Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Google Pixel 8 is the latest sub-flagship smartphone from Google, and the third iteration in the modern series of Pixel phones that use the Google-designed Tensor processor. The combination of those processor smarts and software finesse has never been better, and Google has really dialed in the fit and finish of its phones this year. The big headline for me with the Pixel 8 is the new 50-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization. In my testing, Pixel 8 photos look far superior to those I can take with my Pixel 7 Pro from last year. Simply put, I have never seen smartphone photos that look this good. They are sharper, brighter, with more dynamic range and detail than any other smartphone camera I've used. See my attached pictures for examples. And the photography fun doesn't stop when you click the shutter button. New for the Pixel 8 series is Google's Best Take feature, which uses the camera to take a burst of photos and allows you to choose the best facial expressions from all the different shots, composing group photos that look great, every time. Another new feature is Magic Editor, which uses cloud-based AI to help you do amazing things with Pixel photos. You can remove people and objects, rearrange things, increase the size of certain components in the shot, and Google AI intelligently fills in the background. The things you can do with Pixel 8's camera are astounding, and Pixel 8 Pro can do even more (more on that later). There are many other top reasons to choose Pixel 8, including: • Google's version of Android, which is clean and perfectly integrated with other Google services. • AI features, like call screening, live translate, and new AI wallpapers that put you in (some) control over what gets displayed behind your icons. • The new version of Face Unlock, which uses just the front-facing camera to do a very secure scan of your facial features and can be set to skip the lock screen and get you right to work after you glance at the phone. • Pixel 8 is an excellent small phone for people who love small phones. It's light and easy to use with one hand. • The matte aluminum metal frame is really nice, and the power and volume buttons are perfectly clicky. • The Pixel's rear camera bar keeps the phone from wobbling when lying on a table and provides a perfect place to rest your finger. • The new 120Hz 1080p "Actua" display is super color accurate gets very bright. • The Pixel 8 series comes with 7 years of operating system and security updates. One very important thing to point out is that Pixel phones in general may be the best phones for kids. Google's Family Link app is incredibly useful and usable piece of software, and lets you set app and web permissions with an amazing level of granularity. Furthermore, with Pixel, you know you're getting the latest security updates to keep the phone up to date and less susceptible to hacking. You can get a Pixel 8 for yourself now and know that it will be ready for your kid to use in a year or two, and they can keep using for years after with security and O/S updates. Things to know if you already have an older Pixel phone: • Pixel 8 is an iterative upgrade. The main camera lens is way better, the Tensor 3 is a bit faster and more capable, and the 8-series exclusive features are really neat. Other than that, older Pixels are fine, and still get many of the great features of Android 14. • Trade-in values for older Pixel phones were decent at launch, but quickly fell to pretty low, so consider your options when it comes to dealing with your old phone. • The new setup process is a breeze, and as long as you have a recent backup, you can restore all your apps, SMS, MMS, and even your Authenticator account, all without your old phone nearby. If you don't yet have a Pixel phone, get ready for the best version of Android, with lots and lots of Google's best ideas and AI expertise baked in. Also get ready for the best smartphone camera and editing tools. Finally, get ready to fall in love with Pixel. There are also some drawbacks here: • The Pixel 8 has the same processor as the Pixel 8 Pro, but gets fewer software features because Google wants to differentiate its top flagship product. I hope Google will amend this in a software update in the next 6 months or so (around when the Pixel 8a launches would be nice). • The Pixel 8 doesn't do an amazing job with memory management, and despite its 8 GB of RAM, it aggressively closes background apps. In my experience, this happened to Pokemon Go when I tried to take a few photos. Google needs to improve this in a future update • When used all day, battery life is just average. However, Google's Battery Saver and Extreme Battery Saver features work well if you need to keep your phone going with a depleted battery. • The fingerprint reader is under the screen, and uses a bright light to visually match your fingerprint. I love it and have never had a problem using it, but some people report that it doesn't work very well for them. I have heard that people with drier skin can sometimes have problems.

This phone is great but it is kinda hard to use. Maybe I will get used to it.

**Google Pixel 8 Review: A Powerful, Compact Flagship** **Pros:** * **Excellent camera:** Captures stunning photos and videos in any lighting. * **Smooth performance:** Tensor G3 chip handles demanding tasks with ease. * **Vibrant display:** 6.2-inch OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate. * **Long battery life:** Lasts a full day on a single charge. * **Clean software:** Android 14 with 7 years of updates. **Cons:** * **Pricey:** I got it on deal but original price is bit more for the product. * **No telephoto lens:** Zoom capabilities are limited. * **Can get warm:** Under heavy use. **Overall:** The Pixel 8 is a top-tier Android phone with a fantastic camera, smooth performance, and long battery life. It's a great choice for those who want a compact flagship phone with a clean software experience.

