Google’s endeavor to position Pixel as a smartphone centered on artificial intelligence results in it grappling with the enduring issues of the Pixel 7 Pro.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro proved to be a solid smartphone overall, meeting the expectations of casual users with its standard Android features and timely software updates. However, it fell short in certain areas, such as battery life, charging capabilities, and encountered issues like overheating and camera bugs. The Pixel 8 Pro, with its fresh design, enhanced AI features, and a new processor, raised hopes for addressing the shortcomings of its predecessor. However, as we delve into the review, it becomes evident that Google’s latest flagship doesn’t entirely overcome the challenges faced by the Pixel 7 Pro.
In terms of pricing in India, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a higher storage option, offering a 256GB variant alongside the base 128GB model. The 128GB variant, which I reviewed, is priced at Rs. 1,06,999, while the 256GB variant comes at Rs. 1,13,999. Notably, this marks a significant price increase of Rs. 22,000 compared to the previous model, making it a considerable investment for potential buyers. Additionally, the absence of free cloud storage access further accentuates the limitation of storage on the device.
Google faces the challenging task of convincing existing Pixel users to upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro, especially given the notable price hike. The review aims to provide insights into whether the new features and improvements justify the increased cost, addressing the concerns and expectations of potential buyers.
Moving on to the design, the Pixel 8 Pro undergoes notable changes compared to the standard Pixel 8. Google has eliminated unnecessary elements and refined the design inherited from the Pixel 7 Pro. While the flat display and overall flatter profile contribute to a new design, the distinctive Pixel identity is maintained through the visor-like camera module at the back. Despite the sharper edges of the module, its chunky appearance aids in holding the phone securely, particularly due to the slippery matte-finished body.
The introduction of a matte-finished rear glass panel, a first for Google’s Pixel range, enhances the premium feel of the device. Weighing at 213g, the phone strikes a balance between being neither too heavy nor too light. The IP68 rating and solid build quality further add to the device’s appeal, while the removal of the curved edge display, seen in the previous model, aligns with the Pixel’s design philosophy.
Shifting focus to specifications and software, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces the Tensor G3 chipset built using the 4nm manufacturing process. While emphasizing AI capabilities, the device comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of up to 256GB, lacking expandable storage. Connectivity features include upgraded WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C port, ultra-wideband support, and compatibility with various global positioning systems.
Noteworthy AI features include an AI wallpaper feature, capable of generating unique wallpapers using AI, and the ability of Google Assistant to read aloud web pages and translate them. The AI editing tools in the Photos app, such as the Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser, demonstrate impressive capabilities but may require further refinement in future updates.
Despite the advancements in AI and photography, the Pixel 8 Pro still grapples with a recurring camera bug, specifically in Night Sight mode when transitioning between 1X and 2X. This issue, present in previous models, hinders the saving of photos, requiring a phone restart or waiting for the camera app to crash for resolution.
Google’s commitment to providing up to 7 years of software updates, including quarterly Feature Drops and security updates, stands out in the competitive smartphone landscape. The extended support and spare parts availability contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing e-waste.
Examining the device’s performance, the 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED display performs well under bright sunlight, and the 120Hz dynamic refresh rate operates as expected. However, battery life remains a concern, with frequent charging required for daily usage. In the video loop battery test, the Pixel 8 Pro manages to last for 14 hours and 15 minutes, an improvement over the Pixel 7 Pro but not exceptional in comparison to other smartphones in its segment.
Gaming performance reveals that most casual and high-end games run smoothly at default settings, but the Tensor G3 chipset lags behind its Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered counterparts. The phone experiences warmth during extended gaming sessions, attributed to CPU throttling, and encounters frame drops in graphics-intensive titles. The lack of support for ray-tracing and occasional sluggish touch sampling further underscores the device’s gaming limitations.
The Tensor G3’s benchmark scores fall below those of comparable smartphones, highlighting the need for improvements in processing capabilities, particularly in handling photography tasks. The Pixel 8 Pro exhibits limitations in shooting Portrait mode photos, with the camera app halting photo capture after reaching the buffer limit, impacting real-time photography experiences. The absence of efficient handling for basic tasks, such as scrolling through web pages, contributes to a less-than-optimal user experience, a concern raised by users on platforms like Reddit.
The device’s tendency to heat up during camera usage and outdoor activities on 5G networks is notable, especially given the absence of a dedicated cooling solution. The Face Unlock feature, while secure, performs optimally in well-lit environments, posing challenges in dimly lit settings.
Exploring the camera improvements, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, replacing the 12-megapixel counterpart in the previous model. The Pro Controls mode offers advanced camera controls, catering to smartphone photography enthusiasts. Despite improvements, image quality from the primary camera remains similar to the previous model, with differences in tone and color accuracy. Notably, the ultra-wide camera excels in daylight shots, offering enhanced detail and dynamic range, while the telephoto camera produces impressive zoomed-in photos.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, while introducing new features and enhancements, struggles to fully overcome the challenges faced by its predecessor. The device commands a premium price, and potential buyers must carefully weigh the improvements against the persisting issues. Despite advancements in AI, camera capabilities, and software support, the Pixel 8 Pro falls short in areas like battery life, gaming performance, and user experience. The review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation to assist users in making informed decisions about their smartphone choices.
After delivering only average video quality in the previous year, it’s reassuring to observe that Google has significantly elevated its video capabilities. The 4K 30fps video captured by the primary camera stands out for its sharpness, robust bitrate, and consistent frame rate. The stabilization has notably improved, marking a substantial enhancement over the video recording capabilities of the Pixel 7 Pro. Low-light footage exhibits commendable detail with minimal noise. HDR footage at the same resolution may appear slightly saturated, yet it displays strong contrast and detail, even in low-light conditions.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Final Thoughts
What distinguishes the Pixel 8 Pro from its predecessors is its remarkable AI prowess. Google has clearly steered its Pixel smartphones in this direction, and the Pixel 8 Pro excels in processing numerous requests and utilizing various tools without relying on internet connectivity or cloud processing. The inclusion of the adept and well-crafted Pro Controls further enhances the experience, particularly for mobile photography enthusiasts.
However, the considerable increase in price may dissuade many potential upgraders from choosing the Pixel 8 Pro this year, especially since the aforementioned features (excluding the commendable 7-year commitment to software updates) might not be perceived as essential for everyone.
To compound matters, the Pixel 7 Pro is currently available for as low as Rs. 63,999, presenting a compelling option based on individual preferences in a new smartphone purchase. While its still camera performance aligns with the Pixel 8 Pro, it lags behind in terms of video recording. Although the new Pixel 8 Pro experiences less heating than its predecessor, its battery life only demonstrates marginal improvements.
For those willing to invest over Rs. 1,00,000 in India, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra (Review) (priced at Rs. 1,24,999 for the 256GB variant) undoubtedly provides superior value. It boasts impressive zoom capabilities, a superior and larger display, excellent battery life, and, to some extent, the comprehensive Samsung Galaxy ecosystem encompassing smartwatches, audio accessories, tablets, and laptops.