The Google Pixel 7 Pro was smartphone total. It packed in all the pieces an off-the-cuff smartphone person would anticipate from an Android smartphone together with, the now customary, well timed software program updates. But it surely got here up brief in a number of areas like battery life, charging and had its fair proportion of heating points and camera-related bugs as nicely. With the brand new Pixel 8 Pro, there is a brand-new design, loads of AI-enabled options and even a brand new processor. Retaining this in thoughts, one would naturally anticipate Google to have labored on some if not the entire shortcomings of its predecessor. However that is not precisely the case with Google’s latest Pixel flagship.
Google Pixel 8 Professional value in India
In contrast to final yr, Google’s Pixel 8 Professional lastly provides the next storage possibility in India. After years of complaining about providing a measly 128GB of storage with its base fashions, Google lastly determined so as to add a brand new storage tier in India with the introduction of a 256GB variant. I obtained the 128GB storage variant for assessment which is priced at Rs. 1,06,999 in India, whereas the 256GB variant is obtainable at Rs. 1,13,999.
As talked about in my first impressions, each the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, are Google’s costliest Pixel smartphones to launch in India. Merely put, the brand new top-end Pixel 8 Professional has obtained a value hike of Rs. 22,000, which immediately places it out of attain of a number of potential consumers. After which it’s important to remember the fact that even at Rs. 1,06,999, you’re nonetheless getting simply 128GB of inner storage and no free cloud storage entry both.
Certainly, Google has its arms full in relation to convincing its present Pixel customers to improve to the most recent mannequin this yr. And it is in all probability one of many the explanation why you’re studying this assessment.
Google Pixel 8 Professional Overview: Design
Google’s Pixel 8 Professional has seen extra adjustments than the usual Pixel 8 (Review) this yr. Principally, Google’s engineers removed some pointless stuff and made some refinements to the Pixel 7 Professional’s design. Retaining in thoughts its flat show, and total flatter profile it qualifies as a brand new design. However it’s an overhaul of types as the brand new Pixel 8 Professional nonetheless seems distinctly Pixel. That is primarily all the way down to its sharper, visor-like digital camera module on the again which is as chunky as final yr’s mannequin.
The visor-like digital camera module nonetheless will get scratched simply, similar to the Pixel 7 Professional
The digital camera module’s edges are fairly sharp in contrast to final yr’s mannequin, however I am glad Google retained its chunky protruding look as a result of it makes it simpler to carry on to the cellphone’s quite slippery matte-finished physique by resting my index finger beneath it for assist.
The matte-finished rear glass panel is a primary for Google’s Pixel vary and its total rounded look and curves do remind me of the unique Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. As slippery because the rear panel is, it is glorious in relation to resisting fingerprints. At 213g the cellphone doesn’t really feel too heavy or too gentle. This mixed with the soft-finished glass again lends the gadget a really premium and opulent really feel.
Google’s Pixel 8 Professional undoubtedly appears the half for a premium smartphone
Google additionally provides an IP68 score which is similar as on final yr’s mannequin. Construct high quality is kind of stable and I am glad Google lastly removed the curved edge show which appeared pointless on a Pixel, on condition that it by no means had any added software program options like on Samsung’s smartphones.
Google Pixel 8 Professional Overview: Specs and software program
This yr’s Pixel 8 Professional brings one other new chipset referred to as the Tensor G3. It is constructed utilizing the 4nm manufacturing course of, which along with its new nona-core structure ought to in idea translate to raised efficiency and effectivity. Nonetheless, Google is extra centered on its AI capabilities and that is the place it’s anticipated to shine. 12GB RAM is customary and the cellphone provides as much as 256GB of storage this yr with no expandable storage and no extra SIM card slot. Nonetheless, one can use the eSIM performance to make use of two numbers on the identical gadget.
By way of connectivity, the Pixel 8 Professional provides an upgraded WiFi 7 expertise, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB-C port, ultra-wideband (UWB) assist and assist for a number of international positioning programs.
