At a look
Professional’s Score
Professionals
- Luxurious construct high quality
- Unbelievable cameras
- Helpful software program options
- Six extra years of updates
Cons
- So-so battery life
- Sluggish charging
- Large and heavy
Our Verdict
Google has produced its most superior Pixel telephone but with the Pixel 8 Professional, which has one of the crucial intuitive cameras you will get on a smartphone and loads of different premium options. With a worth drop within the UK, it’s a more sensible choice than the newer Pixel 9 Professional telephones for most individuals.
Worth When Reviewed
From $999
Finest Costs At the moment: Google Pixel 8 Professional
$679.98
$749
$974.99
$999
Google has launched a number of the most spectacular options but for its new 2023 Pixel smarphones, although these enhancements do include a worth improve in comparison with the earlier technology.
The flagship Pixel 8 Professional comes with a bunch of AI digicam options due to the all-new Tensor G3 processor, and tweaks to the design in comparison with the earlier technology. However are these adjustments definitely worth the worth hike?
I’ve spent a while with this high-end smartphone that can assist you determine whether or not it’s the subsequent Android gadget for you.
It’s value noting that the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL telephones at the moment are official, however this older mannequin remains to be value contemplating.
Design & Construct
- Massive telephone
- Three colors
- IP68 ranking
Until you’re a fellow tech journalist or a brilliant Google fan, you’d be forgiven for not with the ability to inform the Pixel 7 Professional and Pixel 8 Professional aside.
As soon as once more, there’s a metallic digicam bar on the rear which homes the lenses, although this iteration now has a temperature sensor positioned beneath the flash. The cameras are additionally all housed collectively in a single lengthy tablet form, which has a extra cohesive ‘visor’ look in comparison with the earlier technology.
The remainder of the telephone is comprised of matt glass, which has a ceramic-like appear and feel (the common 8 is shiny). It’s very premium, although it does make me nervous to make use of with out a case in comparison with these with extra sturdy supplies (be aware {that a} Google-branded case will price you an additional $29/£29). That mentioned, it does include Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance.
The design is kind of polarising amongst the Tech Advisor workforce. I’m personally a fan – the telephone seems its worth and has a particular design language that units it aside from rivals.
The introduction of a Mint mannequin in January 2024 joins the present Obsidian, Bay and Porcelain choices. That’s gentle inexperienced, gentle blue, black and cream for anybody confused by fluffy advertising and marketing lingo.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While many will probably be evaluating {hardware} specs between the 8 and eight Professional, it’s best to take into account the scale. It is a bigger gadget, measuring 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm and weighing 213g. It’s nice for watching movies on, but it surely’s not splendid you probably have smaller fingers and pockets (I’m taking a look at you, ladies’s denims).
The chassis is comprised of polished aluminium, which is 100% recycled – mine had a delightful champagne gold end that added to that luxurious really feel.
To sum up, it feels high-end and is a pleasure to take a look at, however it might be larger and heavier than what you’re used to.
…the telephone seems its worth and has a particular design language that units it aside from rivals
Display screen & Audio system
- 6.7in OLED show
- Stereo audio system
- Variable 120Hz show
Google has produced a knockout on the show of its flagship telephone. The primary huge distinction is that it comes with a flat show, fairly than a curved one like on the 7 Professional. It’s a 6.7in LPTO OLED Tremendous Actua show, with a decision of 2992 x 1344 at 489ppi. There’s the choice to show the decision right down to 1080p, do you have to wish to preserve the battery life.
In actual phrases, it is a nice show for watching movies on and actually shows the telephone’s digicam wares in its full glory. It’s additionally brilliant sufficient to make use of beneath direct daylight – I by no means struggled with glare or seeing particulars on the display screen. It’s additionally bought Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in your peace of thoughts and an anti-fingerprint coating.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Based on Google, the telephone has a VRR refresh charge that, when toggled on, can change from wherever from 1- to 120Hz relying on the duty. Nevertheless, my telephone solely confirmed Clean Show as toggling between 60Hz and 120Hz. You can also’t choose a particular set refresh charge past 60Hz as you’ll be able to on rivals.
