It’s Finally Here: Meet the Google Pixel 8

Google has finally taken the wraps off its newest flagship device, the Pixel 8. Taking over for the Pixel 7 from last year, the company’s latest Pixel phone features some upgrades that set it apart from the rest of the Android competition, while managing to feel familiar especially for Android users and Pixel enthusiasts.

The Pixel 8 comes in a design that’s pretty reminiscent of the Pixel 7 and 7a before it, mostly due to the metallic frame that melds into a camera bar on the rear panel. The phone also comes with a glossy rear panel unlike the matte finish on its more premium sibling, and features more rounded corners. It’s almost like Google took the Pixel 4 form factor, and blended it with the Pixel 7 series’ overall look.

In front is a 6.2-inch OLED display, which is slightly smaller than the 6.3-inch screen on the Pixel 7. It’s smoother as well, thanks to a refresh rate that can now hit as high as 120Hz, with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. It’s covered in a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus, the same kind of glass as on the rear panel.

On the inside is Google’s new Tensor G3 chipset, a custom SoC which succeeds the G2 found on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, backed by the Titan M2 security co-processor. The Pixel 8 comes with 8GB of RAM, and a maximum of 256GB of internal storage, although the base model starts with 128GB available. In terms of software, the phone will ship with Android 14 pre-installed, in addition to Google’s Android-exclusive features.

Additionally, the phone is powered by a typical 4575 mAh battery, with support for 27W fast-charging, and wireless charging speeds of up to 18W.

As for camera hardware, the Pixel 8 carries a a 50MP main wide sensor with 1.2 μm pixel width and ƒ/1.68 aperture, a 12MP ultrawide sensor with 1.25 μm pixel width and ƒ/2.2 aperture, and a 10.5MP selfie camera with 1.22 μm pixel width and ƒ/2.2 aperture. The phone comes with all the usual camera features from Google including Astrophotography, Real Tone, Motion Mode, although it misses out on Pro camera controls, which at the moment are exclusive for the 8 Pro.

As for price, you can get the Pixel 8 for $699 on pre-order starting today, and the phone ships out starting on October 12.