Google Pixel 8 Review: My Month with the AI-Powered Everyday Companion

I’ve had the pleasure of using the Google Pixel 8 for the past month, and it has quickly become an indispensable part of my daily routine. Here’s my in-depth, personal take on this compact powerhouse:

Design & Build:

The Pixel 8 exudes elegance with its sleek design and premium materials. The aluminum frame feels sturdy and comfortable in the hand, and the matte glass back is less prone to fingerprints than its glossy predecessors. The camera bar, a signature Pixel design element, has been refined and now seamlessly blends into the back panel. The phone comes in a range of attractive colors, including the beautiful Rose and Hazel finishes.

Display:

The 6.2-inch OLED display is bright, vibrant, and incredibly sharp. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and the high resolution makes text and images look crisp. The display is incredibly responsive thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth. Sunlight visibility is excellent, allowing me to comfortably use the phone outdoors even on bright days.

Performance:

Powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip and 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 8 is incredibly fast and responsive. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and demanding games run smoothly. I haven’t experienced any lag or slowdown during my time with the phone. The phone handles everything I throw at it, from editing photos to playing graphics-intensive games, without breaking a sweat.

Camera:

The Pixel 8’s camera is, as expected, exceptional. The 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens, coupled with Google’s advanced image processing, produce stunning photos with remarkable detail, vibrant colors, and impressive dynamic range. Low-light performance is phenomenal thanks to Night Sight mode, and portrait mode captures beautiful bokeh effects. The 10.8MP front-facing camera takes excellent selfies, and the video capabilities are equally impressive. Whether I’m capturing candid moments with friends or recording family events, the Pixel 8 consistently delivers outstanding results.

Battery Life:

The 4575mAh battery comfortably lasted me a full day with moderate to heavy use. I used it for everything from emails and social media to streaming videos and gaming, and I rarely had to charge it before bed. The 27W wired charging quickly replenished the battery when needed, though I wish wireless charging was a bit faster.

Software & User Experience:

The Pixel 8 runs on the latest Android 14, and Google’s software is as polished as ever. It’s clean, intuitive, and a joy to use. Google’s AI-powered features, like Call Screen, Now Playing, and Live Translate, are genuinely helpful in my everyday life. I also love the new Magic Eraser feature in Google Photos, which lets me remove unwanted objects from photos with ease. The Pixel 8 is guaranteed to receive regular updates from Google, ensuring you have the latest features and security patches for years to come.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The Pixel 8 supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. It’s also IP68 water and dust resistant, so I don’t have to worry about accidental spills or splashes. It has stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. The phone also features an under-display fingerprint sensor that’s both fast and accurate.

Buying Recommendation:

Who’s it for? The Pixel 8 is perfect for anyone who wants a powerful, compact smartphone with an amazing camera and the latest Android features. It’s ideal for photographers, content creators, and everyday users who appreciate a clean and intuitive software experience.

Pros:

• Exceptional camera performance
• Powerful Tensor G3 chip
• Smooth and intuitive Android 14
• Stunning OLED display
• Compact and comfortable design
• IP68 water and dust resistance

Cons:

• No headphone jack
• No expandable storage
• Wireless charging is slower than wired

Overall: The Google Pixel 8 is a fantastic smartphone that delivers on all fronts. It’s a compact powerhouse with an exceptional camera, a beautiful display, and a smooth Android experience. If you’re looking for a phone that can do it all, the Pixel 8 is an excellent choice.