Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: What's the Difference? and Which Should You buy?

Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: What's the Difference? The Pixel 8 Pro has many features that the Pixel 8 misses out on, but it also costs $300 more.

Google Pixel 8

• MSRP: $699.00

Positives

• Bright display
• Upgraded face-unlock
• Improved camera

Negatives

• Price jump over last year
• Many features require connection to data server
• Some features not available at launch

Google Pixel 8 Pro

• MSRP: $999.99

Positives

• Enhanced camera focus
• Very bright display
• Video Boost

Negatives

• Many features require connection to data server
• Some features not available at launch

The 8 BEST features on the Pixel 8 series!

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are now official. Here are the 8 features that we think makes these Pixel phones great!

#pixel8  #Pixel8Pro #google 

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are here! Google only releases a handful of phones every year, making their flagship Android phones all the more special. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro represent the best combination of hardware and software specifications that Google can ship in a conventional glass-slab smartphone form factor. But what is the difference between the regular Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro? Are there meaningful reasons to prefer one over the other? Let’s explore these questions in this comparison of Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro!

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: At a glance

• The Pixel 8 Pro is larger, heavier, and accommodates a bigger battery than the Pixel 8.

• The Pixel 8 Pro has a larger and better display than the Pixel 8.

• The Pixel 8 Pro has more RAM and more storage options than the Pixel 8.

• The Pixel 8 Pro has a better ultrawide camera, a dedicated telephoto camera, and manual controls in the camera app. The Pixel 8 misses out on all of these.

• The Pixel 8 Pro has a temperature sensor and UWB tech, which the Pixel 8 does not have.

• The Pixel 8 is cheaper than the Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: Specs