The stereo audio system on the Pixel 8 Professional are loud and splendid for podcasts and YouTube movies. There’s even a little bit of thump on the bass in case you prefer to take heed to music in your telephone (although for the sake of everybody, please use headphones in public). No headphone jack, after all – RIP.
Haptics are clipped and responsive, and there’s a sliding scale to regulate the extent of contact suggestions out of your keyboard – this comes turned off by default.
Specs & Efficiency
- 12GB RAM
- 4 storage choices
- Tensor G3 processor targeted on AI capabilities
The telephone comes with a beneficiant 12GB RAM, and both 128-, 256-, 512GB or 1TB storage (the final determine is unique to the US). That’s maybe a bit low for a Professional smartphone at simply 128GB.
The Pixel 8 Professional comes with an all-new processor, the Tensor G3. Based on Google, it’s the corporate’s largest machine studying mannequin thus far, and is ten occasions extra complicated the Tensor G2.
Google has primarily targeted on the AI capabilities of this chip, which the smartphone definitely delivers on. It doesn’t focus an excessive amount of on highly effective efficiency, and that’s as a result of it doesn’t match as much as different flagship rivals just like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely, as confirmed by our benchmarking exams:
Google Pixel 8 Professional benchmarks
That mentioned, until you’re an enormous cell gamer, you shouldn’t discover these variations in day-to-day use. It’s easy for shopping and multitasking, and swiping on social media is quick and responsive. I had one incident the place Instagram took a short while to open, however this was solved by closing the app.
I even managed to play Genshin Affect on medium settings on this telephone – although it took an age to put in, and the handset bought fairly heat throughout this time. Graphics had some popping and slightly lag, however the truth that I didn’t must drop right down to low settings on this demanding title was a welcome shock.
Cameras & Video
- Wonderful important 50Mp digicam
- Superior picture processing
- AI enhancing instruments are a blended bag
This telephone vary is thought for its unbelievable digicam set-up, and but once more, the Pixel 8 Professional lands a slam dunk.
The principle digicam is 50Mp, with a f/1.68 aperture and a really beneficiant 1/1.31in picture sensor measurement. Which means the digicam can let in additional gentle, permitting for extra particulars to be captured and pure tones to be mirrored.
The expertise is massively spectacular. Textures comparable to fur, hair, grass and brickwork are captured with extraordinary readability. In dimmer environments, the Pixel precisely boosts shadows and colors extraordinarily carefully to how they seem to the attention. Even transferring topics comparable to birds and water are captured dynamically, with minimal blur within the air.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Portrait photographs look inventive and have simply the correct quantity of background blur – although you’ll be able to alter this extra within the enhancing course of. Macro focus can be accessible on photographs as shut as 2cm, permitting you to seize minute particulars in issues comparable to flowers with unimaginable readability. Evening sight can be spectacular, protecting the sky a pure inky black while lifting tones simply sufficient to look genuine.
The ultrawide digicam has been upgraded from 12- to 48Mp with autofocus and a f/1.95 aperture. Whereas the sunshine captured isn’t fairly as spellbinding as it’s on the principle digicam, numerous particulars are nonetheless current, and there aren’t any washed-out colors as you’ll discover on cheaper smartphones.
The telephoto lens from the Pixel 7 Professional stays the identical 48Mp lens with a f/2.8 aperture and a 5x optical zoom. There’s additionally as much as 30x digital with Tremendous Res Zoom that counters hand shake throughout taking pictures.
Pictures taken as much as 5x zoom are glorious on the Pixel 8 Professional. You possibly can see under the extent of element is captured on the clock and the stained glass window. The digital zoom isn’t fairly as spectacular, however in case you get good lighting circumstances they aren’t as blurry as I’ve seen on rivals. The digicam struggles extra in darker environments with this.
On the entrance there’s a 10.5Mp selfie digicam, with a f/2.2 aperture and a 95-degree extensive area of view that means you’ve the choice to get extra in vary for selfies. I used to be impressed by the picture processing prowess on this, with selfies showing pure, although just a few errant strays of hair did blur into the background. The triple mic array additionally means it’s good for video calls.
On the enhancing facet, there are the standard Pixel staples comparable to Astrophotography, Professional controls for guide taking pictures and Face Unblur. Nevertheless, many customers could also be drawn to the brand new AI digicam instruments.
The Magic Editor lets you change the composition of photographs in a myriad of the way. You possibly can mix issues comparable to Magic Eraser and highlighting an individual to vary their measurement and place to fit your preferences. This may all be achieved manually, however the auto-generated device labored effectively in my shot of my associate.
The opposite headline function is Finest Take, which lets you swap out totally different expressions of individuals whenever you take a number of photographs. I’ve already expressed my ethical quandaries with this function (worries that have been shared by my family and friends who agreed it was fairly hellish). Placing that apart, I can say that Finest Take shouldn’t be 100% foolproof.
It definitely works higher on the principle rear digicam. It’s exhausting to inform on some photographs that my face has modified, with the AI wizardry transferring my hair and neck extraordinarily convincingly. If somebody is going through utterly away from the digicam, then the device doesn’t all the time recognise them as a topic for enhancing.
On the entrance digicam, a number of the basic AI weirdness started to creep in, with facial options distorted in some photographs. Any rogue arms in the best way additionally sends the device right into a minor meltdown.
Video smart, the Pixel 8 Professional is able to taking pictures each 4K and 1080p at 60-, 30- and 24fps. One of the spectacular options on that is the Audio Magic Eraser, which managed to cleanly muffle street noise beneath my speech, even when an enormous smelly bus pulled up subsequent to me. It couldn’t fairly do away with the site visitors gentle beeps, however I used to be nonetheless proud of the outcomes.
Evening Sight on video additionally implies that the smartphone can apply its low-light processing skills to movie recordings – I discovered that I used to be in a position to choose up extra correct shades on my nighttime stroll than different smartphones I’ve used.
I can say that Finest Take shouldn’t be 100% foolproof
Battery Life & Charging
- Day-long battery life if used on decrease settings
- Helps 30W charging with Google’s brick
On paper, the Pixel 8 Professional has a barely larger battery than the Pixel 7 Professional at 5050- in comparison with 5000mAh. Nevertheless, that elevated battery life didn’t make a marked enchancment in testing.
I managed to make it final all through the day by turning the decision and refresh charge down. If I didn’t, then the Pixel 8 Professional would lose cost extra quickly. In our inside exams, the 8 Professional managed 9 hours and 33 minutes. For a telephone of this measurement, it’s a disgrace.
In the event you don’t have Google’s personal 30W charging brick (not equipped as Google solely provides you a USB-C to USB-C cable), then charging can be gradual. A 30-minute juice took it to only 24 p.c, and it takes round two hours to get all of it the best way to full utilizing a 44W Vivo charger I needed to hand.
Google’s one ought to allegedly give higher outcomes, with the model claiming a 50% cost in half-hour. Regardless, even that quantity is lagging behind some rivals comparable to Xiaomi and Oppo. The telephone additionally helps 23W wi-fi charging, and reverse wi-fi charging.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Software program & Apps
- Android 14
- Helpful AI options for accessibility
- Thermometer for object temperature
- Seven years of updates
I nonetheless mourn my smashed Pixel 3 (all the time pack your telephone in a backpack when biking, children), so I used to be excited to return to Google’s easy and satisfying UI with the Pixel 8 Professional.
In the event you’ve been desirous to get your fingers on Android 14, then the Pixel 8 telephones are the primary telephones to ship with the total model. The structure of apps is clear and concise, and there’s a extensive alternative of widgets accessible. The At A Look function reveals the climate, date and might show different data comparable to timers, urged commute occasions and extra. While helpful, it may well’t be eliminated, nor can the design be altered – which can be annoying for some.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Generative AI wallpapers imply you can create one thing utterly distinctive by combining a variety of phrases. For instance, I requested for an impressionist fashion background involving volcanoes and ice cream cones and bought some bonkers outcomes. Some prompts solely produce one suggestion, that means that it is a function that may seemingly develop over time.
