Table of Contents
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional are more likely to be two of the finest Android telephones of 2023, however as we proceed to race in the direction of their anticipated October debut, we’ve but to listen to something official about them. Whereas we did count on to see some form of teaser at Google I/O 2023, that did not occur. In contrast to its predecessors, the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional — which earned an early announcement at I/O 2022 — these telephones stay a thriller. Except you comply with the rumor mill, that’s, the place we’re studying extra in regards to the Pixel 8 sequence on a regular basis.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional noticed Google take the teachings it realized from its first-gen Tensor-powered gadgets and supply a well-rounded package deal at inexpensive costs that undercut the competitors. However with these telephones now established because the rulers of the smartphone world, it is time to take a look at what’s on the horizon for the Pixel sequence. Regardless of how a lot we love final yr’s flagships, there’s all the time room for enchancment. It is nonetheless early for plenty of Pixel 8 particulars, however we all know some key particulars about Google’s subsequent mainline telephones.
Google’s Pixel 8 will not shake up its design — however it might probably learn your temperature
This yr’s telephones have two codenames: Husky and Shiba. Primarily based on leaked show data for each gadgets, Husky appears to be the Pixel 8 Professional, with a 2822x1344p decision, whereas the smaller Pixel 8 — Shiba — sports activities a 2268x1080p decision. Each are decreased from the present Pixel 7 fashions, suggesting some minor — ybut nonetheless welcome — enhancements to Google’s design chops.
The Pixel 8 is smaller than its predecessor, coming in at 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm, or 12mm in thickness with the digital camera array included. That is down from the Pixel 7’s footprint, which measured 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm. At 6.17″, the display screen is only a bit smaller than the 6.3″ panel on the Pixel 7, placing it inside spitting distance of Samsung’s smallest Galaxy S23.
Abstract
- The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional are anticipated to be among the many high Android telephones of 2023, however official particulars are nonetheless unknown.
- Each telephones are more likely to be launched within the fall of 2023. Leaked data suggests a refined design, particularly on the Pixel 8 Professional, which we count on will use a flat show.
- The Pixel 8 is rumored to be smaller than its predecessor, with rounded corners and a 120Hz show, whereas the Pixel 8 Professional could function a built-in thermometer and a brand new digital camera array.
The corners of the telephones’ screens appear much more rounded, extra in keeping with a Galaxy S23+ than the squared-off corners of the S23 Extremely. This design tweak is seemingly confirmed by in-depth show rumors, with Google doubling the radius of its curves. That rumor additionally revealed that each the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will see brightness bumps, as much as 1,400 nits and 1,600 nits respectively when viewing HDR content material. In the meantime, it seems just like the Pixel 8 is getting a 120Hz show, maybe to distinguish it from the Pixel 7a and its 90Hz panel.
Google has additionally graced the Professional with a flat 6.7″ show, matching the panel on its smaller gadgets. Permit me to be the primary to say it: thanks, Google.
Unsurprisingly, Google is not rocking the boat right here. These renders, which come from famous leaker OnLeaks, exhibit a tool that appears like a barely modified Pixel 7 Professional. Principally, there are three fundamental adjustments right here, and so they all level to a minor improve.
Supply: OnLeaks x Smartprix
These renders in any other case reveal the identical twin digital camera setup on the again in a well-recognized visor-style digital camera array. What’s fascinating is that Google will seemingly swap to a sophisticated steel body fairly than a brushed one, bringing the Pixel 8 proper in keeping with the Pixel 8 Professional (or Pixel 7 Professional, for that matter). This would possibly simply be a stylistic choice for the renders, although. The facility button and quantity rocker stay in the identical place, with Google considered one of only some firms that put energy above quantity.
Our first prototype leak in July pointed to a few massive enhancements for the Pixel 8 Professional. Along with using flat show edges, Google appears to be swapping to a matte end for this yr’s mannequin, not less than on the black variant. The Pixel Fold additionally featured matte glass that was an enormous leap in high quality above what the Pixel 7 sequence makes use of, so it is nice to see that design development being delivered to the mainline sequence this yr.
A extra highly effective — and environment friendly — Pixel 8 processor
So far as its specs go, we all know Google Tensor G3 is at present in testing. Codenamed Zuma, Google’s third-gen customized chipset is rumored to be based mostly on the unannounced Samsung Exynos 2300 processor. It is based mostly on Samsung’s 3nm node, which developer Kamila Wojciechowski says ought to be similar to TSMC, the foundry at present relied on by Qualcomm and Apple.
The present Google Tensor G2 stays a 5nm chipset, so this might enhance effectivity and total efficiency — each areas the place the present chip is missing. Count on it to be paired with 12GB of RAM on the Professional mannequin, as noticed within the fastboot display screen in July’s prototype leak.
As for storage choices, Google is not rocking the boat right here. We count on the smaller Pixel 8 to incorporate 128 or 256GB of storage, whereas the Pixel 8 Professional will function 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage. Frankly, these choices are beginning to really feel fairly lengthy within the tooth, particularly in comparison with Samsung. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 just lately launched with a beginning storage tier of 256GB — with out elevating the worth — whereas different flagship Samsung telephones embody as much as 1TB of storage, double the most costly Pixel 8 Professional. Sadly, it does not appear to be Google is enhancing on this house.
