The Pixel smartphone collection has at all times been a favourite amongst tech lovers, and the thrill across the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional isn’t any exception. With a $300 worth distinction, the inevitable query arises: Which smartphone provides higher worth and is the perfect purchase? Let’s dive in.
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Professional
Left: Pixel 8 Professional; Proper: Pixel 8
Worth Level
The Pixel 8 (128GB) retails at $699, whereas its Pixel 8 Professional (128GB) is priced at $999 – each marking a $100 hike from final 12 months’s fashions. The quick query that arises is: what are we getting for that additional value of $300?
Unboxing the Pixel 8 Professional, you get a USB-C cable and USB Kind A adapter. Sadly it appears Google has been influenced by Apple and determined they now not wished to supply an influence brick for a $1000 cellphone. Personally I like this energy adapter from Anker: https://amzn.to/3VE3yro.
Dimension, Weight and Design
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch display screen, making it even marginally smaller than the Pixel 7’s 6.3-inch. Weighing simply 187g, its light-weight design makes for a snug grip. Conversely, the 8 Professional, although heavier at 213g, doesn’t really feel too heavy.
Each telephones have comparable design: rounded corners that improve the ergonomic really feel and luxury; A flat display screen design that eliminates the curves over the sting seen in lots of trendy smartphones; And the bezels are uniform throughout, and the chin, which was beforehand outstanding in older Pixels, is barely noticeable.
Nevertheless the again materials is totally different: whereas the Pixel 8 has a shiny end on again, the 8 Professional incorporates a barely matte end. Personally I desire the matte end on the 8 Professional, as a result of the shiny end on the 8 is extra liable to scratches and smudges that may look worse over time if you’re not utilizing a case.
One of many first issues that struck me was the pronounced digital camera bump. In reality, calling it a “bump” looks like an understatement. This difficult-edged design, though visually placing, raised considerations about it catching on pockets.
Efficiency and Options
Powering each units is Google’s newest 9-core Tensor G3 processor. Whereas its predecessor, the Tensor G2, was first rate, it wasn’t essentially the most environment friendly, particularly by way of battery life. The hope with the G3 is to see important enhancements in battery effectivity, fairly than uncooked energy. Moreover, the Tensor G3 has an emphasis on AI and machine studying capabilities, which is without doubt one of the major promoting factors of the Pixel 8 collection.
The Pixel 8 homes 8GB of RAM, whereas the Professional mannequin provides a considerable 12GB. Gaming lovers, particularly, will recognize the 7-core Mali G715 GPU.
Gaming on the Pixel 8 Professional is a delight, with video games like Genshin Influence working easily. Nevertheless, extended gaming classes made the cellphone noticeably heat.
The Pixel 8 Professional introduces a thermometer function that may detect temperature of objects. Whereas it could be a distinct segment function, it appears to be correct. The audio system are passable, providing clear sound, though they do distort at most quantity.
Show
Google claims the Pixel 8 Professional has the perfect show they’ve ever mounted on a tool. Each fashions have seen important upgrades within the show:
- Decision and Refresh Charge: The Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch OLED show, retaining its 1080p decision, however now introduces a 120Hz refresh charge. The 8 Professional, in distinction, has a better decision and an LTPO show that may vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing adaptive refresh charges based mostly on content material.
- Brightness: Each telephones function extremely shiny shows. The Pixel 8 reaches as much as 2000 nits, whereas the Pixel 8 Professional can go as much as 2400 nits. These are arguably among the many brightest screens accessible in smartphones right this moment, making out of doors viewing a pleasure.
Battery Life and Charging
Each the Pixel 8 and eight Professional supply spectacular battery life.
Though the battery sizes are marginally bigger than their predecessors, the actual game-changer is the Tensor G3’s effectivity, promising prolonged battery life.
The Pixel 8 homes a 4575mAh battery, whereas the 8 Professional comes with a 5050mAh cell. Count on comparable battery life between the 8 and eight Professional regardless of the bigger battery within the latter attributable to its larger display screen. Preliminary utilization signifies a good battery life that ought to final a day’s fixed use with some juice to spare. Charging speeds for each have been commendable, reaching over 90% in simply an hour.
Digicam Capabilities
The digital camera, as anticipated from Google, is impeccable, and that is the place the 2 telephones begin to diverge:
- Major Shooter: Each telephones share a main 50MP sensor, captures sharp, vivid picture.
- Extremely-Broad: The Pixel 8 has a 12MP ultra-wide digital camera, whereas the Pixel 8 Professional incorporates a superior 48MP ultra-wide with macro capabilities.
