After many leaks, Google has finally unveiled its latest flagship phones, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. These phones are nothing short of amazing as they leverage Google’s Tensor G3 chips that take advantage of their advancements in AI.

Both Pixel 8 phones also boast impressive camera features, vibrant displays, and long-lasting batteries that should give other flagships a run for their money.

Should You Buy the Google Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro

If you’re looking for a premium Android phone in 2023, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will quickly rise to the top of your list. They share many similar features, but there are also differences between them.

For one, the Pixel 8 Pro, as the name suggests, is much larger, translating to a bigger display and battery. The camera setup is also vastly different, as the Pro model has a triple system complete with a telephoto lens.

From these quick comparisons, the Pixel 8 Pro is the more advanced and versatile of the two, but it also comes at a higher price.

5 Key Features of the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro

  • The new Tensor G3 chipset offers faster performance and better in-device AI capabilities.
  • You’ll get upgraded camera software with video boost, upgraded night sight, audio erase, best take, magic eraser, and astrophotography.
  • The Pixel 8 devices sport bright OLED displays with variable refresh rates up to 120Hz and brightness up to 2400 nits.
  • The battery life on both phones is impressive and will last you a full day of use.
  • The phones will run the latest Android 14 OS and provide software updates for seven years.

What is the Price of the Pixel 8 Phones in the UAE

No- the Google Pixel 8 series will not be officially available in Dubai, the UAE or the rest of the Middle East. It’s a shame that Google continues ignoring consumers in markets such as Saudi Arabia or Egypt who would love to own a Google-designed phone.

That being said, there’s always the grey market- in fact, these phones have already been listed on Amazon.ae for a pretty premium. When publishing this article, here’s how much you’ll have to pay for the Pixel 8 phones in the UAE.

UAE Price
Google Pixel 8 – 128GBAED 3,999
Google Pixel 8 – 256GBAED 4,999
Google Pixel 8 Pro 128GBAED 5,399
Google Pixel 8 Pro 256GBAED 5,999

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Specifications

The Pixel 8 is getting new processors, displays, and cameras to offer a more exciting and refined experience. Here are the specs of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones:

Google Pixel 8Google Pixel 8 Pro
Display6.2-inch Full HD Actua Display
60 to 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
6.7-inch LTPO OLED Super Actua Display
Adaptive 1 to 120Hz Refresh Rate
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels1344 x 2992 pixels
BrightnessUp to 2000 nitsUp to 2400 nits
Operating SystemAndroid 14Android 14
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G3Google Tensor G3
RAM8GB LPDDR5X12GB LPDDR5X
Storage128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear CamerasMain: 50MP f/1.68
Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2 95° FOV
Main: 50MP f/1.68
Ultra-wide: 48MP f/1.95 125° FOV
Telephoto: 48MP 5x optical zoom
Front Camera10.5MP f/2.210.5MP f/2.2
Battery4,575 mAh5,050 mAh
Charging27W Wired12 to 18W Wireless30W Wired
12 to 23W Wireless
Dimensions150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm
Weight187 g213 g

Design and Display

Let’s first look at one of the most prominent features of the Pixel 8 models, the new OLED screens that are much brighter than any other flagship device. They’re fully flat now, so no more curved displays, but it doesn’t mean they’re uncomfortable to hold.

Google curved out the aluminium frames and edges, so even the larger Pixel 8 Pro is much more comfortable to hold and use for longer periods.

Google Pixel 8

Screen Sizes

The Pixel 8 is the more compact of the two models, with a screen size of 6.2 inches. If you remember the Pixel 7, it’s a tenth of an inch smaller, but with thinner bezels, it’s the compact device to look out for.

The Pixel 8 Pro is much larger, with a screen size of 6.7 inches, and gives you more screen real estate and a much better viewing experience. Thankfully, the display is flat on the Pixel 8 Pro for this year, which doesn’t look as futuristic as a curved display but is much better in usage.

Resolution

The smaller display on the Pixel 8 means it will have a lower resolution, but at 1080 x 2400 pixels, it will still offer you that Full HD experience. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, comes with a 1344 x 2992 pixel resolution. Even though the Pro model is larger, it still packs more pixels, giving you a more detailed image on the screen.

