Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro: As the release of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro approaches, anticipation increases. Numerous disclosures have piqued our interest in the upcoming television series. As we anxiously anticipate their October debut, official details remain scant. Similar to the teaser strategy for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at I/O 2022, we expected to see teasers for the Pixel 8 series at Google I/O 2023, but none appeared.
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are commendable smartphones that demonstrate Google’s evolution as a smartphone manufacturer, despite their faults. Google’s soon-to-be-released premier duo boasts a variety of new features and enhancements. Here is a summary of the leaks and rumours we’ve heard so far regarding the Pixel 8 series. It’s still too early to determine the Pixel 8’s complete specifications.
Design of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Google, like other major smartphone manufacturers, is honing its design this year as part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality of its flagship products. Since the Pixel 6 series marked the company’s last comprehensive redesign, Google has adopted a more conservative stance, averting radical changes. According to leaks, it appears that the impending Pixel 8 lineup will maintain design consistency in accordance with this trend.
Google Pixel 8 Pro CAD illustrations
Leaked images and renders demonstrate Google’s persistent preference for rounded corners. The Pixel 8 has a significantly more compact design than its predecessor, the Pixel 7, which measures 155.6mm x 73.2mm x 8.9mm. The Pixel 8 measures 150.5mm x 70.8mm x 8.9mm. The change in dimensions strongly suggests that the Pixel 8 will have a reduced display. Moreover, leaked renders depict the retention of the familiar visor-style camera arrangement housing a dual-camera configuration, maintaining the Pixel 7’s design.
A prototype disclosure for the Pixel 8 Pro reveals significant modifications. These elements include a flat display, a matte rear glass panel, an exposed metal frame, and a large camera housing that now commands greater attention. Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro appear to have a well-defined colour palette, with options like Licorice, Peony, and Haze for the Pixel 8, and Licorice, Porcelain, and Sky for the Pixel 8 Pro.
Specifications for the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
Now that we have a general concept of how the phones appear, we can concentrate on their specifications.
It comes as no surprise that the rumoured name for the forthcoming version of Google’s Tensor chip is Tensor G3. Using the codename ‘Zuma,’ rumours indicate that the Tensor G3 will be powered by the unreleased Samsung Exynos 2300 processor. Samsung’s advanced 3nm node technology is expected to be used in the construction of the Tensor G3, which could result in increased efficiency and overall performance.
The Tensor G3 is anticipated to be the engine behind both the Husky and Shiba (codenames for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, respectively). The updated Titan security processor, which was also designed in-house by Google, will accompany this SoC. The Pixel 8 is expected to feature a 6.17-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Similarly, the Pixel 8 Pro will feature a 6.7-inch LTPS OLED display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. When interacting with HDR content, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will receive an increase in luminance, reaching up to 1,400 nits and 1,600 nits, respectively.
With regard to storage configurations, Google maintains the status quo. The Pixel 8 is anticipated to offer storage options of 128GB or 256GB, while the Pixel 8 Pro will offer storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Notably, it is anticipated that the Pixel 8 Pro will feature an improved ultrasonic biometric sensor, which will be a significant improvement over the current generation. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will presumably ship with the beta version of Android 14, which is currently in development.
Both handsets’ battery capacities are public knowledge, with the Pixel 8 containing a 4,485mAh battery and the Pixel 8 Pro containing a 4,950mAh battery. Charging capabilities have also been increased, with the Pixel 8 now supporting 24W wired charging and the Pixel 8 Pro supporting up to 27W charging.
Cameras on the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel series is renowned for its superior camera performance, and with the Pixel 8 series, the company is opting for a complete redesign. According to developer Kamila Wojciechowski, Google will use HDR technology with staggered exposures to improve image quality. Additional insights disclose additional camera information regarding upcoming flagships. The Pixel 8 Pro is distinguished by its 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 primary sensor, which is accompanied by a 64MP ultrawide IMX787 sensor and a 48MP GN5 telephoto sensor. Notably, the device will also be equipped with an improved time-of-flight sensor and a thermometer.
Pixel 8 digital cameras
In contrast, the Pixel 8 is equipped with a 50MP ISOCELL GN2 primary sensor, a 12MP IMX386 ultrawide angle sensor, and an upgraded time-of-flight sensor. Aside from this, both Pixel 8 series smartphones include a front-facing 11MP camera for selfies and video conversations.
The Pixel 8 series is rumoured to include a variety of new software features, such as staggered HDR, Face Unblur or Photo Unblur, up to 8K video recording, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, Video Unblur, Audio magic erasure, and more.
Google Pixel 7 to support 4K selfie video sensors
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Pricing and Release Date
According to Google’s established product release pattern, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are expected to launch in the autumn of 2023, with October suiting the timeframe.
Google has historically maintained a firm stance regarding pricing. The last two incarnations were introduced with a $599 price tag for the base model. Leaks indicate that the Pixel 8 series could see a $50 – $100 price increase due to soaring inflation and a general increase in component costs, which could imply a starting price between $649 and $699.