Great smaller phone, fixes issues prevalent with Pixel 7. The biggest issue I had with the 7 was the poor battery life. This Pixel 8 seems to have resolved those issues, and also provided better call quality amongst many other improvements. Most of those improvements are not based around hardware, but rather Android 14 OS improvements specific to the Pixel 8. A big issue with my previous Pixel 7 was not just battery life but also how hot the battery got. This seems to also have been fixed here with the Pixel 8. It just runs slightly warm at the highest use scenarios for me right now. Call quality also seems to now be improved for me across T-Mobile from the 7 to this new Pixel 8, and my t-mobile calls seem to have better quality now. There are so many new improvements based around AI that it is hard to know where to start and how I really feel about some of them. "Top Shot" lets you take a series of photos with groups of people. The AI will then let you choose subjects best shot. For example if someone looks good in one of the sequence, you can swap the heads out with their head from one of the other shots. This is pretty cool, and in my testing it does work, and I cannot tell if these photos were manipulated or not. This type of thing would have had to be done in Photoshop in years before. Not only that, but Pixel 8 now has something else called Magic Editor, which acts a evne a whole lot more like photoshop. You can do things like select a person or object in a photo, move them somewhere else in frame, and the AI processing with the new Tensor G3 chip will essentially select what it "thinks" you are trying to move, and select around it, let you move it, and even replace what was previously behind the moved person/selection you moved. This works fairly well, though I have seen it make a few weird things happen to the filled back in backgrounds, with odd shadow shapes on occasion. While all of these generative AI features are fun to use, in the age of deep fakes, it does kind of make me feel weird about if these are "true" moments or time captured in photos, or are they something else. It will be interesting to see how the future sees this turn of events with AI technology. Shooting video on the pixel 8 has other AI tricks up its sleeve too. They have something now called Audio Magic Erase, and it uses its AI to remove things like background noise. This is one of my favorite features, and one I am sure people will love. I was able to remove background noise from a busy street as a subject spoke to the camera. It removed just about all the noise in the background without altering the speaker's voice. Hardware wise, the new screen on this Pixel 8 is fantastic. The biggest plus on this year's pixel is the 120hz refresh rate. This is one of those things that once you experience, it will be hard to go back to a lower refresh rate screen. Pull down a website, it feels smooth as butter! Watch some high resolution video, super smooth, now smearing or screen tearing. The display also gets SUPER BRIGHT now, and makes it so much easier to use in very bright outdoor environments. I really love the way the pixels have physically looked the last few years, since moving to the rear camera "bar", and this year continues that trend. I just love the way the phone looks, especially against the competition. It just looks more of a design evolution to me. It being a bar like that also provides a nice flat bar should you want to type while the phone is resting on a flat area. The cameras on other flagship phones give you a wobbly surface, while that camera bar here on the Pixel 8 is dead flat, and again, just looks nicer to my tastes. While I am very glad to hear that Google is promising 7 years of OS and feature drops to the Pixel 8, this is a fantastic plus for those that care about the environment. I also am weary of Google promising things today, and in the not so distant future pulling the plug on promises. I want to fully believe they will hold true to the 7 year of updates, but recent things they have pull the plug on keep me weary. Only time will tell. This is a great phone for most people, and the best update to the Pixel phone line up since the Pixel 5!! A true great update if you need a great camera, great hardware, really good call quality and a phone that isn't huge in your hands. Easily one of the best phones of 2023, if not THE best overall. There are some quirks for sure, but overall this has been a better experience for me than another family member's flagship phone.

Review of the Pixel 8: Google's Latest Flagship Smartphone The Pixel 8 is the latest flagship smartphone from Google, and it's a worthy successor to the Pixel 7. It features a sleek new design, a more powerful processor, an improved camera system, and longer battery life. Design The Pixel 8 has a unibody glass and metal design that is both stylish and durable. It's available in three colors: black, white, and green. The phone is also IP68 water and dust resistant, so you can take it with you wherever you go without worry. The Pixel 8 is slightly larger than its predecessor, but it's still comfortable to hold and use. The back of the phone is curved, which makes it easier to grip. The power button and volume rocker are located on the right side of the phone, and the fingerprint sensor is located on the back. Display The Pixel 8 has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The display is bright and colorful, and it's perfect for watching videos or playing games. The Pixel 8 also has a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations look smooth. Camera The Pixel 8 has a triple-lens rear camera system that consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The camera system is excellent, and it takes stunning photos and videos. The Pixel 8 also has a 12MP front-facing camera that's perfect for selfies. The main sensor on the Pixel 8 is one of the best in the business. It takes sharp and detailed photos, even in low light. The ultrawide sensor is also very good, and it's great for taking landscape photos or group shots. The telephoto sensor has a 5x optical zoom, which is perfect for getting close-up shots of distant objects. The Pixel 8 also has a number of camera features that make it easy to take great photos. These features include Night Sight, which helps you take clear photos in low light; Portrait Mode, which blurs the background of your photos to make your subject stand out; and Super Res Zoom, which lets you zoom in on your photos without losing detail. Performance The Pixel 8 is powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor, which is one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market. The phone is incredibly fast and responsive, and it can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. The Pixel 8 also has 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most users. Battery life The Pixel 8 has a 4,500mAh battery that provides excellent battery life. The phone can easily last for a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use. The Pixel 8 also supports fast charging, so you can quickly power it up when you're running low on battery. Overall The Pixel 8 is a fantastic smartphone that offers a great combination of style, performance, and camera quality. It's one of the best smartphones on the market, and it's sure to please even the most demanding users.

I brought a Google Pixel 8 and suddenly a green line appeared on the screen.

PROS + AI features everywhere, from wallpapers, to photo editing, to audio editing, to call screening, to page summarization, and much more + Google is really going for it with tons of software features across the board, including several accessibility features + The camera in particular receives a lot of software enhancements to expand on the hardware capabilities + Speaking of which, the camera is as fantastic as you would expect coming from a pixel phone + Video quality is also pretty good overall, with high resolution and good motion handling, a noticeable step-up from past Pixel phones + Screen gets plenty bright at its brightest and has a fairly effective auto brightness feature + Nice high refresh rate screen + Tensor G3 feels pretty snappy overall + All around great sounding call quality CONS - Several AI features feel more like gimmicks, and can be hit or miss on quality of output - Camera app by default goes a bit too heavy with the post-processing and HDR, some might prefer this - External hardware doesn’t feel as premium as the software features, with a lightweight but somewhat cheaper feeling build that definitely feels more fragile - Fingerprint sensor works pretty well, but feels just a tad slow for my liking and is quite bright when used in the dark - Software can slow things down at times SO-SO * Phone feels pretty small despite the 6.2” screen size, which may be a pro or con depending on what you are looking for. I personally found it a bit too small feeling for my liking * Battery life feels fine, but nothing spectacular, it gets through the day without issue but maybe not much more than that THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT The Google Pixel 8 is definitely an extension of previous Pixel phones rather than a revolution of the philosophy Google has been taking with their phones. Depending on what you prioritize, this may be a great thing or not. I have always been a fan of Pixel software, and with the Pixel 8 they have doubled down on software features, specifically AI features. Honestly, there are software solutions for things you would never have thought of. Want to replace people’s faces in group photos with better versions of them from similar photos? You can. Want to use generative AI to edit your photos in crazy ways? You can. Want to have your own AI call screening bot that can vet suspicious calls for you? You got it. Summarize a webpage with Google Assistant AI? No problem, the Pixel 8 has you covered. I am surprised they didn’t call this the Pixel AI given how many AI features they throw at you right from boot-up! But that being said, not all software features are great, and in many ways, you can feel Google throwing a bit of everything at the wall and seeing how it sticks. Many of these features will likely improve over time as well with more training data, so you can tell there are seeds planted here for more features coming down the road. Things like the AI Magic Editor, which is accessed by clicking a rainbow button in the lower left of the screen when editing a photo, lets you move objects around, stylize photos, remove objects, create portraits, and more, by sending your photos into a generative AI model that creates 4 new photos with the desired edits. I have posted some photos with my review to demonstrate this where I “stylized” different photos using generative AI. It was a fun feature, but felt pretty gimmicky for me. I never felt that the edited or stylized photos looked better necessarily, and if you are familiar with what AI images tend to look like, it is not hard to detect them even when you are trying to make subtle edits. But for every software feature like that, which feels a bit gimmicky and beta like, there is another that feels genius. Personally, I love the unblur feature that can take blurry photos and help restore detail lost to the blur. Or being able to make almost any photo a portrait using post-processing. Likewise, being able to remove people from the background of your photos with the magic eraser is actually surprisingly effective so long as they don’t take up too much of the frame and the background behind them is fairly predictable. I even enjoyed trying to edit video audio to erase background noise like kids playing in the background or a plane overhead, which while not always effective, was super easy to do and still surprisingly effective on several occasions. Where I found things like the ability to create AI Wallpapers a bit niche and less appealing than standard wallpapers, it's still a feature that is there for folks to use if they want! And that I think is the big takeaway when it comes to the Pixel 8 software, it throws it all out there, and lets you pick and choose what you want. It never forces you down any one path, and just when you think there are too many features, you find one that changes for the better how you approach something you have been doing one way for a long time. So, while the software is largely amazing, and provides a laundry list of features for people to take advantage of (including several fantastic accessibility features), I did find that the hardware wasn’t always up to the standard of the software. Honestly, in many ways the hardware and phone itself just feel like a container to hold all of the software, without much about the hardware feeling particularly impressive (with one exception, the camera). The screen gets plenty bright and has a nice refresh rate, with good colors, but the overall build quality feels pretty middle of the road. The phone feels fragile, and more than usual I really felt like I needed to put a case on it as fast as I could. Part of this might be down to the fact that it also feels surprisingly small in my hand for being a 6.2” inch screen. It is fairly tall and skinny, which just feels less secure when in my hand when coupled with the light weight build. It looks exactly like past Pixel phones of recent years, with the visor camera on the back that gives it a distinctive look. I did find that the screen would hitch occasionally, which was noticeable with the normally high refresh rate, and that things like the fingerprint sensor built into the screen was just a tad slow compared to others I have used. When browsing the phone feels super snappy, but at moments it can also feel like it is trying to do too much and slows down for a few moments. Overall, as a smartphone, it is thoroughly fine, but nothing remarkable. When you add in the variety of software, it really helps bring it up a level in my mind. The exception to all of this is the camera, which is almost universally excellent. Even without all of the AI features, the resulting photos are almost always amazing looking and you get a lot of controls to help you edit the photos to your liking. The 50MP camera has a lot of detail, and even using the macro focus works great for those up close and personal shots. The Pixel line of phones built their reputation on their excellent cameras, and the Pixel 8 really carries on this legacy with pride. I did find that by default the camera app did automatically process the photos a bit too much for my liking, applying some sharpening and extra contrast from HDR that “juiced” the photos a bit too much for my liking, as someone who prefers natural looking photos. This being said, some people may really like this, and compared to some other phones I have used from big brands, which take a very heavy-handed approach to post-processing, I did still like the Pixel 8 a lot more. If I had to choose my phone based entirely on the camera, I would without hesitation pick the Pixel 8. It really is the most well rounded picture quality I have seen on a smartphone. Overall, this is a good phone, many times great, and sometimes underwhelming. It doesn’t all hit, but when it does it really hits it out of the park. I would probably give it a 3.5/5 if I could give it half stars, but understanding I am also a bit more picky when it comes to my phones than the average consumer, I have no problem giving this a solid 4 stars. If you like AI though, and playing with quirky software features and showing off what your phone can do to others, you will probably love this.

Google Pixel 8: Exceeded my expectations! I'm absolutely thrilled with my Google Pixel 8 and can't recommend it enough! It's exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Here's why I'm giving it a perfect 5-star rating: Amazing camera: The Pixel 8 camera is simply outstanding. It takes incredible photos and videos in any lighting condition, thanks to the upgraded sensors and advanced image processing. I'm particularly impressed with the Night Sight feature, which captures clear and detailed photos even in low-light situations. Long-lasting battery: The battery life on this phone is phenomenal. I easily get through a full day of heavy use without needing to recharge. And when I do need to top up, the fast charging feature is a lifesaver. Sleek design and build quality: The Pixel 8 has a beautiful and sleek design that feels comfortable to hold. The phone also feels very well-built and sturdy. Clean and smooth software: The Pixel 8 runs on stock Android 13, which is a breath of fresh air. It's free from bloatware and offers a smooth and lag-free user experience. Plus, you're guaranteed timely software updates directly from Google. Additional features: I love the other features like the in-display fingerprint sensor, water resistance, and integration with Google Assistant. Overall: The Google Pixel 8 is an exceptional phone that delivers top-notch performance in all aspects. It's the perfect combination of a fantastic camera, long-lasting battery, clean software, and a beautiful design. If you're looking for a powerful and reliable smartphone that won't disappoint, the Pixel 8 is definitely worth considering.

The Pixel 8 is a great evolution from prior year pixel line up, it improves on all the key factors battery life, pictures, video, sound, screen, form factor, AI and update guarantee. Every aspect of this phone has been improved over the prior years and makes you want to go team pixel. Screen: The brightness has been turned up (2000 nits) so you can easily use the phone in direct sunlight, this added with the fact that the screen is 120 Hz makes everything feel buttery smooth when your playing games swiping through apps/pictures Battery life: Battery life was always really good and this year the pixel has left me with about 28% at the end of the day with heavy usage (hotspot/calls/music streaming/video streaming). I was pleasantly surprised by this because I was expecting a small drop off since google has included the new 5G mmwave with the cell phone radios. Speaking of connections the pixel also has wifi 7, while most people don’t have it now, or wont for a little bit its nice to know that the phone is future proof. Pictures/Video: The camera is a decent step up from last year, the close-up picture with macro focus works perfectly. Capturing pictures/processing pictures are about 30-40% faster than last year and the night shot is a bit more forgiving with small movements. Video recordings are much improved along with the stabilization, however when panning from time to time you will get some transition jitter. I did notice that the jitter is there if you look at the video right after you take it, if you wait about 5-10 seconds to review the video there is no jitter and I believe this must be due to post processing of the video which the pixel is doing. Sound: This is by far the best Pixel speakers on any non-pro pixel, I tried comparing the last 3 generations and the pixel 8 sounds much more robust. Form factor: The Pixel 8 is smaller and not as wide which makes it much easier to use and carry around. The rounded edges make it feel great in the hand, it is a bit slippery though so I would infest in a case. AI: This is where the pixel shines above all others, the amount of AI/automation is ridiculous. Picture edits are easy and the processing from the pixel works surprisingly well, now its not perfect but how good it is will blow you away. I do wish all the editing could happen on device but some of it needs to be sent to the cloud. The AI editing for video is also very easy and smooth, just about anyone can do it. I was uber impressed with the sound editing for videos, this is something you have to try you can literally remove all noise that’s not relevant to your video with the click of a button. The pixel 8 also upgraded the screen my call assistant to sound more natural and I have noticed that more people are willing to respond to it over the robotic sounding one from last year. The AI features are over the top and the best in the business. Update guarantee: Google has promised 7 years of software and security updates which is the best in the business from any of the main manufacturers. Google has polished this phone in all aspects with very few shortcomings. My only real complaint is the delay of the video processing other than that this is the best pixel phone and with the 7 years of guarantees this little phone could be something you keep for years.

Having previously owned the Pixel 6 and 7, I can confidently say that Google continues to make meaningful, useful updates with every new generation of the Pixel. I'll cover the main features of the Pixel 8 as well as highlight differences between this new phone and the 7. Many of the physical changes are incremental, but still worth noting: The 8 is ever so slightly smaller at 5.93 x 2.79 inches; vs 6.12 x 2.88 inches for the 7. Not SUPER noticeable side by side, but it does fit in your pocket a little better. The screen is slightly brighter on the 8, with a better refresh rate. The processor is now the Tensor G3 vs. the prior generator G2, and the benchmark tests show better performance, as expected. The battery capacity is now 4,575 mAh vs. 4,355. I am not going to bore you with each and every statistic, suffice to say that yes, the Pixel 8 is better than the 7, as it should be! For me, and I think many people, I use my phone more for photos than I do for calls and texts. I don't have a smartphone with a camera, I have a smart camera with a phone. That is what has drawn me to the Google Pixel for this and prior generations; I find the camera functionality, not just the physical specs but the power of the AI enhanced editing, to be simply amazing. The macro zoom is automatic, get within a couple/few inches of your subject and the detail is unbelievable; see the photo of the antique sterling silver spoon in one of my photos. The Artificial Intelligence capabilities using Google Photos is the real "wow factor" regarding the camera functionality though. I love being able to take selfie pics and photos of myself and good friend and use magic eraser to remove random strangers in the background; or to blur the background while enhance the detail in us. I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of what's possible with the editing features but hope to continually improve. For those who tend to hold on to their phones as long as possible, there's some really good news on that front: The Pixel 8 will be supported for 7 years through 2030! Meanwhile, support for the Pixel 7 runs out in 2025. This won't be important for folks who upgrade every year or 2, but for those who really need or want to maximize longevity, I don't know that there's another phone with this level of guaranteed support. As far as constructive criticism goes, my main complaint is the same I have for every other cell phone I have ever owned: it's incredibly slippery and easy to drop. Because the form factor is different than the Pixel 7 I used previously, I couldn't use that case. So I was paranoid about dropping it for the 3 days it took for a Pixel 8 specific case to arrive. I don't understand why cell phone manufacturers don't include even a cheapest of the cheap protective case with their phones, but oh well, this one is now fully protected. The other thing on my wish list would be having a microSD slot so I could load up music and not worry about running out of space taking pics and video. So, there you have it; the Google Pixel 8 is a very capable smart phone with top tier photography ability, guaranteed Android compatibility through version 21 in 2030, and an overall great choice for a mid-level smartphone. I recommend this product.

This is not my first Android phone, as I have owned other Pixel releases, so I was looking forward to seeing the improvements they made with this model. The first thing I love about Pixel phones is that the hardware is made by Google. When paired with their Android OS, you can tell that there is an advantage when the same company is providing both the hardware and software. Everything works smoothly and seamlessly. And from my experience, Pixel phones tend to get the latest and greatest OS updates before most other Android phones. The Pixel 8 continues the tradition of having a very good camera. This model comes with a 50 megapixel front-facing camera. I got some great shots at a high school football game the other night and was impressed with the crispness of the colors and the fantastic resolution (see photo). The included photo editing tools are always top-notch if you need to make any tweaks. The battery life has been the most impressive thing about the Pixel 8 so far. I went over 2 days before needing to charge it, even while using it more than I would normally during the first few days of owning it. This model comes with 128GB of storage which is more than enough for pretty much anyone. I also love the display which has a 120Hz refresh rate. The scrolling was incredibly smooth. One last thing that stood out as a cool feature is that when adding contacts, people's addresses would autocomplete after I started to input them. This was really cool and saved me a lot of time. Overall, this is a great phone that not only comes with fantastic features, but is a terrific value even when not on sale. So many of the new phones out there are priced at $1000 or more but you can get great quality at a fraction of the price with the Pixel 8.

The Google Pixel 8 is the smaller of their two newest Pixel phones. I was shocked at how small this phone really is. While it has a screen size of 6.2 inches (measured diagonally), the physical size of the phone is actually quite small visually, and when you hold it. It’s narrower than some others on the market at under 3 inches wide. Right off the bat, I’ll say if you have large hands or prefer larger screens, this won’t be for you (check the Pixel 8 PRO for a larger screen). If you ARE a fan of smaller phones, you may well like this one compared to others. The 1080p screen does have some advancements over previous models, though – such as being much brighter if needed for outdoors use, a variable 60-120hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, and it’s OLED technology which makes colors and blacks stand out. Other than the narrowness which makes it so small (to me), I like the screen. The body of mine, is a glossy black (Obsidian Black) which does hold on to fingerprints, but I figure most of us will be using a case so that isn’t an issue – it is a little slippery, so yes, I would say a case and screen protector is suggested. The Pixel 8’s overall specs are bumped up with 8 gigs of RAM and their new “Tensor G3” chip, which is faster and supposedly cooler running than their last G2 chip. Mine has 128 gigs of built-in storage, and you can also get one with 256 gigs of storage. Choose carefully as to what your needs are, as there is NOT a microSD card slot, so you cannot add additional storage as you can some other Android phones. Android 14 comes installed with the phone, but you should run any new updates to the operation system as soon as you get set up. Be warned, even though the update may not be huge in file size, it did take an awkward amount of time to install. Updating your pre-installed apps as well will make sure every current fix and changes are installed before you start using your phone. Things seem speedy so far, and I haven’t experienced any processor hiccups or stall-outs, though there’s some heat involved when you do your initial setup (expected) or when using the phone continuously (not quite so expected as it happens even with simple apps or tasks like phone calls). I briefly had a Pixel 7 a while back, and the 8 doesn’t heat up quite as much as the 7 did, but, it does get moderately warm fairly quickly under certain conditions – more than some other phones I’ve used, less than others. An under-the-screen fingerprint sensor works fine. I’ve seen faster but also much slower. It’s convenient once you get it set up. The front selfie camera can also be used to unlock the phone via facial recognition and you can also choose to use a password. Going from standby to opening is speedy enough and I’ve only had the fingerprint sensor ask me to redo it once. It’s an improvement over past attempts but still not quite perfect. Battery life so far is what I’d call average. Charging speed will depend a on the charging cube (you have to provide this) that you use with the included USB-C cable. While using the phone for a variety of tasks, I haven’t noticed any weirdness from the battery, however, trying out a long phone call at an hour and 15 minutes, the battery drained 21% during that one call. I would call this, “not great”, to be honest. I had transferred my Google Fi phone service (which uses T-Mobile towers and WiFi) to the Pixel 8. On my older phone (Pixel 5a) I would as a guess, drop about 10-12% of my battery on such a long call, and this was roughly twice as much on the Pixel 8. On some social media apps it handles battery life ok, and others that are more battery draining, you do notice it dropping pretty quickly while in use. I have also noticed the battery dropping some while just sitting in standby mode over a few hours even with unnecessary background processes disabled, and even when in airplane mode. So far, I would again rate battery life on the 8 as average at best, again having seen worse on other phones, but also much better. The microphone and speakers are also another average. After multiple calls so far, every person I’ve talked to has said I sound a bit “muffled” on speakerphone. They say I’m loud enough, but it just seems like there’s too much bass and not enough treble in the voice on their end. Likewise, their voices on the speaker are loud enough and still clear overall, but do sound a little muffled as well. When holding the phone to my ear, voices are more muffled, though the sound is definitely loud enough. Antenna strength seems fine – I haven’t dropped any calls, though there have been a few garbled moments during some; this could be the antennas, or the Google Fi service as it’s hard to say. I haven’t seen the WiFi drop when using apps around the house and yard, but have seen Fi switch between WiFi and 5G when on a call. Built-in Pixel features include the ability to screen calls, where the phone answers calls for you and posts what the other person is saying on the screen in real time, allowing you to answer the call or not, with adjustable levels of intervention. There’s a live translate mode so you can have basic conversations with someone who speaks another language, allow the Pixel to hold for you on hold calls and tells you when someone picks up, voice typing, and more. These ARE very convenient features though you need to do some looking up on how to use them all… they are numerous. Of course, the main reason people aim for a Pixel phone is their cameras being so good. The Pixel 8 is no different. The updated 50 megapixel main camera and 12 megapixel wide cameras are overall, excellent, and take clear, bright, photos – probably among the best or the best on a phone out there. They’ve been updated to handle lower light situations better (not a huge improvement over past models, but still overall excellent). There are a few artifact bugs in certain textures (leaves, etc) when zoomed in, but hopefully this will be cleared up in software updates. A 10.5 megapixel selfie camera on the front is good overall. The number of new AI-ish processing features built in to the phone now is amazing. Macro (closeup) is better. Tones and skin tones are better. And now you can take a series of pics of a person or group, and choose which faces aren’t blinking or looking away and replace those faces of each person onto one shot – it actually works, called Best Take. The person I tested it on didn’t want a pic of them online, but I did test this out several times and it replaced a previous shot’s face with a newer one and you can’t tell. Neat! Magic Editor allows you to remove an object from a photo, or “move/slide” an object over. These are not perfect and you may have to redo it once or twice to get it perfect, but they do work very well overall and help with goofs or to rearrange a photo without having to retake it; you also have to be using Google Photos to back up your pics before the phone will allow you to use these features (awkward). Video can be taken up to 4K, 60 frames per second – It’s good, but not perfect, as I do notice a few times when a frame can skip. A new feature called Audio Magic Eraser will allow you to reduce or in some cases remove background noises from video, focusing on what you’re aiming it. You can zoom in from wide to around 8 times on the Pixel 8 and the photos still look very good. Beyond that and you see digital zoom artifacts start to creep in the more you go. So, overall, I have mixed feelings about the Pixel 8. I’m giving this 3 stars, and say it’s above average, but not stellar. On the plus side, I of course love the camera and it’s overall great photos, as well as the new post-processing tricks they’ve added. I like Google’s promise of giving 7 years of operating system and security updates for the 8 and 8 Pro. I also like the call screening, translate, and other phone features Pixel phones have, including the improvements to them in the Pixel 8. If these and an excellent camera are your goals, I say without hesitation to get this phone. However, I’m disappointed a bit with the battery life, microphone and speaker quality on calls, how the phone gets quite warm when doing some basic tasks long enough (random), and how small the phone feels due to how narrow the body is. The placement of the volume keys is awkward sitting right where your thumb sits if you’re right-handed, and, while the cameras are overall great, there’s a few glitches in their processing. If you love small phones (by today’s standards), and can handle the Pixel 8’s quirks, you’ll love this one, if not, aim for the Pixel 8 Pro with it’s larger screen and larger battery. So I’d say I recommend this phone for some, and with reservations for others.

I recently purchased the Google Pixel 8 in Rose, and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance and features. The 128GB storage is more than adequate for my needs, and the phone's sleek, modern design is both stylish and functional. The camera quality is exceptional, delivering sharp and vibrant photos with ease. The software experience is seamless, thanks to the clean Android interface and regular updates. Battery life has been impressive, lasting through my day without needing a charge. The rose color adds a touch of elegance and is a refreshing change from typical phone colors. Overall, the Pixel 8 offers great value for its price, combining high-end features with a user-friendly experience. Highly recommended for anyone in the market for a new smartphone!

First time Pixel buyer (Samsung owner). Transfer of apps, data, psim and contacts was easy with Google account. So far phone working as expected with very good battery life, 1 1/2 days, for my usage. Finger and Face lock working well, better connection to carrier. Main reason switching from Galaxy to Pixel was phone size. Liked smaller footprint of pixel for almost $200 less than S24 and 7 years of updates (already on Android 15). The same price S24FE has 6.7" screen, too big. To date very satisfied with phones easy to read screen and processig speed. For the money would recommend.

The Google Pixel 8 128GB (Unlocked) in Hazel is a stellar addition to the Pixel lineup, boasting an impressive blend of style and performance. Its sleek design, with a striking hazel color, exudes elegance and sophistication. The phone's 128GB storage capacity ensures ample room for storing files, photos, and apps, catering to the needs of users with diverse media and data requirements. The powerful hardware, coupled with the user-friendly Android interface, offers smooth navigation and multitasking capabilities, making it an ideal choice for both personal and professional use. The camera quality is exceptional, capturing vibrant and detailed images even in low-light conditions, and the advanced photography features add a creative touch to every shot. The long-lasting battery life ensures extended usage without frequent recharging, and the unlocked feature allows for flexibility in choosing preferred carriers. Overall, the Google Pixel 8 is a reliable and stylish smartphone that delivers on both form and function.

After a full year with my Pixel, I can confidently say it’s been an absolute game-changer. The phone has aged like fine wine – here’s everything that makes it worth every cent: Camera Excellence: The Pixel’s camera lives up to the hype! From low-light magic to high-definition detail, I’ve captured some truly professional-looking photos. The computational photography is next-level, and the Night Sight mode still blows my mind. Pure Google Experience: Having the latest Android updates straight from Google has been fantastic. It’s bloat-free and smooth, and the customizations just keep getting better. The Pixel’s exclusive features, like “Hold for Me” and “Call Screen,” make daily life simpler and more efficient. Battery Life and Charging: The battery has stayed consistent throughout the year. I get a full day without the dreaded mid-afternoon “low battery” warning, and the charging speed is reliable and quick. Performance and Speed: No signs of slowing down! With apps, multitasking, and gaming, it’s always responsive. The integration with Google Assistant is seamless and genuinely useful – I find myself using it more than ever. A Few Minor Quirks: No device is perfect, and the Pixel does have minor quirks. Occasionally, I’ve noticed a slight lag in the camera app. And while I love the sleek design, it’s a bit slippery, so a case is a must! Verdict: For anyone wanting a streamlined Android experience, a standout camera, and a smart, reliable device, I highly recommend the Pixel. It’s a year in, and I’d still choose it again in a heartbeat!

The Google Pixel 8 in Obsidian is a sleek powerhouse that's set a new standard for smartphones. The 128GB unlocked version not only looks stunning with its glossy obsidian finish, but it also feels premium in the hand, balancing sophistication and functionality. I would say, its performance is nothing short of impressive thanks to Google’s new Tensor G3 chip, which powers seamless multitasking, fast app launches, and smooth transitions. The 6.2-inch OLED display is incredibly vibrant, offering rich colors and deep blacks that enhance everything from streaming to scrolling through photos. Speaking of photos, Google has once again outdone itself with the Pixel's camera. Low light, portrait shots, or landscape photos – it captures every detail with exceptional clarity and natural color. The new AI-powered features add extra magic, making photo editing easy and intuitive. Battery life on the Pixel 8 is fantastic, easily lasting a full day even with heavy use, and the quick charge feature is a lifesaver for anyone on the go. Google has also committed to long-term software support, making this phone a future-proof investment. Plus, it’s loaded with smart Google features and integrations that make everyday tasks a breeze. If you're looking for a phone that combines cutting-edge technology, a premium design, and a stellar camera experience, the Pixel 8 in Obsidian is a top choice. It’s the perfect blend of style, performance, and functionality, and it's well worth every penny.

I am thoroughly impressed with the Google Pixel 8. The camera quality is exceptional, capturing vivid details and vibrant colors, making every photo a masterpiece. The battery life exceeded my expectations, providing a reliable and long-lasting experience throughout the day. The sleek and modern design not only looks great but also feels comfortable in hand. Performance-wise, the Pixel 8 operates seamlessly, handling multitasking and demanding applications effortlessly. The integration of cutting-edge technology in this phone truly sets it apart. Google has once again delivered an outstanding device that excels in all the key areas that matter to me.

Review: The Google Pixel 8 is hands down one of the best phones I’ve used. The performance is fast and fluid, apps load instantly, and the display is super crisp with vibrant colors. What really stands out is the camera—it takes stunning photos even in low light. I also love the clean Android interface and the frequent updates directly from Google. Battery life easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The Obsidian finish looks sleek and premium. Definitely worth the investment!

I love the Google Pixel 8! From start to finish, using the Pixel 8 has been a pleasant experience. This review will focus mostly on the camera and AI editing tools, but there's a lot more to love also. Coming from an older pixel phone, setup was a breeze. The Pixel 8 walks you through the process of moving everything over from the old phone to the new phone, including app data and settings so that (almost) everything looks and works just like you're used to. There were a few apps that needed a bit more input from me to get set up properly, and one app that turned out to be incompatible because it was so old. The camera is utterly amazing, even on the non- "pro" version of the Pixel 8. The macro camera is wonderful. The cameras switch seamlessly between macro and regular and even this non-professional photographer can get clear close ups. See the flower pic, taken from about 2cm away. The camera has an 8x zoom, which isn't much but the clarity of the resulting image is impressive. The photo of the stone structure was taken from 150 yards away using the 8x zoom. A new feature is the "Best Take" option. If you take a series of similar photos, like 5 pics of a family, the Best Take option will scan the 5 photos and make suggestions to take the best of each photo to make a better resulting photos. Did someone blink in an otherwise good photo? The Best Take can shift that person's face from another photo into the best photo. Magic Editor is an AI editor that seems to do a nice job at enhancing photos without going overboard. The second picture of the stone structure used the Magic Editor to bring out more of the background sky as it actually appeared, and not washed out due to overexposure. I also appreciated the photo unblur options, which again were subtle and not overbearing. For video editing, one feature I like is that background noises can be seamlessly removed with the AI tools, such as background wind.