The Pixel 8 Professional’s (proper) design shares some similarities with the older Pixel 7 Professional (left)
Other than the same old digital camera array, there’s additionally a brand new thermometer which can be utilized to examine the floor temperature of varied supplies. Google will probably be including assist for checking physique temperature quickly, which might make it helpful if it seems to be correct.
The cellphone has a 5,050mAh battery and helps 30W wired charging and 23W wi-fi charging. Nonetheless, the field contents do not embrace a supported charging adapter.
Going with the AI pattern, Google introduces its new AI wallpaper characteristic which is unique to this yr’s Pixel 8 and eight Professional units. It wants an web connection to work however chomps out some actually distinctive and attention-grabbing wallpapers utilizing its AI bits. The remainder of Android 14 feels and seems much like what’s accessible on a Pixel 7 Professional.
Different new smarts which are accessible on the Pixel 8 Professional embrace the flexibility to learn aloud net pages or articles from an internet browser. Google Assistant may even translate an internet web page earlier than studying it aloud which can also be helpful. The operation is correctly hands-free on the Pixel 8 Professional (I couldn’t get the characteristic to work efficiently on a Pixel 7 Professional), which is helpful in case your arms are busy.
The AI Wallpaper characteristic is a enjoyable approach to pattern the facility of AI and create some distinctive wallpapers within the course of
The Pixel 8 Professional’s AI enhancing instruments, which can be found in its Photographs app are jaw-droppingly spectacular when it comes to functionality. Whereas the older Magic Eraser has gotten significantly better over time, the newly marketed instruments nonetheless want a little bit of polish when it comes to output.
The brand new Magic Editor device allows you to actually reposition individuals and objects in {a photograph} (which needs to be uploaded to the cloud). The AI fashions certain are spectacular! At occasions it will possibly get actually exhausting to inform if a picture has been edited in any respect. Nonetheless, pixel-peeping into these photographs normally reveals some clues. Magic Editor is not good and may get polished with future updates, however it’s a very highly effective device nonetheless.
The identical may be stated concerning the new Greatest Take characteristic which requires a sequence of photographs of the identical setting in an effort to work. When you occur to have sufficient photographs of the identical individuals in the identical setting, then it is quite exhausting to inform if a picture has been edited.
Audio Magic Eraser is one other AI-enabled device, which may impressively perceive the sounds in a video. As soon as activated, it listens to the clip and shortly identifies the completely different sounds after which categorises them (speech, nature, wind, noise and so on.) letting one regulate the degrees to bump up the amount of the sounds they want to hear (speech, nature) over those that they wish to quieten (noise, wind). Whereas I didn’t discover the outcomes all that spectacular, it’s attention-grabbing to see how the AI mannequin identifies the completely different sounds in any given video.
The Audio Magic Eraser device within the Photographs app is helpful for eradicating or lowering undesirable sounds in a recorded video
As controversial as these picture enhancing options are, I can see a whole lot of Pixel 8 and eight Professional customers serving to many who aren’t in a position to snap handsome photographs. Furthermore, Pixel 8 Professional customers could look like wizards to aged folks who normally do not find yourself composing a trip photograph proper, and sometimes request the unimaginable, like shifting the Eiffel Tower a bit to the correct. Surprisingly, all of that and extra is now doable utilizing easy drag-and-drop instruments.
As spectacular because the Pixel 8 Professional’s images and enhancing capabilities are this yr, I nonetheless confronted the identical digital camera bug as on final yr’s fashions. The Evening Sight bug triggers when capturing back-to-back photographs from the digital camera app’s night time mode when transitioning from 1X to 2X. As soon as triggered, all photographs captured thereafter don’t get saved within the cellphone, leaving one with a digital camera that may allow you to click on photographs however not save them. The one approach to get the digital camera to begin storing snapped photographs once more is to restart the cellphone or await the digital camera app to crash.
For lengthy, Pixel smartphones have all the time been the primary units to obtain Android software program updates and Google has in some way managed to one-up itself on this space with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional. Google claims that it’ll present as much as 7 years of software program updates which incorporates its quarterly Function Drops (that deliver new options) and safety updates. Including to this dedication Google additionally defined that it’ll replenish on spares for these two smartphones as nicely, in case your smartphone will get broken or stops functioning over the subsequent 7 years. Certainly such commitments will enchantment to those that do not improve their units ceaselessly, however changing your smartphone much less ceaselessly works nicely for the atmosphere because it additionally reduces e-waste.
Google Pixel 8 Professional Overview: Efficiency
As for the Pixel 8 Professional’s 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED show, it really works nicely beneath shiny daylight and exhibits pretty correct colors when set to the Pure color mode. Its 120Hz dynamic refresh fee, which may drop to 1Hz when not getting used, additionally works as anticipated.
Identical to final yr, battery statistics aren’t all that nice as I usually discovered me reaching out for the charger by the top of a piece day with about 20 % left round 7:00 PM, after unplugging the cellphone at round 8:00 AM. If you find yourself utilizing the digital camera and edit a number of photographs anticipate the battery ranges to drop even quicker. In our video loop battery check, the Pixel 8 Professional managed to final for 14 hours and quarter-hour, which is barely higher than the Pixel 7 Professional, however not nice in comparison with what most smartphones on this phase are able to. Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra which at the moment retails a further Rs. 20,000 managed to final 21 hours and seven minutes within the same test.
The Pixel 8 Professional (proper) has a flat show in comparison with the older Pixel 7 Professional (left)
On the Pixel 8 Professional, most informal and high-end video games run simply wonderful at default settings. However the cellphone clearly is not as highly effective when in comparison with its Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered counterparts so do not anticipate flawless body charges when enjoying graphics-intensive titles like Genshin Affect or fast-paced video games like Name of Obligation: Cellular.
The cellphone does heat up after enjoying a number of Name of Obligation tournaments on Extremely settings, nevertheless it doesn’t get abnormally scorching and that is primarily all the way down to CPU throttling. Nonetheless, one can anticipate loads of body drops throughout gameplay because the Tensor G3 is not actually designed for operating demanding titles at the most effective settings. Ray-tracing, whereas being comparatively new, can also be not supported. I additionally discovered the contact sampling to be a bit sluggish when enjoying fast-paced FPS video games.
The Tensor G3 contained in the Google Pixel 8 Professional managed barely inferior scores in comparison with most smartphones on this phase and have been far beneath what Apple’s newest iPhone 15 Pro Max is able to. The Pixel 8 Professional scored 10,38,343 factors in AnTuTu and managed scores of 1,629 and three,274 in Geekbench’s single and multi-core assessments. To present you an thought about the place Google’s Pixel 8 Professional stands, the lower-priced OnePlus 11 5G (QHD+ show) which we reviewed earlier this yr scored 11,89,556 factors and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 (FHD+ show) managed a rating of 12,87,359 whereas the iPhone 15 Professional Max managed a cushty lead scoring 16,61,205 factors in our review.
Google sticking with its personal Tensor design for its processor does have its downsides as they’ve but to determine higher methods to deal with all of the processing that occurs after snapping {a photograph}. Identical to the Pixel 7 Professional, the Pixel 8 Professional struggles when capturing Portrait mode photographs and can cease capturing photographs (or disable the shutter button) when the photograph buffer is full after clicking round 7-8 portrait mode photographs in fast succession. It does this to complete processing them within the background and can let one snap extra photographs solely as soon as it is performed processing those which have already been captured. Whereas this doesn’t look like an enormous drawback, I did find yourself lacking a number of moments whereas snapping photographs of my child. Taking pictures RAW photographs additionally takes some time to course of, in comparison with the iPhone 15 Professional Max which is sort of immediate.
The Pixel 8 Professional similar to the Pixel 7 Professional runs a bit scorching outdoor when linked to 5G networks
For a cellphone that is extra centered and identified for its pictures options, it is unhappy to see that the most recent Tensor G3 SoC is not able to dealing with the fundamentals. Google actually has to work on the Tensor G3’s imaging pipeline or go along with a separate imaging chip solely for dealing with all of its digital camera necessities as the present Tensor G3 processor clearly is not up for the job.