We’re additionally anticipating Google Pixel 8 lineup to sport an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. It is nonetheless an under-display fingerprint sensor, nevertheless it ought to be sooner than the Pixel 7’s optical sensor. We’re optimistic that the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor ought to be considerably sooner than its predecessors however doubt it would preserve tempo with the one on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Supply: OnLeaks x Smartprix
The flagship Pixel 8 Professional seems nearly sure to return with a built-in thermometer that was proven off in a leaked video in mid-Could. The function is a contactless thermometer that displays your pores and skin’s temperature that will help you decide if you happen to’re unwell. It is not a brand-new function for smartphones – we have seen Honor embody comparable prior to now – however that is the primary time we have seen this function on a Pixel system. This seems to be unique to the Pixel 8 Professional and will not be seen on the cheaper mannequin.
You’ll be able to see the function in motion under, as these clips additionally give us the primary footage of the Pixel 8 Professional’s new design. It is largely much like the Pixel 7 Professional. Probably the most noticeable change is the brand new digital camera bar. In contrast to with earlier fashions, the digital camera lenses listed below are much more unfold out throughout the system, giving every sensor some additional house and, probably, serving to to cease that nasty shattering subject we have seen on final yr’s cellphone. All of them seem in a single factor this time, too. On the Pixel 7 Professional, two cameras had been grouped along with the third digital camera by itself individually.
Supply: 91mobiles
Additional digital camera leaks in June revealed that the thermometer is simply that — a thermometer. It will not be able to performing thermal readings on something however the human physique.
Lastly, on a disappointing word, the Pixel 8 sequence sounds set to overlook out on one of the anticipated developments in wi-fi charging in years. Qi2 guarantees to carry MagSafe-style pucks and pads to Android telephones, nevertheless it’s unlikely to be included on this yr’s telephones. The Pixel 8 just lately handed by Qi certification, and its itemizing delivers the identical Qi 1.2.4 model quantity alongside 12W energy limits. It is doable, although nonetheless unlikely, that the Pixel 8 Professional will get this function — solely time will inform. You will doubtless should depend on third-party instances to reap the benefits of magnetic pucks. At the very least we’re getting a minor enhance in charging pace.
A whole digital camera overhaul for the Google Pixel 8 lineup
If you happen to’re discussing the Pixel sequence, you possibly can’t ignore the digital camera. Google constructed its successor to the Nexus program on its spectacular photograph capabilities, combining wonderful {hardware} with cutting-edge software program and AI-powered photograph processing. Previously, we have seen Google stick to digital camera sensors for years at a time — it wasn’t till the Pixel 6 that the corporate ditched the sensor it used within the Pixel 3. However with this yr’s lineup, that may change.
Developer Kamila Wojciechowski noticed assist for Husky and Shinx in Google’s Digicam Go app, particularly referencing staggered HDR assist. It is a recent method to HDR pictures, concurrently capturing quick and lengthy exposures to enhance seize time. Nonetheless, the GN1 sensor at present used on the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 6 earlier than it does not assist it on a {hardware} degree, implying Google plans to shake up its digital camera tech on the Pixel 8.
For different producers, switching to a brand new sensor after two generations is not remarkable. Nonetheless, it shows a brand new, hardware-focused method for the corporate.
In June, Wojciechowska returned with extra data on the cameras discovered within the Pixel 8 sequence, giving us a full roundup of the entire sensors discovered on Google’s subsequent telephones. The Pixel 8 Professional is utilizing a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 most important sensor alongside an ultrawide 64MP IMX787 (which, eagle eyed readers could word, is identical most important sensor within the Pixel 7a) and a telephoto 58MP GM5 sensor. Additionally constructed into the digital camera array are the microphone, flash, an upgraded time-of-flight sensor for aiding with autofocus, and the thermometer you learn all about on the high of this information.
Breaking this down, the GN2 is an upgraded model of the GN1 discovered within the Pixel 7 sequence, which ought to be able to capturing extra gentle whereas enhancing shutter pace efficiency in low-light settings. It is also able to 8K30 video recording, although Wojciechowska says it is not in testing on the Pixel 8 proper now because of poor thermal efficiency. The ultrawide sensor can also be all new, quadrupling its efficiency (presumably to permit for pixel binning when taking huge pictures). It is each bigger and wider than the present IMX386 used within the Pixel 7 Professional — a giant year-over-year improve.
All that stated, the telephoto sensor stays unchanged, as does the 11MP front-facing digital camera.
Let’s additionally rapidly contact on the smaller Pixel 8, which, in some methods, is getting left behind the principle lens. It is upgrading to the identical most important GN2 sensor, nevertheless it’ll preserve the IMX386 ultrawide first used on the Pixel 6. On the very least, it is wider than final yr’s lens, which was considered one of our most important complaints in regards to the smaller Pixel 7.
