Google Pixel 8

Our Google Pixel 8 Review

The new Pixel 8 continues Google’s focus on delivering a smarter phone each year, with their latest edition being the smartest yet.

Google Pixel 8: Display

Google introduced the new Actua display to the Pixel 8, which has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, an upgrade on the Pixel 7’s 90Hz. It’s also the brightest phone in the Pixel range to date, with up to 1400 nits in HDR and 2000 nits at peak brightness.

Google Pixel 8: Camera

The Pixel 8 doesn’t add anything revolutionary hardware - it's all about the software. Better picture quality, improved zoom quality and night focus, and a new Macro Focus are some of the highlights.

Editing images are even better now too, thanks to the built-in AI. Best Take combines multiple photos together to give you the best image possible.

Magic Editor has been given an upgrade, allowing you to better add custom edits and studio-quality enhancements to any photo.

Audio Magic Editor is also new, using AI to reduce background noises such as cars and wind, focusing on the subject of the video.

Google Pixel 8: Design

At 6.2 inches, the Pixel 8 is 0.1 inches smaller than the Pixel 7. This goes somewhat against the grain, with some companies believing that bigger is better with the smartphone.

Google Pixel 8: Performance

The new Google Tensor G3 processor provides better performance and helps the built-in AI to perform better. It also helps to power a lot of the new features, such as Magic Editor.

It has an all-day battery life thanks to the upgraded 4575 mAh battery that can extend up to 72 hours on extreme battery saver.

Google Pixel 8: Features & Android 14

There are lots of new features on the Pixel 8. Some have been described already, but there are also things like; Recorder, which allows you to record meetings and have the transcription written out in front of you in real time; and Face Unlock, which is a returning feature but better now.

Android 14 has also been introduced along with the new range. It allows for more customisation with AI-generated wallpapers and new accessibility options.

How much is the Google Pixel 8?

The new range has taken a step up in price, with the Pixel 8 starting from £699 compared to the Pixel 7's £599 starting price tag.

The price does vary depending on the storage size - you’ll be looking at paying slightly more for more storage.

• 128GB – £699 
• 256GB – £759

Google Pixel 8: Our verdict

While it doesn’t look like anything new on the outside, the new Google Pixel 8 is a great upgrade with all the new software included.

The built-in Google AI will make your day-to-day tasks a lot easier, and the slightly smaller size is actually noticeable in a good way.

The best upgrades on things like the camera have been saved for the Pixel 8 Pro, but if you don’t want to fork over the cash for it, the Pixel 8 will most definitely serve you just as well.