The Pixel smartphone sequence has at all times been a favourite amongst tech lovers, and the excitement across the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional isn’t any exception. With a $300 value distinction, the inevitable query arises: Which smartphone presents higher worth and is the most effective purchase? Let’s dive in.
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Professional
Left: Pixel 8 Professional; Proper: Pixel 8
Worth Level
The Pixel 8 (128GB) retails at $699, whereas its Pixel 8 Professional (128GB) is priced at $999 – each marking a $100 hike from final yr’s fashions. The instant query that arises is: what are we getting for that further price of $300?
Unboxing the Pixel 8 Professional, you get a USB-C cable and USB Kind A adapter. Sadly it appears Google has been influenced by Apple and determined they not wished to supply an influence brick for a $1000 cellphone. Personally I like this energy adapter from Anker: https://amzn.to/3VE3yro.
Measurement, Weight and Design
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch display screen, making it even marginally smaller than the Pixel 7’s 6.3-inch. Weighing simply 187g, its light-weight design makes for a cushty grip. Conversely, the 8 Professional, although heavier at 213g, doesn’t really feel too heavy.
Each telephones have related design: rounded corners that improve the ergonomic really feel and luxury; A flat display screen design that eliminates the curves over the sting seen in lots of fashionable smartphones; And the bezels are uniform throughout, and the chin, which was beforehand distinguished in older Pixels, is barely noticeable.
Nevertheless the again materials is totally different: whereas the Pixel 8 has a shiny end on again, the 8 Professional contains a barely matte end. Personally I want the matte end on the 8 Professional, as a result of the shiny end on the 8 is extra liable to scratches and smudges which may look worse over time if you’re not utilizing a case.
One of many first issues that struck me was the pronounced digicam bump. The truth is, calling it a “bump” seems like an understatement. This tough-edged design, though visually placing, raised considerations about it catching on pockets.
Efficiency and Options
Powering each gadgets is Google’s newest 9-core Tensor G3 processor. Whereas its predecessor, the Tensor G2, was respectable, it wasn’t essentially the most environment friendly, particularly by way of battery life. The hope with the G3 is to see important enhancements in battery effectivity, quite than uncooked energy. Moreover, the Tensor G3 has an emphasis on AI and machine studying capabilities, which is likely one of the fundamental promoting factors of the Pixel 8 sequence.
The Pixel 8 homes 8GB of RAM, whereas the Professional mannequin presents a considerable 12GB. Gaming lovers, particularly, will recognize the 7-core Mali G715 GPU.
Gaming on the Pixel 8 Professional is a delight, with video games like Genshin Affect working easily. Nevertheless, extended gaming periods made the cellphone noticeably heat.
The Pixel 8 Professional introduces a thermometer characteristic that may detect temperature of objects. Whereas it may be a distinct segment characteristic, it appears to be correct. The audio system are passable, providing clear sound, though they do distort at most quantity.
Show
Google claims the Pixel 8 Professional has the most effective show they’ve ever mounted on a tool. Each fashions have seen important upgrades within the show:
- Decision and Refresh Price: The Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch OLED show, retaining its 1080p decision, however now introduces a 120Hz refresh charge. The 8 Professional, in distinction, has a better decision and an LTPO show that may vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing adaptive refresh charges primarily based on content material.
- Brightness: Each telephones characteristic extremely shiny shows. The Pixel 8 reaches as much as 2000 nits, whereas the Pixel 8 Professional can go as much as 2400 nits. These are arguably among the many brightest screens accessible in smartphones at present, making outside viewing a pleasure.
Battery Life and Charging
Each the Pixel 8 and eight Professional provide spectacular battery life.
Though the battery sizes are marginally bigger than their predecessors, the actual game-changer is the Tensor G3’s effectivity, promising prolonged battery life.
The Pixel 8 homes a 4575mAh battery, whereas the 8 Professional comes with a 5050mAh cell. Anticipate related battery life between the 8 and eight Professional regardless of the bigger battery within the latter as a result of its larger display screen. Preliminary utilization signifies a good battery life that ought to final a day’s fixed use with some juice to spare. Charging speeds for each had been commendable, reaching over 90% in simply an hour.
Digicam Capabilities
The digicam, as anticipated from Google, is impeccable, and that is the place the 2 telephones begin to diverge:
- Main Shooter: Each telephones share a main 50MP sensor, captures sharp, vivid picture.
- Extremely-Huge: The Pixel 8 has a 12MP ultra-wide digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 Professional contains a superior 48MP ultra-wide with macro capabilities.
