are present, echoing prior complaints from Pixel users. These performance drops, especially when multitasking or using demanding applications, detract from the overall experience.
The phone still exhibits heat buildup during camera usage, particularly with features like Portrait and Night modes active. Despite its competitors employing more effective cooling solutions, Google has not yet introduced similar technology in its Pixel flagship models.
New Face Unlock capabilities function swiftly in ideal lighting conditions; however, recognition falters in dim environments, obligating users to rely on the fingerprint sensor, which performs well in its role.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Cameras
The camera interface has undergone modifications, introducing Pro Controls, a feature designed for smartphone photography enthusiasts who desire more detailed control before and during shooting.
Pro Controls are designed with practicality in mind, making advanced manual adjustments intuitively accessible.
Compared to other flagship camera applications, the new Pro Controls in the Pixel 8 Pro stand out for their user-friendliness, allowing videographers to easily adjust settings during film capture, potentially outperforming similar features available on competing devices.
Pro Controls, though not as complex as those found on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, remain effective, presenting options for exposure, white balance, and more, aimed at enhancing user control.
RAW image capture is supported across all three lenses, and while Pro Controls grant some control over video settings, it lacks the extensive modifications seen in other flagship devices.
Camera samples taken in varying light conditions with the Pixel 8 Pro’s primary lens.
Image quality remains competitive, although tonal shifts produce cooler images compared to the previous model, leading to minor discrepancies in color accuracy, despite an overall solid performance. Low-light capability impresses, though some blacks may appear crushed in high-contrast environments.
Example shots illustrating daylight and low-light performance from the Pixel 8 Pro compared to its predecessor.
New features enhance the ultra-wide camera capabilities, which deliver enhanced detail and dynamic range, contributing to the accuracy of colors. Macro shots capture excellent detail due to the camera’s improved proximity capabilities, allowing users to get within 2cm of subjects.
Camera samples from the ultra-wide lens of the Pixel 8 Pro, showcasing its performance in different lighting conditions.
The telephoto lens performs exceptionally well, providing clear detail and gorgeous bokeh for portraits and close-ups. Super Res Zoom extends image quality up to 10X, although clarity diminishes at higher magnifications.
Impressive daylight telephoto shots captured with the Pixel 8 Pro.
Despite increased image quality, the Pixel 8 Pro continues to challenge accurate edge detection in portrait mode.
Following unremarkable video capabilities in previous iterations, Google has revamped this area significantly. The Pixel 8 Pro delivers sharp 4K 30fps video with steady frame rates and strong stabilization, marking a considerable improvement over the earlier model. Low-light video footage is commendable, although HDR recordings can sometimes appear oversaturated.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Verdict
The standout feature of the Pixel 8 Pro lies in its AI capabilities, with significant advancements allowing for complex processing tasks without relying heavily on cloud connectivity. Additionally, the new Pro Controls offer robust options for photography enthusiasts keen on manual adjustments.
However, the substantial price increase may deter existing users from upgrading, especially since many sought-after features may not feel crucial enough to warrant the expense.
The Pixel 7 Pro remains an appealing alternative, currently available at a significantly lower price point, especially given its similar camera performance. While the newer model is capable of handling certain tasks better, both devices are closely matched in most aspects.
For those considering an investment around Rs. 1,00,000, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a more competitive package, featuring superior zoom options, an exceptional display, impressive battery life, and the wider ecosystem of Samsung products.
