Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Two Months with Google’s AI-Powered Camera Powerhouse

I’ve spent two months with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and it’s been a transformative experience. Here’s my in-depth, personal take on this flagship smartphone:

Design & Build:

The Pixel 8 Pro is a beautifully crafted device. The aluminum frame feels solid and reassuring in my hand, and the glossy glass back, while prone to fingerprints, adds a touch of elegance. The camera bar, a signature Pixel design element, has been refined, now spanning the entire width of the phone for a more balanced look. The phone is available in a range of classic colors, including Porcelain and Obsidian, as well as a bold new Bay color.

Display:

The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display is simply stunning. It’s incredibly bright, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight, and the colors are vibrant and lifelike. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, making everything from browsing social media to gaming feel incredibly fluid. The display also supports HDR10+ for an enhanced viewing experience when streaming movies or shows.

Performance:

The Google Tensor G3 chip, combined with 12GB of RAM, makes the Pixel 8 Pro a powerhouse. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is effortless, and demanding games run smoothly. I haven’t experienced any lag or slowdown during my time with the phone, even when editing videos or running multiple apps simultaneously. The Pixel 8 Pro’s performance is truly top-notch.

Camera:

The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera is, without a doubt, the star of the show. The triple rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, captures stunning photos and videos in any lighting condition. Google’s computational photography magic is in full effect here, producing images with exceptional detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Low-light performance is phenomenal, thanks to Night Sight mode, and portrait mode delivers beautiful bokeh effects. The 10.8MP front-facing camera takes excellent selfies, and the video recording capabilities are top-notch.

Battery Life:

The 4950mAh battery comfortably lasts me a full day with moderate to heavy use. I’m a power user, constantly checking email, scrolling through social media, listening to music, and occasionally gaming. With lighter use, I could easily stretch it to two days. The 30W wired charging is fast and efficient, but I do wish the wireless charging was a bit quicker.

Software & User Experience:

The Pixel 8 Pro runs Android 14, and it’s the purest Android experience you can get. The interface is clean, intuitive, and a joy to use. Google’s AI-powered features, like Call Screen, Now Playing, and Live Translate, are genuinely useful and make my life easier. I also love the new Magic Eraser feature in Google Photos, which lets me remove unwanted objects from photos with a few taps. The Pixel 8 Pro also benefits from Google’s promise of extended software updates, ensuring that I’ll receive the latest features and security patches for years to come.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The Pixel 8 Pro supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, 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, but there’s no headphone jack.

Buying Recommendation:

Who’s it for? The Pixel 8 Pro is for anyone who demands the best of the best in a smartphone. It’s perfect for photographers, content creators, power users, and anyone who appreciates the latest technology and a clean Android experience.

Pros:

• Best-in-class camera
• Powerful performance
• Stunning OLED display
• Smooth and intuitive Android 14
• Long-lasting battery life

Cons:

• Expensive
• No headphone jack
• No expandable storage
• Wireless charging is relatively slow

Overall: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a masterpiece of a smartphone. It combines exceptional camera capabilities, top-notch performance, a beautiful display, and the purest Android experience you can find. While it’s a significant investment, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth every penny for those who want the very best.