Google recently unveiled its latest offerings, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, in a much-anticipated event. While the announcement may not have been a complete surprise for tech enthusiasts, the features and improvements certainly piqued interest.
Design and Display
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro retain the iconic Pixel design, especially the visor. However, they’ve been given a more rounded appearance. New color variants include Hazel Rose and Obsidian for the Pixel 8, and Obsidian, Porcelain, and a unique blue shade called Baay for the Pixel 8 Pro. The displays have been enhanced, boasting thinner bezels and increased brightness levels, with the Pixel 8 reaching up to 2,000 nits and the Pixel 8 Pro up to 2,400 nits. Additionally, the Pixel 8 now supports a 120Hz refresh rate.
Performance and Software
The significant upgrade this year is the introduction of the tensor G3 chip. The Pixel 8 is equipped with 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro boasts 12GB. The Pixel series has always been lauded for its software prowess, and this year is no exception. Features include a new Google Assistant capability that can summarize web pages, faster and more accurate speech-to-text, enhanced front-facing camera functionalities, and a ‘Fix It’ feature that proofreads messages. One of the standout features is the call screen voice, which sounds incredibly human-like and offers context-aware responses.
Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro share an upgraded 50MP main camera system. The 8 Pro further impresses with a 48MP ultra-wide and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens. The camera app layout has been revamped for better user experience. But the real magic lies in the software enhancements. The ‘Magic Editor’ allows users to alter photos dramatically, from erasing backgrounds to moving subjects. Another feature, ‘Best Take,’ enables users to select the best facial expressions from a burst of photos, ensuring everyone looks perfect.
Additional Features
Other notable features include the ‘Audio Eraser’ that removes background sounds from videos and the ‘Video Boost’ that enhances video quality post-upload. The Pixel 8 starts at $699, and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999. Both phones promise seven years of OS, security, and feature updates.
Pixel Watch 2
Alongside the phones, Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 2. It retains the sleek design of its predecessor but boasts a new quad-core processor. The watch comes with redesigned apps, a skin temperature sensor, auto workout detection, and improved heart rate monitoring sensors. The Wi-Fi-only version is priced at $349, while the LTE variant starts at $399.
Final Thoughts
Marques Brownlee’s deep dive into the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 highlights the tech giant’s commitment to innovation, especially in software. While the devices may not revolutionize the industry, they certainly offer features that tech enthusiasts and everyday users will appreciate. As always, the real test will be how these devices perform in real-world scenarios, and the tech community eagerly awaits comprehensive reviews.
