It’s the tail end of 2023, but the big-time tech announcements keep on coming. The Google Pixel 8 series is now official, with the brand unveiling two new phones featuring updated specs and software, improved cameras, and better-than-ever AI assistance.
Google’s new launch includes the standard Pixel 8, the premium Pixel 8 Pro, as well as a new Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Buds Pro. But it’s the two new Pixel smartphones that are the stars of the show — both offering a bevy of premium features designed to lure buyers away form the newly-released iPhone 15 series.
If you’re eyeing Google for your next phone, here’s all the details on the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro.
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What is the Google Pixel 8 release date?
Both the Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro will be available to pre-order from October 5, 2023, with devices shipping and hitting stores on October 12. You’ll be able to buy the Pixel range outright from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, and Harvey Norman, as well as on phone plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
How much does the Google Pixel 8 cost?
While the Pixel 8 series offers a clear upgrade from last year’s Pixel 7 range, these phones also come with a higher price tag: the Pixel 8 is priced from $1,199 — $200 more than the Pixel 7 — while the Pixel 8 Pro begins at $1,699 (that’s $400 more than the $1,299 Pixel 7 Pro).
Google Pixel 8
- 128GB: $1,199
- 256GB: $$1,329
Google Pixel 8 Pro
- 128GB: $1,699
- 256GB: $1,849
- 512GB: $1,999
Compare the best plans and deals for the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8
Design
The standard Google Pixel is a more curved version of last year’s Pixel 7 design, incorporating a top rear bar with a curved camera cut-out and a satin metal frame with slim bezels. You’ll get polished back glass and Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, along with IP68 water and dust resistance.
The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch Actua OLED display, with a smooth refresh rate of up to 120Hz for seamless scrolling. The phone comes with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits HDR and 2,000 nits in total, and Google is promising vivid details and sharp colours even in sunny outdoor environments. Along with an always-on display, the Pixel 8 also includes At A Glance and Now Playing notifications on the screen, offering quick updates such as travel details without the need to unlock the phone.
Performance and security
The Pixel 7 sports Google’s specially-designed Tensor G3 chip, which the brand claims is its most powerful processor to date. According to Google, the Tensor G3 enables the Pixel 8’s machine-based learning to be ten times as complex as the 2021 Pixel 6; this means fast, efficient processing for photos, video and content, as well as improved audio and video quality.
The Tensor G3 works alongside Google Assistant to deliver smart AI capabilities to your device, including twice-as-fast voice-to-type messaging, as well as the ability to type, send and edit in multiple languages at once. Pixel’s Call Assist also includes call-screening features that can weed out spammers, answer unknown numbers and find out who’s calling before you pick up your phone.
Like the Pixel 7 series, the 8 includes Google’s Titan M2 security chip, along with an in-built VPN in the Google One feature. The Pixel also comes with seven years of security updates from launch, plus end-to-end security, anti-malware and phishing protection, and Android backup and encryption.
Camera
The Pixel 8 includes a dual rear camera setup, with a 50-megapixel wide camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. This lineup offers improved image processing and more vibrant colours, even in low-light conditions. The main camera includes up to 8x Super Res Zoom for capturing shots from a distance, and this year Google is throwing in Macro Focus for detailed close-ups.
The Pixel also includes plenty of fan-favourite camera features, include Best Take for group shots, Magic Eraser for quick on-device edits, and Photo Unblur for clearer pictures, You’ll also get Real Tone, which offers more authentic skin tones, Night Sight for improved detail after hours, and Astrophotography for best-ever night sky shots.
In front, you’ll get Pixel’s 10.5-megapixel selfie camera. Both front and back cameras offer 4K video recording, with the rear camera also capable of 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second. Additional video features include Cinematic Blur, Cinematic Pan, 4K time-lapse, Astrophotography time-lapse, and up to 7x digital zoom.
Battery and extras
The standard Pixel 8 includes a typical battery capacity of 4,575mAh. Google claims the Pixel 8 has beyond 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled. The Pixel is fast-charging compatible, so you can replenish up to 50% in 30 minutes with Google’s 30W charger, and is also Qi-certified and compatible with fast wireless charging and Battery Share.
The Pixel 8 will run Android 14 out of the box, comes with 8GB RAM, and is 5G-capable. It’s also a dual-SIM and eSIM-ready device, and will come with new ‘Feature Drops’ from Google every few months. It’s available in 128GB and 256GB sizes, and in Obsidian, Rose and Hazel colour variants.
Here’s a quick overview of the specs to expect on the Google Pixel 8:
- From $1,199 AUD RRP
- 6.2-inch FHD+ display
- Google Tensor G2 processor and Titan M2 security chip
- Dual rear camera setup (50MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide cameras)
- 10.5MP front-facing camera
- Android 14 operating system
- 4,575 mAh battery with fast wireless charging, Battery Share and Extreme Battery Saver
- IP68 water resistance
- 18GB RAM
- 128GB or 256GB internal storage
- 5G connectivity
- Dual SIM (nano and eSIM)
- Available in Obsidian, Hazel and Rose
Google Pixel 8 plans
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the 128GB Google Pixel 8 on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our mobile phone comparison tool to see plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Related: Google Pixel 7 review: A strong performance and stunning cameras
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Design
Google has kept the overall same stylish design for 2023’s Pro, with a similar rear camera band and a premium finish — the main difference being the Pro’s rounded edges compared to the Pixel 7 series. You’ll find ultra-tough Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, and matte glass on the rear, with a smooth aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance (so you can submerge the device in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes).
The Pro includes a big, bright, high-resolution 6.7-inch Super Actua display, with a dynamic refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz — maximising scrolling performance based on your activity. Peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits is available, and the screen also includes At A Glance and Now Playing notifications in always-on mode.
Performance and security
As with the Pixel 8, the larger Pro includes Google’s fast new Tensor G3, along with the Titan M2 security chip. This means you’ll get lightning-quick processing power, along with multiple layers of security such as Google One VPN. All the new and enhanced Google Assistant features found on the standard Pixel 8 will also be available to Pro owners, including Call Assist, Call Screen and improved AI.
Google is also guaranteeing seven years of security updates from the date of launch, and Feature Drop software updates every few months.
Camera
The Pixel 8 Pro is packed with an impressive triple-camera lineup in the back: you’ll get a 50-megapixel wide camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a second 48-megapixel telephoto camera. The telephoto camera offers up to 5x optical zoom, along with Super Res Zoom up to 30x; ideal for capturing sharper details from further away.
Like the standard Pixel, you’ll get a range of useful features, and upgraded low-light photography. The Pro comes with a 10.5-megapixel selfie camera in front, and camera and photo options including Portrait Mode, Motion Mode, Real Tone, Face Unblur, Panorama, Top Shot, Night Sight, and Astrophotography. It’s also equipped with professional-level controls and high-resolution image quality.
The Pixel 8 Pro will also soon welcome Google’s Video Boost technology, which offers enhanced colour grading in video, along with Night Sight Video. Other new video features include Magic Editor — the Pixel’s video equivalent to its Magic Eraser for still photos — and Audio Magic Eraser, to eliminate background noise.
Battery and extras
The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a slightly-larger battery than the standard Pixel 8, with a typical capacity of 5,050mAh. This should buy you over 24 hours of typical use, or up to 72 hours with Google’s Extreme Battery Saver. Like the 8, the Pixel 8 Pro can also be charged up to 50% in 30 minutes via Google’s 30W USB-C charger, can charge other devices through Power Share, and is QI and fast wireless charging compatible.
Rounding out the Pixel 8 Pro’s key features, you’ll get 12GB of RAM, along with dual SIM capability and eSIM. This is also the first-ever Pixel to include a temperature scanner — so you can use your phone to check the temp on items such as food, beverages, metal and more.
The Pro is 5G-ready, and can also be used with mmWave 5G technology where available. You’ll be able to pick up the Pro in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay colours, and in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes.
Here’s a recap of the Pixel 8 Pro’s key features and specs:
- From $1, 699 AUD RRP
- 6.7-inch Super Actua display
- Google Tensor G3 processor and Titan M2 security chip
- Triple rear camera setup (50MP + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto cameras)
- 10.5MP front-facing camera
- Android 14 operating system
- 5,050 mAh battery with fast wireless charging, Battery Share and Extreme Battery Saver
- IP68 water resistance
- 12GB RAM
- 128GB, 256GB or 512GB internal storage
- 5G connectivity with mmWave capability
- Dual SIM (nano and eSIM)
- Available in Obsidian, Porcelain and Bay
Google Pixel 8 Pro plans
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the 128GB Google Pixel 8 Pro on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our mobile phone comparison tool to see plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Compare SIM-only phone plans
We’ll have all the details on the best deals and offers for the Google Pixel 8 series when available; however, if you’re planning to buy either Pixel outright, you’ll need to pair it with a SIM-only phone plan.
We’ve compiled a range of options in the tables below.
The following table shows a selection of published postpaid SIM plans with 5G access on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published prepaid SIM plans with 5G access on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
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