Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro

[Technerd108]

Ouch

Good critical review.

However, most of his complaints will be fixed and updated.

His complaints about the thermals are true but a bit exaggerated. Yes, you can push the Tensor G3 to overheat and become almost unresponsive but you really have to push it to do so.

His complaints about raw performance are true but again a bit of an exaggeration. Overall raw performance is still flagship level and fast but maybe not as fast as a17 or 8 gen 2 but faster than the 8 gen 1.

Hopefully Google is listening to the camera software limitations and Google changes those over time.

 

[magicman32]

Ouch

That's his idea of an ouch? So much good and a few things that need to be improved (any new phone, even Apple), and some promised features that aren't here yet and absolutely will solid upon release be or Google will be excoriated for it.

The only thing needed to hear was after my last 2 years on Pixels was: Pro battery life.

I'm good, bro. If only Best Buy didn't send me the wrong phone I'd be good to go lol.

 

[Technerd108]

You missed your shot: Google Store & Best Buy trade-in values toward Pixel 8 plummet

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are more expensive, which means good trade-in values are more important than ever....

9to5google.com

Yup, I said to myself this year I am not waiting. The best deal is the pre order. Even with the sales later on, you still get a better deal overall when you consider the free watch.

It was the same with my Galaxy s23 ultra. Pre order deals simply are the best.

So I save up months in advance. Sell other stuff and then take advantage of the deals.

 

[Technerd108]

That's his idea of an ouch? So much good and a few things that need to be improved (any new phone, even Apple), and some promised features that aren't here yet and absolutely will solid upon release be or Google will be excoriated for it.

The only thing needed to hear was after my last 2 years on Pixels was: Pro battery life.

I'm good, bro. If only Best Buy didn't send me the wrong phone I'd be good to go lol.

He almost seems disingenuous as he is talking like he knows everything he is complaining about will be fixed or isn't as bad as he was saying.

I just like seeing an opinion that isn't just praises and kisses. I like honest reviews but this one seems more like click bait. Although I can't argue with his opinions at the moment. 😂 Lol

 

[Bkdodger]

You missed your shot: Google Store & Best Buy trade-in values toward Pixel 8 plummet

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are more expensive, which means good trade-in values are more important than ever....

9to5google.com

Yup, I said to myself this year I am not waiting. The best deal is the pre order. Even with the sales later on, you still get a better deal overall when you consider the free watch.

It was the same with my Galaxy s23 ultra. Pre order deals simply are the best.

So I save up months in advance. Sell other stuff and then take advantage of the deals.

Most definitely ... I got $750 for an iPhone that was 3 years old ...

 

[BellaPink112]

Is it bad that I still don't miss my iPhone? 🤣

After being an "Uber" iPhone user for YEARS, I thought surely by now I'd miss it... but nope!

I'm still loving my P8P! I'm still learning new things about it every day, and it's just been a wonderful experience.

I don't even miss the blue bubbles 😱🤣

 

[Tig Bitties]

Back to trying the Pixel 8, yeah it is a cool small phone, but for me just too small, feels scrunched up like a toy phone almost.

And the hardware is just nicer on the Pro, especially the display tech.

 

[LiE_]

Back to trying the Pixel 8, yeah it is a cool small phone, but for me just too small, feels scrunched up like a toy phone almost.

And the hardware is just nicer on the Pro, especially the display tech.

This always happens when using a phone of a different size. It takes a few days for you to adjust.

 

[M5RahuL]

Yup, agreed! Clearly sounded like buyer's remorse over anything else imo..

Replacement would have most likely been fine. Don't think you'd be playing roulette.

Enjoy your iPhone.

 

[Fried_Gold]

I don't suppose anyone can send a screenshot of all the default developer settings? I went in there to set a specific pixel width and dropped my phone on myself and fumbled the screen so now i'm paranoid i've turned on something i shouldn't have. 😂

 

[Technerd108]

I don't suppose anyone can send a screenshot of all the default developer settings? I went in there to set a specific pixel width and dropped my phone on myself and fumbled the screen so now i'm paranoid i've turned on something i shouldn't have. 😂

Just turn developer settings off. Then back on again. All defaults will be reset.

 

[Supersonicc]

I've been trekking up in mountains away from any mobile phone signal, refreshing in a world of fast-moving tech!

Reviews, overall, seem to indicate Google has a winner with the 8 / 8 Pro this year with some further improvements that can happen with software updates.

