Upgraded throughout the board
Google hasn’t been idle these previous two years. The Pixel 8 offers you significantly better cameras, a extra seen show, and one other six OS upgrades. It is not good, with some intentional downgrades to upsell you to the 8 Pro and a few downsides in comparison with different latest Android flagships. But it actually offers the polish that the Pixel 6 lacked.
ForBetter refresh charge, brightness, and colorLighter and simpler to gripNewest digital camera methods like Magic Editor & Photo UnblurRevamped digital camera sensorsFaster Google Tensor efficiency and AIAgainstNot as huge of a efficiency hole as you’d anticipateMore expensiveNo telephoto lens
Struggling to maintain up
The Pixel 6 impressed us at launch, however the cracks started to point out when individuals complained about its connectivity points and a defective fingerprint sensor. While its digital camera AI methods had been spectacular on the time, it now seems outdated as a result of the Pixel 7 and 8 have higher AI methods that it will probably’t entry. Its dim show makes it arduous to learn outside, too.
ForTensor G1 nonetheless in G3’s leagueLarger displayRespectable cameras with some AI methodsSolid battery lifeAgainstNotorious connectivity/ fingerprint issuesDimmer show at solely 90HzWon’t get newer digital camera/AI methodsDesign is not as polishedOnly one OS replace left
How a lot of an improve is the Pixel 8 in comparison with the Pixel 6? Did Google make sufficient adjustments to justify a swap? This Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 6 information will reply that query. The Pixel 6 excited everybody when it launched because of its hanging design, digital camera AI methods, and Material You customization. In hindsight, although, Google lower corners on sure intangibles just like the fingerprint sensor and connectivity that left Pixel 6 house owners pissed off and prepared for a change, properly earlier than its five-year assist ran out. Last November, the Pixel 8 arrived with the upgrades you’d anticipate to efficiency, cameras, and AI methods, plus a stunning promise that it will obtain assist by means of the top of 2030. Still, with all the problems the Pixel 6 handled after launch, it is truthful to surprise if the Pixel 8 can have related points after seven years (or fewer).So, does the Pixel 8 convey sufficient to the desk, or must you look ahead to the Pixel 9? The reply is dependent upon how a lot you care about AI, besides, it is a way more polished product within the ways in which matter.Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 6: Design and show(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 6 use a shiny glass again and a matte aluminum body on the perimeters, which means they’re each susceptible to fingerprints with out a case. You additionally get the trademark “G” brand and three related coloration choices — black, inexperienced, and light-weight crimson/pink — although they’re barely totally different in names and kinds.The Pixel 6 launched the trademark rear digital camera bar with a uniform glass strip overlaying the telephone’s width and exposing the digital camera sensors and LED in a line. Starting with the Pixel 7, Google switched to an aluminum digital camera bar with cutouts for the sensors that merge seamlessly into the telephone’s aluminum sides. The Pixel 8 cutout is barely wider than the Pixel 7’s, which our reviewer known as “striking.” Compared to the Pixel 6, we a lot choose the 8’s design, each as a result of aluminum is extra sturdy for falls than glass and it offers the Pixel 8 a barely extra premium, metallic look.(Image credit score: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)Both telephones have an IP68 mud and water resistance score, so you may belief both Pixel’s sturdiness to an extent with out a case. While each telephones have Gorilla Glass Victus safety for the show, the Pixel 6 used a barely inferior Gorilla Glass 6 for the rear glass panel, whereas the Pixel 8 employs Victus there, too.Built into every respective show is an optical fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 6’s fingerprint sensor was notoriously unreliable for months after launch. Google did finally patch in some fixes, nevertheless it’s a unbroken frustration for Pixel followers. Unfortunately, the Pixel 8 makes use of the identical sensor know-how, as a substitute of the extra dependable ultrasonic fingerprint system with the Galaxy S24.One factor Google did change was to shrink the Pixel 8 show in comparison with the Pixel 6, making it extra snug to make use of one-handed on the expense of additional show area. Both measure 8.9mm thick, however the Pixel 6’s additional 4mm of width make a slight distinction in how properly you may grip it.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Both telephones have the identical FHD decision, though the drop from 6.4 to 6.2 inches signifies that the Pixel 8 has a barely increased pixels-per-inch ratio (428ppi vs. 411ppi). They each use flat shows, which we choose to the curved shows of the Pro fashions for a agency grip. Of the 2, the Pixel 8 has extraordinarily slender bezels, whereas the Pixel 6 has noticeable high and backside bezels that you just’d anticipate on a less expensive telephone.More importantly, the Pixel 8 hits a 120Hz refresh charge as a substitute of 90Hz, a noticeable step up in smoothness over the Pixel 6 and 7. It even hits as much as 2,000 nits at peak brightness, in comparison with the Pixel 6’s 800 nits. It dips to a good 1,400 nits for normal HDR, whereas the Pixel 6 solely hits as much as 500 with no HDR assist. It’s because of Google’s new “Actua” show, meant to protect coloration and distinction whereas at excessive brightness settings. Only the Pixel 8 Pro has a “Super Actua” show, however the Pixel 8 does fairly properly for itself, with the identical 1,000,000:1 distinction ratio and 16 million colours. Google does not checklist the Pixel 6’s distinction ratio and coloration depth, so we will solely assume it is decrease. Generally talking, it feels extra like a mid-range or finances show, whereas the Pixel 8 matches the business customary for high-end Android telephones. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 6: Hardware, efficiency, and battery(Image credit score: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)The Pixel 8, just like the Pixel 6, makes use of the most recent Tensor {hardware} with a Titan M2 safety chip, 8GB of RAM, and as much as 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The Pixel 8 does use LPDDR5X as a substitute of LPDDR5, providing higher efficiency and effectivity with the identical reminiscence; sadly, it does not have the quicker learn/write speeds of the Galaxy S24’s UFS 4.0 storage, an improve we might have favored to see. Of course, if you happen to examine the Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 6, it’s essential to ask how the Tensor G3 chip compares to the Tensor G1. Looking strictly at cores, the Tensor G3 has 9 to the G1’s 8, with one fewer flagship core however two additional mid-range productiveness cores, and all clocked increased. You can see the specifics within the desk beneath.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGoogle Pixel 8Google Pixel 6OSAndroid 14 (as much as Android 21)Android 14 (as much as Android 15)Display6.2-inch Actua AMOLED, 120Hz AMOLED (2400×1080), HDR10+, 2000 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus 6.4-inch OLED, 90Hz (2400×1080), 800 nits, Gorilla Glass VictusChipsetGoogle Tensor G3 (4nm), Titan M2 safety moduleGoogle Tensor G1 (5nm), Titan M2 safety moduleRow 3 – Cell 0 1x Cortex-X3 (2.91GHz), 4x Cortex-A715 (2.37GHz), 4x Cortex-A510 (1.7GHz)1x Cortex-X1 (2.8GHz), 2x Cortex A76 (2.25GHz), 4x Cortex A55 (1.8GHz)RAM8GB LPDDR5X8GB LPDDR5Storage128GB/256GB UFS 3.1128GB/256GB UFS 3.1Rear digital camera 150MP f/1.68, 1.2μm, PDAF, OIS, 4K at 60fps50MP f/1.85, 1.2 μm, PDAF, OIS, 4K at 60fpsRear digital camera 212MP f/2.2, 1.25μm, 125-degree wide-angle12MP f/2.2, 1.25μm, 114-degree wide-angleFront digital camera10.5MP f/2.2, 1.22μm, 95-degree8MP f/2.0, 1.12 μm, 84-degreeConnectivity (US, CA, UK, AU)Wi-Fi 7 (or Wi-Fi 6 solely in some territories), Sub-6 5G (mmWave in US), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 3.2Wi-Fi 6E (or 6 solely in some territories), Sub-6 5G (mmWave in US), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, AptX HD, USB-C 3.1Ingress ProtectionIP68 mud and water resistanceIP68 mud and water resistanceSecurityIn-screen fingerprint moduleIn-screen fingerprint moduleAudioStereo sound, 3 mics, spatial audioStereo sound, 3 micsBattery4575mAh4614mAhCharging30W wired (27W precise), 20W wi-fi charging, 5W reverse wi-fi charging30W wired (21W precise), 12-23W Wireless, 5W Reverse WirelessDimensions150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm, 187g158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm, 207gMaterialsMatte aluminum body, Victus glass backTactile alloy body, Gorilla Glass 6 glass backColorsObsidian, Hazel, RoseStormy Black, Kinda Coral, Sorta SeafoamThe reality is, the Tensor G3’s biggest energy is in AI efficiency. Strictly taking a look at a regular Geekbench benchmark take a look at by our mother or father firm’s Future Labs, the Pixel 6 averaged 1,158/2,862 in single- and multi-core efficiency, whereas the Pixel 8 averaged 1,029/2,696 for Geekbench 5 or 1,538/3,530 for Geekbench 6. In plainer phrases, the Pixel 8 is quicker than the Pixel 6, nevertheless it does not have the efficiency hole you’d wish to see after two years, and a lot of the finest Android telephones have a lot increased speeds backed by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, together with the Galaxy S24. Of course, the present rumor is that Google will follow a Samsung-made Tensor G9 chip for the Pixel 9, so that you should not anticipate a significant efficiency enhance subsequent yr, both. (Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)In follow, our Pixel 8 reviewer discovered that it tends to “throttle early, leading to noticeable jitter” whereas taking part in demanding Android video games. It does carry out very properly for “on-device machine learning models” and digital camera processing that depends on AI, because of the revamped neural processing unit (NPU). But he is not sure whether or not the Tensor G3 will “stand the test of time” lengthy sufficient for the Pixel 8 to final for seven years, as Google’s software program assist guarantees. Our Pixel 6 reviewer was fairly happy with the efficiency high quality on the time, nevertheless it’s truthful to say that it has slowed down with age. It, too, provided a strong NPU with the Tensor G1, however solely by 2021 requirements. Now, it does not have as a lot AI leeway to compensate for its shortcomings because the Tensor G3 does.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Moving on to battery life, the Pixel 6 has barely extra capability, a shorter refresh charge, and decrease nits of brightness, which helps it last more than most telephones. The Pixel 8’s show enhancements in these areas are offset by its barely smaller show, which calls for much less energy, and its extra environment friendly Tensor chip. In different phrases, it is principally a wash.Our Pixel 6 reviewer discovered she may get 5.5 hours of display time constantly with 25% battery remaining; our Pixel 8 reviewer equally famous that it will “consistently deliver a day’s worth of use, averaging just under six hours of screen time.” Since most individuals do not really use their telephones actively that a lot per day, they actually have the longevity most individuals want. Once your battery is useless, the Pixel 8 will cost to 50% in 30 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes. The Pixel 6 hits the identical 50% mark in 30 minutes and 80% in an hour, however will take barely longer than the Pixel 8 to achieve 100%. Still, we want the Pixel 8 had made larger enhancements in charging velocity, since different latest telephones just like the OnePlus 12 supply 100W charging. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 6: Cameras, AI, and software programMagic Editor on the Pixel 8 (Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Google makes one of the best smartphone cameras available on the market, and its evolution started with the Pixel 6. That telephone was the primary to introduce Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Action Pan, and different instruments that made it glorious for point-and-shoot images, with post-processing enhancing the standard to glorious ranges. That being mentioned, Google did not sit on its arms within the two years since then. The Pixel 8 brings new methods to the desk like Best Take, Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, and Macro Focus that the Pixel 6 cannot entry. It can also take 2X optical-zoom photographs, which the Pixel 6 cannot do, and hits 8X Super Zoom to the Pixel 6’s 7X.In follow, our Pixel 8 reviewer mentioned that “photos taken in daylight have plenty of detail and accurate color rendition,” whereas the evening mode “evens out highlights and shadows while still retaining the same level of detail.” He additionally praised the portrait mode as “among the best in the industry.”Looking particularly on the digital camera sensors, the Pixel 8 and 6 each supply 50MP major sensors, however the 8’s aperture can seize extra gentle for higher element. The 12MP UW cameras are largely the identical, however the Pixel 8 does seize a barely wider space in its photographs. And you may have a transparent benefit for selfies with the newer telephone because of the elevated megapixels. (Image credit score: Alex Dobie / Android Central)On the software program entrance, each the Pixel 8 and Pixel 6 share the identical Android 14 software program in the intervening time, and can leap to Android 15 this fall concurrently. After that, nonetheless, the Pixel 6 will solely obtain safety updates till late 2026, with no extra OS updates. The Pixel 8 will obtain software program and safety updates by means of 2030, as promised by Google. That means it ought to finally obtain Android 21 if Google holds to its phrase. Although most individuals will not really use the Pixel 8 for that lengthy, it ought to give the telephone higher resale worth if you commerce it in to your subsequent smartphone. You may assume that any future methods involving Google’s Gemini AI will work significantly better on the Pixel 8, because of its enhanced NPU energy. That may embrace, for instance, dwell translation or picture technology. Lastly, we’ll level out that the Pixel 6 had infamous points with connectivity, each by way of Wi-Fi and 5G mobile knowledge. Thankfully, no matter antenna points the Pixel 6 had had been resolved by the point the Pixel 8 launched: It constantly delivers strong 5G connectivity and knowledge speeds, each in our personal checks and based on customers normally. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 6: Should you improve?(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Without a doubt, the Pixel 8 offers you a greater telephone expertise throughout the board. Its show is brighter, smoother, and extra colourful. It offers you two extra generations of Google’s AI digital camera methods and the promise of higher Gemini assist. It additionally takes higher photographs, seems extra trendy, weighs 20g much less, and is not stricken by the Pixel 6’s connectivity woes.The solely query is whether or not that is sufficient for you. So far, the Pixel 9 rumors recommend that we cannot see a drastic efficiency enhance, however may see a telephoto lens on a non-Pro Pixel for the primary time; maybe we’ll see different long-overdue boosts to charging or storage velocity, however we will not depend on that.There’s additionally the unavoidable reality that the majority latest Pixels have had {hardware} high quality management points pop up after launch. The checklist contains quantity rockers falling off, USB-C ports coming unfastened, and the aforementioned satellite tv for pc issues within the Pixel 6. The Pixel 8 is healthier than the Pixel 6, however we will not predict what points will come up. If you’ve got grown sick of your Pixel 6, then you should buy the Pixel 8 realizing it makes sufficient vital upgrades to justify the acquisition. But you might also wish to look into different Android telephone manufacturers which have made larger strides in efficiency, if that issues to you greater than the Pixel 8’s improbable cameras. And remember that Google nonetheless has one thing to show in terms of its telephones’ longevity.
A extra polished Pixel
Google nonetheless has work to do to make its Pixel telephones catch as much as the pack in some {hardware} areas, however its software program, cameras, and AI methods proceed to guide the business in some ways. It’s actually a extra dependable (and trendy) telephone than the Pixel 6.
Running out of time
The Pixel 6 is simply 2.5 years outdated as of publication, nevertheless it already feels outdated, with the Pixel 8 anticipated to final for much longer because of its seven years of Android OS updates. It walked in order that the Pixel 8 may run.