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Is the Pixel 8 worth waiting for?

Will the Pixel 8 be a smartphone worth waiting for?
Last Updated on October 4, 2023
Is the Pixel 8 worth waiting for? Image shows the text "Is the Pixel 8 worth waiting for?" next to the Google Pixel 8 on a purple blue gradient background.
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The smartphone market is constantly evolving, with new devices being released every year. If you’re in the market for a new phone, you might be wondering – is it worth waiting for the Google Pixel 8? In this article, we’ll explore the potential features and improvements of the Pixel 8 compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7. We’ll discuss the design and display, the performance, and the camera to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and find out if the Google Pixel 8 is an upgrade worth waiting for.

What can you expect from the Pixel 8?

Even though the Google Pixel 8 is yet to be officially released, one thing is certain — it will come with several new features lacking in its predecessor, the Pixel 7. Here are some of the things you can expect from the new Pixel 8 prior to its anticipated launch this October:

Design and Size

The design of a smartphone plays a crucial role in its overall appeal. According to rumors from Android Authority, the Pixel 8 will feature a slightly smaller screen and size compared to the Pixel 7. While the Pixel 7 has a 6.32-inch display, the Pixel 8 is expected to come with a 6.17-inch OLED screen. This reduction in screen size would make the Pixel 8 more compact and easier to handle with one hand, while still getting that potential boost in refresh rate. However, we might also be getting a decrease in overall size, with rumored dimensions of 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm.

Additionally, it is speculated that the Pixel 8 will retain the bezel design and the visor-shaped camera module seen on its predecessor. Overall, the Pixel 8 is expected to have a similar design language to the Pixel 7, keeping with the Pixel aesthetics but receiving some minor refinements that might make it a phone worth waiting for. We’ve got more on the Pixel 8 size and weight here.

Camera

The camera is often a deciding factor for many smartphone buyers, and the Pixel series has been lauded for its exceptional camera performance. While the exact camera system specifications of the Pixel 8 are not yet confirmed, rumors suggest that it will feature a slightly different 50-megapixel main sensor compared to the 50-megapixel sensor found in the Pixel 7. This could be a newer Samsung Isocell G2 main camera, an upgrade to the Isocell G1 found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6.

According to leaks, the Pixel 8 is also expected to introduce a new “staggered HDR” algorithm, which captures multiple exposure shots simultaneously to reduce artifacts and improve dynamic range. This feature could potentially enhance the overall image quality and make the Pixel 8 a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts if these specs are confirmed.

Performance and Software

One of the most crucial aspects of any smartphone is its hardware and performance. The Pixel 8 is expected to come with Google’s custom-designed Tensor G3 processor, succeeding the Tensor G2 found in the Pixel 7. While the exact details of the Tensor G3 are not yet known, the new Tensor chip is expected to offer improvements in terms of AI processing and photo capabilities, such as video unblur as well as photo unblur. 

The Tensor G3 is designed to enhance Google’s computational photography abilities, allowing for features like staggered HDR and improved low-light performance. Additionally, the Pixel 8 is rumored to come with UFS 4.0 storage and LPDDR5X RAM, offering faster read and write speeds compared to the Pixel 7’s UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM. The performance boosts due to the CPU and GPU capabilities of the Tensor G3 could in itself make the Pixel 8 a phone worth waiting for.

Will the Pixel 8 be better than other Pixel phones?

Yes, as the latest of Google’s flagship phones, the Pixel 8 will be better than the previous Pixel phone models. Additionally, its advanced Tensor chipset, camera features, and other improvements will see the Pixel 8 aiming to be one of the best Android phones, as well as competition with the iPhone. These could include an upgraded fingerprint sensor, enhanced water and dust resistance, improved haptic feedback, improved battery life, and potentially even 5G connectivity. 

However, as with any upcoming device, it’s essential to wait for official announcements from Google to get a complete picture of the Pixel 8’s features and improvements. In the meantime, you can check out what we know so far about the Pixel 8 colors so you know what you can get your hands on before its launch.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.