Also nice to see Tensor G3 is improved over the G2, especially after all the usual annual attacks on Google for not chasing the fastest chip-sets, irrelevant in day-to-day usage.

Enjoyed catching up on all the initial user experiences here. A little over a week for my wait to pick up my 8 Pro.

Not sure if it's been mentioned or how important this score is but DXO Mark have awarded the 8 & 8 Pro best screen display of 2023. I don't usually take DXO gradings too seriously each year, but it's very impressive and a great first if Google have bettered the displays of Apple & Samsung.

DXOMARK

Everything you need to know about the Smartphone Google Pixel 8 Pro 📱. From specifications to Pros & Cons and Scores, discover the Review by DXOMARK

www.dxomark.com

What's also interesting is the Z Fold 5 in 3rd place, with the Pixel Fold screen only 1 point behind in 4th place.

Now looking forward to catching up on the pro camera and video reviews although maybe a bit early for full testings.

 

[Fried_Gold]

Just turn developer settings off. Then back on again. All defaults will be reset.

Ah I assumed it would keep the changed settings (not sure if I even changed any), thanks!

 

[The Game 161]

Seems Google using E7 panel to get this level of brightness

S24 series will be 2500. And one plus open 2800 mad how bright phones are getting

 

[Aneres11]

I've been trekking up in mountains away from any mobile phone signal, refreshing in a world of fast-moving tech!

Reviews, overall, seem to indicate Google has a winner with the 8 / 8 Pro this year with some further improvements that can happen with software updates.

Also nice to see Tensor G3 is improved over the G2, especially after all the usual annual attacks on Google for not chasing the fastest chip-sets, irrelevant in day-to-day usage.

Enjoyed catching up on all the initial user experiences here. A little over a week for my wait to pick up my 8 Pro.

Not sure if it's been mentioned or how important this score is but DXO Mark have awarded the 8 & 8 Pro best screen display of 2023. I don't usually take DXO gradings too seriously each year, but it's very impressive and a great first if Google have bettered the displays of Apple & Samsung.

DXOMARK

Everything you need to know about the Smartphone Google Pixel 8 Pro 📱. From specifications to Pros & Cons and Scores, discover the Review by DXOMARK

www.dxomark.com

What's also interesting is the Z Fold 5 in 3rd place, with the Pixel Fold screen only 1 point behind in 4th place.

Now looking forward to catching up on the pro camera and video reviews although maybe a bit early for full testings.

I generally take anything DXO Mark rate with a pinch of salt as you said yourself. 😜.
But yeah, you're right that the 8 series are real refinements over the 7's.

It's funny how you get used to a phone day to day as when I got my 8 Pro I was really still loving using my iPhone and the Pixel (whilst good) was just not having the same effect.

Fast forward a week where I've hardly used my iPhone and now when I am using it I want to go back to Pixel. 😄.
I think it's testament to both being such solid devices and me personally, I could happily use either.

I do still miss Apple CarPlay massively though.

 

[Fried_Gold]

I could happily use either

This has been me for probably a decade or more now. I've happily used both iOS and Android since they first came out.

 

[Supersonicc]

I generally take anything DXO Mark rate with a pinch of salt as you said yourself. 😜.
But yeah, you're right that the 8 series are real refinements over the 7's.

It's funny how you get used to a phone day to day as when I got my 8 Pro I was really still loving using my iPhone and the Pixel (whilst good) was just not having the same effect.

Fast forward a week where I've hardly used my iPhone and now when I am using it I want to go back to Pixel. 😄.
I think it's testament to both being such solid devices and me personally, I could happily use either.

I do still miss Apple CarPlay massively though.

Interesting to hear you want to go back to Pixel! I will be using my P8 Pro with my 15 PM for about two weeks. Previously, I ended up switching back from my old iPhone to my 6 Pro, I always prefer the overall Pixel user experience.

Now the differences are so minimal I may keep both iPhone & Pixel this year.

Currently, I've been using my 15 Pro Max heavily whilst away, its like an old friend where its comfortable & you know what to expect. The 15 PM does take spectacular ProRes videos. Photos are mainly great but only in the right conditions. For example, in direct sunlight, lens flare is still noticeable. Expecting the P8 Pro to take more natural / accurate photos.

I actually have Google in my car but I know how good Apple CarPlay is, hopefully it is not a deal breaker for you!

