Google’s Pixel 8 is the actual star of its Android lineup – and now it is $200 off

ZDNET’s key takeaways

The Pixel 8 presents a flagship-level expertise with Google’s newest AI and machine studying options, all for below $700. Proper now, you should purchase one for as little as $499 on Amazon.With quick efficiency, wonderful cameras, and Google’s Actua show, it is probably the greatest smartphone offers obtainable.In comparison with equally priced telephones, just like the Nothing Cellphone 2, the Pixel 8 is a much better worth.

The Google Pixel 8 Professional is perhaps getting all the eye these days (particularly because it’s the primary handset to realize entry to Google’s new Gemini AI mannequin), however the usual Pixel 8 is perhaps the actual MVP of Google’s lineup this yr.

Additionally: I in contrast the Google Pixel 8a with each main sub-$500 Android cellphone – here is my shopping for recommendation

That is as a result of the Pixel 8 presents probably the greatest combos of specs, options, and premium design at a value significantly decrease than the competitors. What’s extra, ever since Amazon Prime Day, Pixel 8 offers have been hovering round $499.

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At that value, the Pixel 8 will not be solely tough to disregard, however maybe the one cellphone you ought to be considering of for those who’re purchasing on a finances. You will not discover one other cellphone prefer it below $500, and it is solely while you sift by means of the $800-$1,000 choices that you simply discover commendable competitors.

A giant cause why that is such a compelling choice is the Tensor G3 chip, Google’s newest in-house processor that powers the entire Pixel 8’s AI and machine studying options. It isn’t only a strong Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 various, however a monumental cause why the Pixel 8 is such a terrific cellphone.

Overview: Google Pixel 8 Professional: This cellphone bought me on an AI-powered future

The chip powers all of the Google Pixel-ness of the Pixel 8, from transcribing voices within the Recorder app to letting you edit pictures to your coronary heart’s content material with the AI-powered Magic Editor. The Google Assistant additionally takes benefit of the G3 to course of your voice faster and even summarize internet pages for shortly consuming info. Alongside powering Google’s HDR pipeline for images, making certain Android 14 is slick and easy, the G3 is among the most succesful smartphone chips in the marketplace. And when paired with 8GB of RAM, you may by no means have a gradual day.

The show is one other big cause to get this cellphone. The Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch Actua show is a bit smaller than the display screen on the Pixel 7, however that makes it simpler to carry in a single hand. It is also gorgeous to take a look at; with a Full HD+ decision, a 120Hz refresh price, and a couple of,000 nits of peak brightness, it is one of many brightest and clearest shows in the marketplace. Plus, it is OLED, so colours are vibrant and inky blacks are plentiful.

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Look past the show and you will find a handsome cellphone crafted out of aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. That includes Google’s signature digital camera bar on the again and skinny bezels across the show, the Pixel 8 is a stunner amongst different sub-$700 telephones. It is also IP68-certified for mud and water resistance, and it is available in three good finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazel (kinda inexperienced), and Rose (extra of a golden peach, for my part).

In the case of Pixel telephones, there are two areas you must discuss: cameras and software program.

On the digital camera entrance, Google knocked it out of the park. The rear 50MP predominant shooter and 12MP ultra-wide are each wonderful performers in broad daylight and at evening. The cameras simply match or outpace what you’d get with an iPhone 15 Professional or Galaxy S23 Extremely when it comes to readability, element, and sharpness, whereas colours are sometimes much more correct than they ever have been on a Pixel cellphone. 

Additionally: Google simply added a giant function to the Pixel digital camera, and two extra may very well be on the best way

You additionally get the entire digital camera chops that the Pixel title carries like astrophotography, Tremendous ResZoom, twin publicity controls, and Extremely HDR. That is on prime of different options like Greatest Take and Magic Editor that make these cameras the neatest you may discover. Plus, video high quality has been vastly improved over earlier Pixels — it is flat-out similar to the iPhone.

On the software program facet, Google’s Pixel expertise atop Android 14 stays my favourite approach to work together with Android. It is clear, minimal, and offers you a heat, inviting feeling that no different Android pores and skin can mimic. You get all of the options of Android 14 like customizable lock screens, higher safety, bigger fonts, and improved notifications, together with the entire Pixel options you possibly can ask for, corresponding to Name Display screen, Now Enjoying, Direct My Name, AI-generated wallpapers, and –of course –the Pixel Launcher.

However the actual kicker within the software program division is Google’s prolonged help. The corporate is guaranteeing seven full years of software program help, which suggests you may get updates till 2030 for those who purchase this cellphone. That is exceptional for an Android cellphone, and it provides gadgets just like the iPhone a run for his or her cash. 

Additionally: Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8 Professional: Which mannequin must you purchase?

The Pixel 8 may final all day on a cost due to the 4,575 mAh cell inside. With my medium to heavy utilization, I sometimes finish days with 30-40 % within the tank, which suggests anybody utilizing the cellphone a bit much less might stretch it out to final a day and a half. Plus, you get 30W quick charging to juice again up in addition to Qi wi-fi charging.

So, what are the downsides? Actually, there aren’t rather a lot. The Pixel 8 nonetheless will get fairly heat after utilizing it for some time, however that is typical with Google’s Tensor processors. I additionally want there was a correct telephoto digital camera on the again; Tremendous Res Zoom is useful for upscaling digitally zoomed pictures, however it could possibly solely take you thus far. Oh, and I nonetheless do not belief Face Unlock; Google permits you to use it to pay for issues now utilizing Google Pay, nevertheless it nonetheless depends on a flat picture of your face to authenticate you.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

You are not going to discover a a lot better worth than the Pixel 8. From the attractive show and design to the speedy efficiency and wonderful cameras, Google’s normal flagship cellphone stands by itself with an impeccable stability of high-end options for a cheaper price than different flagships.

Additionally: Google Pixel 9, Professional, Professional XL, and Professional Fold: Specs, options, and the whole lot else we all know thus far

With its sale value of $499, the closest competitors occurs to be the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Cellphone (2), two gadgets which are completely worthy of a spot in your pocket however do not supply the identical worth because the Pixel 8. Google’s cellphone is a correct flagship with seven years of software program help, the newest AI options, and the corporate’s newest digital camera tips. The Cellphone (2) and S23 FE are high-end mid-rangers that stability specs and value effectively, however do not feel as high-end because the Pixel does.

Anybody purchasing for an Android cellphone below $600 — not to mention below $700 — ought to look to the Pixel 8. The worth is solely unimaginable, and it is by far probably the greatest telephones of the yr.