AI extends into different areas, too. Google claims that dictation on messages now helps extra pure language. The telephone was in a position to translate my pauses into commas, and even choose up on some slang. It’s not utterly correct, but it surely’s definitely higher than what I’ve seen up to now. Google Assistant can now learn aloud webpages utilizing instructions comparable to ‘learn this text’, which is nice for accessibility – it may well even translate them into different languages.
The thermometer (not accessible on the common 8) on the telephone can presently solely be used for objects. You possibly can select from totally different supplies, comparable to meals, drinks and forged iron, for allegedly extra correct readings. You then ought to maintain the telephone 2cm away from the floor and faucet the button for a studying.
Regardless of the IP68 studying, I did have minor palpitations clutching this £1,000 telephone tantalising near my piping sizzling mocha, plus I’m not the type of one that cares in regards to the actual temperature of my food and drinks. There could also be individuals who get use out of this function, but it surely does really feel slightly area of interest and gimmicky.
If the sensor may take a person’s temperature, then that might be rather more game-changing. The excellent news is that that is on the best way, however Google is simply ready for FDA approval earlier than releasing it to the broader public. I’m glad to see the corporate goes by means of the right due course of, it’s only a disgrace that it’s not accessible at launch.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Undoubtedly one of many largest causes to purchase the Pixel 8 Professional is Google’s monster promise of seven years of OS updates, function drops and safety updates – that means that the telephone is roofed all the best way to 2030. It is a slap within the face to rivals like Samsung, which gives 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety updates, although that was beforehand the main promise.
…one of many largest causes to purchase the Pixel 8 Professional is Google’s monster promise of seven years of OS updates
Telephones needs to be constructed to final, and it’s good to see Google offering an business main determine on this space.
Worth & Availability
The Pixel 8 Professional is the smartphone for you in case you’re on a premium funds, with costs ranging from $999/£899 for the bottom 128GB mannequin. That’s £100 lower than within the UK at launch, although the US worth is unchanged.
US readers can get it from Google, Amazon, Goal, Finest Purchase, while these within the UK can get it from Google, Amazon, Currys, and Argos. You’ll find extra contract offers in our purchasing information for the Pixel 8 sequence – we’ve additionally collated the most effective UK contract offers under:
For context, the newer Pixel 9 Professional begins at £999/$999, whereas the Pixel 9 Professional XL is much more costly at £1,099/$1,099.
And that seven-year promise of updates imply that the Pixel 8 Professional remains to be a future-proofed smartphone. You possibly can dangle onto it for years to return, and never fear about it shedding assist from Google (assuming it retains the promise).
There’s additionally the vanilla Pixel 8, which nonetheless contains all of the AI digicam instruments, however comes with a much less spectacular digicam spec and a smaller construct. For an additional breakdown of the variations, take a look at our Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional comparability.
See extra alternate options in our information to the most effective smartphones.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Must you purchase the Google Pixel 8 Professional?
The Google Pixel 8 Professional has quite a lot of what you’d anticipate from a premium flagship telephone. It seems and feels luxurious, has a number of the most intuitive options on a Pixel but, and the cameras are chic.
For such a giant telephone although, the battery life isn’t nice. It is going to get you thru the day, however not in case you’re a brilliant person. Charging can be painfully gradual in comparison with many telephones (usually cheaper ones) in the marketplace. Plus, some AI options comparable to Finest Take are simply plain creepy.
All that mentioned, the seven-year OS assist implies that this smartphone ought to last more any rival, which may make the steep price ticket worthwhile if similarly-priced rivals don’t catch your eye extra. And it nonetheless compares favourably to the newer Pixel 9 sequence.
Specs
- 6.7in QHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED
- Google Tensor G3 chipset
- 12GB RAM
- 128/256/512GB and 1TB non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage
- 5,050mAh battery
- 30W wired charging
- Wi-fi charging
- 50Mp f/1.68 important digicam
- 48Mp f/1.95 ultrawide digicam.
- 48Mp f/2.8 telephoto digicam
- 5x optical zoom
- Tremendous Res Zoom as much as 30x
- 10.5Mp f/2.2 entrance digicam
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.3
- IP68
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm
- 213g