I like listening to high quality audio for music / watching movies etc. So I would also miss Dolby Atmos on the P8 Pro. The audio on the 15 is great with both dynamics & spacial performance.

One thing I'm very curious about is Google's mysterious in-works audio project called Cavier which is supposed to be a direct audio rival for Dolby Atmos / Vision. No word from Google on where they are with it but I half expected an announcement at Google I/O. Maybe next year now. The AI audio enhancements are clever so will be interesting to see how the audio project develops. Pixels now demand the best audio quality alongside Apple & Samsung.

 

[edubfromktown]

You missed your shot: Google Store & Best Buy trade-in values toward Pixel 8 plummet

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are more expensive, which means good trade-in values are more important than ever....

9to5google.com

Yup, I said to myself this year I am not waiting. The best deal is the pre order. Even with the sales later on, you still get a better deal overall when you consider the free watch.

It was the same with my Galaxy s23 ultra. Pre order deals simply are the best.

So I save up months in advance. Sell other stuff and then take advantage of the deals.

For those of us free of high cost mobile carrier contracts, waiting months after a new release can be worth the targeted discount incentive offers. Particularly around holidays or at random times during the year the discounts are favorable. Trade-in values do go down over time and factoring in depreciation on anything other than iPhones (which tend to hold higher value for far longer), the scales still tilt toward using a device for ~2-3 years before scoring a new one.

I've "BYOD'd" (purchased phones outright and added them to MVNO monthly prepay services) for years.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Ouch

The thing that Google keep doing that’s unforgivable to me is they insist on using old modems on the Pixels. There has to be a reason behind it because it’s not like it’s a huge money save. With how awful the Pixel 6 lineup signals were, you think they would right that by making sure future models have a modern modem but nope, they insist on using an inferior one. Is it good enough? I guess you could make that argument but for something so important on a $1k phone, good enough isn’t good enough.

 

[LiE_]

Just got the Mous case for the Pixel 8, wow this is nice. Fixes my biggest issue with the official Google case which was too grippy. Going into the pocket it would cling and as a result would pull all the lint from my pocket. The Mous just slides in and as a bonus is lovely and thin.

 

[BMox81]

Yup, agreed! Clearly sounded like buyer's remorse over anything else imo..

Not at all. If the screen had been fine then I’d have kept it. And given other reports, I wasn’t the only one with the issue.

Ultimately it was the screen flickering issues that was the deal breaker and one I wasn’t prepared to gamble on with a potential replacement.

 

[Bkdodger]

Just got the Mous case for the Pixel 8, wow this is nice. Fixes my biggest issue with the official Google case which was too grippy. Going into the pocket it would cling and as a result would pull all the lint from my pocket. The Mous just slides in and as a bonus is lovely and thin.

It's definitely a nice case and slim ... It's a little bit slippery at times like when the temps drop haha but overall a winner ...

 

[Aneres11]

Just got the Mous case for the Pixel 8, wow this is nice. Fixes my biggest issue with the official Google case which was too grippy. Going into the pocket it would cling and as a result would pull all the lint from my pocket. The Mous just slides in and as a bonus is lovely and thin.

Literally the best case I've used. I love it.

 

[danpam12358]

That's his idea of an ouch? So much good and a few things that need to be improved (any new phone, even Apple), and some promised features that aren't here yet and absolutely will solid upon release be or Google will be excoriated for it.

The only thing needed to hear was after my last 2 years on Pixels was: Pro battery life.

I'm good, bro. If only Best Buy didn't send me the wrong phone I'd be good to go lol.

$999 for a poorly managed thermal system that just freezes is horrible. The video proof he shows of pure lag and hang up on the Pixel 8 Pro would never happen on an iPhone or Samsung or any flagship using A series chip or Snapdragon.

 

[danpam12358]

Good critical review.

However, most of his complaints will be fixed and updated.

His complaints about the thermals are true but a bit exaggerated. Yes, you can push the Tensor G3 to overheat and become almost unresponsive but you really have to push it to do so.

His complaints about raw performance are true but again a bit of an exaggeration. Overall raw performance is still flagship level and fast but maybe not as fast as a17 or 8 gen 2 but faster than the 8 gen 1.

Hopefully Google is listening to the camera software limitations and Google changes those over time.

You can’t fix a weak processor that overworks in a poor thermal design.