During the event in New York on Wednesday, Google made the official announcement of their latest smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, alongside the introduction of the new Pixel Watch 2 and the enhanced Pixel Buds Pro. These announcements were not surprising, as the company had previously “leaked” and shared a preview of the new Pixel devices well in advance of the event. Now, it is confirmed that the new phones will be powered by Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip and will receive support for seven years of security and operating system updates.
The Pixel Watch 2 boasts an extended battery life, addressing one of the major concerns with the first-generation smartwatch. While the Pixel Buds Pro are not entirely new, software upgrades and the addition of two new colors are expected to enhance the performance of these existing earbuds.
Here’s a guide on how to pre-order the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and the upgraded Pixel Buds Pro:
For the Google Pixel 8:
The Pixel 8 Pro is available in three color options: Bay, Porcelain, and Obsidian, with a starting price of $999. If you choose to pre-order from the Google storefront, you will receive a complimentary Pixel Watch 2.
The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED Actua display, which is a new addition to the Pixel lineup, offering increased brightness and improved clarity. While the screen size is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7 by a tenth of an inch, it now supports a 120Hz refresh rate and achieves a higher peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. Despite its reduced overall size, the battery has actually been enlarged this time, boasting a typical capacity of 4,485 mAh. It can charge from zero to 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes with Google’s 30W USB-C 3.0 charger, although, regrettably, this charger is not included with the phone.
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Hands-On
Technological Features
Under the hood, the Pixel 8 houses the new generation of Google’s Tensor G3 chip, promising improved photo processing and better spam call filtering. It offers a maximum of 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The device is constructed with a metal frame and a polished back glass, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for the display glass. It is also rated IP68, making it dust-tight and capable of withstanding immersion in up to one meter of water.
Camera Quality:
In terms of cameras, they are largely similar to last year’s models, featuring a 10.5MP front camera, slightly smaller than the previous year’s 10.8MP selfie camera, as well as 50MP and 12MP rear cameras with the same resolution as the Pixel 7. However, the improvements come through software enhancements like Macro focus for close-ups and Best Take, which combines multiple group photos to ensure everyone has their eyes open in the final shot.
In a significant step toward sustainability, Google pledges to provide OS upgrades, security updates, and new feature releases for seven years following the phone’s launch. The Pixel 8 starts at $699 and is available in three colors: Hazel, Rose, and Obsidian. Pre-orders are currently open, with shipping scheduled for next week. If you pre-order directly from Google, you can receive a complimentary pair of Pixel Buds Pro or a $200 discount on the Pixel Watch 2.
