Although it lacks the “Pro” designation, the Google Pixel 8 remains alluring nonetheless. The price of the Pixel 8 Pro has gone beyond the threshold for the first time, potentially making it a challenging purchase for a significant number of individuals. With a price tag of expensive proportions and notable enhancements compared to its previous model, the Pixel 8 stands out as the more appealing choice, at least from my perspective. Here is my assessment following one week of use.
Immediate observations
Amidst a time when 6.7-inch displays have become the standard, the Google Pixel 8 appears to be regressive – and I find this appealing. The device stands out with its compact 6.2-inch display, providing a welcome departure from the trend of oversized phablets. As an individual who has dealt with 6.7-inch devices for an extended period, this reduction in size was a welcome comfort. It ultimately persuaded me that my future phone would not exceed a size of 6.3 inches.
The Pixel 8 also showcases Google’s design language. The company implemented a unique and idiosyncratic design including elongated camera bars starting from the Pixel 6, resulting in its easy identification even from a considerable distance. I am pleased that this design has remained unchanged. Nevertheless, this year’s design features curved corners that no longer cause discomfort to your palms, and they harmoniously enhance the rounded visual appeal of standard Android 14.
The display’s brightness is on par with what one would anticipate from a top-of-the-line device, with a luminance of 2,000 nits. Despite being exposed to direct sunlight when capturing images and movies, I did not have any difficulties in terms of legibility. The phone also delivers amazing audio performance. The dual speakers exhibit remarkable amplitude and clarity, capable of filling a room with sound. I found it endearing that such a little instrument could produce such great audio.
Haptic feedback may not be a primary consideration for everyone, but for me, it is an essential requirement for a high-quality phone experience. I was delighted to find that the Pixel 8 offers exceptionally sharp haptics, placing it among the finest I have ever experienced. Performing basic actions such as swiping the notification panel or opening the app drawer provides a pleasurable tactile experience. If you prioritize these particulars, be confident that the haptic encounter is one of the finest.
Observations I made after one week of usage
Efficiency
The Pixel 8 operates on the Tensor G3 chip, which is notorious for its tendency to overheat and its below-average gaming capabilities. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly astonished to see that it effortlessly managed to run the majority of games at their maximum graphical settings, be it BGMI or the highly demanding Wreckfest. While prior versions may have had difficulties, Google has significantly improved its graphics capabilities.
Regarding concerns regarding heating problems, I can alleviate your worries. Although the Pixel 8 experiences an increase in temperature during demanding tasks such as gaming or video recording, it remains within the permissible threshold. Google’s heat management has shown substantial improvements, aligning with the standard set by Snapdragon-powered phones.
Artificial Intelligence Features
One distinguishing feature of the Pixel, in comparison to other phones, is its exceptional AI capabilities. Specifically, I was quite impressed by the exceptional accuracy and performance of the voice recognition feature on this device. Whether I was using WhatsApp to send messages, tweeting my opinions, or using the Recorder app to capture my thoughts, the platform I used was inconsequential. I recently acquired the Pixel, and I made use of voice dictation for the first time, namely while I was in the seclusion of my personal space. (I am unwilling to assume the role of an individual who engages in public conversations using their mobile device.)
Another AI feature that the Pixel possesses is the Magic Editor integrated into Google Photos. It can be utilized to apply various styles to your photographs or to make adjustments to them. It can be utilized to relocate subjects, alter their size, or eliminate them. The processing time may be somewhat lengthy, but the outcomes typically justify the delay.
The Pixel also features a Magic Eraser specifically designed to remove unwanted noises from videos. The Audio Magic Eraser employs artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to accurately detect and eliminate undesired sounds from your video files. The tool is remarkably precise and valuable, particularly for vloggers seeking to eliminate ambient noise.
In addition, the Pixel offers an AI wallpaper feature to address any potential monotony with the current selection of wallpapers. This functionality allows you to create distinct backgrounds from a range of categories, in the event that you perceive the pre-installed options as uninteresting. The quality may vary, but through experimentation, one can acquire unique and breathtaking wallpapers.
Photographic device
The camera app is where Google deviates from the conventional approach. Video is not relegated to being simply another camera mode; instead, it is readily available with a toggle at the bottom, ensuring easy and quick switching. The application employs a minimalist interface that relies on swipe gestures, resulting in a clutter-free user experience.
Google’s exceptional computational photography skills are particularly visible in features like as Action Pan, which I personally consider to be one of my favorites. This tool is designed to capture fast-moving subjects with blur effects that effectively express the sensation of speed. It is user-friendly and easy to use.
However, despite its straightforwardness and ability to produce visually appealing results in different lighting situations, the photographs captured by the Pixel 8 often exhibit an excessively processed high dynamic range (HDR) appearance. Although the details are impressive, the colors do not accurately represent reality. Even in low-light conditions, night photographs may display some noise in darker regions, while the level of detail remains remarkable.
I also despised the absence of a telephoto lens in the Pixel 8, a feature that the Pro model proudly possesses. However, Google compensates for its deficiency by offering what they refer to as “optical quality” zoom via the primary camera. Remarkably, it performs really well, and it is exceedingly difficult to discern any difference between 1x and 2x magnification.
Is it advisable to purchase the Google Pixel 8?
The Google Pixel 8 is a really captivating device that has caught my attention after a considerable period of time. It effectively resolves the shortcomings of its previous versions, including the subpar graphics capabilities and the tendency to overheat. Additionally, it is among the limited selection of Android phones available that are both compact and powerful. However, the absence of a telephoto lens remains a source of dissatisfaction for me.
However, the true strength of this device lies in its software. While Pixel UI may not possess the most extensive array of features among Android skins, it does include certain capabilities that are exclusive to it. In my opinion, the camera is a combination of positive and negative aspects. However, the numerous AI-powered editing options available on Google Photos can greatly enhance the appearance of your photographs. In addition, the phone is guaranteed to get software support for a remarkable duration of 7 years, setting a new record and ensuring that your Pixel remains up-to-date indefinitely.
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