- Telephoto: provides depth and readability to zoomed-in photographs. Solely the 8 Professional is supplied with a 48-megapixel telephoto digicam, enabling 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 doesn’t have this lens, and it compensates with an enhanced Tremendous Res Zoom characteristic.
This differentiation in digicam suite makes it evident that Google goals to create a definite hole between the usual and Professional fashions. For digicam lovers, the Pixel 8 Professional is clearly the winner, with its superior lens and capabilities. Nevertheless, for on a regular basis customers, the Pixel 8’s digicam ought to suffice.
Software program Updates
Arguably, essentially the most compelling side of the Pixel 8 sequence isn’t the {hardware} however the software program. Google guarantees a whopping 7 years of updates, outshining even the iPhone. Each telephones will ship with Android 14, and if Google stays true to its promise, Android 21 could possibly be on the horizon by 2030.
Ultimate Ideas: Must you get the 8 or 8 Professional?
The Google Pixel 8 sequence are strong gadgets, providing a steadiness of efficiency, aesthetics, and options. Whereas it has its quirks, like all tech product, the Pixel 8 and eight Professional are undoubtedly high contenders in at present’s smartphone market.
The Pixel 8 Professional, with its superior digicam options and added RAM, appears to be focusing on images lovers. In the meantime, the Pixel 8, with its aggressive value, is tailor-made for the final client.
When it comes to sheer {hardware} numbers, Pixels won’t stand out towards the competitions, however for individuals who worth software program prowess and a seamless person expertise, the Pixel sequence stays unbeatable.
For the typical person, the Pixel 8, priced at $699, presents a balanced mix of options, smaller type issue, making it the go-to alternative. The $999 Pixel 8 Professional, whereas catering to the ability customers, is just not an absolute spec-beast however holds its personal with a bigger display screen, enhanced digicam controls, and higher 512GB storage choice.
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7
Design and Construct
On the surface, the Pixel 8 is marginally smaller, making it barely extra comfy to carry with one hand. Whereas the Pixel 7 boasts a 6.3-inch show, the Pixel 8 is available in at 6.2 inches. Nevertheless, the Pixel 8’s diminished bezels make it seem extra modern. For me, the Pixel 8’s really feel within the hand is noticeably superior.
Show Enhancements
The Pixel 8 shines in display screen brightness, reaching at a exceptional 2000 nits, considerably outperforming the Pixel 7’s 1400 nits. This, mixed with the HDR brightness, elevates the viewing expertise. One other commendable characteristic is the Pixel 8’s 120Hz refresh charge, making interactions smoother in comparison with Pixel 7’s 90Hz.
Efficiency and Battery
Whereas each telephones share the identical RAM and storage capacities, the brand new AI options are unique to the Pixel 8. Options just like the safe face unlock and superior AI-driven photograph modifying instruments set the Pixel 8 aside. Concerning battery capability, each telephones are related, however a brand new cellphone will naturally provide higher battery life because of the newer batteries. Additionally the brand new G3 chip within the Pixel 8 guarantees higher effectivity than the G2 chip within the Pixel 7.
Digicam Capabilities
The Pixel 8’s digicam is the place important upgrades are evident. From a wider aperture to autofocus within the ultra-wide digicam for macro photographs, the enhancements are noticeable. The extremely HDR mode, which makes photographs pop with vibrancy, is genuinely game-changing. Viewing photographs felt like watching an HDR film – an expertise onerous to return.
Software program Updates
Google guarantees an formidable 7 years of OS updates for the Pixel 8, dwarfing the Pixel 7’s 3 to 4 years. If delivered, this alone could possibly be a compelling motive for a lot of to improve, particularly contemplating even Apple doesn’t provide such prolonged assist.
Conclusion: Must you get the Pixel 8 or 7?
Weighing the professionals and cons, the Pixel 8 emerges as a considerable improve from the Pixel 7. Whether or not it’s the improved digicam, AI capabilities, or the promise of prolonged software program updates, the Pixel 8 is compelling.
However bear in mind, in case you’re contemplating the improve, benefit from the present offers and maybe even revenue from the free Pixel Buds Professional!
Ideas and Methods
I discovered the Pixel 8 Professional lacking some user-friendly customizations current within the OnePlus 7 Professional I had been utilizing, together with:
- Double-tap dwelling display screen to lock
- Sq. app icons
- Sound/vibrate/mute toggle button
- Gesture management on the lock display screen (for example, turning on the digicam and torch)