Unsurprisingly, Google can also be working exhausting to enhance Evening Sight on its next-gen smartphones. Within the newest model of Google Digicam, particular code adjustments made with the Pixel 8 sequence in thoughts factors to raised low-light pictures when utilizing Tremendous Res Zoom. On the Pixel 7, Google’s spectacular digital zoom device solely works in good lighting — attempt to use it at night time to your personal peril. However with the Pixel 8, it seems like the corporate plans to broaden Evening Sight to Tremendous Res Zoom pictures, capturing a greater picture by some computational magic.
And talking of software program methods, Google would possibly carry a few of its Picture Unblur magic to movies. There is not a lot to this rumor — frankly, it is precisely what it seems like. This device, referred to as Video Unblur, ought to purpose to do what Picture Unblur does on the Pixel 7 sequence, cleansing up your outdated footage and making every little thing only a bit extra seen.
The primary telephones to ship with Android 14
Google all the time drops its newest Android improve between August and October every year. In 2021, Android 12 and its visible overhaul arrived in October, in time for the Pixel 6 to launch. Final yr, Android 13, which was a smaller replace, landed within the first week of August, offering loads of time for some last-minute bugs to be ironed out.
Like clockwork, Google kicked off its Android 14 developer previews in February of this yr, with a beta program having launched in mid-April. This yr’s timeline seems awfully acquainted, with an official launch seemingly deliberate for any day now in August. That ought to permit Android 14’s first secure construct to make its manner out into the wild effectively earlier than the Pixel 8 sequence launches, doubtless making Google’s subsequent pair of telephones the primary Android gadgets to launch working this yr’s improve.
Google might also embody unique options for its newest Android telephones, although we’ll should get nearer to launch earlier than any leaked demos begin showing. One rumor, nevertheless, has us lots intrigued. It seems like Google could possibly be seeking to match Samsung’s DeX function, considered one of our favourite productiveness instruments on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Pixel 8 sequence would possibly assist DisplayPort Alternate mode, with full assist for video output by way of USB-C. Mirroring Android on a bigger desktop might make it an ideal moveable pc, although we’ll should see what Google does with the function earlier than we get too excited.
Google Pixel 8: Launch date and value
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 launch and pricing particulars are nonetheless a thriller, we will make some educated guesses based mostly on information earlier Pixel releases.
One of many greatest promoting factors of the Pixel sequence over its previous two generations has been its pricing. Whereas the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional are equally priced to different top-tier flagships, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 present patrons with a few of the finest worth available on the market. At $600, each telephones managed to undercut the competitors, nevertheless it wasn’t shut. It is unclear whether or not Google can keep that pricing for one more era, however we definitely hope it might probably. The Pixel 7a prices $50 greater than the Pixel 6a at $500, so which will counsel that every one Pixel merchandise are getting a value enhance in 2023.
Supply: OnLeak x Smartprix
It is a principle bolstered by a latest leak from famous tipster Yogesh Brar. In itemizing out rumored specs for the Pixel 8 — a lot of which line up with earlier rumors — we obtained our first trace at what the worth level could possibly be. $650 (or $700 for the 256GB variant) could not sound like a giant enhance in value, nevertheless it does match up with what Google did with the Pixel 7a in Could. Whether or not the Pixel 8 Professional can even see a value bump stays to be seen, however do not be stunned if this yr’s lineup begins to kiss that $1,000 mark.
An October launch date looks as if a protected wager, Google has fallen into some predictable patterns with regards to cellphone launches, saying the gadgets early within the month earlier than launching them per week or two later. If previous Pixel launch dates are an indicator, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will hit retailer cabinets in mid-to-late October.
Simply because we’re trying ahead to an October launch does not imply we can’t see an early reveal, in fact. Final yr, our first take a look at the Pixel 7 sequence occurred throughout Google I/O. This yr, Google determined to debut its new Pixel Fold and Pixel Pill throughout I/O, however there’s nonetheless a slight likelihood we’ll get a glimpse of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional earlier than the official announcement, like when Google randomly confirmed the Pixel 6 in August 2021.
Google Pixel 8 & 8 Professional: A brand new era of Pixel
Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional may appear fairly removed from launch, nevertheless it will not take lengthy for information, rumors, and leaks to start out swirling. Till then, the Pixel 7 and seven Professional stay wonderful gadgets, particularly contemplating their routine reductions. If you cannot await a brand new era of Pixel, each gadgets will serve you effectively. Because of the official Pixel 8 wallpapers already having leaked, you possibly can even costume up your present smartphone to appear to be Google’s next-gen fashions.
-
Supply: Google
Google Pixel 7
Google didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Pixel 7, however there was no have to. With improved cameras, the next-gen Tensor G2 chipset, and Google’s splendidly feature-filled software program, the Pixel 7 earns its price ticket once more this yr.
-
Supply: Google
Google Pixel 7 Professional
$699 $899 Save $200
Google’s Pixel 7 Professional refines the Pixel expertise after the 6 Professional’s preliminary stumbles final yr, enhancing stability and taking the digital camera prowess to new ranges with picture fusing and 4K60fps video on all cameras. 30W quick charging and Pixel’s addictive options like automated Name screening and Pixel recorder assist make the Pixel 7 Professional an alluring cellphone at the same time as an iterative replace.
