Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro provide many improvements, but there are also a number of significant distinctions between these two Android devices. This Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro comparison will explain everything and guide your choice based on our tests. The Google Pixel 8 comes with a ton of high-end features, including an improved 120Hz display and more camera settings. But the Pixel 8 Pro delivers a larger screen, a telescopic camera, and other unique features in exchange for a small premium, helping it live up to its pro moniker. The full specifications of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are covered in our reviews, but continue reading to discover what makes them unique.
| Specification | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED | 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED |
| Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits | 2,400 nits |
| Display Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Processor | Tensor G3 chipset | Tensor G3 chipset |
| Storage | Latest UFS 4.0 storage | 256GB of storage |
| Rear Camera | – 50MP Octa-PD main camera | – 50MP phase-detect autofocus wide camera with OIS |
| – 12MP sensor with autofocus Ultrawide | – 48MP Quad-PD ultrawide sensor | |
| – 8x Super-Res digital zoom | – 48MP Quad-PD 5x zoom camera with up to 30X Super-Res digital zoom | |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 10.5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4,575mAh | 5,050mAh |
| Wired Charging | 27W fast wired charging | 30W wired charging |
| Wireless Charging | 18W wireless charging (charger not included) | 23W wireless charging (charger not included) |
| Additional Features | – Notable features include a Titan security chip, 12GB of RAM, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. | – A dedicated skin temperature sensor (Melexis MLX90632 unit) for measuring temperature data.an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. |
Due to this year’s price increase, pricing may unfortunately be a source of contention for long-time Pixel users. The beginning pricing of both phones are $100 higher than those of the Pixel 7 series, so you should expect to pay at least $699 for the Pixel 8 and $999 for the Pixel 8 Pro. Although the difference of $300 between the two phones is rather common, people generally dislike price increases. The costs are still lower than those of some of Google’s largest competitors, like as Samsung and Apple. While the Pixel 8 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, the Pixel 8 is only offered in 128GB and 256GB variants
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 VS. PIXEL 8 PRO: DESIGN
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro share several design characteristics while also having some notable differences:
Design Similarities:
- Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro feature rounded edges, glass surfaces, and metal trims, giving them a premium look and feel.
- They use durable materials with glass on both the front and back and metal framing.
- Both phones use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added protection.
Design Differences:
- Screen Size: The most immediate visual difference is the screen size. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch display, while the Pixel 8 has a slightly smaller 6.2-inch display.
- Weight: The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly heavier, weighing nearly an ounce more than the Pixel 8.
- Camera Setup: The Pixel 8 Pro features a more advanced camera system with a triple-camera setup, whereas the Pixel 8 has a dual-camera system.
- Temperature Sensor: The Pixel 8 Pro includes an additional sensor beneath the LED flash, designed to measure temperatures. Google has applied for FDA certification for this feature, which could be used to determine the temperature of objects placed in front of it.
Back Material:
- The Pixel 8 Pro has a matte glass back, which not only enhances its aesthetics but also improves grip, making it easier to hold without a case.
- The Pixel 8, on the other hand, retains the polished glass back seen in its predecessors.
These design variations cater to different user preferences, with the Pixel 8 Pro offering a larger display, enhanced camera capabilities, and additional features like the temperature sensor. The choice between the two models will depend on your priorities and requirements.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 VS. PIXEL 8 PRO: DISPLAY
Here’s the display comparison of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in a table format:
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.2 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Actua display with 120Hz | Super Actua display with 120Hz |
| Adaptive Refresh Rate | 60Hz to 120Hz | 1Hz to 120Hz |
| Brightness (HDR) | 1,349 nits | 1,526 nits |
| Color Gamut (DCI-P3) | 89.7% | 90.4% |
| Delta-E (Accuracy) | 0.26 | 0.23 |
| Resolution | 2,220 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) | 2,992 x 1,344 pixels (QHD+) |
This table summarizes the key differences between the displays of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, making it easier to compare their specifications.
Key Differences:
- Screen Size: The Pixel 8 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.2-inch screen of the Pixel 8.
- Adaptive Refresh Rate: The Pixel 8 Pro’s Super Actua display has a more flexible adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, while the Pixel 8’s adaptive mode goes as low as 60Hz.
- Brightness: The Pixel 8 Pro boasts higher brightness, reaching up to 1,526 nits, whereas the Pixel 8 reaches a maximum of 1,349 nits when displaying HDR content.
- Color Gamut: The Pixel 8 Pro slightly outperforms the Pixel 8 in terms of color gamut, with a score of 90.4% compared to the Pixel 8’s 89.7%.
- Delta-E (Accuracy): The Pixel 8 Pro also offers slightly better color accuracy with a Delta-E score of 0.23, while the Pixel 8 scores 0.26.
The differences in display technology and performance, along with the larger screen and higher resolution of the Pixel 8 Pro, make it a suitable choice for users who prioritize display quality and performance, especially for tasks like gaming and content consumption.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 VS. PIXEL 8 PRO: CAMERAS
Certainly, here’s the camera comparison between the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in a table format:
| Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP ultrawide (f/1.95) |
| Telephoto Camera | No but 8x Super Res Zoom | 48MP with 5x optical magnification |
| Selfie Camera | 10.5MP with static focus | 10.5MP with autofocus |
| Pro Features | Not available | Pro controls for manual camera settings ability to shoot in RAW upcoming Video Boost feature for video optimization in the cloud |
These differences highlight the Pixel 8 Pro’s superior camera capabilities, making it a better choice for power users and photography enthusiasts.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 VS. PIXEL 8 PRO: PERFORMANCE
Here’s a comparison of the benchmarking scores and some performance-related specifications for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in table format:
| Performance Metrics | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench (Single-Core/Multi-Core) | 1,569 / 3,744 | 1,699 / 3,666 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited | 54fps | 52fps |
| Adobe Premiere Rush (video editing) | 72 seconds | 71 seconds |
Memory and Storage:
| Specifications | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Both phones demonstrate similar performance, with slight variations in benchmarking scores. However, neither device matches the performance of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15 in most tests. The choice between the two models might depend more on your preferences for RAM and storage capacity.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 VS. PIXEL 8 PRO: BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING
Here’s a comparison of the battery specifications and battery life for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in table format:
| Battery Specifications | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 4,575 mAh | 5,050 mAh |
| Battery Life (hrs:mins) | 9:50 | 10:03 |
The Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly larger battery capacity and longer battery life compared to the Pixel 8. While the difference in battery life is not substantial, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a bit more endurance. Additionally, both phones support fast charging, with the Pixel 8 Pro capable of faster wired charging speeds. The Pixel 8 Pro can also charge more quickly with the Google Pixel Stand 2.
Conclusion
Indeed, the choice between the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro largely comes down to your budget and specific preferences for features. Here’s a summary of the key considerations:
Google Pixel 8:
- More affordable with a $300 lower starting price.
- Slightly smaller display.
- Good battery life.
- Suitable for most users, including casual photographers.
Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Pricier, offering premium features at a higher starting price.
- Larger display with adaptive refresh rate and higher brightness.
- Slightly better battery life.
- Enhanced camera capabilities, including a 5x telephoto lens, Pro controls, RAW shooting, and Video Boost.
- Ideal for photography enthusiasts and those who value additional camera features and a larger screen.
Ultimately, the Pixel 8 Pro comes with a premium price tag but offers several advanced camera features and a larger, higher-brightness display. If these features are important to you, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth the extra cost. However, the Pixel 8 is still an excellent value for those who want a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on performance and battery life.