Google Pixel 8 Review: A Deep Dive into Its Features

Google Pixel 8 (2023)

Product Overview: Announced on October 4, 2023, and released on October 12, 2023, the Google Pixel 8 is a premium flagship smartphone, succeeding the Pixel 7. It features the Tensor G3 chip, a 6.2 – inch 120 Hz OLED display with 2000 – nits peak brightness, a 50 MP OIS main camera, and a 4575 mAh battery with 27 W wired/18 W wireless charging. A standout is its 7 – year software/security update commitment—unmatched in the flagship segment. It starts at $699 (US) for 8GB/128GB, targeting users who value AI – driven photography, clean Android, and long – term usability.

Core Specifications

Component	Details
Model Aliases	GA04833 – US (US), GA04833 – GB (UK), G1AZU (Global), GD1YQ (Verizon mmWave)
Display	6.2 – inch FHD+ OLED (2400×1080, 428 ppi), 120 Hz adaptive refresh, 2000 nits peak, 1400 nits HBM, HDR10+; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus; under – display optical fingerprint
Processor	Google Tensor G3 (4nm nona – core: 1×3.0 GHz Cortex – X3 + 4×2.45 GHz Cortex – A715 + 4×2.15 GHz Cortex – A510); Immortalis – G715s MC10 GPU
Memory & Storage	8 GB LPDDR5x RAM; 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 (non – expandable, no microSD)
Rear Cameras	50 MP wide (f/1.68, 82°, 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, laser AF, OIS)+12 MP ultra – wide (f/2.2, 125.8°, 1.25µm); dual – LED flash, Ultra HDR, Pixel Shift, Auto – HDR, panorama
Front Camera	10.5 MP ultra – wide (f/2.2, 20mm, 1/3.1″, 1.22µm); 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps video; Auto – HDR
Battery & Charging	4575 mAh Li – Ion (non – removable); 27 W wired (50% in 30 mins), 18 W wireless, 5 W reverse wireless; no included charger
Design & Build	150.5×70.8×8.9 mm, 187 g; aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front/back; IP68 (1.5m water for 30 mins); colors: Obsidian, Snow, Rose, Hazel
Connectivity	5G (Sub – 6; mmWave for Verizon), Wi – Fi 6e/7, Bluetooth 5.3 (aptX HD), NFC, USB – C 3.2 Gen 1; no 3.5 mm jack
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, compass, ambient light, proximity, barometer, under – display fingerprint

Key Feature Breakdown

1. Performance & Software

Tensor G3: Powers advanced AI features like Best Take, Magic Editor, and Circle to Search; enables real – time translation and improved speech recognition for Google Assistant. Handles daily tasks and mid – tier gaming smoothly; minor thermal throttling in extended high – load gaming.
Software: Stock Android 14 (upgradable to Android 21), 7 years of OS/security updates—setting a flagship standard. Features include Material You, Adaptive Battery, and enhanced Game Dashboard with thermal monitoring.

2. Camera Capabilities

50 MP Main Sensor with OIS: Delivers sharp details, improved low – light performance (Night Sight, Astrophotography), and stable 4K@60fps video with gyro – EIS/OIS.
Ultra – Wide Camera: Captures 125.8° landscapes/group shots; improved edge – to – edge sharpness vs. Pixel 7.
AI Imaging: Best Take (selects optimal facial expressions in group shots), Magic Editor (advanced object removal/repositioning), Real Tone (accurate skin tones), and Night Sight for low – light excellence.
Video: 4K@60fps, 1080p@120/240fps slow – motion, 10 – bit HDR recording, and Cinematic Blur for portrait video.

3. Battery & Charging

4575 mAh Battery: Lasts a full day of heavy use, with Adaptive Battery extending runtime by learning usage patterns.
Charging: 27 W wired charging fills 50% in 30 minutes; 18 W wireless and 5 W reverse wireless charging add convenience, though wired speed lags behind some competitors (e.g., 65 W flagships).

4. Design & Durability

IP68 & Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus front/back and aluminum frame ensure durability against dust, water, and minor drops.
Compact Form Factor: 187 g weight and 8.9 mm thickness make it comfortable for one – handed use, a rarity among modern flagships.

Market Position & Limitations

Market Position

Competes with the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S23, and OnePlus 11. Stands out with 7 – year updates, Tensor G3 – powered AI photography, and a compact design. Ideal for Android purists and photography enthusiasts.