The Pixel 7 is a solid smartphone, but it won’t be the newest member of the Pixel family for much longer. Google is gearing up to unveil the Pixel 8 series in October, and there are high hopes that it will address some of the issues that plagued the Pixel 7.
One of the main concerns with the Pixel 7 was overheating problems, as well as weaker battery life and slow charging speeds.
Many users were not pleased with these shortcomings. Will the Pixel 8 series finally tackle these issues? We certainly hope so!
Android Authority has been collaborating with tipster Kamila Wojciechowska, and together, they have gathered a comprehensive picture of what to expect from the Pixel 8.
While there are still some mysteries, let’s delve into the current Pixel 8 rumors to gain a better understanding of what’s on the horizon.
Google Pixel 8 Series: At a Glance
When is it coming out?
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to launch on October 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM ET.
What’s new?
Both Pixel models will feature a new chipset and upgraded primary cameras. The Pixel 8 Pro will also receive a new design, a temperature sensor, and more.
How much will it cost?
The Pixel 8 is expected to start at $699, representing a $100 increase. The Pixel 8 Pro is likely to maintain its $899 price point.
Pixel 8 Colors, Models, and Sizes
The Pixel 8 will launch in standard and Pro variants. Rumored colors for the Pixel 8 include Licorice, Haze, and Peony. Rumored colors for the Pixel 8 Pro include Licorice, Porcelain, and Sky.
The Pixel 8 series will consist of two models: the standard Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. While a Pixel 8a is a possibility, its future is uncertain and wouldn’t be expected until at least mid-2024.
This time around, the Pixel 8 is rumored to be slightly smaller, while the Pixel 8 Pro will introduce a few new features. Both models are also expected to offer various storage configurations.
Google has already provided an official “sneak peek” at the Pixel 8 series, confirming the Porcelain color for the Pixel 8 Pro and the Peony color for the Pixel 8. More design details are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
Pixel 8 Release Date and Price
The Pixel 8 series is slated to launch on October 4, 2023. Pre-orders for the phones will begin the same day. The Pixel 8 could start at a price as high as $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to maintain its $899 price.
Google traditionally unveils its flagship phones in October, and this year is no different. The Pixel 8 hardware event is scheduled for October 4, maintaining the October launch tradition for Google’s Pixel devices.
However, it seems the era of budget-friendly Pixels might be coming to an end. The latest leaks suggest that the Pixel 8’s starting price could be $699, marking a $100 increase compared to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7. Fortunately, the Pixel 8 Pro is likely to remain priced at $899.
European pricing also indicates a significant increase, with the Pixel 8 starting at $942 for the 128GB variant, including VAT, and the Pixel 8 Pro ranging from $1,331 to $1,575 for different storage options. This represents a substantial price hike compared to the previous Pixel models.
In the UK, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are expected to retail for £699 and £999, respectively. In comparison, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro started at £599 and £849.
Availability
While the Pixel 7 family was only available in 17 countries, Google seems to be expanding its reach with the Pixel 8. A review of the Pixel 8’s warranty booklet suggests that it will be distributed in additional countries.
The added languages indicate potential availability in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Portugal, among others.
Pixel 8 Design
Google has officially revealed the full design of the Pixel 8 series. The Pixel 8’s design remains largely unchanged from last year, but it will have a smaller footprint.
The Pixel 8 Pro retains a similar size to previous models but introduces a flatter design, improvements to the camera enclosure, and a new thermometer sensor.
The Pixel 8 series design has been officially showcased, eliminating the need for speculation based on leaks and rumors. The video reveals accurate images of both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The Pixel 8 Pro undergoes subtle changes, featuring a flat display—a first for Google’s Pro-level phones. The rear camera module adopts a slightly different design, housing all three cameras within a single glass “pill,” unlike the “pill + circle” design of the Pixel 7 Pro. An additional sensor under the camera flash suggests the addition of a thermometer in the Pixel 8 Pro.
