So, according to my fellow Tech YouTuber friend, MKBHD, he crowned the Google Pixel 8 as the phone of the year just last year. So is he right? Well, after testing this phone for 3 months, I found 8 pros and 8 cons on the Google Pixel 8!
Build Quality
So, let’s start with the build quality. Now, the Google Pixel 8 really stands out with a sleek premium design. It is super easy to hold, and the best part is that it is also IP68 water and dust-resistant. So, you can use it without a case or worry less about it getting dirty easily or water damage. For me, it has been my worry-free and go-everywhere buddy.
Then, the colors are premium looking, especially this Grey, which looks like a darker version of the iPhone 15 Pro’s Natural Titanium, which I really love.
And this brings us to our first con. However, because the glossy finish can be quite slippery. For example, I was using this at the gym the other day, and the phone came close to slipping out of my hand as my hands were a little sweaty. So, it’s not ideal to hold, especially if your hands are wet. Keep that in mind.
Now, I personally prefer a matte finish on a smartphone, but let me know what you think. At this point in time, do you prefer matte or glossy finish on your smartphone? For me, it’s matte all the way, my friends.
Display
Then, Pro number two: the 6.2″ OLED screen looks stunning. The colors pop; they are super accurate. And this 120Hz OLED panel is a total game changer, especially for this size of the screen.
But the bezels, though, they are like a throwback to the year 2000s – thick, clunky, and just quite ugly.
Camera
Then, Pro numero tres: camera-wise, the Pixel snaps some great shots with the classic crisp Google Pixel look. It doesn’t overdo with the colors, especially on the saturation like some other smartphones out there. And the overall dynamic range was amazing too, even for the front cameras.
And what’s interesting is that even there’s no autofocus, it still turns out great, even when it comes to the portrait selfie too.
The video stabilization at 4K video recording was good, so was the overall quality as well, even with the limitation of 1080p with the Cinematic Blur video recording.
But let’s talk about con number three because the portrait mode on humans and on subjects was not as consistent. Sometimes it was decent, and most of the time it was not, as you can see on the hair; the detection was not really great at the edges of the hair and sunglasses too.
Then there’s no Pro mode either, which is a bummer because I think that Google decided to only think that the Pro only deserves for the pro level of the Google Pixel 8.
Also, the ultrawide lens does not shine in low light. You’ll notice the quality drop if you switch between the main camera and the ultrawide lenses. So, if you want to get better or higher quality pictures at night, just use the main camera instead of the ultrawide lenses.
As for zooming, a dedicated telephoto lens would have been a great addition. I mean, we all don’t need to zoom across the neighborhood or across the moon, but a 2x telephoto lens would have been sweet, especially considering the price.
Speakers
Switching gears to the good stuff, the Google Pixel 8 stereo speakers are top-notch! They’ve got this perfect balance of bass and treble, something that most phones just can’t nail, especially with this compact size. It packs a punch like a “Cili Padi”!
AI Features
Alright, let’s dive into— you know, reviewers always say “dive into.” Let’s dive into the coolest part of the Google Pixel 8, which is the AI Features.
First up, there is a thing called Best Take, where it allows you to pick the best expressions from your photo, even change your facial expression artificially using other photos with a similar type of shots. Now, how cool is that? So, if you are someone who loves to take pictures and you feel like you’re not the best at taking pictures, well, this is a game-changer because no retakes are needed.
Then, there’s the new improved Magic Eraser. And here is where if you don’t like something in the background of your photo or in the photo itself, just erase it.
Then there is Magic Editor, which is an AI power tool that allows repositioning of a subject in the picture taken, which does work very well, especially if the subject is very prominent in the picture.
Next, there is Audio Magic Eraser Tool that wipes out background noise in videos.
But there is a small catch on one of the AI features, which is the AI-enhanced call screening for spam prevention, which is only available in the US and certain countries. Not a huge deal for me, but of course worth mentioning.
Then, typing on this phone, it’s a dream. Like, seriously, it is unmatched in the Android world. It is so responsive and quick that my fingers just fly through the screen with hardly any mistakes. Then, the haptic feedback – simply the best. I even dare to say that it is better than typing on an iPhone.
Software
Next, since you’re getting Android from the mothership Google itself, it has up to 7 years of software support, which has the longest compared to any other Android phone out there. But let’s hope that Google lives up to this promise here because remember Google Stadia?
Battery
Next, let’s talk about the battery. The Google Pixel 8 has a 27W wired charging and Power Delivery 3.0, juicing up to 50% in 30 minutes flat. Now, this is a really nice bump from last year’s Pixel 7, which charged at 20W.
And what’s interesting is that the Google Pixel 7 also had the same amount of charge speed at the same amount of time. So, it seems like we’re getting more power efficient this time around.
And this is also because the battery size has gone up to 4,575 mAh from last year’s 4,355 mAh.
However, the battery life is still not great because I got an average of around 3 hours plus of screen-on time, both on Wi-Fi and mobile data at 10% battery with Dark Mode turned on.
Pricing
Finally, let’s talk about money. Is the Google Pixel 8 worth your hard-earned cash?
Well, since we can’t get it directly here in Malaysia, I’ve decided to convert the price from Singapore’s currency since they are our neighboring country. It starts at SGD1,099, which is about RM3,825 or about USD 833.
Now, with that kind of money, you could just snag a Samsung Galaxy S23 5G and save money, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, or even the Nothing Phone 2 with more savings in your pocket.
