Google’s smartphone announcements don’t get a lot of attention, but the Pixel 8 is worth a look, and here’s why

Announcements of new smartphones from Samsung and Apple traditionally attract a lot of consumer attention, which is not the case with Google’s Pixel models. This is partly the fault of the company itself, which does not know how to keep the intrigue, which happened this year with the Pixel 8 line. It hasn’t even been released yet, and Google has already has managed to fully reveal its design! However, this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t expect Pixel this year; on the contrary, the 8th generation of Google smartphones may be more interesting than it seems at first glance.

Updated Tensor G3 chip

The Tensor chips in Google Pixel smartphones lag behind competitors such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon. However, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will feature the new Tensor G3 processor, which is expected to be a significant improvement over its predecessors. The chip will have a new 1+4+4 core layout and contain advanced components such as Cortex-A715 and Cortex-A510 cores. This new architecture aims to significantly improve performance. Additionally, Samsung’s 4nm process on which Tensor G3 will be based is now on par with TSMC’s process, potentially closing the performance gap with Snapdragon chips.

Flat displays

The Pixel 8 series, including the Pixel 8 Pro, will ditch the curved displays in favor of flat glass panels. This design choice is likely to appeal to many users who prefer flat screens because they are more convenient to use.

Extended software support

Google is planning to extend the software update period for the Pixel 8 series, potentially surpassing Samsung Galaxy devices, which currently receive Android updates for four years and security patches for five years. This move should extend the life cycle of the Pixel 8.

Pixel 8 camera update

Google is expected to introduce a new camera module in the Pixel 8 series, likely to be the Samsung ISOCELL GN2, a 50-megapixel image sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels. In low light conditions, the four-pixel-binning technology simulates a larger 2.8-µm pixel that absorbs more light and allows for better photos.

Given that Google’s smartphones have been very good at using computer-generated photography from the start, a camera with higher image quality could raise the bar even higher for the quality of photos taken with the Pixel 8.

Cost

Google’s Pixel smartphones, starting with the Pixel 6 series, are mostly slightly cheaper than their competitors. For example, the Pixel 7 Pro started at $899, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra cost $1199 and the iPhone 13 Pro Max cost $1099.

This year, the Pixel 8 series may become more expensive by about 20%. It is not yet known whether this will happen, but even if Google raises prices by $150-$200, it will still be slightly cheaper than competitors’ offers, which are likely to increase in price as well.

Technical specifications of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

According to preliminary information from insiders, the smartphones may have the following characteristics: