The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional are on their means. Google’s fallen into a fairly dependable launch sample for Pixel telephones, that means we are able to safely anticipate a brand new lineup of flagship Pixels every year. In 2023, which means the Pixel 8 and eight Professional.

The Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Professional are two wonderful units — probably two of one of the best smartphones Google has ever made. However whereas they’ve some critical strengths, a number of issues and missed alternatives drag each telephones down. This wouldn’t be an issue if the competitors had been standing nonetheless, nevertheless it’s not. The Apple iPhone 15 Professional is a beast, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is sort of probably probably the greatest smartphones ever created. So what’s a humble Pixel to do?

Right here’s a roundup of the most recent Pixel 8 rumors we’ve heard to this point, plus a want checklist of some issues we’re hoping to see.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional: design

To date, leaks have steered Google gained’t be making any drastic modifications to the Pixel 8 line. The general design will stay largely the identical as that of the Pixel 7 Professional, with Google favoring rounded edges once more. That is additionally backed up by official renders shared by Google, which you’ll be able to see within the first two images above.

There can be an elevated rounding of the nook profile — however with a slight improve in width. Case designers are confirming this method, with leaked photographs of circumstances echoing the sooner design leaks. Nevertheless, it’s price retaining in thoughts that many case producers create renders across the probably leaks and will not have a direct supply inside Google.

As is custom for the Pixel line, we should always anticipate a dual-tone method with glass on each side and a steel body extending to the digicam bar strip on the again of the system. However there does look like a change with the digicam bar, not less than with how the lenses are housed. As a substitute of the twin cutout design that you simply’ll presently discover on the Pixel 7 Professional, the Pixel 8 Professional appears to solely have a single, elongated pill-shaped cutout that may home all three digicam sensors.

Like most telephones lately, the digicam bar ought to have a high-resolution fundamental digicam, an ultrawide digicam, and a periscope-style telephoto lens. One leak additionally exhibits one other spherical cutout beneath the LED flash; a leaked video has revealed this to be a temperature sensor. The video exhibits a mannequin eradicating their glasses and shifting the sensor near their face to take a studying. If official, it’s an odd inclusion, and we’re unsure why such a distinct segment sensor can be worthwhile on a mainstream flagship cellphone. This appears to be a Pixel 8 Professional-only characteristic, too, because the sensor doesn’t seem on any renders of the Pixel 8.

Apart from that, not a lot else has modified, particularly relating to the thickness of the bezels. The selfie digicam can be in the identical place as it’s on the Pixel 7 Professional. The display screen of the Pixel 8 Professional appears to be like flat, somewhat than having the curved sides of its predecessor.

The show seems to measure 6.52 inches and may very well be an OLED show panel with not less than a 90Hz refresh fee. The cellphone’s dimensions appear to return in at 162.6mm by 76.5mm by 8.7mm.

We acquired one other have a look at the Pixel 8 Professional in early July, this time with the cellphone showing in hands-on photographs. In a (now-deleted) Reddit put up, the 2 images showcased the back and front of the Pixel 8 Professional.

The images affirm what we see within the renders above, together with the redesigned digicam housing and the temperature sensor. We additionally get a greater have a look at the extra rounded corners, the cellphone’s flat show edges, and what seems to be a frosted-glass end on the again.

Leaks for the common Pixel 8 present a extra rounded cellphone with a metallic body, a horizontal digicam bar on the again, and twin digicam sensors in a single pill-shaped cutout. The earpiece grille on the high is extra outstanding than the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional, which alerts a slight design change.

The Pixel 8 might even have a smaller kind issue than its predecessor, which ought to enchantment to small cellphone fans. The size of the Pixel 8 look like 150.5mm x 70.8mm x 8.9mm, which is smaller than the Pixel 7’s measurement at 155.6mm x 73.2mm x 8.7mm. This implies the peak has been lowered by about 5mm, and it’s 2.4mm narrower, too. If the smaller measurement is true, then it ought to have a extra snug in-hand really feel.

Nevertheless, a leak from Twitter consumer @heyitsyogesh offers us a greater have a look at the dimensions of the Google Pixel 8 Professional show. In line with his tweet, the show can be a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh fee. That is barely bigger than the beforehand talked about 6.52-inch measurement, which might really be for the common Pixel 8 since this was additionally stated with a 90Hz refresh fee.

Google has a difficulty the place it may’t assist however leak its upcoming merchandise it appears. The Pixel 8 Professional was noticed on Google’s official web site through a advertising and marketing render. This picture was rapidly pulled from the web site, however not earlier than folks seen. On this advertising and marketing picture, we are able to see a Pixel 8 Professional in a white (porcelain) end, which additionally has a shiny glass again and the basic digicam island strip with metallic luster. The digicam additionally appears to be extra of a cyclops-ish oval lens cutout somewhat than the pill-and-hole aesthetics from earlier Pixel 7 Professional fashions.

Over the lengthy Labor Day weekend, it appeared that Google itself as soon as once more leaked the Pixel 8 Professional, this time by means of its personal  Pixel Simulator. The simulator is designed to offer customers a 360-degree have a look at present Pixel units, which is useful for displaying the place sensors and ports are situated. Within the simulator, it’s proven that the Pixel 8 Professional will are available in black, mild blue, and grey colours. There additionally seems to be affirmation of the temperature sensor beneath the digicam strip.

In line with Google’s personal mockups of the Pixel 8 Professional, it seems to nonetheless have a SIM card slot, which is opposite to rumors that it could be eradicating that in favor of eSIM.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional: specs

We now have a reasonably strong thought of what the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will appear like — however what sort of specs will they be touting? We now have just a few concepts.

It must be a no brainer at this level to anticipate the subsequent iteration of Google’s Tensor chip, which might be going to be known as the Tensor G3. It’s reported that this chip can be made utilizing the 3nm course of, which ought to imply important upgrades for each uncooked efficiency and energy effectivity.

One drawback with the Pixel 7 lineup was energy effectivity, as many individuals reported points with not-so-great battery life, plus warmth buildup when coping with extra power-intensive apps and video games. Hopefully, the subsequent era Tensor chip can repair these points on the Pixel 8 collection.

What concerning the show? WinFuture noticed two Google system codenames final November — together with Husky and Shiba. Husky is anticipated to be the Pixel 8 Professional and is claimed to characteristic a 2822 x 1344 show decision. Shiba, the common Pixel 8, could have a barely lower-res show at 2268 x 1080. Each telephones ought to have OLED panels.

WinFuture’s sleuthing additionally revealed that each the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional ought to include 12GB of RAM — a pleasant improve from the bottom 8GB of RAM provided on the Pixel 7 collection. The newest tweet from @heyitsyogesh confirms the 12GB improve.

A report in June 2023 confirms that the Pixel 8 can be getting the Tensor G3 chips, and it’s going to have some massive upgrades. The Tensor G3 chip could have extra fashionable cores, help for the most recent storage customary, and extra. The Tensor G2 had a 2+2+4 format, however the G3 could have a 1+4+4 format as a substitute. The only massive core can be Cortex-X3 with 3.0GHz. Then there can be Cortex-A715, with 4 of these mid-cores coming in at 2.45GHz. Numbers apart, this implies the Pixel 8 could have a big increase within the general CPU efficiency, in addition to energy effectivity.

There may also be ARMv9 for safety upgrades. as it can implement Reminiscence Tagging Extensions (MTE) that may forestall memory-based assaults. It will additionally take away 32-bit help totally, as Google already began stepping away from that with the Pixel 7. Lastly, the G3 will assist the Pixel 8 help quicker and extra environment friendly UFS 4.0 storage, which brings it as much as par with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely and OnePlus 11. In line with a latest report by WinFuture, the upcoming Google Pixel 8 Professional will are available in three storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

The Pixel 8 could have a GPU improve, because the G3 picks up Arm’s Immortalis GPU. Although it’s not the most recent, it’s a 10-core GPU that may have loads of upgrades from the earlier iteration, together with ray-tracing help.

Twitter consumer @heyitsyogesh stated the Pixel 8 Professional might include the Tensor G3 + Titan chip. This implies we might additionally see a brand new model of the Titan chip, which is used for safety. The Pixel 8 Professional would even have a brand new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will doubtless ship with Android 14.

In September, 91mobiles.com shared recent info relating to the Google Pixel 8 units, unveiling a promotional video showcasing their superior digicam capabilities. Among the many options highlighted within the leak had been a 50MP major digicam with Actual Tone, Evening Sight, Astrophotography, and Tremendous Res Zoom, together with different spectacular options.

Whereas the video itself was newly launched, the options introduced weren’t a shock. In one other put up, 91mobiles.com revealed a abstract of what specs to anticipate with each handsets. The knowledge mainly confirms earlier leaks.  The abstract was initially launched by leaker Kamila.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional: cameras

Google’s Pixel telephones all the time ship the products on the digicam entrance, and the Pixel 8 lineup may very well be shaking issues up in an enormous means.

In December 2022, leaker @Za_Raczke on Twitter claimed that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will use staggered HDR know-how for higher picture high quality. However right here’s the factor: the Isocell GN1 sensor on the Pixel 7/7 Professional doesn’t help staggered HDR. However you recognize what does? The newer Isocell GN2 sensor. If this leak is right, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional ought to get new sensor {hardware} for the primary digicam.

A newer rumor appears to verify that the Google Pixel 8 is certainly getting the brand new Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensor. With this upgraded {hardware}, we’ll have a bigger sensor that may seize about 35% extra mild than the ISOCELL GN1, leading to brighter low-light images and quicker shutter speeds that imply lowered blur in photographs.

The brand new sensor can be able to 8K/30fps video seize, with assist from the next-gen Tensor G3 chip. However it’s unclear whether or not we are going to really see that or not within the Pixel 8, because it’s not supported by GCam on the Pixel 8 as of this second. However it’s very prone to see staggered HDR, which reduces delay time between frames which might be captured for HDR photographs, serving to to cut back the ghosting and velocity up the general seize course of as soon as that button is pressed.

Rumors additionally counsel upgrades to the ultrawide digicam, going from the 12MP that has been on the previous few iterations all the best way as much as a 64MP Sony IMX787 ultrawide lens. The IMX787 is similar sensor that’s presently used on the Pixel 7a fundamental digicam. With this huge soar from 12MP to 64MP, it’s an enormous improve and about twice the dimensions of the earlier lens. It’s additionally steered to be wider, so the sphere of view might go from 0.56x zoom to 0.49x. Nevertheless, macro mode, initially launched on the Pixel 7 collection, could also be lacking.

With massive upgrades for the ultrawide, you might also assume the primary digicam is getting massive upgrades. Properly, no. As a substitute, the primary digicam may be getting extra modest upgrades in {hardware}, not less than on the usual Pixel 8. The principle lens could also be barely wider with a 0.55x somewhat than 0.67x zoom as on the Pixel 7. The Pixel 8 Professional could have the identical 5x telephoto module because the Pixel 7 Professional, whereas the 11MP selfie digicam additionally stays unchanged from the Pixel 7 lineup.

The Pixel 8 Professional is also getting a brand new 8×8 time-of-flight (ToF) VL53L8 sensor, which is an improve over the single-point ToF sensor from the earlier era. This improves autofocus and makes it extra dependable.

This may very well be the start line of Google making the usual Pixel extra totally different from the Professional variants. With the Pixel 8 lineup, the usual mannequin might imply getting weaker zoom and a lower-end ultrawide expertise.

On the digicam software program entrance, there are some cool characteristic enhancements coming. Adaptive torch is a brand new characteristic that we haven’t seen earlier than, however it can dynamically modify flash depth primarily based on the scene and different inputs, just like the seize mode. This characteristic ought to assist to cut back overexposed photographs and even enhance low-light scenes the place you employ the flash. The opposite newly reported characteristic is segmentation AWB, which separates the scene into segments by means of AI, after which selectively applies totally different processing methods to particular person elements of a picture.

One leak from @heyitsyogesh appears to point that the digicam specs could also be barely totally different than what was beforehand reported. We may very well get a 50MP fundamental digicam with OIS, a 64MP ultrawide lens, in addition to a 48MP telephoto digicam. The selfie digicam can be 11MP.

In August, a Twitter consumer with the deal with @ez leaked details about the upcoming Google Pixel telephones. In line with the tweet, the brand new units might come geared up with an Audio Magic Eraser characteristic that successfully reduces background noise in movies. To help this declare, the consumer additionally shared a 14-second clip displaying a tool with the label “G Pixel” within the top-left nook.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional: battery and charging

Battery life and charging speeds had been pretty disappointing for the Pixel 7 collection. Fortunately, Google seems to have upgraded these two issues for the Pixel 8. Per a report from Android Authority, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will get battery life and charging enhancements throughout the board — although to various levels.