	Google Pixel 8	Google Pixel 8 Pro
Display	6.2-inch OLED 2,400 x 1,080 resolution 428ppi 20:9 aspect ratio 60-120Hz refresh rate 1,400 nits brightness (HDR) 2,000 nits brightness (peak) HDR support Gorilla Glass Victus	6.7-inch LTPO OLED 2,992 x 1,344 resolution 489ppi 20:9 aspect ratio 1-120Hz refresh rate 1,600 nits brightness (HDR) 2,400 nits brightness (peak) HDR support Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor	Google Tensor G3	Google Tensor G3
RAM	8GB LPDDR5X	12GB LPDDR5X
Storage	128 or 256GB UFS 3.1	US: - 128, 256, or 512GB, or 1TB - UFS 3.1 Outside US: - 128, 256, or 512GB - UFS 3.1
Power	4,575mAh (typical) 27W wired charging (USB-PD 3.0 PPS) Qi wireless charging	5,050mAh (typical) 30W wired charging (USB-PD 3.0 PPS) Qi wireless charging
Cameras	Rear: - 50MP wide (1.2μm pixel width, ƒ/1.68 aperture, 82-degree FoV, 1/1.31-inch sensor, AF, OIS, EIS) - 12MP ultrawide (1.25μm pixel width, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 125.8-degree FoV, AF) - Single-zone laser-detect auto-focus (LDAF) sensor Front: - 10.5MP (1.22μm pixel width, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 95-degree FoV, FF) Camera app does not have pro controls	Rear: - 50MP wide (1.2μm pixel width, ƒ/1.68 aperture, 82-degree FoV, 1/1.31-inch sensor, AF, OIS, EIS) - 48MP ultrawide (0.8μm pixel width, ƒ/1.95 aperture, 125.5-degree FoV, AF) - 48MP telephoto (0.7μm pixel width, ƒ/2.8 aperture, 21.8-degree FoV, 5x optical zoom, OIS, EIS) - Multi-zone laser-detect auto-focus (LDAF) sensor Front: - 10.5MP (1.22μm pixel width, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 95-degree FoV, AF) Camera app has pro controls
Dimensions and weight	150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm 187g	162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm 213g
Hardware extras	N/A	Temperature sensor
Video	Rear: 4K (24, 30, or 60fps) 1080p (24, 30, or 60fps) Front: 4K (24, 30, or 60fps) Supports: Macro Focus Video, 10-bit HDR, Cinematic Blur/Pan, Slo-Mo up to 240fps, 4K timelapse, Astrophotography timelapse, OIS, digital zoom up to 7x, HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264)	Rear: 4K (24, 30, or 60fps) 1080p (24, 30, or 60fps) Front: 4K (24, 30, or 60fps) Supports: Video Boost, Night Sight Video, Macro Focus Video, 10-bit HDR, Cinematic Blur/Pan, Slo-Mo up to 240fps, 4K timelapse, Astrophotography timelapse, OIS, digital zoom up to 20x, HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264)
Audio	Stereo speakers Triple-microphone Spatial audio support	Stereo speakers Triple-microphone Spatial audio support
Ports	USB-C 3.2 Dual-SIM (1x nano SIM and 1x eSIM)	USB-C 3.2 Dual-SIM (1x nano SIM and 1x eSIM)
Security	Titan M2 security chip Under-display fingerprint sensor Face Unlock (Class 3, highest tier)	Titan M2 security chip Under-display fingerprint sensor Face Unlock (Class 3, highest tier)
Durability	Gorilla Glass Victus (front and back) IP68 rating	Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front and back) IP68 rating
Connectivity	US (PR), CA, UK, EU, AU: - Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz - 2x2+2x2 MIMO - NFC - Bluetooth 5.3 JP: - Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz - 2x2+2x2 MIMO - NFC - Bluetooth 5.3 TW, SG, IN: - Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz - HE160 MIMO - NFC - Bluetooth 5.3	US (PR), CA, UK, EU, AU: - Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz - 2x2+2x2 MIMO - NFC - Bluetooth 5.3 - UWB JP: - Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz - 2x2+2x2 MIMO - NFC - Bluetooth 5.3 - UWB TW, SG, IN: - Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz - HE160 MIMO - NFC - Bluetooth 5.3 - UWB
Network	Model G9BQD (US and CA) - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5/ 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 46 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 48 / 66 / 70 / 71 / 77 / 78 Model GKWS622 (US and CA): - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 46 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 48 / 66 / 70 / 71 / 77 / 78 - 5G mmWave: Bands n258 / 260 / 261 Model GZPFO (JP): - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 38 / 39 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 46 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 28 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 66 / 71 / 75 / 76 / 77 / 78 / 79 - FeliCa Model GPJ41 (All other countries): - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 46 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 66 / 71 / 75 / 76 / 77 / 78	Model GC3VE (All countries except JP): - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 46 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 28 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 66 / 71 / 75 / 76 / 77 / 78 Model G1MNW (All countries except JP): - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 38 / 39 / 40 / 41 / 46 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 48 / 66 / 70 / 71 / 77 / 78 - 5G mmWave: Bands n257 / 258 / 260 / 261 Model GE9DP (JP): - GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) - UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19 - LTE: Bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 25 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 38 / 39 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 48 / 66 / 71 - 5G Sub-6: Bands n1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 12 / 20 / 25 / 28 / 30 / 38 / 40 / 41 / 66 / 71 / 77 / 78 / 79 - 5G mmWave: Bands n257 - FeliCa
Software	Android 14 7 years of OS upgrades 7 years of security patches 7 years of feature drops	Android 14 7 years of OS upgrades 7 years of security patches 7 years of feature drops
Colors	Obsidian (black), Hazel (blue-gray), Rose (pink)	Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Bay (blue)
Warranty	US, CA, JP, TW, IN, SG: - 1 year EU, UK, AU: - 2 years	US, CA, JP, TW, IN, SG: - 1 year EU, UK, AU: - 2 years
In-box contents	Google Pixel 8 1m USB-C to USB-C cable (USB 2.0 speed) Quick Switch adapter SIM tool Paperwork	Google Pixel 8 Pro 1m USB-C to USB-C cable (USB 2.0 speed) Quick Switch adapter SIM tool Paperwork

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are two distinct smartphones with more differences than similarities.

Starting with the display, the Pixel 8 Pro has a larger and better display than the vanilla Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 gets a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 2,400 x  1,080 resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

However, this is not an LTPO display, like the 6.7-inch OLED display with a 2,992 x 1,344 resolution on the Pixel 8 Pro. As a result, the Pixel 8 Pro can refresh variably between 1-120Hz, while the Pixel 8 can only do fixed steps of 60Hz and 120Hz. Surprisingly, both phones have a flat display.

The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is also brighter at 2,400 nits peak brightness, compared to the 2,000 nits peak brightness of the Pixel 8’s display. You also get Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back of the Pro, compared to the first-gen Gorilla Glass Victus on either side of the regular 8.

The Pixel 8 Pro gets a bigger, brighter, and better display, but the Pixel 8's display is no slouch either.

