The launch of the new Google Pixel 8 series is imminent, and like always, it’s time to round up everything we know about the new device. We can expect Google’s latest and greatest to launch later this year, bringing with it a slew of new and innovative features. We’ve been hearing a particularly lot of rumours surrounding its camera and new silicon, so let’s dive right in.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Chipset
Ever since the Google Pixel 6 line, the tech giants have been pushing their own Tensor chipsets. With the Google Pixel 8 series, we’re expecting to see a brand new version of this chipset powering the device. This is practically a given at this point, so the bigger question is, what new changes will the chipset bring?
First off, we’re expecting to see much greater support for artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Tensor G1 and G2 had a heavy focus on these, and leaks claim this will continue. Rumours say the new chipset will have more AI routines hardcoded to improve the video editing suite. As usual, it’s hard to tell what exactly will change, but it’ll be more obvious once the Google Pixel 8 series launches.
We’re also expecting to see some adjustments to the chipset’s temperatures. The last two Tensor chipsets, despite their good performance, would heat up to an uncomfortable degree. To solve this, leaks claim the new chipset will use Samsung Foundry’s FO-WLP fabrication process. Multiple sources claim there will be a “fan out wafer-level processing,” which should reduce heat generation and improve efficiency.
We’re also looking at some interesting performance possibilities. The chipset will feature ARMv9 cores, with a unique nine-core structure. A single Cortex-X3 prime core runs at 3.0GHz, along with four Cortex-A715 cores at 2.45GHz and four A510 cores at 2.15GHz. Ray-tracing support is also all set thanks to the new Immortalis-G715 GPU. Finally, we’re expecting faster neural processing performance and support for 8K video.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Design
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro look to carry forward the same design principles we’ve seen from the last two Pixel devices. We’ve seen so many leaks of the new devices that at this point, practically everyone knows what the upcoming devices will look like. Thankfully, they’re a pretty handsome pair of smartphones, improving on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro look.
The design of the device features the same signature metal camera band the last Pixel-series devices had. Looking at the general shape of the Google Pixel 8, we also see some more rounded corners. The Pixel 8 looks to be much smaller than the previous device, and the curved displays are gone, replaced with normal, flat displays.
Another interesting thing to note is that the Google Pixel 8 appears to have a temperature sensor. It sits comfortably beneath the flash in the new renders. What particular function it will serve remains to be seen, especially since we haven’t seen anything like this elsewhere.
Over on the front, we have a hole punch front camera again, which is typical of the Pixel series at this point. What’s not typical, however, is how some renders of the device we’ve seen lack a SIM card tray. Some reports claim the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be eSIM-only devices in certain territories. This would once again put them on the same road as Apple and the iPhone 14.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Colors
Next, we’ve got the new colour options for the Pixel 8 devices. Leaks tip-off that the new Pixel 8 will come in Jade, Peony, Haze, and Liquorice. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro is tipped to be available in Jade Liquorice, Porcelain, and Sky. We can confirm all of these thanks to a 360-degree online simulator that Google has since removed.
Google Pixel 8 Series: RAM and Storage
According to analyst Yogesh Brar, the standard Pixel 8 will feature 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro ups this to 12GB of RAM. This means things remain practically unchanged from the previous Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. It’s not too surprising, especially considering there still needs to be a distinction between the two variants.
When it comes to storage options, we don’t really have any concrete leaks yet. One rumour claims both devices will start with 128GB of internal storage in their base models. While it’s definitely not bad, most flagships are now starting at 256GB. It’s still not a deal breaker, but we hope it’s not the case with the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Android OS
With the new Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, we’re expecting to see Android 14 make its official debut. The update is available as a beta on other devices already, and it’s practically a given the new Pixel will have the latest version of Android. We’ll also probably get to see what new goodies Android 14 will have to offer, and that’s an exciting prospect.
We also have reports that claim Google is extending software support to five years over the previous four years. Apple offers the same with their iPhones, and this puts Google’s competitor on the same level as the main competition. Regardless, we’re expecting only the best from the Pixel 8 on the software end.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Display
Displays are one section where Google’s Pixel line never disappoints. The Google Pixel 8-series devices will both reportedly come with 120Hz refresh rates. Where this would be natural for the Pixel 8 Pro, it’s a nice upgrade for the regular Pixel 8. As for size, the Pixel 8 will allegedly get a smaller 6.17-inch display, while the Pixel 8 Pro’s will stay at 6.7 inches.
