The Pixel 8 is a compact flagship phone from Google. It was announced on October 4, 2023, and went on sale on October 12, 2023. The US launch price started at $699 for the 128 GB model. Google no longer sells it new in its online store, so the phone is now discontinued. Its successor is the Pixel 9.
Design and display
The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch OLED screen that Google calls the Actua display. It runs at 1080 x 2400 pixels, which gives 428 pixels per inch. The refresh rate moves between 60 and 120 Hz. Peak brightness reaches 2,000 nits, and HDR content can hit 1,400 nits.
Gorilla Glass Victus covers both the front and the back. The frame is matte aluminum made from recycled metal. The body measures 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm and weighs 187 grams. It carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Colors are Obsidian, Hazel, Rose and Mint.
Performance
Inside is the Google Tensor G3, built on a 4 nm process. Its nine CPU cores peak at 2.91 GHz, and the GPU is an Arm Mali-G715. The phone pairs this chip with 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Storage options are 128 GB and 256 GB of UFS 3.1, with no microSD slot.
Cameras
The rear setup has two cameras. The main camera uses a 50 MP sensor with a 1/1.31-inch size, an f/1.68 lens and optical stabilization. Next to it sits a 12 MP ultrawide camera with autofocus and a 125.8-degree field of view. Super Res Zoom reaches up to 8x.
On the front, a 10.5 MP selfie camera has a fixed-focus f/2.2 lens. Both the rear and front cameras record 4K video at up to 60 fps. Software features include Best Take, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser and Night Sight.
Battery and charging
The battery has a typical capacity of 4,575 mAh. Google quotes more than 24 hours of use, or up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. Wired charging peaks at 27 W with a compatible charger. The phone also supports 18 W wireless charging on the Pixel Stand (2nd gen). Battery Share lets it charge other Qi devices. A charger is not included in the box.
Software and updates
The Pixel 8 launched with Android 14. Google promises seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates. That support counts from the first US sale date in October 2023. Other features include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, stereo speakers and an under-display fingerprint sensor.
Should you buy the Pixel 8?
The Pixel 8 suits buyers who want a smaller Android phone with a long update promise. It offers IP68 protection, wireless charging and a 120 Hz screen. However, Google has stopped selling it new, and stock now depends on other sellers. Buyers who want a current model can look at the Pixel 9 instead.
