The anticipation around upcoming smartphone releases ignites considerable buzz, especially when the information comes directly or indirectly from the manufacturers themselves. Recently, the Google Pixel 8 has been the subject of much conversation, with revelations originating from various sources, including Google itself. An intriguing discovery made by Mishaal Rahman of X/Twitter (brought to attention by @android_setting) was seen on a Google advertorial page dedicated to “Subscriptions and Services.” It seemingly jumped the gun, but it did reveal several attributes of the Google Pixel 8 Pro, including the camera’s design and a novel “Porcelain” shade according to the alternative text.
Dates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Unveiling
Big fall launches are stressful, but Pixel helps its friend stay cool as a cucumber. #BestPhonesForever
Counting down the days. Gear up for #MadeByGoogle on October 4th and stay tuned for more info: https://t.co/hcAzJ83ajV pic.twitter.com/NWBP2RTdSn
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) August 30, 2023
Amidst swirling speculation, Google has penciled in October 4, 2023, for the grand introduction of its Pixel 8 lineage at an on-site Made by Google event in New York City. This closely trails Apple’s announcement for the iPhone 15. Although much is speculated about the Pixel 8’s potential features, the air of mystery will only clear once Google provides official confirmation. Here’s what’s surfaced so far.
An Insight into the Pixel 8 Attributes
The forthcoming Google smartphone is expected to mark an enhancement with the Tensor G3 chip within the Pixel 8 collection, offering an upgraded core framework. According to tidbits gleaned by Kamila Wojciechowska for AndroidAuthority, the Pixel 8 will sport a 4+4+1 core configuration and will embrace an ARMv9 core, ushering in a realm of new security features for the handset. Moreover, the gossip points to a 64-bit-only user experience and the inclusion of UFS 4.0 storage for the Pixel 8.
Conversations around battery life indicate that the Pixel 8 is expected to have a 4,485 mAh battery capacity, with the Pixel 8 Pro potentially featuring a meatier 4,950 mAh power source.
Is a Telephoto Lens in the Cards for Pixel 8 Pro’s Camera?
Continuing the path set by its predecessors, it is anticipated that the Pixel fleet will preserve the favored telephoto lens functionality, particularly noticeable in the Pixel 7 Pro. The anticipated duo of Pixel 8 handsets is rumored to be equipped with the improved Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensors. This advancement is expected to refine the image capture process with staggered HDR and deliver sharper images to users.
Updates to the Pixel 8 Pro’s ultrawide camera are also on the horizon, including a 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor paired with an expansive lens. The phone could also boast an advanced 8×8 ToF VL53L8 sensor that promises to enhance autofocus capabilities significantly. The much-appreciated telephoto camera from the Pixel 7 Pro’s 5x module is speculated to make a return. While the upgrades to the standard Pixel 8 might be less pronounced, enhancements to its camera system, featuring a broader lens and a 0.55x zoom capability, are also expected.
Features such as an FIR thermometer sensor, an adaptive torchlight, and segmentation AWB have made rounds in discussions, but their actual implementation remains to be confirmed.
Can We Expect a 120Hz Refresh Rate from the Pixel 8 Display?
Leaks allude to the series maintaining a flat-screen profile while sticking to their OLED technology. The buzz around the Pixel 8 suggests that it will maintain a 120 Hz refresh rate, with the Pixel 8 Pro model offering more adaptive refresh rate options. Screen size for the Pixel 8 is touted to measure at 6.17 inches with an unchanged display resolution of 2,400 x 1,080, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to exhibit a larger 6.7-inch panel at 2,992 x 1,344 resolution. The luminance output for both models is also expected to undergo significant enhancements.
Could the Pixel 8 Abandon the Physical SIM Card?
Speculation about the upcoming Pixel series abandoning physical SIM trays has been quelled according to reports from 9To5Google. For now, it seems the tech giant isn’t looking to phase out the SIM card slot—much to the relief of many globetrotters who find eSIM services lacking global ubiquity.
Further reports also explore the Pixel 8 Pro’s Night Sight video capability, aimed at enhancing video capture in poorly lit settings. Celebrated video features such as Unblur, augmented reality overlays, and a suite of additional effects have been part of the APK Insight, setting the stage for the Pixel 8 Pro to escalate video editing experiences.
Rumored Pricing Details for the Pixel 8 Series
Amidst the various speculative insights into the Pixel 8 Pro’s specs, discussions about a potential increase in pricing are also stirring attention, as highlighted by TheTechOutlook. The models are poised to be available in diverse storage variations and color palettes, with European price structures already circulating. Starting options for the Pixel 8 offering 128GB and 256GB storage capacities are priced at €710.77 ($765.11) and €771.79 ($830.80) respectively, not including a 23% VAT. Available shades would encompass Obsidian, Hazel, Rose, and Mint.
On the higher end, the Pixel 8 Pro is set to be available in 128GB at €1,004.65 ($1081.46), 256GB at €1,065 ($1146.42), and a robust 512GB at €1,188 ($1278.83) prior to the VAT inclusion. In addition to Obsidian and Mint, the Pro variant will also be available in Bay and Porcelain.
The Pixel 8 Pro is gearing up to be a premium choice for tech aficionados, keen on the latest gadgetry. With the iPhone 15 poised to make its mark in September, just before the Pixel 8’s debut, Google’s new heavyweight has the potential to clinch a sizable market share. But whether these leaked details shall tip the scales in the great Apple vs. Android rivalry is a story yet to unfold.