Refresh Rates

Both models have a max refresh rate of 120Hz, which means they can display up to 120 frames per second. It is a contentious feature, but the buttery smooth operation will improve your scrolling and reduce eye strain and fatigue.

The main difference is that the Pixel 8 Pro model has an LTPO screen with an adaptive display that can go down to as low as 1Hz to save battery life. The non-Pro model can only switch between 60Hz and 120Hz.

Brightness Levels

This is the feature where the Pixel 8 has a leg up compared to other flagships, as Google turned up the brightness levels on their displays to 2000 nits on the Pixel 8 and 2,400 nits on the Pixel 8 Pro. 

Colours

Google is not the one to back away from using innovative colours on their phones, with the Pixel 8 coming with three options: Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose. The Pixel 8 Pro also comes with three options, allowing you to choose between Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay.

Performance

Thanks to their new Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro should be able to handle almost anything you throw at them. The chip can take it all, whether gaming, multitasking, or using Google’s AI features.

Google Pixel 8

New Google Tensor 3 Chip

One of the main downsides of the previous Pixel phones is its Tensor G2 chips. It’s not as fast as other flagship chipsets and heats up quite a bit. Now, Google has updated it with a quicker chip better equipped to take advantage of the phone’s AI capabilities.

It’s still likely not enough to compare to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple’s A16 Bionic, but it has its advantages when it comes to AI.

Memory and Storage

The Pixel 8 comes with 8GB of RAM and starts at 128GB of storage, while the Pixel 8 Pro is packed with 12GB of RAM. One notable choice Google made is that the Pro model still starts at 128GB of storage.

You can get the 256GB options for both models or use Google’s cloud services like Google Photos and Google Drive to back up your data.

Camera

If you’re looking for a true flagship camera experience, you will get that with the Pixel 8, especially the Pixel 8 Pro. Both models have new hardware and software updates to improve your photos’ quality and creativity.

Google Pixel 8

Pixel 8 Rear Cameras

The Pixel 8 has a two-camera system comprising 50MP wide-angle and 12MP ultrawide-angle lenses. The main camera has an aperture of f/1.6 and optical image stabilization for better-quality photos and videos.

The Pixel 8’s cameras can capture stunning shots regardless of your lighting condition. At night, it activates night sight, which allows you to take bright and clear photos in dark conditions without a flash.

Pixel 8 Pro Rear Cameras

As for the Pixel 8 Pro, it comes with a three-camera system and upgraded optics. The main camera is the same 50MP wide-angle lens, but that’s the only similarity. The ultrawide angle is bumped up to 48MP, plus the Pro has a periscope-type telephoto lens that allows for 5x optical zoom and up to 20x digital zoom.

Front Cameras

If you switch to the front, both phones have the same 10.5MP front camera. Thanks to the ultrawide angle lens that fits more people or scenery in the frame, you can take great selfies and group photos.

Camera Software

When it comes to the hardware, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are impressive. The software is packed with features that make capturing photos and videos easier and more fun. The software on these phones is backed by Google’s AI and computational photography that will help you enhance the quality and creativity of your shots.

Video Boost

If you’re looking for more cinematic shots that are more vivid with greatly improved dynamic range, video boost is going to be one of your favourite features. It will leverage Google’s cloud computing power, enhancing your video on their servers. Once done, it will alert you that your upgraded video is ready to watch and share. 

Upgraded Night Sight

Using your phone’s computational photography features, you can take clearer and brighter photos even in low-light situations with upgraded night sight. With long exposure, your phone will capture more details and stack them together to eliminate noise and enhance your subject.

Audio Erase

If you love to shoot videos and don’t want to deal with the unnecessary noise that goes into your recording, audio erase will be your best friend. It automatically detects and isolates sounds you want to keep and mutes those you wish to remove.

Magic Eraser

The Magic Erases tool has been present from the Pixel 6, and it’s now getting a refresh with the Pixel 8. It allows you to remove unwanted objects from your photos, like photobombers. You’ll also be able to edit your photos, like repositioning your subject from one side to another, without opening an editing app like Photoshop.

Software

The Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro will be the first phones to run on Android 14. The latest version of Google’s operating system gives you a smoother and more intuitive experience. However, the Pixel phones are going to have some cool exclusive features.