Even with each day utilization, one thing so simple as scrolling via net pages and social media apps (even YouTube) can get jittery at occasions. Scrolling is jittery when utilizing each native and third-party apps and that is one thing many customers have complained about on Reddit as nicely. Google took its personal candy time to aim to resolve its Pixel 7 Professional’s scrolling points, however these have but to be resolved efficiently.
The cellphone nonetheless will get scorching when utilizing the digital camera app, particularly when capturing extra difficult digital camera modes like Portrait and Evening mode. The cellphone additionally will get fairly scorching outdoor when linked to 5G networks. Google nonetheless doesn’t provide any cooling resolution (other than CPU throttling) with its Pixel telephones, which retains them operating heat more often than not when used outdoor. Many Chinese language smartphone manufacturers have adopted vapour chamber cooling to take care of efficiency ranges whereas performing power-intensive duties. This yr’s Samsung Galaxy S23 additionally utilised the identical, making it run a lot cooler in comparison with its predecessor. So, it is actually a thriller why Google refuses to incorporate the identical in its flagship Pixel smartphones.
The brand new and safe Face Unlock characteristic works as shortly as Apple’s Face ID authentication, nevertheless, it solely works nicely (or shortly) in good lighting. Dimly lit settings will see the digital camera struggling to recognise faces, which is after I needed to revert to the nice previous fingerprint scanner, which fortunately labored as anticipated.
Google Pixel 8 Professional Overview: Cameras
This yr’s Pixel 8 Professional comes with a number of enhancements within the digital camera division as nicely. Key amongst these is the brand new 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle digital camera which replaces the 12-megapixel digital camera on the earlier mannequin. There is a new brighter 50-megapixel main digital camera as nicely however I anticipate minor enhancements (if any) with this one. All the pieces else other than the brand new Tensor G3 stays the identical, which isn’t a foul deal because the earlier Pixel 7 Professional was not unhealthy at imaging to start with.
The digital camera modes have been revamped on the Pixel 8 Professional. The Pixel 8 Professional particularly this yr will get a particular professional mode referred to as Professional Controls, which brings superior digital camera controls for smartphone digital camera fanatics preferring to tweak issues a bit earlier than capturing or whereas recording.
Professional Controls is splendidly designed with practicality and ease in thoughts, making it simple to make use of and perceive
To be clear, the Pixel 8 Professional’s Professional Controls mode just isn’t as superior because the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely’s digital camera app which additionally provides varied controls for video. The Pixel 8 Professional’s Professional controls appear much more user-friendly (designed for the typical Joe), and fairly sensible on the similar time, simply making it rather a lot higher when it comes to functionality and management when capturing video, even when in comparison with an iPhone 15 Professional Max, I reviewed earlier.
In contrast to the Pixel 7 Professional the place one will get entry to brightness, shadow and white steadiness sliders within the viewfinder when capturing, the Pixel 8 Professional hides all of its Professional controls beneath a settings button positioned on the high proper nook. Tapping on it provides one entry to superior controls like Evening Sight length, brightness, shadow, white steadiness, focus, shutter pace and ISO as nicely. I notably favored the main target management because it highlights the at the moment centered space in pink because of a spotlight peaking characteristic like on an actual digital camera.
Tapping on the same old gear icon on the backside now opens a complete menu with a particular Professional tab during which one can choose the decision (binned or full body), output kind (RAW/JPEG) and a really helpful Lens Choice selector, which helps you to select between Auto or Guide. Selecting Auto mainly will get you the complete zoom vary which additionally consists of the digital ranges between the native focal lengths (0.5X, 1X and 5X).
The handbook will get you entry to only the native focal lengths, which switches off the digital camera’s automated lens choice. That is helpful to keep away from utilizing the incorrect digital camera (which the smartphone robotically selects relying on the gap of the thing/topic from the lens. This usually results in digitally cropped and scaled photographs. So, in case your topic is simply too shut for the 5X telephoto digital camera, it simply will not focus, letting that it’s good to preserve a larger distance to get the right shot.
