Google hasn’t quite lifted the lid on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro just yet, as we look to October for the likely launch of the upcoming Android device. Google’s reputation for phone leaks has been prolific, though, and the Pixel 8 is no exception, as we’ve already got a glimpse of what the device could look like and some of its new features.
Looking back at the recent history of Pixel smartphones, Google’s soft reboot seems to have paid off so far. With a refreshed design language and an in-house developed processor, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro marked a turning point for Google, which was then built on with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 balanced affordability, performance and design well, and we praised its solid image performance and extensive feature set in our four-star review.
So what can we expect from the Pixel 8 series of smartphones? Well, to get the basics out of the way, we’re anticipating the usual combination of a standard and Pro model, probably the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, unless Google decides to shake up the naming convention. Here’s what we know about these phones so far…
Pixel 8 rumors at a glance
- Two Pixel 8 models, codenamed “Husky” and “Shiba”
- Pixel 8 Pro stays at 6.7 inches
- The Pixel 8 gets a slightly smaller 6.2-inch screen
- Powered by the third generation Google Tensor chip
- Flat displays on both models with a slightly updated design
- Starting price is expected to be £599 / $599 / AU$999 (Pixel 8) and £849 / $899 / AU$1299 (Pixel 8 Pro)
Pixel 8 release date rumors
Historically, Google launched its annual selection of Pixel phones in October, and we expect that to be the case this year as well. The one standout was the Pixel 5, which debuted early on September 30; however, the October dates fluctuate between the 4th and 19th.
Therefore, it’s likely that Google will announce its annual “Made by Google” event with an early to mid-October date to introduce the new devices, with a release date set around two weeks after the initial launch.
Pixel 8 price predictions
If smartphone prices in 2022 had one consistent factor, it was that they were more expensive than their predecessors. Samsung, Apple and Sony all increased the price of their respective flagship devices. However, Google remained one of the few to keep its prices the same as last year.
The Pixel 7 retailed for £599 / $599 / AU$999, the same price as the Pixel 6, and the Pixel 7 Pro launched for £849 / $899 / AU$1299, the same as the 6 Pro. Hopefully we’ll see this price trend continue for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, with prices staying the same as last year; that said, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a price increase this year.
Pixel 8 design
The Pixel 8 looks to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor with an updated design based on the revision of the Pixel 6 series. We’ve seen some possible renderings of the Pixel 8 courtesy of OnLeaks and MySmartPriceas well as the Pixel 8 Pro thanks OnLeaks and Smartprix.
One of the main design motifs that has become synonymous with the Pixel series is the camera visor, and it will return this year with a look very similar to last year’s Pixel 7 series. It will house two cameras on the regular model and three on the Pro like last year, although this time it looks like all three cameras will be housed in one large lens. There also appears to be an additional unidentified sensor on the renders believed to be a LiDAR sensor, the same one found on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Overall, the device appears to have a slightly rounder design on the back, a departure from the boxier design of the 6 and 7 series Pixels. On the front, however, is a different story, with the Pro model ditching the curved sides of the 7 Pro and opting for a flat screen instead. The Pixel 7 will presumably have a 6.2-inch screen, while the Pro will apparently have a 6.7-inch screen.
Both retain the USB-C port on the bottom of the device, with power and volume buttons on the right side, and a centered cutout for the front camera, as seen on the Pixel 7 series. In general, it is again a refinement of an existing design; we have little to complain about though, as we like the style and build of the current Pixel.
Pixel 8 specs
Google started implementing its in-house developed Tensor chips with the Pixel 6 and debuted the Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7, so we expect the Tensor G3 to make its appearance with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Google has had quite a successful run with the Tensor processors so far, having moved away from using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors as seen in the previous Pixel models. The Pixel 7 is a strong performer, so we look forward to seeing what the Tensor G3 is capable of.
We also got our first look at Android 14 at Google’s recent I/O event, which we expect will be the software the Pixel 8 ships with. It usually includes a few new quality of life improvements, such as the removal of notifications and a password manager, additional lock screen customization, some new health tracking features, and security updates. The most interesting feature as far as we’re concerned is the ability to play lossless audio through USB headphones without missing calls and alarms; you could do this prior to Android 14, but the system would give audio control to the headphones, apparently affecting notifications and alarms.
In terms of screen specs, we’ve found that the Pixel 8 gets a slightly smaller 6.2-inch than the Pixel 7, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch screen, the same size as the Pixel 7 Pro. Details such as resolution, refresh rate and HDR support have not yet been confirmed, although we wouldn’t be surprised if Google sticks to its existing formula of 1080p/90Hz on the standard model and 1440p/120Hz on the Pro variant.
Camera hardware is expected to be upgraded on the Pixel 8 series with staggered HDR technology; a process of taking multiple exposures at the same time using the same pixels. This, according to SmartPrix, should result in the same effect that traditional HDR offers without the need for more shooting time.
Pixel 8 early thoughts
While we’re still waiting for official Pixel 8 news, we’re already collecting thoughts and opinions on these new Android smartphones. While there don’t seem to be any groundbreaking next-generation upgrades here, it seems like all the major aspects of the phone should get a healthy update. A more powerful processor, improved camera and refined design all sound like steps in the right direction to us, and the Pixel 8 Pro’s flat screen is something we can get behind. Only time will tell if these Pixel phones live up to their predecessors, but stay tuned for further leaks and rumours, and a Pixel 8 review sometime in the future.
MORE:
More Pixel news as Google unveils the Pixel 7a
View our full Google Pixel 7 review
And our picks for the Best Android Smartphones