At today’s Made by Google event, the technology company unveiled the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro. Here’s everything you need to know about the brand-new smartphones, including how to get your hands on them today.
It’s been a busy few weeks for technology launches! At the Apple event on Tuesday 12th September, eager Apple fans got a first look at the brand-new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max, as well as two new smartwatches — the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — and the wireless earphones Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen).
At the Amazon event a few weeks ago, we were treated to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Amazon Echo Show 8, and Amazon Fire HD 10, Kids and Kids Pro tablets. Now, it’s Google’s turn.
Today (Wednesday 4th October), we were invited to meet the latest additions of the Pixel family: the brand-new Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro, after what has perhaps been one of the worst-kept secrets of the tech world.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Google posted an advertisement on Twitter and Instagram Threads of the iPhone and Pixel smartphones enjoying a spa day, with the caption: ‘Big fall launches are stressful, but Pixel helps these Best Phones Forever stay cool as cucumbers. The w8 is almost over. Rest up for Made By Google on October 4th and sign up for updates’.
Is there anything better than a spa day with your bestie? We didn’t think so. #BestPhonesForever
— Google Pixel (@GooglePixel_US) August 30, 2023
The w8 is almost over. Rest up for #MadeByGoogle on October 4th and sign up for updates: https://t.co/rZbC87wmn9 pic.twitter.com/6EMYwmkVo6
If the Avril Lavigne-esque usage of ‘w8’ wasn’t enough to allude to the latest model of the Google Pixel smartphone, perhaps the landing page on the Google Store that says ‘Arriving 4 Oct. Coming in hot. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro’ is… Described as the ‘super powered’ Pixel 8 Pro, and the ‘Google in every way’ Pixel 8, here’s everything we know about these new launches.
- Pre-order the Google Pixel 8 from £699 at Currys
- Pre-order the Google Pixel 8 Pro from £999 at Currys
For top deals on these newest releases, take a look at the best iPhone 15 deals, Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals, and Apple Watch 9 deals.
Google Pixel 8 UK release date
The Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro were announced at today’s (Wednesday 4th October) Google Pixel hardware event. As per Google’s habits, the tech giants usually start shipping products one week after they were announced, so you can expect the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro in your hands by mid-October.
- Pre-order the Google Pixel 8 from £699 at Amazon
- Pre-order the Google Pixel 8 Pro from £999 at Amazon
Google Pixel 8 UK price: how much does the new smartphone cost?
The Google Pixel 8’s predecessor, the Google Pixel 7 had a starting price of £599, with the Google Pixel 7 Pro available from £849.
In comparison, the Google Pixel 8 is priced from £699, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro is priced from £999.
For more on Google, take a look at the Google Pixel 7a release date, Google Pixel Tablet release date, and Google Pixel Fold release date pages, plus the best Google Pixel 7a deals.
Google Pixel 8 design: what does the new smartphone look like?
In comparison to the Google Pixel 7, the Google Pixel 8’s design features slim, symmetrical bezels surrounding the 6.7-inch flat display. The Google Pixel 8 Pro also has a matte glass on its rear. In order to fit seamlessly within your lifestyle, the smartphone is smooth and comfortable to hold; instead of angular corners and edges, it has rounded ones.
In terms of sustainability, the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro include recycled aluminium, are free of plastic, and also offer longevity.
The Google Pixel 8 features the brand-new Actua Display, which is 42 per cent brighter than the Google Pixel 7 and offers real-world clarity. In comparison, the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch Super Actua Display, along with a temperature sensor, so you can check things such as the temperature of your baby’s milk.
Google Pixel 8 colours
Two new colours have been released for the brand-new Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro: Porcelain with a soft gold trim, and Baby Blue.
Google Pixel 8 features
When the Google Pixel launched, it was the first smartphone with features such as built-in VPN, Call Assistant, and Car Crash Detection. Now, Google promises its brand-new Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro will be even more powerful, useful, and faster, with a helping hand from Google AI, along with the most advanced Pixel cameras yet. Let’s take a deeper look.
Google Pixel 8 photo editing tools
With a smartphone powered by Google AI, the possibilities are endless; you can edit photos — even ones from your old smartphone — with advanced editing features such as Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur.
Magic Eraser detects distractions in photos, like photobombers or rubbish bins, so you can remove them in just a few taps. Plus, you can circle or brush other distractions to erase them, too. Photo Unblur does exactly what it says on the tin: it sharpens photos.
Taking group photos has never been easier with Best Take. Best Take lets you select the best shot of each person in a group photo.
Audio Magic Eraser detects distinct sounds in your videos and sorts them into levels that you can control, so you can remove any unnecessary noises.
Google Pixel 8’s new Tensor G3 chip
The Google Pixel 8 is powered by Google’s newest Tensor G3 chipset; the chipset features nine CPU cores, and offers a significant performance upgrade than the G2 chipset. The G3 chipset also includes better graphics and on-board ray tracing capabilities: a method that simulates lighting in games. This new Tensor G3 offers a call-screening capability to screen out scam calls.
If you’re conversing with a friend or family member who speaks a different language to you, or perhaps you’re in a country where you don’t speak their language, it’s never been simpler to translate their messages on the spot. Live Translate interprets face-to-face conversations in real time, transcribes messages, and translates signs.
The Google Pixel 7 features on our best smartphones for older people and best mid-range phones guides.
Where to buy the new Google Pixel 8 in the UK
You can pre-order the brand-new Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro from the Google Store. Two of the perks with ordering from the Google Store is that you’re eligible for free next-day delivery, and you can trade in your old smartphone for some money back.
Google Pixel 8 UK availability
The Google Pixel 8 is available to pre-order from the following UK retailers and mobile networks:
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is available to pre-order from the following UK retailers and mobile networks:
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