ZDNET’s key findings
- He Pixel 8 offers a premium experience with Google’s latest AI and machine learning features, all for under $700. Right now, you can pick one up for just $499 on Amazon.
- With fast performance, amazing cameras, and Google’s Actua display, it’s one of the best smartphone deals available.
- Compared to similarly priced phones like the Nothing Phone 2, the Pixel 8 offers a much better value for money.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro might be getting all the attention nowadays (especially since it’s the first phone to have access to Google’s new Gemini artificial intelligence model), but the standard Pixel 8 could be the real MVP of Google’s lineup this year.
Also: I compared the Google Pixel 8a to every major Android phone under $500 — here’s my buying advice
That’s because the Pixel 8 offers one of the best combinations of premium specs, features, and design at a price that’s considerably lower than the competition. Plus, starting on Amazon Prime Day, Pixel 8 deals are around $499.
At that price, the Pixel 8 is not only hard to ignore, but it’s perhaps the only phone you should consider if you’re on a budget. You won’t find another phone like this for under $500, and it’s only when you look at the $800 to $1000 options that you find commendable competition.
One of the biggest reasons this is such a compelling option is the Tensor G3 chip, Google’s latest in-house processor that powers all of the Pixel 8’s AI and machine learning features. It’s not just a solid alternative to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but a monumental reason why the Pixel 8 is such a great phone.
Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro: This phone convinced me that the future is powered by AI
The chip powers all of the Google Pixel features on the Pixel 8, from transcribing voices in the Recorder app to editing photos to your liking with the AI-powered Magic Editor. The Google Assistant also takes advantage of the G3 to process your voice faster and even summarize web pages for quick information consumption. In addition to powering Google’s HDR workflow for photography, ensuring Android 14 is seamless and fluid, the G3 is one of the most capable smartphone chips on the market. And when paired with 8GB of RAM, you’ll never have a slow day.
The display is another big reason to get this phone. The Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch Actua display is a little smaller than the Pixel 7’s, but that makes it easier to hold in one hand. It’s also stunning to look at; with a Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it’s one of the brightest and clearest displays on the market. Plus, it’s OLED, so colors are vibrant and deep blacks abound.
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If you look past the display, you’ll find a good-looking phone made from aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. With Google’s signature camera bar on the back and slim bezels around the display, the Pixel 8 is a stunner among other sub-$700 phones. It’s also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, and comes in three pretty finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazelnut (a bit green), and Rose (more of a golden peach, in my opinion).
When it comes to Pixel phones, there are two areas to talk about: cameras and software.
As for the camera, Google has hit the nail on the head. The 50MP main rear shooter and 12MP ultra-wide perform excellently both day and night. The cameras easily match or surpass what you’d get on an iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of clarity, detail, and sharpness, while colors are often much more accurate than ever on a Pixel phone.
Also: Google just added a big feature to the Pixel camera and two more could be on the way
You also get all the camera features that carry the Pixel name, like astrophotography, Super ResZoom, dual exposure controls, and Ultra HDR. That’s on top of other features like Best Take and Magic Editor that make these the smartest cameras you’ll find around. Plus, video quality has been vastly improved over previous Pixels — it’s completely comparable to the iPhone.
Software-wise, Google’s Pixel experience on top of Android 14 remains my favorite way to interact with Android. It’s clean, minimalist, and gives you a warm, welcoming feeling that no other Android interface can mimic. You get all the Android 14 bells and whistles, like customizable lock screens, better security, larger fonts, and improved notifications, along with all the Pixel features you could ask for, like Call Screen, Now Playing, Direct My Call, AI-generated wallpapers, and of course, the Pixel Launcher.
But what’s really interesting in the software department is Google’s extended support. The company guarantees a full seven years of software support, meaning you’ll get updates until 2030 if you buy this phone. That’s unheard of for an Android phone and gives devices like the iPhone a run for their money.
Also: Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which model should you buy?
The Pixel 8 can also last all day on a single charge thanks to the 4,575mAh cell inside. With medium to heavy usage, I typically end the day with 30-40 percent battery left, meaning anyone using the phone a little less could extend that to a day and a half. Plus, you get 30W fast charging to top up the battery, as well as Qi wireless charging.
So what are the downsides? Honestly, there aren’t many. The Pixel 8 still gets pretty warm after using it for a while, but that’s typical with Google’s Tensor processors. I also wish there was a proper telephoto camera on the back; Super Res Zoom is useful for magnifying photos with digital zoom, but it’ll only get you so far. Oh, and I still don’t trust Face Unlock; Google lets you use it to pay for things now using Google Pay, but it still relies on a flat image of your face to authenticate you.
ZDNET’s buying advice
You won’t find a phone that’s a much better value for money than the Pixel 8. From its gorgeous display and design to its speedy performance and incredible cameras, Google’s flagship phone excels at packing a flawless balance of high-end features into a lower price than other flagship phones.
Also: Google Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold: Specs, Features, and Everything We Know So Far
With a retail price of $499, the closest competitor is the Galaxy S23 FE and No phone (2)two devices that are perfectly worthy of a place in your pocket but don’t offer the same value as the Pixel 8. Google’s phone is a true flagship with seven years of software support, the latest AI features, and the company’s latest camera tricks. The Phone (2) and S23 FE are high-end mid-range phones that balance specs and price well, but don’t feel as high-end as the Pixel.
Anyone looking for an Android phone for under $600 (let alone $700) should consider the Pixel 8. The value for money is simply incredible and it is by far one of the best phones of the year.