Intro
- Tensor G3 vs Tensor G2
- New 50MP main camera with ISOCELL GN2/Sony IMX787 sensor
- Staggered HDR camera feature
- Faster LPDDR5X RAM
- 27W wired charging vs 23W wired charging
Table of Contents:
Design and Size
Same old
At this point in time, we simply don’t expect too many changes in the exterior and the overall design of the Pixel 8 Pro. It will be pretty safe to expect the same general design and the same overall dimensions. Surely, there might be some changes in certain design aspects. For example, we might see some changes in the camera strip at the back, which is a signature feature of all recent Pixel phones: Google might either change the build material or shake up the design in other clever ways.
The slightly curved rear and front glass that slope to the side frame make for a very comfortable and ergonomic experience, so we are definitely hoping that Google won’t ditch that design language out of the door.
Water and dust-resistance will be part of the mix, with IP68 most likely ensuring that the Pixel 8 Pro will be able to survive for up to 30 minutes in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater. That’s as good as it gets and should give you a peace of mind that your phone will survive any liquid ordeal.
We don’t expect a charger in the box of the Pixel 8 Pro.
Display Differences
We don’t expect any differences in the display area. The Pixel 8 Pro‘s display will be a 6.7-inch OLED one and will likely have a QHD+ resolution of 3120 by 1440 pixels. Corning’s own Gorilla Glass Victus will most certainly protect against accidental scratches, while the potential maximum brightness would likely hit upwards of 1,500 nits in the correct lighting conditions.
Performance and Software
Generational improvements
Memory-wise, the Pixel 8 Pro might come with LPDDR5X RAM, which could introduce potential improvements in comparison with the LPDDR5 RAM on the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro might come with 8 and 12GB of RAM versions, just like the Pixel 7 Pro. The new phone will likely be available with 128, 256, and 512GB of on-board storage.
Camera
Some changes are expected
The new Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to come with a new sensor for the main wide camera, with leakers being torn between the 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensor and the 64MP Sony IMX 787.
If the Samsung sensor makes it on board the upcoming phone, it will be able to benefit from a new and improved so-called ‘staggered’ HDR feature. Unlike regular HDR, this one takes a short and a long exposure of the scene simultaneously, potentially eliminating ghosting artefacts and motion blur. The Pixel 7 Pro has no such feature.
The rest of the cameras aren’t very likely to get changed. We expect a 5.0X 48MP telephoto to makes its proverbial way to the Pixel 8 Pro, as well as your standard 12MP ultra-wide camera.
Audio Quality and Haptics
The audio quality of the Pixel 7 Pro was excellent and certainly on the flagship level one would expect from a high-end Google phone. With decently pronounced mids, sufficiently deep base and clear highs, it’s a joy to listen to music or enjoy videos on your Pixel. That’s why we have a particularly high set of expectations for the Pixel 8 Pro, and hopefully, Google will deliver.
In terms of haptic feedback, gone are the days of mushy vibrations that some earlier Pixel phones were infamous for. The Pixel 7 Pro provides accurate feedback, here’s to hoping the same fate will befall the upcoming Pixel 8 Pro.
Battery Life and Charging
So far, we haven’t heard anything particular about the Pixel 8 Pro‘s potential battery size, which most likely means that we’ll get the same 5,000mAh battery. There are some rumors about a potential 5,100mAh battery unit, but that one is yet to be confirmed by credible sources.
Specs Comparison
| Pixel 8 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Size, weight | ||
| Screen | 6.7″ OLED 120Hz QHD+ |
6.7″ OLED 120Hz QHD+ |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM, Storage | 128GB/256GB UFS4.0
LPDDR5X |
128GB/256GB/512GB
8GB/12GB LPDDR5 |
| Cameras | 50MP main 12MP ultra 48MP 5X zoom 32MP front |
40MP main 12MP ultra 48MP 5.0X zoom 10.8MP front |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | USB-C 27W wired |
USB-C 23W wired |
Summary
Should you hold your breath and potentially upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro if you’re using a Pixel 7 Pro? Hardly. There most certainly wouldn’t be any major differences between the two generations.
However, if you’re holding off from an older Pixel, then the Pixel 8 Pro could end up being the perfect phone to upgrade to. With a potential starting price of around $949, the Pixel 8 Pro could be one of the last sensibly priced flagships out there.