As far as resolution goes, the Pixel 8’s display will remain the same FHD+ (2400×1080) while the Pixel 8 Pro’s resolution is set to drop slightly, going from the 3120×1440 of the Pixel 6 Pro and 7 Pro down to 2992×1344. It’s definitely not something we expected to see, we’re eager to see how it all plays out.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Camera
Google has never been one to make big strides between generations in terms of camera hardware. With the Google Pixel 8, the company looks to be making more substantial changes, however. Android Authority claims the new Pixel will come with the brand new Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensor. With a large 1/1.12 sensor and a resolution of 50MP, it should be a marked improvement to the Pixel 7 Pro.
The biggest change that comes with the new sensor is support for staggered HDR. Where normal HDR takes multiple images in a row and stitches them together, staggered HDR takes them all simultaneously. This helps get rid of issues like ghosting, and blurring, making for a better end product.
When it comes to the ultrawide sensors, we’re also seeing some improvements. The standard Pixel 8 is the less interesting of the two, carrying over the same 12MP IMX386 sensor from its predecessor but with a wider 0.55x zoom ratio. The Pixel 8 Pro meanwhile uses a 64MP Sony IMX787, with a 0.49x zoom ratio. We’ve heard rumours that the device is dropping macro functionality, which would be a shame.
Otherwise, there don’t seem to be any other changes between the Pixel 8 series and Pixel 7 series. The Pixel 8 Pro is set to have the same telephoto sensor on the back, with a 48MP 5x periscope zoom. Over on the front, both variants of the Pixel 8 will feature the same 11MP selfie camera we saw in the Google Pixel 7.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Battery
Battery life has been one of the sectors where previous Google Pixel devices didn’t particularly excel. Looking at these new leaks, however, it seems like things aren’t set to change any time soon. The Google Pixel 8 seems to have a smaller footprint than the Pixel 7, so the battery may be smaller. For the Pixel 8 Pro, however, reports say we’ll see a small drop from 5,000mAh to 4,950mAh.
With this, the Google Pixel 8’s battery performance will come down mainly to chipset efficiency. With the rumour of a 120Hz display on the Pixel 8, as well as a monumentally more powerful processor, we’re not getting our hopes up. Of course, optimizations could be done to keep things efficient, so we’re staking our hopes on that.
Next up, fast charging! According to some sources, the Google Pixel 8 Pro will feature 27W fast charging. Thus, we can also expect the standard Google Pixel 8 to have the same 27W fast charging. It’s a step up from the Pixel 7’s 23W fast charging, so it fits well. Finally, the Wireless Power Consortium leaks show that the Pixel 8 will continue to stick to 12W Qi wireless charging.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Release Date
We now have an official release date for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, kind of. Google has scheduled a Made by Google event in New York for the 4th of October. While there’s no confirmation that the Google Pixel 8 will launch there, we’ve seen so many leaks at this point that it’s pretty obvious. The Pixel 7 also launched on October 6, 2022, so it all lines up quite nicely.
As for when the device will go on sale, we’re expecting it to go retail a week after its launch. While we don’t have a source for this, this was how things were done with the Google Pixel 7. Given how similar the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 have been, leaks and all, we wouldn’t be surprised to see these things line up once again.
Google Pixel 8 Series: Final Thoughts
New Google Pixel device launches are always exciting to see, and the Google Pixel 8 series is no exception. Despite the sheer amount of leaks out so far, there’s still a lot to look forward to with the Pixel 8 devices. While some aspects of it do seem a bit worrisome, overall it’s still looking to be one of the most impressive and interesting flagships this year.
Also in spite of all the leaks, we still don’t know everything about the Pixel 8 series devices. Everything here, while probably accurate, is still a leak and thus needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Because of that, we’re looking forward to seeing the devices launch and find out whether they’ll live up to the hype. We’ll find out everything on October 4, so all we can do now is wait and see.
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