Google Pixel 8 Pro Review - 6 Months Later

Introduction

It has been six months since I purchased the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and in this article, I will take you through its current standing in terms of competition, what I have liked about it over the past six months, and who I think this phone is best suited for.

What's New with the Pixel 8 Pro

Google made several changes to the Pixel 8 Pro. It now has a flat display, making it easier to apply a screen protector. The display can reach up to 1,600 nits of brightness for HDR content and 2,400 nits for peak brightness. The back material is matte, reducing fingerprints, although this matters less once you put a case on it.

The Pixel 8 Pro also features a temperature sensor, which is an interesting addition. While it may seem like a strange feature, it can be useful for checking body temperature in certain situations. However, it is a niche feature, and I have only used it once in the six months I've had the phone. Let me know in the comments what you think about this feature and whether it should be standard on all smartphones.

The camera system on the Pixel 8 Pro received significant upgrades. The main camera sensor now has a wider 2.8 aperture, allowing it to capture 56% more light. The ultra-wide camera has a close focus distance of 2 cm, enabling better bokeh in macro shots. While the camera system on the Pixel 8 Pro is excellent, it may not necessarily outshine other flagship smartphones in all aspects. For example, the skin tone in selfies may appear slightly paler compared to other phones, and the camera system may struggle a bit in low-light conditions.

One notable new feature is the Video Boost, which allows you to send your videos to Google's Cloud for additional processing. This feature preserves more data in the video, resulting in improved footage, although some imperfections, such as artifacting and digital noise, may still be present.

The Magic Editor is another useful feature that I found myself using frequently. It allows you to remove objects from photos and even move and resize objects within the frame. It is a convenient alternative to spending time in Photoshop.

Other Features and Experience

The Pixel 8 Pro offers a suite of phone call features called Pixel Call Assist, which blocks spam calls, screens calls with Google Assistant, and even stays on hold for you during customer service calls. The Recorder app is also impressive, as it automatically transcribes recordings and recognizes different speakers.

The software experience on the Pixel 8 Pro is clean and minimal, with Google's pixel Android Launcher. The Material You theme looks great, although it would be better if all app icons adhered to the chosen theme.

The Pixel Launcher's At a Glance feature is particularly useful, as it displays relevant information on the home screen, such as the date, weather, and upcoming calendar events. The typing experience on the Pixel 8 Pro is also one of the best I've encountered.

Downsides and Issues

One minor downside is the screen white balance, which appears slightly more blue compared to other phones. It would be great if Google provided an option to adjust the white balance or reintroduced the auto white balance adjustment feature present in the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

Another consideration is the repairability of the phone. While not specific to the Pixel 8 Pro, it would be beneficial if Google made it easier for users to replace the battery and perform other repairs.

The Pixel 8 Pro, marketed as the phone for Google enthusiasts, may not feel as exclusive as previous Google phones. Some features, such as Best Take and Gemini, are available on other Android phones, potentially making it less unique. However, the Pixel 8 Pro still offers excellent value for its price, an outstanding camera system, and a great overall user experience.

Keywords

Google Pixel 8 Pro, camera system, Android experience, competition, screen protector, brightness, temperature sensor, photo editing, video processing, battery life, performance, software experience, launcher, typing experience, downsides, white balance, repairability, exclusivity.

FAQ

1. How is the camera system on the Pixel 8 Pro? The camera system on the Pixel 8 Pro is excellent, with upgrades to the main camera sensor and the ultra-wide camera. However, it may not surpass all other flagship smartphones in terms of overall performance, particularly in low-light conditions.

2. What are the standout features of the Pixel 8 Pro? The Pixel 8 Pro offers Pixel Call Assist, which includes features such as call blocking, call screening with Google Assistant, and automated on-hold waiting. The Recorder app, clean software experience, and excellent typing experience are also noteworthy.

3. Does the Pixel 8 Pro have any downsides? One minor downside is the screen white balance, which tends to look slightly more blue compared to other phones. Additionally, the repairability of the phone could be improved.

4. Who should consider buying the Pixel 8 Pro? The Pixel 8 Pro is an ideal choice for those who value a great camera system, clean software experience, excellent call features, and a minimalist design. It is also suitable for users heavily reliant on Google services and looking for good value in a smartphone.