The Google Pixel 8 was announced alongside its ‘Pro’ sibling today, October 4. The Pixel 8 is a compact flagship smartphone from Google, and the difference in size between the vanilla and ‘Pro’ models is more pronounced this time around. The Pixel 7 was not exactly that much smaller than the ‘Pro’ variant, which is not the case with the Pixel 8. It does bring forth some notable improvements, as expected, though it looks rather similar to last year’s Android device. There’s plenty to talk about here, so let’s get going.
Google Pixel 8 specs
The Google Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) Actua display. That is an LTPS OLED panel. Its refresh rate can jump from 60 to 120Hz. The Gorilla Glass Victus protects this panel, and it’s flat. It’s also quite bright at 2,000 nits at its peak, noticeably brighter than the Pixel 7’s. The Google Tensor G3 fuels the Pixel 8, while Google included 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM here, and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage, which is not expandable. The Titan M2 security coprocessor is also included here.
- Google Pixel 8 specs
- How much does the Google Pixel 8 costs?
- Where can I buy the Google Pixel 8?
- Are there any pre-order offers available?
- What carriers does it work on?
- What colors does the Google Pixel 8 come in?
- What countries is it available in directly from Google?
- What new upgrades does the Pixel 8 have over the Pixel 7?
- What cases are available for the Google Pixel 8?
- Google Pixel 8 official videos:
- Should I buy the Google Pixel 8?
- Updates
You will find a 4,575mAh battery inside the Pixel 8. The phone supports charging at 27W, that goes for both wired and wireless charging, by the way. Google recommends its 30W charger, which does not come included in the box, but you don’t have to use it. The phone supports PD 3.0 (PPS) charging. It also supports ‘Battery Share’, so you can wirelessly charge other phones with it.
Powerful cameras boosted by AI
A 50-megapixel main camera (f/1.68 aperture, 1.2um pixel size, 82-degree FoV, Super Res Zoom up to 8x, OIS + EIS) sits on the back, along with a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (f/2.2 aperture, 1.25um pixel size, 125.8-degree FoV). On the front, you’ll find a 10.5-megapixel snapper (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size, 95-degree FoV, fixed focus). Spectral and flicker sensors are included on the back.
Android 14 comes pre-installed on the phone, while Google promises 7 years of software updates. 5G is supported, as is Wi-Fi 7. The phone includes an optical fingerprint scanner, but it also supports facial scanning via the front-facing camera. Stereo speakers are included, and Spatial Audio is supported. You also get Bluetooth 5.3 support here.
How much does the Google Pixel 8 costs?
The Google Pixel 8 got announced in two storage variants, 128GB and 256GB models. Both of those models include 8GB of RAM, so we have two different price tags. The phone starts at $699, it’s $100 more expensive than its predecessor, the Pixel 7. The 256GB storage option is priced at $749, in case you were wondering.
Where can I buy the Google Pixel 8?
You’ll be able to buy the Google Pixel 8 at all of the usual places. That goes for both the carriers and the retailers. The list is included below, we’ll be adding links as they become available.
Are there any pre-order offers available?
What carriers does it work on?
The Google Pixel 8 will basically work on all US carriers. So, it will work on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon and their MVNOs as well. Including Visible, US Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, and more.
What colors does the Google Pixel 8 come in?
The Google Pixel 8 comes in three color variants. Google announced Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose color options for its Android handset. The Hazel color variant is basically a gray Pixel 8, while the Obsidian model is black-colored. The Rose color represents a pink variant of the phone. Those are seemingly the only colors Google opted for this time around, at least for the time being.
What countries is it available in directly from Google?
As far as North America is concerned, it is available in both the US and Canada. When it comes to Europe, here’s the list: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and the UK. You’ll also be able to get it in the APAC area, including Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan.
What new upgrades does the Pixel 8 have over the Pixel 7?
So, the Google Pixel 8 does look very similar to its predecessor. Google obviously improved it, though, so what are the upgrades that it delivers? Well, we’ll go over the main ones below, so read on.