Pixel 8 Professional additionally lets one shoot in RAW utilizing all three cameras which suggests you may get high-resolution (50 or 48-megapixel) RAW photographs which may be tweaked later within the put up. As for the video, Professional Controls solely allows you to tweak white steadiness and publicity on this mode.
The Pixel 8 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional digital camera samples have been captured in daylight and low gentle utilizing their main cameras (faucet picture to broaden)
As for picture high quality, I discovered the photographs from the first digital camera to be virtually an identical to final yr’s mannequin. The minor variations are primarily all the way down to the tone the place the Pixel 8 Professional chooses cooler tones in comparison with the Pixel 7 Professional’s hotter hues. The extent of element is second to none, however I usually seen that colors aren’t as correct although the images seemed good. Low-light imagery is unbelievable, however I seen that the first digital camera tends to crush the blacks in settings with contrasted lighting.
Google Pixel 8 Professional captures some high quality 5X telephoto pictures (high) and macro photographs (backside) (faucet photographs to broaden)
Photographs from the ultra-wide digital camera, which has seen probably the most adjustments this yr, pack in additional element and dynamic vary when capturing in daylight. Colors are fairly correct as nicely. Macro photographs additionally got here out nice and the brand new digital camera allows you to get even nearer (as much as 2cm) to your topic.
Google Pixel 8 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional daylight and low-light digital camera samples captured utilizing their ultra-wide-angle cameras (faucet picture to broaden)
By way of zoom, the telephoto digital camera shoots actually spectacular photographs with good element. I used the 5X telephoto to seize some crisp portraits and close-ups and nicely they usually all seemed attractive with a pure bokeh. Going past its optical limits, Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom manages high quality photographs as much as 10X (hybrid zoom) however the high quality begins to dither thereafter.
Google Pixel 8 Professional telephoto zoom digital camera samples captured in daylight (faucet picture to broaden)
Whereas it manages good picture high quality, the Pixel 8 Professional similar to the Pixel 7 Professional struggles with edge detection when in Portrait mode (faucet picture to broaden)
After managing common video high quality final yr, it is good to see that Google has lastly upped its online game. 4K 30fps video recorded from the first digital camera appears sharp, has bitrate and provides a gradual body fee. Stabilisation can also be spectacular, making it a stable improve over the Pixel 7 Professional’s video recording capabilities. Low gentle footage additionally has good element with low noise. HDR footage shot on the similar decision appeared a bit saturated however showcased good distinction and element even in low gentle.
Google Pixel 8 Professional Overview: Verdict
What units the Pixel 8 Professional other than each different Pixel of the previous, is its AI capabilities. It is a course that Google has charted for its Pixel smartphones, and the Pixel 8 Professional absolutely shines on this space with the flexibility to course of a whole lot of requests and use a number of instruments with out the necessity to connect with the web or the cloud for processing. The very succesful and well-designed built-in Professional Controls can also be an space which cellular pictures fanatics will get pleasure from.
However the value hike could persuade many upgraders to stay with their Pixel 7 Professional fashions this yr as the entire above-mentioned options (apart from a 7-year dedication for software program updates) do not actually look like must-haves on anybody’s listing.
To make issues worse, the Pixel 7 Professional at this time retails for as little as Rs. 63,999, which is not a foul deal, relying on what one is on the lookout for in a brand new smartphone buy. Its nonetheless digital camera efficiency is much like the Pixel 8 Professional however falls behind in relation to video recording. The brand new Pixel 8 Professional could not warmth up as a lot because the Pixel 7 Professional however its battery life solely provides minor enhancements over the older mannequin.
If you’re keen to spend upwards of Rs. 1,00,000 in India, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra (Review) (accessible at Rs. 1,24,999 for the 256GB variant) absolutely provides higher worth, with spectacular zoom functionality, a greater and bigger show, glorious battery life, and to an extent even Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem of units which incorporates, smartwatches, audio equipment, tablets and laptops.
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