The common Pixel 8 is reported to have a 4,485mAh battery, and the Pixel 8 Professional ought to have a 4,950mAh battery. That’s a rise of 215mAh for the Pixel 8 in comparison with the Pixel 7, although the Pixel 8 Professional’s battery is simply 24mAh bigger than the one within the Pixel 7 Professional.

Charging speeds are additionally anticipated to be quicker. The report claims we’ll get 24W wired charging for the Pixel 8, plus 27W wired charging for the Pixel 8 Professional — a rise of 4W in comparison with the 20W and 23W charging provided by the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional, respectively.

These aren’t enormous modifications, however regardless, it’s good to see Google shifting in the suitable course right here. In his newest tweet, Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh on Twitter) appears to affirm the battery measurement and charging velocity for the Pixel 8 Professional.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional: launch date

Going by the historical past of Google’s Pixel releases, we should always have the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional by the autumn of 2023. And it certain looks as if that’s what’ll occur this 12 months.

Google has confirmed that it’s holding an occasion to introduce the most recent additions to the Pixel portfolio on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in New York Metropolis. The occasion may also be obtainable as a stay stream for folks to look at at house.

Don’t anticipate the Pixel 8 vary to be launching alone — latest rumors counsel the Pixel Watch 2 can be making an look on the identical time and will effectively launch with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional: worth

We don’t have any strong affirmation of how a lot the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional will value. But when we check out the Pixel 7, it begins at $599, and the Pixel 7 Professional begins at $899, so it’s honest to imagine the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional could have comparable worth factors.

One of many strengths of the Pixel units is their reasonably priced costs in comparison with different flagships, just like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Apple’s iPhone 14, with each beginning at $799 for the bottom fashions. Present market situations might lead to a worth hike for the Pixel 8 lineup, however we’re hopeful Google can maintain the present costs for an additional 12 months.

What we wish to see within the Pixel 8

Repair Google Tensor’s teething issues

Google launched its personal processor vary with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional, and to say it’s been a rocky begin is understating it. From the primary launch, it turned clear the Tensor was highly effective, matching the opposite high Android processors on provide. However reviews rapidly got here in that it wasn’t significantly energy environment friendly, decreasing battery life, and — most worryingly —  creating important warmth buildup throughout gaming and extra intensive processes. The Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 processor has improved a few of this, and the brand new telephones exhibit much-improved battery life — however the thermal points stay. It’s clear it’s one thing of a difficulty for Google and one which’s apparently troublesome to repair.

So right here’s a suggestion: skimp on the processing energy improve this time round. That sounds wild, however be trustworthy for a second and take into consideration the final time you used a flagship cellphone that felt sluggish. A recent flagship from a number of years in the past will nonetheless provide nice efficiency and sufficient processing energy to deal with each demanding recreation on the market.

Heck, there are funds telephones just like the Nokia G60 5G that may deal with superior 3D rendering with ease; why spend invaluable analysis and growth time on pushing that energy even additional? It’s clearly not wanted, whereas fixing the thermal issues is an absolute should. Better of all, whereas Google’s at it, it may additional increase battery effectivity too.

Take the telephoto digicam even additional

Latest instances (and the periscope zoom lens) have introduced us some enormous advances in optical zoom on smartphones. The Pixel 7 Professional has a 48-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom, and it’s wonderful. However there’s a lot extra Google may very well be doing right here. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely has introduced startling enhancements in smartphone zoom, and the important thing to that is the 10x periscope zoom lens. It’s excessive time Google added a 10x zoom to not less than the Professional model of the Pixel 8.

It’s odd Google hasn’t added one already. It’s not as if it’s model new tech Google hasn’t had the prospect to check, as Samsung has been utilizing a 10x optical zoom since March 2020. For some cause, most producers are permitting Samsung free rein to rule over advances in smartphone zoom. The S23 Extremely took this to a brand new degree, and, because the supposed smartphone pictures king, it’s time Google began to catch up and actually problem Samsung.