More powerful SoC
The Google Tensor G2 is not exactly the most powerful processor around, and that was the case when it launched too. It doesn’t have the edge in terms of sheer power or power efficiency compared to the competition from Qualcomm. The same was the case with the Tensor G1. Well, the Tensor G3 is a major improvement on paper, even though it’s still close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Based on what we can see, though, it’s a considerable step forward compared to the Tensor G2, but bigger than the Tensor G2 was compared to the Tensor G1. Not only is it expected to offer a performance boost, but also be noticeably better with power consumption.
A 120Hz display, finally
The Google Pixel 8 comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display, finally. This is still not an LTPO panel as is on the Pixel 8 Pro , it’s an LTPS display (60-120Hz refresh rate). That’s still good enough, at least we’re no longer stuck on a 90Hz panel that was included in the last two generations of vanilla Pixel flagships.
Brighter than ever
In addition to having a 120Hz display, the Google Pixel 8 also has a brighter display than its predecessor. The Google Pixel 7 capped out at 1,400 nits of brightness at its peak, the Pixel 8 goes all the way up to 2,000 nits. That’s not the highest brightness in the market, of course, but it’s still a major improvement. 2,000 nits can be reached via the automatic setting only, by the way, so keep that in mind.
7 years of software support
Google is planning to provide major 7 years of OS updates to the Pixel 8. Just to be clear, I’m not talking about 7 years of software support, but OS updates. So, not only will the Pixel 8 get 7 years of security updates, but 7 years of major OS updates and feature drops. Even though Google confirmed that at this point, it’s still hard to believe, but it’s a good thing, of course. That basically means you’ll be getting updates until the year 2030, for those of you who are keeping count.
Battery gains
The Google Pixel 7 arrived with a 4,355mAh battery. Well, the Google Pixel 8 pushes that to 4,575mAh. That’s a 220mAh improvement. Do note that the Pixel 8 also has a slightly smaller display, despite the fact it has a higher refresh rate. Still, the larger battery in combination with the new SoC, should be able to boost the battery life of the device compared to its predecessor. We should see a rather noticeable difference.
Improved camera hardware
Not only does the Google Pixel 8 has a new main camera sensor, but it also comes with some ultrawide camera improvements. Google is using the ISOCELL GN2 sensor this time around. It’s a successor to the ISOCELL GN1 it used in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7. That is a 50-megapixel camera. The ultrawide camera is now wider at 125.8-degree FoV, compared to the 114-degree FoV the Pixel 7 offered. ‘Macro Focus’ feature is now also available, and more.
Smaller & lighter
The Google Pixel 8 is both smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Why is this an advantage? Well, the Pixel 7 was too close to the size of the Pixel 7 Pro. Many people argued that only one of the two phones should exist. Well, Google decided to make that difference a bit more noticeable, so that the users who actually want a more compact phone can get one. The Pixel 8 is shorter, narrower, and also 10 grams lighter than its predecessor, despite the fact it has a larger battery.
What cases are available for the Google Pixel 8?
Google announced a single official case for the Pixel 8, though it does come in a number of colors. This case is designed with “42% recycled materials”, and it feels like soft silicone to the touch, says Google. It comes in Charcoal, Coral, Hazel, and Mint colors. The case is priced at $29.99, as was the Pixel 7 case. You can check out this case in all color variants in the gallery below.
Google Pixel 8 official videos:
Should I buy the Google Pixel 8?
We cannot exactly give you a yes or no answer to this question, of course. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a device and what device you currently own. Considering you’re thinking of getting the Pixel 8, I’ll assume you want a more compact flagship-grade phone. If you also want stock software on top of that, or something close to it, the ASUS ZenFone 10 is another phone you should consider, just to give you some options. The Pixel 8 does deliver a more powerful SoC than its predecessor, and it’s more compact, not to mention that it has an even better camera setup and a better and brighter display. The Pixel 8 seems like a good choice for a compact flagship, at least on paper, though it’s not exactly cheap, so… there’s a lot to consider here.
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Updated January 30, 2024:
Google has decided to release a new color option for the Pixel 8, a ‘Minty fresh’ model. This is basically a mint color, or in other words, a washed-out green-blue color, kind of. The color change is the only difference here, everything else remains the same.
In addition to a new color option for the device, Google also released new features as part of the ‘ Pixel Feature Drop ‘ package for January 2024. You’ll see all the features below, separately.
Circle to Search
One of the most talked-about features in this update is Circle to Search. It basically allows you to search for anything you see on the display by simply making a circle around it. This feature will start rolling out on January 31, Google said. All you need to do in order to activate this feature is long-press the Pixel home button or navigation bar and “circle, highlight, scribble or tap what you see to get more information from Search”.
Magic Compose for Google Messages
Magic Compose has arrived to the Google Messages app. You can use Google’s generative AI in order to rewrite a drafted message in different styles thanks to this new feature. This feature can make your messages more concise, for example, or more dramatic. Whatever you want.
Photomoji
Photomoji is a new feature that allows you to transform your photos into reactions with some help from on-device Google AI. So, for example, you can choose a photo of your cat, and turn it into a reaction emoji. Google’s AI will make a cutout for you.
Quick Share
Many of you are familiar with Nearby Share, which now has a new name. Google decided to rebrand , as part of a partnership with Samsung, and that feature now has a new name. You can still use it as you usually did and send files to various devices across platforms (Android, Windows, and ChromeOS).
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Updates
Updated February 6, 2024:
A February 2024 security update has started arriving on Pixel smartphones. The changelog reveals the most updates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro handsets, even though it’s coming to a number of Pixel phones (all the way down to the Pixel 5a 5G). The Pixel 8 is getting “General improvements for system stability and performance in certain conditions” , while Google is also issuing a fix for the display getting corrupted in specific conditions. Google also improved stability and performance with certain third-party apps. This update is rolling out already, but do note that it’s staged, so you may have to wait a bit in order to get it.
Updated March 5, 2024:
The Google Pixel 8 is one of the devices that are getting Google’s Pixel Feature Drop , which arrived in March 2024. Let’s see what’s new for this smartphone specifically. Google is improving the Call Screen feature. It can now help you get a call started when the caller is silent. Google Assistant can prompt the caller to speak to get the ball rolling.
This update also made sure to improve Instagram compatibility . Thanks to it, you can now capture and share 10-bit HDR videos directly on Instagram Reels. You can also upload and share Ultra HDR photos on your Instagram feed. That’s basically it as far as the Pixel 8 is concerned. The other changes are for other Pixel devices.
Updated April 3, 2024:
Google has started rolling out the April 2024 security update to its Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 8 is one of the smartphones, of course, as it’s the latest and greatest Pixel phone, alongside the Pixel 8 Pro. This update brings 28 general security patches for Android and 25 that are specific for Google Pixel phones. Do note that Google did not detail those security patches. What the company did detail is the bug fixes included with this update.
Two out of four entries are Pixel 8 series specific, by the way. The company fixed an exposure bug that was reported a number of times in the last month. That bug was affecting the Pixel 8 series. In addition to that, the black halo artifacts that were showing up in the viewfinder are now gone too. They were showing up when users were switching from photo to video mode at standard 1x zoom. Google also issued camera stability improvements when changing zoom levels.
Updated May 9, 2024:
The Google Pixel 8 has started receiving a new Android security update . This time around, we’re talking about the May 2024 update. This update is rolling out to a bunch of Pixel phones, and that goes for both unlocked and devices bought at carriers in the US. This is not a big update at all. The next one will be, though, for June, as that is the next Pixel Feature Drop. This particular update does bring general improvements in stability and performance for Bluetooth LE audio. It also delivers a Pixel 8 series-specific change for the camera performance. Google says that this update fixes camera performance under certain conditions when recording a video. That’s basically it. The rollout is staged, though, so it may take a while before you get the update.
Updated June 12, 2024:(Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting the June 2024 Pixel Feature Drop update . Several new features are included here, actually. The main one is arguably the Gemini Nano. Google is expanding Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8, as promised, despite the fact it wasn’t planned at first. You can now access Gemini Nano “as a developer option”, says Google. You’ll need to enable developer options first , though.
This update also allows you to improve your transcripts. Gemini now powers Summarize in Recorder to run on-device here. The Recorder app now also delivers “more detailed, downloadable summaries”. It is able to “detect and include the names of speakers”. It can also export transcripts into text files or Google Docs files.
Thanks to this update, the Pixel 8 can now also display content on a larger screen. You can simply plug it into your monitor, for example, via a USB-C cable, and mirroring to an external display will be activated (should you choose to do so).
The Find My Device is getting an upgrade too. It can now find your device even if it’s off and its battery is dead. The Pixeli camera also got a boost. It can now automatically identify the best moment from your photo in HDR+, with just a single shutter press.
Updated August 28, 2024:(August 2024 security update)
The Google Pixel 8 is now receiving the August 2024 Android security update . As part of this update, Google did fix some issues too, though it did not add new features. Google has fixed screen brightness flickering under certain conditions. General improvements for display performance and stability have also been rolled out to the device. Chances are most of you have already received this update, but if you haven’t, it’s coming soon.
Updated September 12, 2024:(August 2024 security update)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting a new update , one for September 2024. It is rolling out in stages, so if you haven’t received it yet, it’s coming soon. This update does bring a number of security patches to the table. In addition to that, however, it’s also delivering a “fix to remove third-party APK to address security vulnerability”. That is probably regarding the ‘Showcase’ demo app which Verizon ships on its Pixel phones. We’re not 100% sure, though.
Updated October 18, 2024:(Android 15 & Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8 is now receiving the Android 15 update now too, along with the latest Pixel Feature Drop. Google is offering a number of new features here, including a mode for taking pictures and videos under water. You will need a waterproof case for that, but once you get it, you’ll be able to take some really nice shots. Google is also improving the Astrophotography mode, not to mention that you can now utilize Night Sight directly from the Instagram application.
Updated November 12, 2024:(November 2024 security update)
Google has kicked off the rollout of the November 2024 Android security update . The Pixel 8 is now getting it, along with many other phones. This update delivers 21 security fixes to the device, but that’s not all that Google mentioned. The company also listed some general improvements for performance and stability in certain UI transitions and animations. In other words, Android 15 on this device should be more stable than it was before. As per usual, the update is rolling out in stages.
Updated December 12, 2024:(December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8 is, alongside its ‘Pro’ sibling and many other Pixel devices, on the receiving end of the latest Pixel Feature Drop . This phone is not getting all the features that the Pixel 9 series is getting, but it’s getting most of them. Gemini Advanced is now more capable than ever thanks to the ‘saved info’ feature. It can now provide more helpful and relevant responses tailored to your goals and needs.
Updated January 15, 2025:(January 2025 security update)
Google has started rolling out the Android security patch for January 2025 , and the Pixel 8 is one of the phones that are getting the update. This update brings fixes for 26 security issues, which range from high to critical. The update is well under 100MB in the case of the Google Pixel 8. This update is coming in stages, though, so you may need to wait a bit before your phone gets it.
In addition to the security fixes, two additional entries have been added to the changelog for the Pixel 8. Google is issuing a fix for the audio delay and stability issue when using certain apps. On top of that, a fix for an issue with the Pixel launcher themed icon color display has been included too.
Updated February 7, 2025:(February 2025 security update)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting the February 2025 Android security update . This update is rolling out in stages, so you may have to wait a bit before it lands on your phone. It brings fixes for high-level CVEs, and it also fixes a Pixel-specific vulnerability. It has to do with the battery mitigation subcomponent. In addition to security-related fixes, this update also comes with a fix for an issue related to audio output in Android Auto. That is a problem in some conditions, and it shouldn’t be following this update.
