Just in time for autumn, Google is launching the new Pixel 8 Pro. Innovations can be found both outside and inside. The star was already able to test the new star in the Android sky.
If you commit to a smartphone for seven years, it should be a very good device. At least it would theoretically be possible to use the Pixel 8 Pro with the latest software for that long – because Google is giving the new generation updates until 2030. So a good basis not to bother with a new purchase for a very long time, right?
In any case, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is nicely packaged. Unlike its predecessor, Google has equipped the back with sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and matted the surface so that the device still looks good even after long periods of use and is not covered in grease stains.
Google has remained true to the basic design; the Pixel 8 Pro can also be easily identified by the lush camera bar on the back. Although it is very dominant, it has two advantages over cameras mounted on one side: Firstly, you can hold the 6.7-inch device quite well because your finger practically hooks underneath it, and secondly, the device does not tip over when you use it For example, it is lying on a table.
Extremely good display
On the front, the Google Pixel 8 Pro offers a high-quality OLED screen called Super Actua Display. The resolution has decreased slightly compared to its predecessor at 1344 × 2992 pixels (Pixel 7 Pro: 1440 × 3120). However, the new generation has two useful innovations for which you are happy to accept the drop in resolution, which is not noticeable in everyday life. With up to 1,600 cd/m² HDR and up to 2,400 cd/m² peak brightness, the Pixel 8 Pro is significantly brighter than the seventh generation and – at least on paper – brighter than the iPhone 15 Pro (tested here). The Super Actua Display is also able to dynamically adjust the refresh rate from one to 120 Hertz – this protects the battery.
The so-called Super Actua display is very bright – it offers up to 1,600 cd/m² in HDR and up to 2,400 cd/m² peak brightness.
© Christian Hensen / star
Speaking of the battery: This is generously sized at 5050 milliamperes hours. In the test, with automatic screen brightness and a battery test with everyday battery load, it lasted around 15 hours with non-stop drudgery. In everyday life you should easily get through one, if not two days. When measured on the charger, the Pixel 8 Pro drew up to 28.5 watts, so it regains its strength relatively quickly. In the Android world, however, this is comparatively leisurely – but could ensure better battery health in the long term than if devices Pressing electricity into the cells at over 100 watts each time.
Average performance
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is not a high-flyer when it comes to hardware. The built-in Tensor G3 chip does a good job, but has to admit defeat to Apple and Samsung. Although the processor is up to 25 percent higher than its predecessor in the common benchmarks, it will still be far behind an iPhone 14 Pro in 2023, and even more so an iPhone 15 Pro. It’s no different compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra – the currently fastest Android smartphone performs around 35 percent more.
Geekbench 5 Single Core | Geekbench 5 Multi Core | 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme |
1293 | 3515 | 2344 |
To put it into perspective: games, more complex apps, and even more so conventional browsing or social media applications run extremely quickly on the Pixel 8 Pro – at no time did the device noticeably run out of steam. And: The Tensor G3 seems to keep a cool head in every situation and does not heat up noticeably during operation. This also suggests a longer battery life, as the chip seems to have better energy management.
A bit low on memory in the basic version
For the sake of completeness, however, it should be mentioned that at the time of release it did not have a significant advantage over other devices in terms of features. If Google has a seven-year lifespan in mind, that certainly matters.
Teaser image: Getty Images / tobyfraley
During such a time, a lot of data is likely to accumulate on the devices, which is not necessarily a good reason to get the entry-level model. The Google Pixel 8 Pro comes with a storage capacity of 128 gigabytes or more, which should not be the first choice considering that 256 gigabytes means an additional charge of 60 euros. By the way: 512 gigabytes are also available, but they cost another 140 euros more, which doesn’t make the same sense for every buyer.
When it comes to other features, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is up to date. You can unlock it with fingerprints or your face and with Wifi 7 the device is also equipped for the wireless networks of the future. Small disadvantage: Both the fingerprint sensor and the face scan do not work with the top technology from other manufacturers. The optical sensor for the fingerprint takes a little longer than with other high-end devices, and the facial scan via camera only works when there is enough light – that doesn’t matter on the iPhone, for example.
Very good cameras
The heart of the Google Pixel 8 Pro is without a doubt the really good camera. On the front, Google has a 50 MP wide-angle camera, a completely redesigned 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 48 MP camera with a telephoto lens. On the front, Google has given the device a 10.5 MP selfie camera. Google has made a lot of improvements in most components, which makes the already good photos from the Pixel family even better. You can see what this looks like in practice in the gallery below.
test
Pixel 8 Pro versus iPhone 14 Pro Max: This is how well the new Google phone takes photos
In addition to the powerful photos that come out of the camera, the images can be post-adjusted in almost frightening ways using artificial intelligence. This now ranges from the magic eraser, with which you can make entire image elements disappear, to pro functions for fine-tuning the camera to better night vision, including for videos. There is also a rather strange function for group photos, where you can choose the best face from several shots for each person photographed.
Tidy system and fun sensors
The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera app is not completely self-explanatory, but most of the exciting functions can be found after a short search – overall, the Android 14 interface is nice and tidy and intuitive to use. This is and remains a great strength of the Pixel family – no third-party manufacturer messes around with the system with their own, sometimes wild, ideas.
A little gimmick that is always good for a party gag is the new temperature sensor in the rear camera bar. Together with the “Thermometer” app, you can use it to take more or less precise measurements of surfaces, such as water. In the test it actually worked quite well. Hot water from the tap was 45 degrees, the cold water was around 19 degrees Celsius. Basically, it even works with the environment if you simply hold the device in the air – the room temperature even reached 21 degrees in the test.
Conclusion: Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google has once again skillfully upped the ante. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is an absolutely everyday smartphone with top performance and some exciting functions. The focus on AI is particularly noticeable in the camera, which takes really good pictures.
The promise of providing the devices with updates (and new functions!) for seven years at best ensures peace of mind, but probably means that for very few people there will be no new purchases until 2030. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is not far enough ahead of its time and, unlike the Fairphone, does not offer any options for subsequent upgrades.
For here and now, however, it is a rock-solid smartphone that leaves nothing to be desired, at least in the version with 256 gigabytes of storage space. As a bundle or with a corresponding discount, it is an excellent choice. Anyone who missed the initial bonus should be patient – the prices of Android smartphones continue to fall drastically within a few weeks of their market launch.