This wouldn’t be as galling if Google didn’t have already got such a powerful background with zoom software program. Samsung’s latest jumps focus on processing the hybrid zoom at magnifications of 30x and 100x, and whereas nonetheless not excellent, it’s enhancing. Google was making enormous strides on this space years in the past with Tremendous Res Zoom, and the corporate must take that to the subsequent degree. Boosting the digicam array to a 10x zoom lens is the easiest way to start that course of.

Tighten up the software program (aka repair the bugs)

For all its many strengths, the Google Pixel 7 (and Pixel 7 Professional) had one significantly robust flaw: software program. Android 13 on the most recent Pixel is unreliable and buggy, and Google actually must get a deal with on Android 14 for the subsequent iteration of its flagship smartphone.

To be clear, the Pixel 7’s software program isn’t unhealthy; it’s simply extraordinarily unreliable. When it really works, it really works extraordinarily effectively, and it appears to be like incredible as well. However it’s simply not a dependable expertise — for instance, Cell Editor Joe Maring reported bugs and points on his Pixel 7 Professional that Senior Cell Author Andy Boxall didn’t come throughout in any respect. Personally, I’ve come throughout just a few bugs throughout my time with the cellphone, even when my expertise has been broadly constructive. The issue is it’s inconsistent throughout units, and there’s no means of figuring out whether or not the Pixel 7 you purchase will exhibit bugs and points like Joe’s mannequin, or be wonderful, like Andy’s.

That is particularly essential for Google to repair as a result of the Pixel is meant to be the Android showcase. Google owns and operates the Android working system, and the Pixel is Google’s smartphone. Subsequently, the Pixel ought to present Android at its perfect. It must be the instance we level folks towards to show why they need to purchase an Android smartphone. However it isn’t. It’s fairly removed from it, in actual fact.

This wants to finish with the Pixel 8. Google must get a agency grip on Android and use the brand new Pixel to point out how excellent Android will be. Give us a easy, polished expertise, and never only a platform for different producers to construct on and ideal.

Maintain the identical wonderful worth

Whereas it’s made enormous will increase in gross sales numbers, it’s honest to say the Pixel doesn’t have the mass market recognition of Samsung’s Galaxy vary, and definitely not that of Apple’s iPhone. Till it does, Google must maintain providing the identical worth prospect it did with the Google Pixel 7. The Pixel 7 is our present decide for one of the best cellphone for worth on our finest smartphones checklist — because of its flagship processor, very good digicam, good battery life, and a singular design that stands out.

We’re hoping the Pixel 8 will inherit the identical worth level as its predecessor, and actually, it shouldn’t imply decreasing the opposite enhancements on this checklist. Of all the pieces talked about, solely the telephoto lens will impression the worth of the system, and that may very well be restricted to the dearer Professional mannequin anyway. So, there’s no actual cause why Google can’t try to maintain the identical robust worth.

Give us one thing new to do with the Google Assistant

That is the final entry on this checklist, nevertheless it’s on no account in any respect the least essential. The truth is, that is most likely an important of the lot: give Google Assistant some new toys.

We’ve seen numerous superior new options added to Google Assistant through the years, from extra fundamental conversational-style speech to the way more superior call-screening and call-holding instruments. However that’s all outdated hat now. We wish one thing new, and we don’t simply need it to be one other fundamental Google Assistant characteristic. Not after what we’ve seen come to fruition in latest months.

I’ll be stunned if 2023 isn’t hailed because the “12 months of ChatGPT“. AI instruments have exploded onto the scene these previous few months, from AI-powered artwork to chatbots that truly appear to have the ability to maintain a dialog, perceive nuance, and create items of content material (and, in Bing’s case, wish to be human). It’s a shocking, however scary revolution, and everyone knows Google is sizzling on the path of ChatGPT with its personal software program, Bard.

Carry it to the Pixel 8. It doubtless gained’t be completed, however heck, I actually don’t care. The Pixel line has all the time been identified for sporting Google’s strongest AI-powered options and spearheading Google’s analysis, so why cease now? Launch Bard on the Pixel 8, and provides folks an actual cause to purchase into the Pixel line. The hype round chatbots has been enormous, so capitalize on it.

In all probability, Bard gained’t be tied into the Google Assistant at launch. However even when it isn’t, it could be cool for the Pixel 8 to be the world’s first smartphone with a built-in AI chatbot, and it could be a tremendous addition to a smartphone line that’s all the time prided itself on cutting-edge AI tech. If Google does nothing else on this checklist, it ought to do that.

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