Updated March 10, 2025:(Pixel Feature Drop & March 2025 security update)
Google is now rolling out both a new Pixel Feature Drop and March 2025 security update to the Pixel 8. Let’s talk about the security update first, shall we. It delivers a total of 44 security updates that range from ‘high’ to ‘critical’. 7 less important updates have been issued as well. Now, in regards to the Pixel Feature Drop. Some new features have been added to the device, though most of them ended up on the Pixel 9 series, for now. Scam Detection powered by on-device AI is arguably the most notable addition. This will hugely help Google Messages to detect scam texts, amongst other things. Gemini Live has received plenty of upgrades via this update, as it can easily switch between different languages now. Pixel Recorder has been boosted and more.
Updated April 10, 2025:(New Gemini features)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting two new Gemini features. Well, one of them is baked into the device, while the other one is available via the app. Gemini Live with Camera is the first feature, though do note that you’ll need the Gemini Advanced subscription in order to use it. It allows Gemini to see what you see, via the camera’s viewfinder and display. It can help you out with all sorts of things, learning more about what you see, to being immensely helpful with work, and so on.
The second feature is ‘ Talk Live about this ‘. It’s available via the Gemini app, and it’s not exclusive to Pixel phones. With this feature, you can choose from your camera, Gallery, Files, and Drive, and Gemini can provide you with an AI analysis of whatever you choose. Needless to say, this can be helpful with various documents, images, and so on.
Updated April 25, 2025:(April 2025 update)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting the April 2025 Android security update . This update brings forth a total of 62 security fixes for vulnerabilities ranging from ‘high’ to ‘critical’. The update is rolling out in stages, but it has started rolling out globally a while back. Chances are, most of you have already received it at this point, if not, you’ll get it soon.
In addition to security fixes, this update also delivers a fix for issues with fingerprint recognition and response. This was an issue under certain conditions. On top of that, a fix for an issue with screen brightness flickering when using video streaming apps has also been pushed out. The same goes for a fix for an issue with overlapping views on the lockscreen weather clock. The last entry says that a fix for Pixel Launcher when creating a new user or switching users has also been pushed out.
Updated May 9, 2025:(May 2025 update)
Google has started rolling out a new update to the Pixel 8 . It’s the May 2025 Android security update. It brings a critical patch for a zero-day security vulnerability. In addition to that, you’ll be getting fixes for three bugs that we’ll talk about in a moment, and a total of 28 security patches that affect Android and Google services.
In regard to bugs. This update brings a fix for degraded microphone recording quality in certain apps. It also fixes Bluetooth pairing issues with certain smartwatches. The last fix is for the secondary language displayed in quick settings. The update is rolling out in stages, so be patient if you didn’t get it yet.
Updated June 13, 2025:(Android 16 update)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting the Android 16 update , along with a number of other Pixel devices. The Pixel Feature Drop is included, as is the latest security update, the one for June. Do note that the Material 3 Expressive revamp is not a part of this update, it will be coming later this year. The update delivers ‘live updates’ for notifications, improvements for hearing aid users, Advanced Protection, and more.
Now, in regard to security. This security patch delivers 18 security fixes that Google added for Android in general. The company also threw in 16 fixes that are specific to Pixel devices. On top of that, various improvements and bug fixes are a part of the update, fixes for various things in Biometrics, Bluetooth, Camera, Display, and other categories. You can check out the full details by clicking here .
Updated July 11, 2025: (July 2025 update)
Google has started pushing a new update to the Pixel 8, a monthly update. This is not a security update, though, which is a bit odd. In fact, Google was clear about that by saying that “no Android security patches” are included this time around. The company did list several other changes, though. This update brings a fix for visual experiences in apps like Android Auto. On top of that, it also improves Wi-Fi connectivity stability and performance in certain conditions. The update is now rolling out, but it’s coming in stages, so be patient.
Updated August 8, 2025: (August 2025 update)
The Google Pixel 8 is one of the company’s phones that are now getting the August 2025 Android security update . This update delivers six security fixes, ranging from high to critical. On top of that, it also brings some other fixes. General improvements for system stability and performance are included. The same goes for a fix for the scheduled dark theme, which did not work properly in certain conditions. Google also patched up issues with 3-button navigation and gesture navigation. This update is rolling out in stages, so keep that in mind.
Updated September 16, 2025: (September 2025 update + Pixel Feature Drop)
The Pixel Feature Drop, on the other hand, brings the Material 3 Expressive redesign to the phone. You’re getting new, customizable experience on the lock screen and the call screen. Quick Settings have been redesigned, too, while the Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection features are coming to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Here’s more info .
Updated October 21, 2025: (October 2025 update)
The vanilla Google Pixel 8 is one of the devices that are not getting the October 2025 Android update . This update does deliver some security improvements, but that’s not all. Three additional fixes have been included. With this update, Google is fixing an issue where a semi-transparent background would persist after the camera was launched. It also brings a fix for an issue where the flashlight status does not appear on the At a Glance widget. The last fix has to do with the System UI crash when starting or stopping casting with the Media Output Switcher. The update is rolling out as we speak, but it’s rolling out in stages, so keep that in mind.
Updated November 14, 2025: (November 2025 update & Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8 is now getting both the November 2025 Android update and changes from the latest Pixel Feature Drop as one update. Let’s talk about the monthly update first, though. It brings improvements for charging and battery usage. An issue that prevented some apps from loading in specific conditions has also been fixed. The same goes for issues causing instability and intermittent problems with emergency calling. This update also fixes an issue that caused occasional system instability and performance slowdowns in certain conditions.
The Pixel Feature Drop, on the other hand, brings Remix to Google Messages. You can now reimagine your photos straight from the app. Notification summaries are also reaching the phone, while ‘Likely scam’ alerts will also appear when needed, in notifications. The Google Photos app now offers personalized edits, and more. Check out the rest of the changes here .
Updated November 24, 2025:
Google is bringing the Pixel Studio to the Pixel 8 very soon. The company’s support article now mentions support for the Pixel 8, but the phone still doesn’t have access to it, at least when we last checked. That should change any day now. With Pixel Studio, you’ll be able to animate images and share them as GIFs. The Pixel 8 users will also get a new screenshot and general-purpose editor that replaces Markup.
Updated December 10, 2025: (Android 16 QPR2 + December 2025 update)
Google is pushing out the Android 16 QPR2 update along with the December 2025 update changes to the Pixel 8. Let’s focus on the QPR2 update first, though. Google included new features in this update, as you’ll get a notification organizer, along with custom icon shapes. Google also started pushing out the expanded option in dark theme, which will automatically darken most light apps. Parental controls have also been improved. Check out more changes here .
When it comes to the December 2025 update, it delivers dozens of security fixes . In addition to that, a fix for the battery icon showing a blank or a question mark in certain situations has been fixed, too. The same goes for an issue with Bluetooth connection, which was also an issue in certain situations. The AOD issue, when the display refused to respond immediately to the touch has been addressed. General improvements for system stability and performance have been pushed out, along with more changes which you can see here .
Updated January 12, 2026: (second December 2025 update)
Google is now rolling out the second December 2025 update to the Pixel 8. This update follows the Android 16 QPR2 update, and it delivers fixes. The main fix is related to the battery drain issue some users experienced. The second, and last one, has to do with updates from Android 14 directly to Android 16. If you’ve been having issues accessing your media following that update, well, that shouldn’t be an issue any longer. This update is rolling out in stages, so if you didn’t get it yet, you will soon.
Updated January 26, 2026: (January 2026 update)
The Google Pixel 8 is amongst the Pixel devices that are now getting the January 2026 Android update . This update does deliver various security fixes, but that’s not all. It also brings some other fixes. It fixes noisy ringback tones experienced during Webex calls under certain conditions. The battery drain issue should not be a problem anymore, either. Google also fixes the Live Universe wallpaper issue. Deleting that wallpaper occasionally caused the Wallpaper and style app to become unusable until you reboot the device. This update is rolling out in stages as we speak.