Pixel Call Assist

If you’re getting a lot of unwanted calls lately, the Pixel Call Assist will help you screen all of them. Get your phone to answer them; it will transcribe the conversation for you in real-time and let you decide whether you want to pick up the call, hang up, or block the number. It’s a cool feature to help you deal with spam calls, telemarketers, and robocalls.

Voice Recognition and Translation

Voice recognition and translation is a big feature since the Pixel Fold and all the Pixel 8 models will also enjoy it. You can translate your speech into a different language in real-time, making communicating easier, especially travelling.

Longer Software Support

Google promises up to 7 years of software support and updates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It will be one of the longest ones for phones, giving you access to the latest features and improvements for years.

Security Features

The main security feature of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones is the embedded Titan M2 chip on the Tensor G3 chipset. It encrypts your sensitive data, like passwords and biometrics, right on your phone. It is a key component in features like fingerprint and face unlock to even your PINs to access your phone.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 and Pixel have impressive battery life, rated up to 31 hours by Google. You’ll have no problems running these for an entire day without the need to charge.

Capacity

The Pixel 8 has a battery capacity of 4,575 mAh, while the Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 5,050 mAh pack. The difference can seem quite large, but remember that the Pixel 8 has a smaller screen, translating to a lesser power draw.

Wired Charging

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro support fast wired charging via the USB-C cable and a power adapter. They’re not as fast as Xiaomi or Huawei, but at 27W for the Pixel 8 and 30W for the Pixel 8 Pro, you’ll still get 0% to 50% in around 20 minutes.

Wireless Charging

Wireless charging is also supported for both devices, whether using a Qi-compatible charger or a Pixel Stand. The charging speeds vary a bit, and the Pixel 8 Pro charges a bit faster than the Pixel 8. Expect to wirelessly charge your phones from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes.

You can even do reverse wireless charging with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, allowing you to recharge your headphones, smartwatches, and other phones.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Alternatives

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are not the only flagship phones in the market. There are other options you might want to consider, and here are some of them:

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
AED4,949.00 AED2,894.00

Weight: 234g | Thickness: 8.9mm | Screen: 6.8” 1440 x 3088 pixels,, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 200MP Quad Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5000mAh, 45W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Excellent performance
  • Great cameras
  • Superb battery life
Cons:
  • Doesn't charge as fast as other Android phones
  • Not too big of an upgrade over the S22 Ultra
03/08/2024 06:01 pm GMT

The Samsung S23 Ultra is Samsung’s most premium phone with many features that can rival the Pixel 8. The quad rear camera system is the most notable, with its 200MP main sensor and 10x optical zoom. However, it’s slightly more expensive than the Pixel 8 Pro and does not have Pixel’s AI features.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
AED5,099.00 AED4,499.00

Weight: 221 g | Thickness: 8.25 mm | Screen: 6.7” Retina, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A17 Pro | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 48MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: N/A, 50% in 30 mins wired charging, 15W wireless charging

Pros:
  • Great feel in hand
  • Fast processor and GPU
  • Excellent camera with 5x Zoom
Cons:
  • Can run a little hot
  • No improvement in charging speeds
03/18/2024 01:21 pm GMT

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple’s latest premium phone and a direct competitor to the Pixel 8. It has a triple rear camera setup comparable to the Pixel 8. The A17 Pro chip is significantly faster and can handle games, which the Pixel phones likely won’t. 

However, the advantage of the Pixel 8 compared to the iPhone 15 is when it comes to the AI features built into the phone and the camera system, which will give the iPhone a run for its money.

Summing It Up

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be the best Android and AI phones of 2023. They’re worth a serious look if you consider a smart and powerful phone. They have multiple features that leverage Google’s AI capabilities with the Tensor G3.

However, they won’t be the fastest flagship phones out there. With the price bump, they’re not the value choice they once were. And you’re also not going to be able to buy them officially in the UAE, Saudi Arabia or the rest of the Middle East.

Jian Bacallan
Jian Bacallan

Technology Content Crafter. Helping you unbox the latest in tech trends, especially with laptops and mobile devices. A PC gaming enthusiast who loves to cook and is currently obsessed with sim games and pizza dough.

threads

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *