It may seem like blasphemy to Android or Apple devotees, but I have no brand loyalty to either operating system and choose my phone purely on the most feature-packed model on the market.
So when faced with the annual autumnal dilemma of iPhone vs. Google Pixel, the latter won my vote this year.
If I am to be perfectly candid, I didn't feel as though the iPhone 15 presented much of an upgrade to the previous handset, while Google has gone full steam ahead with its latest Pixel devices, providing a real contender to their Cupercino-based counterparts - although this has literally come at a cost.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro, the subject of this review, is now level price-wise with its contemporaries. Previous models provided a purse-friendly alternative to the mounting iPhone costs but the two competitors have gone in different directions for their 2023 launches with the iPhone 15 dropping in price and the Pixel climbing to nearly £1000.
Google dubs the 8th iteration of its Pixel range as its best and most powerful, boasting a souped-up camera and Google AI. But is it worth the money? I put it to the test to find out.
Key specs
- Tensor G3 processor
- Refresh rate of 120Hz
- 6.7” Super Actua display
- 12GB RAM
- Four cameras; 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto, 10.5MP front camera
- 24+ hour battery life
First impressions
As soon as I picked up the Google Pixel 8 Pro, I couldn’t believe how lightweight it was. It’s almost miraculous in the way it is so featherweight, whilst dwarfing its iPhone Pro contemporary in the screen department at 6.7” vs 6.12” of the latest iPhone 15 Pro. Without a case, if you’re a daredevil like that, it’s incredibly thin too.
It is undeniable that this is an attractive phone, from the crisp, entirely personalisable display to the playful colourways of Bay (blue), Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (off-white) in a matte finish. This is set alongside a sleek polished, aluminium frame.
Camera
What drew me to the Google Pixel phone is the camera. While I like to fancy myself a Rankin-level portraitist, I lack the skills, the know-how and any of the basics - but this phone makes all that unimportant. The camera has AI-powered features with Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser that provide a unique editing experience without the need for additional apps. Best Take will combine similar shots in a group photo so everyone looks their best - you really have to see it to believe it. Magic Eraser is not just for photobombers but exists in a video capacity too, scrubbing unpleasant audio like high-powered winds or car honks out of your content.
From the whopping 50MP main camera (just beating the iPhone’s 48MP) with 30x zoom to the sharp, crisp front camera, prepare for your library to fill with artistic shots. I found that my selfies were given a welcomed soft filter effect as did the 0.7x zoom out that will ensure that the whole squad is included thanks to the 95° field of view.
This phone rivals the likes of Canon and Nikon with its advanced, pro-level adjustability. Switch shutter speeds, take a manual approach to lens selection, adjust the resolution for memory saving or the most hi-res images as well as video stabilisation which transformed gig videos.
Additional features
Made for gaming, streaming or social media scrolling on the move, the Google Pixel 8 devices are powered by the custom-designed Tensor G3 processor with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display is the brightest ever and is fitted with a scratch-proof screen for the clumsy among us (me).
Perhaps the biggest bugbear about the iPhone is its battery life, and this is where the Google Pixel shines. Not only can one charge last for over 24 hours but it gives you an estimate as to when it will run out based on your current usage - very handy. Adaptive charging will ease the qualms of those who fear powering overnight will affect its capacity and through the USB-C fast charger, you can get a full battery in record time.
Live Translate is the sort of feature you’ll be showing off to all your friends. As you jet-set around the world, it provides immediate and direct translation so you never struggle over a menu again. What’s more, you can also have a real-time conversation with someone in another language. There are 49 available and the messages are transcribed, translated and displayed in an instant. It’s unbelievable.
Personal safety is rightfully a topic on all our minds, and one that Google is weighing in on. This is not just ensuring that your data stays secure, which is done through a built-in VPN, but also through car crash detection and Safety Check. Through the latter app, you can prepare for an emergency. First, you detail to your Pixel why you’re enabling this - whether you are walking alone, going for a run or a reason you specify - and choose a duration. After that time, it checks in on you, monitoring your location and if you don’t respond, it automatically reaches out to your emergency contacts. Peace of mind for your loved ones for the times you forget to send those ‘home’ texts.
Moving from iPhone to Pixel is a drawn-out process, there are no two ways about it. I have done this a couple of times in the last few years and while it has become significantly easier, it’s still a tiresome process trying to remember your passwords. What is great about the Pixel is that you can choose what you want to copy over if you’re hoping to downsize the number of apps or have a fresh start.
This article wouldn’t be complete without flagging a few more features that are a testament to this hi-tech model. First and foremost, the thermometer app. Yup, can monitor the temperature of any object in question. No more guessing how well your meat is cooked - point the sensor 5cm away and it is immediately detected. You can also screen calls and open the camera with a double tap of the lock button so you will never miss the shot.
Verdict
While I’m sure to miss the ability to FaceTime and I’m still resetting passwords to access my most-needed apps, the switch to the Google Pixel 8 Pro is worth it. For the camera alone, the phone is hi-tech but throw in the larger, bright display, automatic song detection on the home screen and the forecast for the day and following showing up in the notification centre, and you have a device that works harder for you.
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Buy now £999.00, Amazon
