The Google Pixel 8 marks a significant leap forward from the Pixel 7. This latest iteration introduces a plethora of updates across software, hardware, and features. A standout feature is its compact design which feels just right to hold. It gets a glass back with a matte aluminium-finished camera bar. The rounded edges improve grip, though the glass back can be slippery. The 6.2-inch display is a significant improvement over its predecessor, adopting a punch-hole camera design. Despite lacking LTPO technology like the Pixel 8 Pro, the display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and achieves a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
Powering the Pixel 8 is the new 4nm Google Tensor G3 chipset, developed by Samsung, accompanied by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. An upgrade to 256GB is available for an additional cost, recommended if you plan to hold on to the Pixel 8 longer. Performance-wise, multitasking and app switching present no issues, with swift booting and app loading times. The Pixel 8’s offline capabilities are noteworthy, capable of performing extensive photo and video tasks without an internet connection. The offline translation feature functions seamlessly too.
The Pixel 8 is equipped with a 4,575mAh cell, supporting 27W wired charging, 18W wireless charging with the optional second-generation Google Pixel Stand, or 12W via standard Qi wireless charging. In our testing, the Pixel 8 comfortably lasts a day of heavy social media usage, understandable considering its high refresh rate screen and compact form factor that limits space for a larger battery.
The primary 50MP camera features optical image stabilisation and a Super Res Zoom of up to 8x. Images can be quad-binned for well-exposed 12.5MP shots, or full-resolution snaps for enhanced detail. The 12MP ultrawide camera employs a single-zone laser detect autofocus system. Notably absent are a dedicated telephoto lens and pro camera controls, present in the Pixel 8 Pro. The 10.5MP selfie camera offers a 95-degree field of view. Images captured by the Pixel 8 cameras exhibit remarkable detail and adeptly handle varying light conditions. While colours remain consistent across cameras, they appear slightly oversaturated. The Super Res Zoom feature performs adequately, albeit with some loss of fine details. The Pixel 8 excels in low-light photography, now retaining more shadow detail for a natural look. Selfies capture impressive detail, with portrait mode offering a natural appearance. Video capture is commendable, though still slightly oversaturated like still photos. Enabling HDR yields more accurate colours. Details remain sharp throughout captured videos, even in scenes with contrasting light levels. Digital zoom up to 7x is available during recording.
The Pixel 8 sits in a comfortable in-between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 8 Pro. It’s a clear step up from the 7 while also being a fine and reasonable alternative to the Pixel 8 Pro since it doesn’t lose too much in the way of features. That makes it one of the best premium Android phones you can buy right now, and my personal choice.
Rs 79,990 onwards (8GB + 128GB)
store.google.com
