New Pixel 8 Pro performance update

Leaked information has emerged, providing potential specifications for Google’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8 Pro. An industry insider reveals that the device is expected to feature a 6.7-inch Quad HD Plus LTPO OLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The camera setup will include a 50MP main lens, 64MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens for up-close photography. Optical image stabilization (OIS) will be present in the main camera for capturing steady and sharp images. Additionally, an 11MP lens is expected for the selfie camera. Powering the device is a 4,950mAh battery, supporting fast charging up to 27W.

Unveiling the Internal Hardware

Underneath the surface, the Pixel 8 Pro is said to run on the Google Tensor G3 SoC (system on a chip), complemented by a Titan chip to safeguard sensitive data. The device will have 12GB of RAM, and two storage options will be available at launch: 128GB and 256GB. The screen is rumored to include an ultrasonic fingerprint reader for enhanced security.

Interestingly, a leaked mention of a temperature sensor has added validity to a previous leak from May, suggesting that the Pixel 8 Pro may feature a built-in thermometer beneath the rear camera. However, the necessity of such a feature on a smartphone is debatable. While not necessarily a negative addition, it may be better suited for smartwatches, in our opinion.

Mostly a Repetition

If these specifications sound familiar, it’s because they closely resemble those of the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro is expected to feature the same LTPO OLED screen, potentially resulting in a resolution of 3,120 x 1,440 pixels. The memory and storage options remain unchanged as well. Even the Pixel 7 Pro incorporates an in-screen fingerprint reader, albeit an optical sensor rather than an ultrasonic one.

To summarize, the expected specifications for the Pixel 8 Pro are as follows:

Display: 6.7″ QHD+ LTPO OLED, 120Hz
Processor: Google Tensor G3 + Titan chip
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128/256GB
Camera: 50MP (OIS) + 64MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto
Selfie Camera: 11MP
Additional Features: Temperature sensor, Ultrasonic fingerprint reader
Operating System: Android 14
Battery: 4,950mAh with 27W wired charging

The anticipated launch date for the Pixel 8 Pro is October.

Analysis: Keeping it Modest

When considering these leaked specifications, we find ourselves of two minds. On one hand, Google appears to be repackaging an already impressive smartphone while addressing some areas that needed improvement, such as macro focus and battery life in the Pixel 7 Pro. The company seems to be ticking off most items on the Pixel 8 wishlist. However, one crucial aspect remains uncertain: the duration of software support beyond five years.

On the other hand, this may disappoint current Pixel owners who were expecting a significant upgrade or potential switchers seeking a reason to make the jump. It appears that Google has opted for a safer approach with its next-generation mobile device, rather than aiming to astound users. Nonetheless, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are anticipated to be compelling devices, potentially giving tough competition to brands like Samsung and OnePlus. It should be noted that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro were excellent smartphones with a few minor flaws. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the new devices will rectify these shortcomings while preserving their standout features.

As with any leak, it’s important to take the information with a grain of salt since specifications may change before the official release. Hopefully, Google will go beyond rolling out a modestly upgraded Pixel 7 Pro and deliver something that truly impresses. Either way, we can anticipate a definitive answer when the Pixel 8 Pro likely hits the market later this year, with an expected launch date in October.