Technology enthusiasts who want to discover the latest Android news are waiting for October 4th: on that date, we will discover the features and price of the new Google Pixel 8 series of smartphones. After the success of the Pixel 7, many are wondering what the next one will bring generation of Pixel devices. Luckily, there is already a lot of information available, including the previews presented by Google itself and the rumors leaked in recent months. Here’s everything we know about the Google Pixel 8: features, colors, design and price.
Google Pixel 8, features of the new smartphone
The official announcement will arrive on October 4, 2023, starting from 4pm Italian time. It seems that the new smartphones will have new chips and new camera sensors, for both upcoming smartphones: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The latter should also have a new design, a never-seen temperature sensor and other interesting new features .
Two Models: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, with different features
The Pixel 8 series will consist of two main models: il Pixel 8 standard e il Pixel 8 Pro. This time, it looks like the Pixel 8 will be slightly smaller, while the Pixel 8 Pro will offer some new features. The Pixel 8a is expected to arrive next year – and given how much we liked the Pixel 7a, we’ll be happy to wait for it. But at least for now, we will only have the standard model and the Pro.
Design and colors
We know a lot about the design features of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: Google itself accidentally showed us 360-degree images of the devices from its site. And most recently, he showed off a “sneak peek” that confirmed what we know.
We know that the Pixel 8 appears to have a very similar design to its predecessor, the Pixel 7, but with slightly smaller size. The dimensions are expected to be 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm. Instead, the Pixel 8 Pro will feature a flatter design, a major first for Google’s Pro-level phones. The rear camera module also changes, which will have a new design con the three cameras enclosed in a single glass “pill”., unlike the Pixel 7 Pro which had a “pill + circle” design. We note the presence of a new sensor under the camera flash, which appears to have a built-in thermometer. The dimensions of the Pixel 8 Pro are similar to the Pixel 7 Pro, with a footprint of 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.7 mm and a 6.7-inch screen. Both models appear to have one physical slot for the SIM.
Google seems to have worked on the aesthetic front, introducing new colors for its devices. The Pixel 8 is expected to be available in colors like Jade, Licorice, Haze e Peony.
Credit: MySmartPrice
The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, will keep Licorice and Jade but add Porcelain e Sky among the color options.
Credit: MySmartPrice
Screen and camera
The upcoming Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones will bring major improvements to both the display and the camera. The Pixel 8 will have a slightly smaller display than its predecessor, going by 6.32 inches to 6.17 inches. The resolution will remain the same a 2.400 x 1.080 pixel, as well as the maximum brightness of 1.400 nit. The refresh rate will be variable, allowing a range from 10 Hz to 120 Hz, improving the visual experience.
The Pixel 8 Pro will keep the same size as the display, 6.7 inchesbut it will have an improved variable refresh rate that can go down to 5 Hz. The resolution will be of 2.992 x 1.344 pixelwith a maximum brightness of 1.600 nit.
Both models, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, will receive a major main camera update. It will switch from the camera Isocell GN1 all’Isocell GN2, offering increased light processing, 8K/30fps video recording and staggered HDR.
The Pixel 8 Pro will also improve the ultrawide camerausing a sensore Sony IMX787 da 64 MP. The telephoto lens will remain unchanged. The Pixel 8 Pro will feature a Built-in thermal sensor to measure temperature.
Additionally, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will receive an update to the Google Camera app, improving the user experience with a clearer separation between photo and video modes, optimized shortcuts and new gestures. Plus, the ability to stitch multiple photos together for better group shots, plus faster shutter speeds and startup speeds. The Pixel 8 Pro could also boast the feature Night Sight Videofor brighter, noise-free videos.
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: Tensor 3 and other technical features
Pixel 7a
In terms of processor, both models will use the nuovo chipset Tensor G3, made “in-house” by Google and based on Samsung’s Exynos 2300. This chip will have a configuration 1+4+4 CPU with three core types, including Cortex-X3 at 3.05GHz, Cortex-A715 at 2.45GHz, and Cortex-A510 at 2.15GHzz. Furthermore, the chip will have a GPU Arm Mali-G715which has the ability to support ray tracing.
As for other hardware features, it appears that both models will support DisplayPort via the USB-C connector, opening up the possibility of a native Android desktop mode. Furthermore, both will have the support for Wi-Fi 7, but only the Pixel 8 Pro will have UWB (Ultra Wide Band) support.
As for memory and storage, the Pixel 8 will have 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage options. instead, the Pixel 8 Pro will deliver 12 GB in RAM and storage options from 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB.
Battery and other technical specifications
As for the battery, the Pixel 8 will have a 4,485 mAh battery with 24W wired charging and 20W wireless charging. The Pixel 8 Pro will retain a similar battery to last year’s, with approx 5.000 mAh and a cable charging of 27 Wwhile wireless charging will remain at 23 W.
Other possible features include the introduction of a Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for the Pixel 8 Pro. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the Pixel 8 Pro could have a IR thermal sensor, useful for measuring body or object temperature.
Android 14 and what’s new for Pixel
The new smartphones Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be the first smartphones with Android 14, which offers significant improvements to accessibility features, battery optimization, advanced privacy, lock screen customization and wallpapers, and much more. Furthermore, it is expected that Google will extend support for operating system updatespotentially providing updates for over four years, surpassing Samsung for Android support (and closing in on Apple for iOS).
The Pixel 8 series may also receive additional Pixel-specific features beyond the Android 14 update. These may include improvements in camera software, as a video blur correction tool and function “Audio Magic Eraser” to remove unwanted audio from videos. Additionally, there could be improvements in the Night Sight app to capture clearer images. Another possible Pixel feature would be the ability to respond to notifications using your voice.
Price and availability
If there seems to be above all consensus on the characteristics of the Google Pixel 8, there are instead conflicting rumors on the prices of the new devices. The first reports spoke of a significant increase in prices in Europe, with average increases of €100-€200. However, it seems that shoppers in the U.S. may also face an increase prices compared to the Pixel 7 models.
According to a report, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will see a $100 price increase over their predecessorsbringing the price of Pixel 8 at $700 and the Pixel 8 Pro at $1,000. However, a different source provided different pricing, keeping the Pixel 8 at $700 but lowering the price of the Pixel 8 Pro a $900. Both sources suggest that the phones will be available on store shelves on October 12, but available for pre-order after the launch event.
The price increase isn’t surprising, given what Google appears to want differentiate the “a” series of its Pixels more, offering a smartphone in the 500 euro range, one in the 700 euro range and one from 900-1000 euros. It remains to be assessed whether the difference in terms of quality will be worth the economic one.
We will only be able to find out on October 4th: we will keep you updated on the news regarding Google smartphones.
Source
Android AuthorityAndroid Police