Both the phones are powered by the new Google Tensor G3 SoC. While you get 8GB LPDDR5X RAM on the Pixel 8, the Pro gets 12GB LPDDR5X RAM. The Pixel 8 comes in 128GB and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage variants, while the Pixel 8 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB UFS 3.1 storage variants.

Two other notable differences are the presence of a temperature sensor and UWB tech on the Pixel 8 Pro. With the temperature sensor present on the rear near the cameras, the Pixel 8 Pro can measure the temperature of objects around you. The UWB tech enables precise location on the device. However, despite its presence on several Pixel devices so far, Google hasn’t used this tech much outside of remote unlocking some car models.

Both phones also come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. However, the Pixel 8 is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, while the Pixel 8 Pro upgrades the spec to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the front and back glass.

Both phones feature the Titan M2 security chip and have under-display fingerprint sensors. They also support Class 3 Face Unlock, which enables authentication into apps and payments. Other common specs include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC support. The USB-C port on both phones is also USB 3.2, unlike the situation in the iPhone 15 series.

On the software side, Google is treating the phones at par with each other. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launch with Android 14 out of the box. Google also promises an unparalleled seven years of updates for the OS platform, Feature Drops, and security patches on both phones. Remember that some features that rely on hardware (like the temperature sensor or the UWB chip) are unlikely to be made available to the Pixel 8 through software updates.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: Size comparison

Google has usually maintained two different size tiers, and the company has continued the trend with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 is the smaller phone, with dimensions of 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm and a weight of 187g. If you prefer smaller phones, the Pixel 8, with its 6.2-inch display-diagonal, is the phone to get.

The Pixel 8 Pro is fairly larger in length and breadth and almost the same in thickness. The phone’s dimensions are 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm, while it weighs 213g. The display diagonal on the Pixel 8 Pro is a healthy 6.7-inch, so you get more screen real estate with the bigger size.

Beyond the size, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro follow a familiar design. The Pixel 8 has a glossy look on the back, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a matte effect. You can make out the Pixel 8 Pro from the Pixel 8 by spotting the third rear camera in the camera visor.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: Camera

The secondary cameras are the big point of divergence between the two phones. Both camera phones have the same primary rear shooter and front camera; the ultrawide angle rear camera is different, while the Pro has an extra telephoto sensor that the regular Pixel 8 lacks.

Starting with the primary rear camera, both phones have a 50MP camera with an f/1.68 aperture and OIS. Pixel cameras have usually been excellent despite modest hardware, and we have no doubts about these phones being capable shooters.

The primary camera is the same on both the Pixels and that is the camera that most people will use most of the time.

For the ultrawide camera, the Pixel 8 gets a 12MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 125.8 degree FoV. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, gets a 48MP ultrawide camera with an f/1.95 aperture and a 125.5 degree FoV. Both phones get autofocus on the ultrawide camera, which enables macro mode capabilities.

The Pixel 8 Pro also has a 48MP telephoto camera with an f/2.8 aperture and OIS, enabling 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 entirely misses out on a telephoto sensor, though Google tries to make up for it with Super Res Zoom of up to 8x. Super Res Zoom works better on the Pixel 8 Pro as it has the telephoto sensor helping it out for up to 30x digital zoom.

The selfie camera on both phones is a 10.5MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture. The only difference is that the Pixel 8’s front camera is fixed focus, while the Pixel 8 Pro’s front camera supports autofocus.

The Pixel 8 Pro is the first Pixel phone to get Pro controls.

Another difference between the two phones is that the Pixel 8 Pro supports Pro controls. This makes it the first Pixel smartphone to come with manual camera controls. Alongside this, you can also output high-resolution images. These features are missing from the Pixel 8 and other Pixel smartphones.

The Pixel 8 Pro will also receive Video Boost and Night Sight Video functionality with a future update. Currently, the Pixel 8 is not on track to receive these features.

We’ll be conducting extensive camera tests for both phones, so check back later for comparison shots and a verdict.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: Battery life and charging

Because the phones are of different sizes, they naturally have different battery capacities. The Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, while the larger Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh battery.

The fast charging capabilities on the devices are also slightly different. The Pixel 8 supports 27W wired fast charging through the USB-PD 3.0 PPS protocol, while the Pixel 8 Pro takes it up to 30W wired fast charging.

Both phones support Qi wireless charging. The Pixel 8 can accept up to 18W wirelessly on the Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen), while the Pixel 8 Pro can accept up to 23W wirelessly on the same wireless charger. If you don’t have the Pixel Stand (2nd gen), your wireless charging speeds on both phones will be limited to 12W. Both phones also support reverse wireless charging for your Qi-certified accessories.

We’ll be conducting in-depth battery and charging tests for both devices. Until then, you can use the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro figures as a reference to get a rough idea of where the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro could be placed.

The Pixel 7 Pro lasts about a day and a half of use on its 5,000mAh battery. It fully charges in about 100 minutes through a wire. In comparison, the Pixel 7 lasts about a day and some hours on its 4,355mAh battery and takes a similar 100 minutes to charge its battery fully.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: Price and availability

• Google Pixel 8 (8GB/128GB): $699
• Google Pixel 8 (8GB + 256GB): $759

• Google Pixel 8 Pro (12GB/128GB): $999
• Google Pixel 8 Pro (12GB/256GB): $1,059
• Google Pixel 8 Pro (12GB/512GB): $1,179
• Google Pixel 8 Pro (12GB/1TB): $1,399

The Pixel 8 has a lower price structure than the Pixel 8 Pro, which puts the differences in hardware into perspective. The Pixel 8 starts at $699 for the 128GB variant and $759 for the 256GB variant. Pre-orders will get a Pixel Buds Pro for free.

Google Pixel 8

Bright display • Upgraded face-unlock • Improved camera

MSRP: $699.00

A bright display from Google's 2023 flagship phone

The Google Pixel 8 introduces the new Actua display, a 6.2-inch panel that's 42% brighter than the Pixel 7. Backed by the fully updated Tensor G3 chipset, and a new 50MP camera, this promises to be one of the more exciting Pixel phones.

On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro costs $999 for the 128GB variant, $1,059 for the 256GB, $1,179 for the 512GB, and $1,399 for the 1TB storage variant. Pre-orders will get a Pixel Watch 2 for free.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Enhanced camera focus • Very bright display • Video Boost

MSRP: $999.99

Powerful Google phone with powerful camera features

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is packed with fancy camera features, such as Night Sight Video, and AI-powered Video Boost processing. Enhanced accessibility features, next-gen security, a big battery, lots of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage make this 6.7-inch phone a powerhouse in your pocket.

Both phones are available to pre-order from October 4, 2023, with open sales beginning on October 12, 2023.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: Which should you buy?

It’s clear that Google is targeting different tiers of consumers with the specs and pricing of the Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro.

The lower $699 price tag of the Pixel 8 makes it the de-facto recommendation for most users. It has a smaller and more manageable size, an equally competent primary camera, the same software experience, and a well-rounded spec sheet. If you aren’t chasing any particular spec on the Pixel 8 Pro, you should default to the Pixel 8 as it will be a great smartphone for most people. If you are simply looking for a good flagship Pixel phone that offers a great experience, the Pixel 8 is the phone to get.

If you are simply looking for a good flagship Pixel phone that offers a great experience, the Pixel 8 is the phone to get.

The Pixel 8 Pro is for the enthusiast. While it is not a complete spec-chaser that we often see from other OEMs (no Pixel has been a spec-beast, for that matter), it packs enough of a punch to stand its ground. For users who demand a larger screen, finer camera controls, greater camera flexibility, or simply more storage, the Pixel 8 Pro makes sense.

Which do you think is the better phone?

But you also have to spend at least $300 more on these features, which might be too steep for consumers looking for a robust value package. Some extras like the temperature sensor and UWB functionality won’t add nearly enough value to be part of your purchase decision.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro: FAQ

Do the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have an SD card slot?

No, neither the Pixel 8 nor the Pixel 8 Pro have an SD card slot.

Are the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro waterproof?

Yes, both the phones are IP68 water and dust resistant. They are not completely waterproof, though, but can survive submersion 1.5m deep in fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Does the Google Pixel 8 Pro have a curved screen?

No, the Google Pixel 8 Pro does not have a curved screen. Google has equipped the Pixel 8 Pro with a flat display this time.

Do the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have wireless charging?

Yes, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have Qi wireless charging up to 12W with Qi-certified third-party wireless charger. With the first-party Pixel Stand (2nd gen), you can wirelessly charge up to 18W on the Pixel 8 and up to 23W on the Pixel 8 Pro.

Are the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro dual-SIM and eSIM?

Yes, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have dual-SIM and eSIM support. Both the phones accept one nano-SIM. With the use of eSIM, you can add a second SIM.

Thanks!