The Pixel 8 provides a balanced set of specifications for everyday use. It includes 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, giving ample space for apps, media, and files. This combination delivers reliable performance and practical storage, making the Pixel 8 a versatile and user friendly choice for most people.
Google Pixel 8 | Full Review
18/12/25
The Google Pixel 8 continues Google’s focus on delivering a clean Android experience, clever AI features, and long term software reliability. It doesn’t compete on flashy hardware specs alone, but it excels at doing everyday tasks smarter and more efficiently. The improved Tensor G3 chipset makes everyday use smoother, the camera system builds on Google’s renowned computational photography, and the OLED display is bright and sharp. For users who value software longevity and camera quality, the Pixel 8 delivers a compelling package.
Pros
- Smooth, bright OLED display with vibrant colours
- Computational photography
- Tensor G3 processor
- 7 years of Android and security updates
Cons
- Battery life is solid but not class-leading
- Limited hardware upgrades compared to competitors
- No ultra-wide telephoto or high-zoom lens
Pixel 8 – Overview
The Pixel 8 builds on the foundation set by its predecessor. Google focuses on practical improvements that matter to users: faster processing, better energy efficiency, and refined AI-powered features. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is handled with ease, and daily interactions, from messaging to streaming video, feel fluid. The device doesn’t chase every spec sheet metric, but the real-world experience is consistently smooth and reliable.
Pixel 8 – Design
Google keeps the Pixel design language understated yet polished. A matte aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back give it a premium feel without being flashy. The phone is compact enough for one handed use, with a subtle curve that makes it comfortable to hold. The IP68 water and dust rating adds reassurance, and the minimal bezel design keeps the focus on the display. It’s not a statement piece, but it feels deliberate, thoughtful, and user friend
Pixel 8 – Display
The 6.2-inch OLED display is bright, colourful, and easy to read outdoors. Text is sharp, colours pop without oversaturation, and contrast is deep enough to make videos and games look excellent. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations fluid, although Google’s focus remains on optimising software interactions rather than chasing raw refresh numbers. Compared to many mid range competitors, the Pixel 8’s display strikes a nice balance between clarity, smoothness, and battery efficiency.
Pixel 8 – Camera & Video
Photography is where the Pixel 8 shines. The dual-camera setup combines a 50MP main sensor with a 12MP ultra wide, both supported by Google’s computational photography. Daylight shots are sharp and natural, low light performance is impressively bright thanks to Night Sight, and the new Tensor G3 chipset helps reduce blur in motion-heavy scenes. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilisation, and features like Cinematic Blur make casual content look more polished. While it lacks the high zoom flexibility of some flagship competitors, for everyday photography and social media, it is hard to beat.
Pixel 8 – Spec Options
Pixel 8 – Build Quality
The Pixel 8 feels solid and premium thanks to its recycled aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back. It has a comfortable, slightly rounded design that sits well in the hand, and its IP68 rating provides resistance against dust and water for everyday use. The glossy back can attract fingerprints and feel a little slippery, and the metal‑glass seam may feel sharp to some users, so a case is recommended for added protection.
Pixel 8 – Performance
The Tensor G3 chipset keeps the Pixel 8 responsive. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is fluid, and light gaming runs smoothly. AI-powered features, from real time translation to enhanced voice typing, feel snappy and reliable. The phone doesn’t overheat during prolonged use, and efficiency improvements in this generation help preserve battery life during intensive tasks. For most users, the performance is fast enough to feel modern for years.
Pixel 8 – Life and Charge Time
Pixel 8 Pro
- Battery Life – 10 h 32 m (video playback)
- Charge Time – 50 % in ~30 minutes (wired), full in ~1 h 31 m
Pixel 8
- Battery Life – 8 h 20 m (video playback)
- Charge Time – 50% in ~30 minutes (wired), full in ~1 h 12 m
Pixel 7
- Battery Life – 8 h 20 m (video playback)
- Charge Time – 50% in ~30 minutes (wired), full in ~1 h 12 m
The Pixel 8 offers a strong balance between battery life and charging speed. It lasts long enough to comfortably get through a full day of use and charges quickly when you need a top up. Compared with the Pixel 7, it feels noticeably more enduring, while the Pixel 8 Pro goes a step further in both runtime and charging. For most users, the Pixel 8 provides the ideal combination of reliable longevity and fast charging.
Pixel 8 – Operating System
Geekbench results
CPU single-core scores:
- Pixel 8 Pro – Score = 1,760
- Pixel 8 – Score = 1,528
- Pixel 7 – Score = 1,475
CPU multi-core scores:
- Pixel 8 Pro – Score = 4,442
- Pixel 8 – Score = 3,821
- Pixel 7 – Score = 3,893
The Pixel 8, driven by the Tensor G3 chipset, handles everyday tasks smoothly with fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and casual gaming or video playback without slowdowns. Its single- and multi-core performance gives it a clear edge over the Pixel 7, making the device feel more responsive and snappy in daily use. While the Pixel 8 Pro offers slightly higher performance, the Pixel 8 still holds its own as a very capable option. Combined with seven years of Android and security updates, it remains a future proof choice for most users.
Pixel 8 – Additional Features
AI-powered enhancements for camera, voice, and system optimisation
Seven years of Android OS, security, and feature updates
In-display fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock for secure access
Gorilla Glass Victus for durable screen protection
Fast 30W USB-C wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging
Pixel 8 – Problems with Older Phones / Issues to Look Out For
While the Pixel 8 is generally reliable, some users have reported faster battery drain, especially when using mobile data heavily. A few have noticed the phone getting warm during intensive tasks, which can slightly affect performance. There have also been occasional touchscreen glitches, such as missed or unregistered taps. Display quality is mostly excellent, though a small number of users have spotted minor inconsistencies. Overall, these issues are relatively rare but worth keeping in mind for those upgrading from older devices.
Pixel 8 – Verdict
The Google Pixel 8 delivers a smooth, refined smartphone experience focused on longevity and smart features. Its OLED display is bright and fluid, the camera excels in computational photography, and the Tensor G3 processor keeps daily use smooth and efficient. 7 years of software updates ensures it remains relevant for years, and the design is comfortable and premium-feeling without being ostentatious.
For anyone who values clean Android, excellent photography, and long term software support, the Pixel 8 is one of the most sensible choices in the current smartphone landscape. It may not chase every spec or spec sheet metric, but in real world use, it consistently impresses.