The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A capable phone that blends AI smarts with a strong camera, perfect for those who value easy usability and longevity in their daily device.What's good
- Excellent main camera
- Bright OLED display
- AI photo editing tools
- Compact design
- 7 years software support
What's bad
- No telephoto lens
- Minimal design changes
- Battery gets warm
- Colors lack vibrancy
- Hit-or-miss AI features
Design
The Pixel 8 features smooth, rounded corners and a matte aluminum frame, which make it feel soft in the hand. This contributes to a more approachable and comfortable design. The slightly smaller size and lighter weight compared to its predecessor improve both portability and ergonomics.
Reviewers mentioned it 'feels great in the hand,' even with a tiny increase in thickness. Buttons on the right side are easy to reach, and the in-display fingerprint sensor is reliable.
The IP68 rating means it can handle dust and water exposure. The familiar camera bar design creates a secure grip, though an improved color palette could add more vibrancy.
Display(s)
The phone's 6.2-inch OLED screen offers a clear and sharp viewing experience. You will appreciate the brilliant colors and deep contrasts.
This display supports a high refresh rate of 120Hz, making scrolling smooth and pleasant.
The Actua screen maintains visibility under direct sunlight, reaching up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
Whether reading or viewing videos, you’ll see crisp text and detailed visuals without straining your eyes.
Performance
The Google Pixel 8 features the new Google Tensor G3 chip. This chip improves everyday phone tasks and supports advanced AI features, boosting usability.
Reviewers noticed the Pixel 8 handles daily use without lag, which translates to an enjoyable user experience for you.
The phone also supports smooth gaming at medium settings, although it may not match the highest-end gaming phones.
Battery life is better than in previous models, giving you a reliable phone for daily activities and moderate gaming sessions.
Software & Storage
The Pixel 8 provides a clean and intuitive interface, thanks to Android 14. You'll find small but helpful enhancements like customizable lock screens and new animations.
One of its standout features is its extensive software support, with Google promising seven years of updates for the Pixel 8. This means your phone will stay current longer and retain its value.
You'll benefit from consistent security patches and new features without needing frequent upgrades.
Cameras
The Pixel 8’s cameras excel in everyday shooting, delivering sharp and vibrant photos. The 50MP main sensor captures rich details and performs well in low light, thanks to its ability to take in more light than previous models.
The 12MP ultra-wide sensor now includes autofocus for enhanced macro shots, adding versatility to your photo options. Yet, you may miss a telephoto lens for long-distance shots, but the 8x Super Res Zoom works impressively well. Reviewers at TechRadar note it provides "impressive versatility that most users should be more than happy with."
Google’s editing tools like Magic Editor and Best Take allow you to tweak your photos, making them stand out with minimal effort. The Pixel 8's camera delivers a rewarding photography experience, even if it lacks a few high-end features found in more expensive models.
Battery
The Pixel 8's 4,575mAh battery stands out for its longevity. You can expect around six hours of screen-on time, making it a dependable choice for daily use. Even with demanding apps, you'll find the battery performs admirably.
Charging is faster than previous models. Google has upgraded the Pixel 8 to support 27W wired charging, cutting down on the wait time significantly. This means less tethering time and more time to enjoy your device.
With the added support for up to 18W wireless charging, you can choose the most convenient power-up method to fit your lifestyle. Overall, the battery features are designed to keep up with your active day.
Audio
The Google Pixel 8 ensures you hear every word clearly during calls, thanks to its excellent microphones and speakers. This phone's audio capabilities provide clear call quality, making your conversations easy, even in noisy environments.
For entertainment, the phone delivers detailed and rich sound whether you're watching movies or playing games. Reviewers praised the audio quality, with one noting, 'The stereo speakers pair decently with the display for a casual movie viewing or listening to music.'
These enhancements make your everyday use of the phone more satisfying, ensuring high-quality sound across different activities.
The Bottom Line
This phone provides seven years of software and security updates, ensuring peace of mind for a long-term investment. Its main camera captures sharp, vibrant photos, and the AI features like Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser enhance your photo and video editing options.
Its smaller size makes it comfortable to handle, and the display is both bright and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it lacks a telephoto lens, you'll still find the camera features versatile enough for everyday use.
What the Critics Are Saying...


- Anyron Copeman, Tech AdvisorThe Pixel 8’s price hike compared to the Pixel 7 has been reversed in the UK, making it a much better buy than at launch. With the Pixel 9 even more expensive, this older model is definitely worth considering, especially with software updates continuing until 2030. However, you might have a harder t...


- Chris Hall, Good HousekeepingThe Pixel 8 is a great smartphone, offering solid build and great performance – all for a good price at £699. But it’s now a year old and the Pixel 8a offers much the same and could be found at a lower price – so that’s always worth investigating if choosing between the two.


- Chance Kinney, GeekSpinFor those who don't want a larger phone, Google's Pixel 8 offers a true flagship-level experience in a smaller size. And you get all of that for a very reasonable price.


- Antonio Villas-Boas, Business InsiderIf you're in the market for an Android phone in the $1,000 range, we highly recommend the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro has all the base ingredients of a worthwhile, high-end Android phone: an adaptive 120Hz OLED display, powerful performance, and premium design and materials. It has excellent batter...


- Jon Mundy, Pocket GamerThe Google Pixel 8 is one of the best pound-for-pound smartphones on the market, but when it comes to gaming it’s merely competent.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Google Pixel 8 prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Google's suggested retail price is $699.00. You can compare Pixel 8 prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Google backs up the Pixel 8 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Pixel 8 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Google support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Google's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Ask the Community
No questions for the moment.
Resources
Helpful Links Share / Embed
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.