In contrast, the Pixel 8 retains a design language similar to the Pixel 7, albeit with a slightly smaller footprint. Dimensions for the Pixel 8 are expected to be 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm, down from the Pixel 7’s 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm.
Initial leaks had hinted at a potential eSIM-only configuration due to the absence of a SIM slot in renders. However, later reports confirmed that both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will offer a physical SIM slot, as indicated by Google’s 360-degree render.
Pixel 8 Display Sizes and Specs
The Pixel 8 will feature a slightly smaller 6.17-inch display but with a higher refresh rate. The Pixel 8 Pro retains the same display size and refresh rate but with a slightly different resolution and improved brightness.
The Pixel 8 display receives several changes, including a reduction in size to 6.17 inches from the previous 6.32-inch display.
The resolution and brightness remain unchanged at 2,400 x 1,080 pixels and 1,400 nits, respectively. Additionally, the new display offers an increased refresh rate, jumping from 90 Hz to 120 Hz. However, the screen is expected to have a minimum refresh rate of 60 Hz.
In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro maintains the same display size as previous Pro models at 6.7 inches. While the peak refresh rate remains the same, the Pro model reportedly features an improved variable refresh rate that can drop as low as 1 Hz.
The resolution differs slightly, with the Pixel 8 Pro sporting 2,992 x 1,344 pixels compared to the previous 3,120 x 1,440 pixels. Furthermore, the peak brightness sees a 100-nit increase to 1,600 nits.
Pixel 8 Camera
Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will feature an upgraded Isocell GN2 as their primary cameras. The Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to receive a 64MP Sony IMX787 for its ultrawide camera.
The Pixel 8 Pro also introduces an improved time-of-flight sensor. The Google Camera app is expected to receive its first refresh in years.
Google has consistently used similar camera systems for its past two generations of Pixel phones. The primary camera of choice has been the 50MP Isocell GN1, and the only significant hardware change was the Pixel 7 Pro’s switch to a 5x48MP telephoto camera instead of a 4x shooter.
However, the Pixel 8 series is poised to bring substantial camera upgrades. The primary camera will transition from the Isocell GN1 to the newer Isocell GN2, offering several improvements, including enhanced low-light processing, the potential for 8K/30fps video recording, and Staggered HDR.
Both the standard Pixel 8 and the Pro model will feature the GN2, but the Pixel 8 Pro receives additional camera upgrades.
It will sport a new ultrawide camera, upgrading from a 12 MP Sony IMX386 to a more versatile 64 MP Sony IMX787. The telephoto camera is expected to remain unchanged, and the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a thermometer feature.
Furthermore, the Pixel 8 Pro incorporates an improved time-of-flight sensor, featuring an 8×8 ToF VL53L8 sensor, a significant upgrade over the previous STMicroelectronics VL53L1 found in earlier Pixel models. This enhancement is expected to result in improved autofocus.
The Google Camera app, which has seen minimal changes since the Pixel 4 series, is also receiving a long-awaited refresh. The revamped app is expected to offer various improvements, including:
- Separation of photo and video modes, making navigation simpler.
- Reversed shortcuts for accessing the gallery and switching between front and rear cameras
- Improved visibility of features previously hidden in menus, including Long Exposure and Action Pan modes.
- Revised shortcuts and gestures for easier navigation
Additionally, the app may gain the ability to merge multiple photos to ensure everyone in a group photo looks their best. Faster shutter and launch speeds are also anticipated.
Pixel 8: An Exciting Upgrade
The Pixel 8 series is shaping up to be an exciting upgrade over its predecessor, with improvements in design, camera capabilities, and display specifications.
While the price increase may disappoint some, the enhanced features and performance make the Pixel 8 an eagerly awaited smartphone.
Keep an eye out for its official launch on October 4, 2023, to discover all the details and confirm the rumors surrounding Google’s latest flagship devices.