- Telephoto: provides depth and readability to zoomed-in pictures. Solely the 8 Professional is supplied with a 48-megapixel telephoto digital camera, enabling 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 doesn’t have this lens, and it compensates with an enhanced Tremendous Res Zoom function.
This differentiation in digital camera suite makes it evident that Google goals to create a definite hole between the usual and Professional fashions. For digital camera lovers, the Pixel 8 Professional is clearly the winner, with its superior lens and capabilities. Nevertheless, for on a regular basis customers, the Pixel 8’s digital camera ought to suffice.
Software program Updates
Arguably, essentially the most compelling side of the Pixel 8 collection isn’t the {hardware} however the software program. Google guarantees a whopping 7 years of updates, outshining even the iPhone. Each telephones will ship with Android 14, and if Google stays true to its promise, Android 21 might be on the horizon by 2030.
Remaining Ideas: Do you have to get the 8 or 8 Professional?
The Google Pixel 8 collection are strong units, providing a stability of efficiency, aesthetics, and options. Whereas it has its quirks, like several tech product, the Pixel 8 and eight Professional are undoubtedly prime contenders in right this moment’s smartphone market.
The Pixel 8 Professional, with its superior digital camera options and added RAM, appears to be focusing on pictures lovers. In the meantime, the Pixel 8, with its aggressive worth, is tailor-made for the overall client.
By way of sheer {hardware} numbers, Pixels won’t stand out in opposition to the competitions, however for individuals who worth software program prowess and a seamless consumer expertise, the Pixel collection stays unbeatable.
For the common consumer, the Pixel 8, priced at $699, provides a balanced mix of options, smaller type issue, making it the go-to alternative. The $999 Pixel 8 Professional, whereas catering to the facility customers, shouldn’t be an absolute spec-beast however holds its personal with a bigger display screen, enhanced digital camera controls, and higher 512GB storage choice.
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7
Design and Construct
On the surface, the Pixel 8 is marginally smaller, making it barely extra snug to carry with one hand. Whereas the Pixel 7 boasts a 6.3-inch show, the Pixel 8 is available in at 6.2 inches. Nevertheless, the Pixel 8’s decreased bezels make it seem extra up to date. For me, the Pixel 8’s really feel within the hand is noticeably superior.
Show Enhancements
The Pixel 8 shines in display screen brightness, reaching at a outstanding 2000 nits, considerably outperforming the Pixel 7’s 1400 nits. This, mixed with the HDR brightness, elevates the viewing expertise. One other commendable function is the Pixel 8’s 120Hz refresh charge, making interactions smoother in comparison with Pixel 7’s 90Hz.
Efficiency and Battery
Whereas each telephones share the identical RAM and storage capacities, the brand new AI options are unique to the Pixel 8. Options just like the safe face unlock and superior AI-driven picture modifying instruments set the Pixel 8 aside. Concerning battery capability, each telephones are comparable, however a brand new cellphone will naturally supply higher battery life because of the newer batteries. Additionally the brand new G3 chip within the Pixel 8 guarantees higher effectivity than the G2 chip within the Pixel 7.
Digicam Capabilities
The Pixel 8’s digital camera is the place important upgrades are evident. From a wider aperture to autofocus within the ultra-wide digital camera for macro pictures, the enhancements are noticeable. The extremely HDR mode, which makes photographs pop with vibrancy, is genuinely game-changing. Viewing photographs felt like watching an HDR film – an expertise laborious to return.
Software program Updates
Google guarantees an formidable 7 years of OS updates for the Pixel 8, dwarfing the Pixel 7’s 3 to 4 years. If delivered, this alone might be a compelling purpose for a lot of to improve, particularly contemplating even Apple doesn’t supply such prolonged help.
Conclusion: Do you have to get the Pixel 8 or 7?
Weighing the professionals and cons, the Pixel 8 emerges as a considerable improve from the Pixel 7. Whether or not it’s the improved digital camera, AI capabilities, or the promise of prolonged software program updates, the Pixel 8 is compelling.
However keep in mind, if you happen to’re contemplating the improve, make the most of the present offers and maybe even revenue from the free Pixel Buds Professional!
Suggestions and Methods
I discovered the Pixel 8 Professional lacking some user-friendly customizations current within the OnePlus 7 Professional I had been utilizing, together with:
- Double-tap dwelling display screen to lock
- Sq. app icons
- Sound/vibrate/mute toggle button
- Gesture management on the lock display screen (for example, turning on the digital camera and torch)