We’re nonetheless a good approach off seeing the subsequent technology of Pixel telephones, as Google has solely lately pulled again the covers of the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. However, rumours are already starting to seem about what we would see when the sequence 8 fashions arrive.
Right here’s what we all know up to now, in addition to a wish-list for what we’d like within the Google Pixel 8 and eight Professional.
When will the Google Pixel 8 be launched?
There’s no affirmation of the official launch date for the Pixel 8 fashions in the mean time, however each single Pixel flagship up to now has been launched in October, like clockwork, so it feels fairly protected to say we anticipate the Pixel 8 sequence to make its debut in October 2023.
How a lot will the Google Pixel 8 price?
Once more, there’s no phrase but from Google in regards to the potential worth tags that may accompany the series-8 gadgets. In fact, we are able to use the previous couple of fashions as a information to how a lot you’ll want to avoid wasting up. Right here’s how they lined up:
This reveals that Google has been fairly set in its methods with regards to pricing. If that continues in 2023, and we predict there’s probability it is going to, then the Pixel 8 ought to be $599/£599 and the Pixel 8 Professional $899/£849.
What in regards to the Pixel 8’s specs and options?
Clearly, with the Pixel 8 launch date up to now within the distance, there’s not a lot to go on with regard to new parts, designs or options. There are some rumours although, with the principle one focussed on the chipsets that shall be used within the upcoming fashions.
Dutch website GalaxyClub has reported that work on the third technology of Google’s Tensor chipset is already properly into growth, that means it ought to accompany the Pixel 8 launch. In line with the location, Samsung would be the producer once more, with a chip bearing the code S5P9865 already showing on take a look at boards. This follows the naming sequence used with the earlier Tensor 1 and a couple of processors, which have been respectively numbered S5P9845 and S5P9855. With the Tensor 2 that options within the Pixel 7 and seven Professional already proving extra power environment friendly and highly effective than the earlier technology, there’s hopes that the third iteration will push issues even additional when it arrives.
WinFuture has discovered extra concrete information in regards to the two telephones after a dive into what it calls “publicly out there code sources.” The positioning discovered code names for 2 telephones: ‘Shiba’ and ‘Husky’. Google has used animal names earlier than for Pixel flagships – Cheetah and Panther for the Pixel 7 sequence – so it appears probably this refers back to the Pixel 8 handsets.
In line with the code each telephones will run a chipset named ‘Zuma’ which makes use of the identical modem because the Tensor 2 – one other clue that we’re wanting on the subsequent Pixels. Each telephones additionally run on Android 14, which is not any shock.
Surprisingly each handsets function 12GB of RAM, and show decision can also be excessive: 2268×1080 for Shiba and 2822×1344 for Husky, suggesting this latter cellphone is the Professional mannequin.
We’re so far-off from launch that these specs are unlikely to be finalised, and it’s equally potential that these two gadgets are designed for inside testing and don’t mirror last Pixel 8 specs in any respect – however not less than they provide us a touch of what to anticipate.
Given the Pixel’s cameras have all the time been so good, there’s a juicy hearsay in regards to the Pixel 8’s cameras unearthed by developer Kuba Wojciechowski. They posted supply code from the Pixel digital camera app that instructed the subsequent cellphone would possibly use one thing referred to as staggered HDR:
At present, Pixel telephones don’t use staggered HDR, which is a function that may seize completely different exposures on the similar time however use the identical pixels.
“This permits attaining the identical impact as common HDR however with out the elevated seize time or probability on the pictures being blurry due to misalignment of frames attributable to motion,” Wojciechowski stated of their Twitter thread.
Something that may enhance the already wonderful Pixel digital camera is sweet in our guide.
Apple’s new iPhone 14 vary of gadgets now helps satellite tv for pc communications for calls once you’re in locations that 5G fears to tread. In line with a tweet by Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer, we may even see the identical function arrive with the Pixel 8 and eight Professional.
As Google likes to utilize the latest Android options in its telephones, to not point out being the primary to obtain the updates, it appears probably that the Pixel 8 gadgets will have the ability to go toe-to-toe with Apple when Android 14 rolls out.
Wishlist of what we’d prefer to see within the Google Pixel 8
The category of 2022 has impressed, however right here’s what we’d like Google to refine in its subsequent iterations.
120Hz refresh fee on all fashions
This can be a fairly easy one lately. With so many mid-range Android telephones boasting 120Hz refresh charges to make scrolling smoother, it is smart for each the Professional and commonplace Pixel 8 to have this functionality. It’s already current within the Pixel Professional 7 and Pixel Professional 6, however we’d prefer to see the 90Hz fee on the Pixel 7 make the step up when its substitute arrives.
Quicker charging speeds
In each our Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional opinions, the principle gripe was sluggish recharge occasions. In an age the place telephones can go from 0% to 100% in round half an hour, the Pixels appear doddery as compared. So, we predict it’s necessary that Google addresses this within the Pixel 8 gadgets.
Improved facial recognition
Whereas the Pixel 7 Professional impressed us with its new facial recognition unlock function, the Pixel 7 nonetheless wants extra time within the oven. Hopefully, the yr between releases will imply the Pixel 8 has a greater exhibiting.
Lose the load!
Okay. We’re not fats shaming the Pixel 7 Professional, however at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm and 212g it might be described as big-boned. We don’t know, perhaps it’s a thyroid situation, however for the Pixel 8 Professional we’d like to see a extra slimline chassis. It’s true that almost all powerhouse telephones are fairly chunky lately, however for the sake of our wrists we are able to solely pray for lighter and tighter designs in 2023.
To see what telephones the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional should see off, try our greatest smartphone and finest smartphones coming in 2023 roundups.