The new Google Pixel 8 Pro (S$1,549) and Pixel 8 (S$1,099) hit the shelves in Singapore today. Here are the main features that we’ve tried out thus far. Check out also the differences in specs between the two phones.
Google’s latest flagship phones – Pixel 8 (left) and Pixel 8 Pro.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the flagship model from Google sporting the new Google Tensor G3 processor to put Google AI in the center of everything that happens in the phone.
It has a stunning 6.7-inch Super Actua display which is brighter than previous Pixels and makes images and videos more vivid and pleasing to the eyes.
Google Pixel 8 Pro in comparison with the Pixel 7 Pro.
It intelligently adjusts from as low as one to 120Hz to juggle between performance during gaming and power efficiency when a high update rate is not needed.
The Pixel 8 Pro has a triple rear camera system including a 5x telephoto lens with an impressive Macro Focus and Macro Focus Video capability that can go as close as 2cm, and I loved the new editing features like Best Take and Magic Editor which uses generative AI to erase unwanted objects and move the locations even of large objects/subjects in the photo.
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The Macro Focus feature is truly amazing. What’s more, it can be used to shoot video as well!
And Night Sight now works for videos (in addition to still photos)!
Also exciting is the Audio Magic Editor – it really removed the background noise very well!
Unique with the Pixel 8 Pro is a thermometer which can be used to scan objects to read their surface temperatures.
The Pixel 8 Pro is available in Bay, Porcelain and Obsidian.
Google Pixel 8 in comparison with the Pixel 7.
The Google Pixel 8 also has upgraded rear cameras, the Google Tensor G3 chip as well as features like the Best Take, Macro Focus and Macro Focus Video (down to 3cm), Magic Editor, Audio Magic Editor, Night Sight Video etc.
It doesn’t have the Thermometer sensor and has a smaller 6.2-inch Actua display which is plenty bright, although its update rate has a lower boundary of 60Hz instead of the 1Hz in the Pro version.
It is great to see the new Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 extend their prowess in computational photography – I love the Best Take and Macro Focus features in particular.
The Best Take feature takes faces from a series of group photos and picks the best face for each person – you can also choose the faces to use yourself – so that you get a group photo where EVERY person puts the best face forward.
Overall the best value-for-money flagship phones with compelling appeal for the avid photographer.
The Pixel 8 is available in Hazel, Rose and Obsidian.
I like that both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 have scratch resistant flat displays, last seen in the Pixel 6.
The Pixel 8 Pro has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with a polished aluminum frame while the Pixel 8 has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with satin metal frame.
Both will have the Video Boost feature which will come perhaps in December later this year.
The feature works with Google’s data centers to deliver HDR+ and enhanced colour grading for professional-looking videos.
Both phones now come with seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates – from the date of the phones’ availability on the Google Store in the US – so that would be until Oct 2030.
Detailed technical specifications and comparison between the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8. Click on image for the specs document.
For the detailed technical specifications and comparison between the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8, click on the image above for the specs document.
Tags: flagship, Google, new arrivals, Pixel, reviews, smartphones
Wow this is the first review on the Pixel 8 phones! What’s the Android version it’s running on?
Wow you’re also the first commenter! The Pixel 8 phones run on Android 14.
[…] Pixel 8 (S$1,099) and Pixel 8 Pro (S$1,549) leverages AI for a better user experience, powered by the […]
I just got my p8p today from singtel today and when I popped in the nano sim card, it says “your sim card is not supported anymore”. but when I put it back in my old samsung, it still works?! wth. don’t know if it’s pixel or this phone or what?
Yes, there is a small incompatibility in the Pixel 8 reading the IMEI data from the sim card. You can just go down to any Singtel branch and they’ll give you a new SIM card (that will work with your Pixel 8 Pro) on the spot FOC. Hope this helps.
Thanks a lot! Was planning to call singtel after work today. I had to put the SIM card back to my old phone to take calls in the meantime. Guess I’ll pick up the p8p from home after work and head down to a branch to change out the sim card.
Good Luck! Hope that solves your problem!