7.5 Google Pixel 8 Pro Like
Long software program assist interval
Excellent display screen
Good general digicam abilities
Don’t like
Underwhelming processor efficiency
Average battery life
Heavy-handed picture processing
Some new options really feel like gimmicks
I had a rocky begin with Google’s new flagship Pixel 8 Pro. My early testing discovered odd points with the digicam, particularly in high-contrast conditions, which we noticed replicated throughout a number of handsets. It was sufficient for me to postpone giving my last verdict on the telephone till we performed extra assessments and spoke with Google in regards to the extent of those issues. Andrew Lanxon/CNETI’ve now spent many hours with the Pixel 8 Pro, as has my colleague Stephen Shankland within the US. Google pushed out a digicam replace that addresses some (although not all) of the problems we encountered. And after exhaustive testing of the telephone’s processor, battery, show and digicam setup, I’m lastly prepared to offer my conclusion. The Pixel 8 Pro is — drumroll please — respectable. If that appears anticlimactic, then it is quite becoming, because it matches my very own impressions of the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro have been very good telephones, providing stable all-round efficiency and nice cameras. I awarded each handsets a coveted CNET Editors’ Choice award. As a end result, I used to be excited for the Pixel 8 Pro and had excessive hopes for Google’s next-generation handset. But having spent a very long time with it, I’m left feeling underwhelmed. It’s not that there is something manifestly unsuitable with the telephone (excluding a few of the digicam points I discovered, which I’ll clarify later), it is that it would not particularly stand out in any main method. Its battery life is common, the processor efficiency is just OK, and I desire the design of the earlier mannequin. Android 14 is the most recent model of Google’s software program. Andrew Lanxon/CNETSome of its main new options, together with AI instruments for creating wallpapers and modifying images, together with a brand new temperature scanner on the again of the telephone, work properly sufficient. But they do not convey sufficient to the desk to face out as killer new options. One of the key factors it has in its favor is Google’s promise of seven years of software program updates. That’s an enormous increase over Google’s earlier providing, and it is for much longer than what most different Android producers supply. It means the Pixel 8 Pro ought to nonetheless be going robust in 2030, and that longer life span might end in fewer telephones ending up in landfill. The Pixel 8 Pro and its smaller sibling, the Pixel 8. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAnd after numerous hours of hands-on testing, I’m assured Google’s new flagship telephone gives a stable all-round expertise that covers most individuals’s day-to-day wants. It’ll deal with your every day social media addictions with ease and take nice images of your children within the park. And if you could find a correct use for that temperature sensor, then good on you for persevering greater than I did. Is it price its $999 asking worth? Overall, I’d say it nearly justifies it, because of the lengthy software program assist. Though it would not have the straight-line processor efficiency of its rivals, the Pixel 8 Pro continues to be an incredible telephone that I loved utilizing. Watch this: Review: Google’s Pixel 8 Pro Leaves Me Wanting More
09:14 Early digicam issues In our early testing, we discovered unusual points with the digicam, which exhibited odd artifacts, particularly in high-contrast conditions. Several of our preliminary take a look at pictures confirmed bizarre-looking picture noise and artifacts within the shadowy areas, together with extraordinarily aggressive software program smoothing on areas that ought to preserve element. CNET reporter Stephen Shankland unpacked lots of the Pixel 8 Pro’s points and elaborated on what is likely to be inflicting them. It basically boils right down to how the software program tries to mix a number of picture exposures collectively (and would not do a very neat job of it). Google pushed out an replace to assist with the problem, which has definitely helped however hasn’t fully resolved the issue. Even after Google’s digicam software program replace, I nonetheless discovered some pictures with troubling quantities of picture noise. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Cropping in shut, that picture noise turns into a lot clearer to see. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAs this indoor picture exhibits, the Pixel 8 Pro has created a dramatic quantity of picture noise within the shadowy areas of the scene. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAnd although this large shot of an ice cream truck appears to be like superb… Notice how the menu is readable within the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s shot (left), however not within the Pixel 8 Pro’s shot (proper). Andrew Lanxon/CNET…cropping in shut exhibits the muddiness attributable to the telephone’s digicam software program within the shadowy space contained in the van. It’s not possible to learn the menu on the Pixel’s shot, whereas it is clearly seen within the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s picture. That’s disappointing to see, nevertheless it’s necessary to notice that I’ve encountered this situation in solely a small variety of the numerous take a look at pictures I’ve taken with the telephone. And we have additionally seen quite a few examples wherein the Pixel 8 Pro carried out extraordinarily properly, and I’ll dive deeper into these within the digicam part beneath. We examined it in daylight, at night time, and in opposition to rivals together with the iPhone 15 Pro and the older Pixel 7 Pro. Other early points, resembling uncooked DNG picture recordsdata that regarded washed out when considered in Adobe Lightroom, can be resolved with higher assist from Adobe. But our gripe with the 1 to 2 second delay when taking 50-megapixel pictures stays, as that is merely because of the processing required to create such massive recordsdata. Both the Pixel 8 Pro and that iPhone 15 Pro Max have great-looking shows. Andrew Lanxon/CNETHave our preliminary issues been addressed? Mostly, sure. Though they don’t seem to be fully resolved, greater issues have been minimized to the purpose of being negligible. We’re now comfortable to maneuver on with the telephone as we might with every other. Design and show Physically, the Pixel 8 Pro resembles its predecessors, with a giant digicam bar throughout the again. The rear glass panel is now frosted, although, quite than shiny. It’s not a big design departure from final 12 months’s mannequin, nevertheless it does give the telephone a softer really feel while you’re holding it, whereas making it rather less liable to selecting up fingerprints. I do not suppose the telephone appears to be like fairly as premium or stylish as a sage-and-gold Pixel 7 Pro — not less than not the plain black variant I’ve been testing, which, like most plain black telephones, appears to be like uninteresting and forgettable. The blue model has extra character, with a vivid and cheerful frosted-glass again and bluey-silver digicam bar. The black model appears to be like fairly smooth, nevertheless it lacks the enjoyable character of the blue mannequin. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe digicam bar stands proud a great distance from the again — round 4 millimeters actually, which is greater than on the 7 Pro. The 8 Pro is comfy to carry, however I discover that it catches when I’m attempting to slip it into my denims pocket. I’m nitpicking right here, nevertheless it’s a type of issues that might change into extra annoying over time. A case reduces the peak distinction between the physique and the bar and the issue goes away. The body is made partly from recycled aluminum (similar to in older Pixel telephones), and the telephone is IP68 rated for water-resistance, which’ll maintain it secure from rain or spilled drinks. There’s a fingerprint scanner hidden inside the show, which I discovered to be hit or miss. But the face unlock has been improved over that of the 7 Pro. It’s extra correct, which suggests now you can use it to authenticate Google Pay funds. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe 6.7-inch show, the identical dimension as on the Pixel 7 Pro, is wonderful. It’s punchy and vibrant and simply does justice to no matter colourful YouTube or Netflix video you need to watch on the bus. It helps HDR content material, is vivid sufficient to see outside and has a most 120Hz refresh charge for {smooth} scrolling and gaming. Temperature sensor One tweak on the again is a small circle subsequent to the digicam flash that homes a brand-new characteristic: a temperature sensor. It permits the telephone to measure the temperature of objects or surfaces. It’s straightforward sufficient to make use of; simply hearth up the Temperature app and maintain the telephone about 5 centimeters out of your object, as if you take a close-up photograph. Tap the display screen, and it will present a readout of how scorching that object is. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe thought is that you should utilize it to check the temperature of drinks earlier than you are taking a giant gulp, or to ensure that piece of peach pie is not hotter than the solar earlier than you shovel it into your face and burn your mouth to cinders. It labored properly in my testing, pretty precisely exhibiting the rise in temperature on my kettle as I boiled water for a cup of tea. Though I can think about it generally being useful — mother and father might use it to test the temperature of a child’s bottle, for instance — I believe its real-world utility is restricted. It appears like a characteristic that is been shoehorned in to behave as a differentiator from the competitors. Heck, it will possibly’t even take your physique temperature, although Google is working with the US Food and Drug Administration so it will possibly finally be used for that objective. And positive, the Pixel 8 Pro now has a characteristic that the iPhone 15 would not, however is it actually a characteristic you care about? I’m undecided I do. After having confirmed that it really works because it ought to, I mainly forgot it was there and I have never continued to utilize it. Tensor G3 processor The Pixel 8 Pro comes with Google’s newest selfmade processor, the Tensor G3, which I discovered to be underwhelming. It did not impress on benchmarking apps, placing it nearer in efficiency to what’s present in cheaper midrange telephones than in at present’s flagship rivals. And although benchmarks do not inform the entire story, there are areas the place I really feel that lack of energy is noticeable. It stood out most with the AI image-editing instruments, which allow you to selectively edit the sky in a panorama photograph or alter the scale of objects (or take away them utterly). I discovered that it took between 13 and 18 seconds for the telephone to make every edit, which is a frustratingly very long time to attend and put me off desirous to mess around additional. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 processor is okay for on a regular basis use. Andrew Lanxon/CNETSimilarly, the 1 to 2 second delay when taking a 50-megapixel uncooked picture stems from the quantity of processing required to avoid wasting such massive recordsdata. A stronger chip would probably require no such delay. For comparability, there is not any noticeable delay when capturing 48-megapixel uncooked pictures on Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro. In common use, nonetheless, the Pixel 8 Pro feels swift and responsive. Navigation across the Android 14 interface is nippy and lag-free, apps open at once, and multitasking between open apps is a breeze. Graphically demanding video games like Genshin Impact, PUBG and Real Racing 3 all play with buttery-smooth body charges at most graphics settings. Android 14 and AI options Google dedicated to offering seven years of software program and safety updates for the Pixel 8 collection (together with the cheaper $699 Pixel 8), which is a giant enchancment over the three years of Android OS upgrades the tech large beforehand provided. By comparability, Samsung gives 4 years of software program updates and 5 of safety updates. Longer security-support occasions are an enormous method of decreasing the environmental affect of telephones, as a result of the {hardware} on older fashions is usually nonetheless working superb nevertheless it merely is not secure to maintain utilizing gadgets with outdated software program. Google’s software program dedication means the Pixel 8 Pro ought to nonetheless be going robust in 2030, which is the longest of any main Android producer and solely actually rivaled by Fairphone, which gives eight years of safety updates for its newest, the Fairphone 5. It’s good to see Google extending its assist interval, and I hope it encourages extra producers to do the identical. The Pixel 8 Pro launches with Android 14, which is not that completely different from Android 13. Both working methods look almost equivalent and supply numerous methods to customise components of the interface. Google has sprinkled some extra AI options all through, nonetheless, together with a brand new generative AI wallpaper creator. The AI wallpaper creator is enjoyable to play with. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe software lets you choose from a wide range of prompts, together with object phrases resembling “bicycle” or “lighthouse,” texture phrases like “wood” or “bamboo,” and numerous coloration and artwork model phrases to create a singular backdrop. It’s enjoyable to play with, and I loved experimenting with completely different immediate combos to search out pictures I favored. I did not at all times love the outcomes; generally the AI merely would not do an incredible job. And having the ability to select solely from a set of predefined prompts means the software is not open to the form of wild infinite customization you would possibly anticipate from generative AI. Google has woven AI options into the telephone elsewhere, together with name screening, the power to summarize articles in net pages (each of that are unique to the US at launch) and higher speech-to-text and translation instruments. But synthetic intelligence can be used for picture modifying, with AI instruments letting you selectively edit the sky in a panorama photograph and make objects or folks greater or smaller within the body (or take away them utterly). The outcomes do not at all times look nice — not less than to not my eye as knowledgeable photographer — however it may be a enjoyable technique to tweak informal snaps. If you have got the endurance to attend for them to course of, that’s. We’re going to want an even bigger boat. Andrew Lanxon/CNET And with the magic of AI, right here we’re. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThere’s additionally a brand new software known as Best Take, which is supposed to create images wherein make everybody appears to be like their finest. It captures a burst of pictures and blends them into one shot by routinely selecting the perfect facial features from a gaggle of topics. I have never discovered this handy in my time with the telephone. It requires not less than six completely different variations of the “same” picture for the AI to select from, and I usually take only one or two of my associates. Then once more, my colleague Patrick Holland loved placing the characteristic to make use of in his evaluation of the smaller Pixel 8. Patrick discovered it labored properly in his pictures, with a largely seamless alternative of individuals’s faces within the last picture. Your expertise with it might fluctuate relying on how you employ your telephone’s digicam, so take my opinion right here with a grain of salt. When deciding on my favourite picture from a movement seize, I used to be baffled as to why there was a “ghost” of this runner (seen above the determine sitting on the wall). But it did not find yourself being seen once I exported the body. Andrew Lanxon/CNETI additionally discovered an odd quirk when deciding on a most popular body from a movement picture: A “ghost” of a determine was seen whereas I used to be modifying, nevertheless it did not present up within the last exported body. It’s minor, however once more, it highlights that some options do not feel fairly as polished as I’d anticipate. Pixel 8 Pro cameras Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro’s digicam is stable, and I’m glad I spent the additional time testing it following Google’s software program replace. It’s able to taking lovely pictures with all its lenses, and its night time mode is a giant step up over that of its predecessor. The heavy-handed picture processing continues to be seen although, and it is probably that passionate photographers can be higher served by the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Pixel 8 Pro, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNETTaken with the Pixel 8 Pro’s important digicam, these pictures are vivid, vibrant and pin sharp. I like the colours and spot-on publicity. Pixel 8 Pro, ultrawide lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, ultrawide lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAnd switching to the wide-angle lens, I’m once more impressed by the publicity and colours the telephone has been capable of obtain. Pixel 8 Pro, 5x optical zoom lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, 5x optical zoom lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, 5x optical zoom lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, 5x optical zoom lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe Pixel 8 Pro maintains the 5x optical zoom lens seen on each the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. And in good daytime situations, it will possibly take some nice pictures which are full of element. In common daytime scenes, the Pixel 8 Pro is definitely capable of seize engaging pictures. And for probably the most half, it holds its personal in opposition to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Though I’ve seen variations with coloration steadiness between the 2 telephones (the Pixel tends to lean extra towards a magenta coloration solid), there are few variations between them by way of publicity and distinction. Pixel 8 Pro, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET iPhone 15 Pro Max, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET iPhone 15 Pro Max, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe Pixel takes respectable night time pictures too, however the iPhone 15 Pro Max pulls forward on this space. It usually captures higher picture particulars, more-accurate colours and fewer picture noise with each the primary and ultrawide lenses. Pixel 8 Pro, night time mode, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET iPhone 15 Pro Max, night time mode, important digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 8 Pro, night time mode, ultrawide lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNET iPhone 15 Pro Max, night time mode, ultrawide lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNETBut it is particularly obvious when utilizing the 5x zooms, with the iPhone delivering sharper, extra detailed pictures with higher distinction and colours. Pixel 8 Pro, night time mode, 5x zoom. Andrew Lanxon/CNET iPhone 15 Pro Max, night time mode, 5x zoom. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAgainst the older Pixel 7 Pro, the 8 Pro’s daytime pictures aren’t an enormous step up. But at night time, the brand new telephone gives a dramatic enchancment over its predecessor, significantly when utilizing the ultrawide lens and with the 5x zoom too. Pixel 7 Pro, night time mode, ultrawide lens. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 7 Pro (left) vs Pixel 8 Pro (proper), night time mode, ultrawide lens, cropped in to indicate element. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Pixel 7 Pro (left) vs Pixel 8 Pro (proper), night time mode, 5x zoom lens, cropped in to indicate element. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe Pixel 8 Pro has different new digicam options, together with guide controls for adjusting shutter pace or white steadiness, together with a 50-megapixel mode for taking high-resolution images. The further decision over the 12-megapixels the digicam often makes use of is definitely noticeable when zooming in to have a look at the superb particulars. But most photographers will not profit from it — particularly for the reason that delay in taking every picture slows down capturing to the purpose that this mode is appropriate just for static scenes like landscapes. Pixel 8 Pro, selfie digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNET iPhone 15 Pro Max, selfie digicam. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe Pixel 8 Pro’s front-facing digicam takes respectable selfies in vivid situations, and I desire its common tone over the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s pictures. But I discovered the iPhone’s pictures to be sharper and extra detailed. Battery Stuffed contained in the Pixel 8 Pro is a 5,050-mAh battery, which put in a good efficiency on our numerous battery drain assessments. After one hour of streaming a YouTube video at max brightness, the telephone had dropped from full to 97% remaining, which is sweet. After the third hour, it had dropped to 84%, which is beneath what we have seen from the iPhone 15 collection, however in step with the Galaxy S23. It’s a demanding take a look at, and in on a regular basis use you should not wrestle to get by way of an entire day of combined use. Just know that spending hours streaming video or taking part in demanding video games will go away little or no juice to name a cab residence after your night time in town. As with most telephones, although, you will nearly definitely need to give it a full cost while you go to mattress every night time. The Pixel 8 Pro’s largest competitors would be the iPhone 15 Pro. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Should you purchase the Pixel 8 Pro? Collectively, we spent many hours testing the Pixel 8 Pro, placing all its options by way of their paces and taking a whole bunch of take a look at pictures in all situations. Despite my earlier issues, I’m assured that the Pixel 8 Pro is a stable telephone to think about, particularly in case you’re into nighttime photograph taking. But general it would not really feel like an enormous step up over the Pixel 7 Pro, which Google nonetheless formally sells for $100 much less. That’s not a lot of a worth distinction, nevertheless it’s price conserving in thoughts if you need an incredible all-rounder for a little bit of a reduction. If you have already got a Pixel 7 Pro, it definitely is not price upgrading to the brand new mannequin.But these of you on older Pixels, or different Android handsets quite a lot of years outdated, will completely profit from the good cameras and fancy new AI options discovered on the Pixel 8 Pro. Google Pixel 8 Pro specs vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Google Pixel 8 ProGoogle Pixel 7 ProApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Display dimension, tech, decision, refresh charge, brightness 6.7-inch OLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch OLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch OLED; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088×1,440 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh chargePixel density 489 ppi512 ppi460 ppi500 ppiDimensions (inches) 6.4x3x0.3 inches6.4x3x0.3 inches6.29×3.02×0.32 inches6.43×3.07×0.35 inchesDimensions (millimeters) 162.6×76.5×8.8mm162.9×76.6×8.9mm159.9×76.7×8.25mm163.3x78x8.9mmWeight (grams, ounces) 213 grams (7.5 ounces)212 grams (7.5 ounces)221 grams (7.81 ounces)234 grams (8.25 ounces)Mobile software program Android 14Android 13iOS 17Android 13Digital camera 50 megapixel (large), 48 megapixel (ultrawide), 48 megapixel (telephoto)50 megapixel (large), 12 megapixel (ultrawide), 48 megapixel (telephoto)48 megapixel (large), 12 megapixel (ultrawide), 12 megapixel (5x telephoto)200 megapixel (large), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) 10 megapixel (3x telephoto) 10 megapixel (10x telephoto)Front-facing digicam 10.5 megapixel10.8 megapixel12 megapixel12 megapixel Video seize 4K4K4K8KProcessor Google Tensor G3Google Tensor G2A17 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyStorage and RAM 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB, 1TB (RAM undisclosed)8GB + 256GB; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 12GB + 1TB Expandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneBattery 5,050 mAh5,000 mAhUndisclosed; Apple says as much as 29 hours of video playback (25 hours streamed)5,000 mAhFingerprint sensor Under showUnder displayNone (Face ID)Under displayConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial options 5G (Sub 6 and mmWave); VPN by Google One; 7 years of OS, safety and Feature Drop updates; front-facing digicam has autofocus; 13W Qi wi-fi charging; 30W wired charging; USB-3.2 speeds through USB-C; IP68 mud and water resistance; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on entrance and back5G, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, Face Unblur, lengthy publicity mode, Action Pan; Hold for Me, Wait Times, Direct My Call, Live Translate5G (Sub6, mmWave); Action Button, always-on show, IP68 waterproof, MagSafe, Dynamic Island, 5x optical zoom (120mm equal), satellite tv for pc connectivity, eSIM, thread networking technology5G (Sub6, mmWave); IP68 waterproof; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different gadgets; built-in S Pen; 100x Space Zoom; 10x optical zoom; UWB for locating different gadgets; 45W wired chargingUS worth off-contract $999 (128GB)$899 (128GB)$1,199 (256GB)$1,200 (256GB)UK worth Converts to £825 (128GB)£849 (128GB)£1,199 (256GB)£1,249 (256GB)Australia worth Converts to AU$1,575 (128GB)AU$1,299 (128GB)AU$2,199 (256GB)AU$1,949 (256GB) How we take a look at phonesEvery telephone examined by CNET’s opinions workforce was truly utilized in the actual world. We take a look at a telephone’s options, play video games, and take images. We study the show to see if it is vivid, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP-rating for water-resistance. We push the processor’s efficiency to the extremes utilizing each standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution movies and taking part in graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.All the cameras are examined in a wide range of situations from vivid daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like night time mode and portrait mode and evaluate our findings in opposition to equally priced competing telephones. We additionally take a look at the battery life through the use of the telephone every day in addition to operating a collection of battery drain assessments.We have in mind extra options, like assist for 5G; satellite tv for pc connectivity; fingerprint and face sensors; stylus assist; quick charging speeds; and foldable shows, amongst others that may be helpful. And we steadiness all this in opposition to the worth to provide the verdict on whether or not that telephone, no matter worth it’s, truly represents good worth. Though these assessments might not at all times be mirrored in CNET’s preliminary evaluation, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.