Google Pixel 8: All the things we all know to date and what we need to see

The Google Pixel 7 series made fairly the splash in October, incomes each our Editors Selection and Readers Selection awards in 2022. We will positively see why, because the telephones delivered respectable efficiency, polished software program, and a terrific digital camera expertise (as traditional for a Google cellphone).

Now that these telephones have been available on the market for a number of months and cemented themselves among the many best Android phones, we’re curious to see how Google can enhance on them with the Pixel 8 sequence. So we’ve gathered all probably the most notable Pixel 8 rumors and leaks in a single place, whereas additionally doling out a wishlist for these telephones.

Will there be a Google Pixel 8 sequence?

Google has launched a flagship Pixel or two yearly because the first Pixel line again in 2016. So odds are excessive that the Pixel 8 household will debut in 2023. Dependable German outlet WinFuture previously confirmed in November 2022 that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional are certainly coming and shall be codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky,” respectively.

• Pixel 7 sequence launch date: October 6, 2022
• Pixel 6 sequence launch date: October 19, 2021
• Pixel 5 launch date: September 30, 2020

Google often launches its flagship telephones in October every year, with the Pixel 7 vary and Pixel 6 duo each revealed on this month. The Pixel 5 was launched on September 30, however this was the exception relatively than the rule as all earlier units launched in October. For sure, it’s a good guess to count on the Pixel 8 launch date to fall in September or October 2023.

What options and specs will the Pixel 8 sequence have?

We haven’t seen a ton of Pixel 8 household leaks simply but, however there’s nonetheless an honest quantity of information to go on. Right here’s what we all know concerning the telephones by way of design, options, and general specs.

WinFuture was first to report that the Pixel 8 sequence will obtain the next-generation Tensor processor code-named “Zuma.” This was corroborated by our personal leaked roadmap.

There’s no phrase on the Tensor G3’s specs and capabilities, however we hope Google switches to extra trendy CPU cores because the Tensor G2 remains to be just a few generations behind Arm’s latest cores. We’re additionally hoping the brand new chipset results in a cooler expertise, as we complained about heating in our Pixel 7 review.

In any other case, this leak additionally pointed to 8GB of RAM for the usual Pixel 8 and 12GB of RAM for the Professional variant. That is according to the Pixel 7 sequence.

WinFuture additionally claims that the Pixel 8 may have a 2,268 x 1,080 show whereas the Pixel 8 Professional will pack a 2,822 x 1,344 display screen. The latter decision is barely decrease in comparison with the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional’s 1440p panels.

We’re guessing the usual Pixel 8 will retain a 4,300mAh or greater battery whereas the Pixel 8 Professional might retain a ~5,000mAh battery. As for charging speeds? We desperately need to see a significant discount in charging instances, however we wouldn’t guess on it.

Google has caught with related digital camera programs for 2 generations now, with the one actual {hardware} change being the Pixel 7 Professional switching to a 5x 48MP digital camera as an alternative of a 4x shooter. In any other case, you’ve nonetheless bought the identical 50MP Isocell GN1 important digital camera right here.

This might change in 2023, as tipster Kuba Wojciechowski revealed that the Pixel 8 sequence will help staggered HDR know-how. The Isocell GN1 important digital camera used on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 households doesn’t help this tech, however the newer Isocell GN2 sensor certainly helps it. So it appears like we might get an upgraded important sensor.

Learn extra: Camera phone buyer guide

It’s additionally value noting that help for staggered HDR tech might convey just a few advantages over present Pixels too. These advantages are sooner, extra environment friendly HDR pictures together with extra element and richer colours.

In any other case, historical past tells us that we’ll see two rear cameras on the Pixel 8 (important and ultrawide) and three rear shooters on the Professional mannequin (important, ultrawide, and periscope). However we’ll simply have to attend and see if Google’s subsequent flagships can rank, but once more, among the many best camera phones you should buy.

We don’t know a lot concerning the Pixel 8 line’s design at this level, so it’s anybody’s guess whether or not Google will retain an identical design because the final two generations or go for one thing fully new. We hope Google retains the rear digital camera visor seen on the final two Pixel strains, however who is aware of if it’ll be made out of glass or aluminum.

In saying so, our personal info obtained from a trusted supply says the Pixel 8 will truly be smaller than the Pixel 7 (each by way of the show and the general measurement). So followers of a extra compact Pixel flagship ought to preserve an eye fixed out for this mannequin. In any other case, our supply additionally asserted that the Pixel 8 Professional would be the similar measurement because the Pixel 7 Professional.

• Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional value: $599 and $899
• Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional value: $599 and $899
• Pixel 5 value: $699

Google made an enormous splash with the Pixel 6 when it launched at $599, persevering with to supply this similar price ticket with the Pixel 7. In the meantime, the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional each got here in at $899, making for good offers in comparison with different premium flagships available on the market.

We haven’t seen any price-related leaks for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional simply but, however we hope Google maintains the identical pricing as earlier units. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t be stunned to see a slight value hike in mild of inflation, the economic system, and different components.

One of the disappointing issues concerning the Pixel 7 vary is the slow wired charging time. The telephones supply 20 to 23W charging speeds, leading to a full cost taking on 90 minutes. That’s extremely gradual in comparison with even mid-rangers and low-end units from different manufacturers.

We actually need to see Google up the ante with sooner charging speeds. We’re not asking for 80W+ charging, however even constant 30W or 40W speeds would make for a vastly lowered charging time.

The usual Pixel 6 and seven are each geared up with the same rear camera system, specifically a 50MP important digital camera and 12MP ultrawide lens. So these desirous to take zoomed-in pictures of any variety might want to depend on lower-quality Tremendous Res Zoom as an alternative of a devoted telephoto digital camera.

We hope to see a devoted telephoto digital camera on the usual Pixel 8 in 2023, as this could lead to higher-quality zoom. We’re not asking for a 4x or 5x digital camera, however even a 2x or 3x digital camera could be a useful addition. Moreover, Google can use this digital camera along side Tremendous Res Zoom for first rate 5x pictures or greater, as we’ve seen with the Pixel 4 telephones.

The final two generations of Pixels have maintained the identical pricing, specifically $599 for the vanilla mannequin and $899 for the Professional variant. Merely put, these are glorious costs when in comparison with similarly-equipped rival flagship telephones.

We’ve bought our fingers crossed that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional proceed this development in 2023. Alternatively, we hope Google solely implements a small value hike (e.g. $20 to $50) if it completely has to extend the value.