Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 8 during its Made by Google event, offering a device that shares a visual resemblance with last year’s Pixel 7. However, it incorporates the new Tensor G3 chip, boasts a faster 120Hz display, a more compact frame for improved one-handed use, and notably, a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates. While its starting price is $699, $100 higher than before, it doesn’t include all the advanced features found in the larger Pixel 8 Pro.
For a more detailed understanding of the new Pixel phones, Engadget’s Deputy Reviews Editor, Cherlynn Low, has provided hands-on insights ahead of Google’s launch event. To provide context, we’ve compared the Pixel 8 to two prominent competitors, Apple’s iPhone 15 and Samsung’s Galaxy S23, based on specifications. Although specifications offer insights, it’s worth noting that many of the Pixel 8’s significant enhancements are software-related, encompassing camera features and AI capabilities. If you’re interested in the Pixel 8 Pro, we also offer a similar breakdown for that device.
| Google Pixel 8 | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S23 | |
| Pricing (MSRP) | From $699 | From $799 | From $800 |
| Dimensions | 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 5.76 x 2.79 x 0.3 inches |
| Weight | 6.6 ounces | 6.02 ounces | 5.93 ounces |
| Screen size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1,080 x 2,400
428 ppi |
1,179 x 2,556
460 ppi |
1,080 x 2,340
425 ppi |
| Screen type | OLED
Up to 120Hz (60-120Hz) Up to 2,000 nits brightness Gorilla Glass Victus |
OLED
60Hz Up to 2,000 nits brightness Ceramic Shield |
AMOLED
Up to 120Hz (48-120Hz) Up to 1,750 nits brightness Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| SoC | Google Tensor G3 | Apple A16 Bionic
Hexa-core CPU (up to 3.46GHz) 5-core Apple GPU |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Octa-core CPU (up to 3.36 GHz) Adreno 740 GPU |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB | 8GB |
| Battery | 4,485mAh
“Beyond 24 hours” |
“Up to 20 hours video playback” | 3,900mAh
“Up to 22 hours of video playback” |
| Charging | USB Type-C 3.2
Up to 27W wired Up to 18W wireless with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen) Qi wireless charging up to 12W Reverse wireless charging |
USB Type-C (USB 2.0)
“Up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes” MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W Reverse wired charging |
USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
Up to 25W wired Qi/WPC wireless charging up to 15W Reverse wireless charging |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Rear camera(s) | Main: 50 MP, f/1.68
Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8 degree FOV |
Main: 48 MP, f/1.6
Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.4, 120 degree FOV |
Main: 50 MP, f/1.8
Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 120 degree FOV Telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Front camera(s) | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/1.9 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video capture | Rear: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240 fps
Front: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps |
Rear: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fps
Front: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120 fps |
Rear: 8K at 24/30 fps, 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60/240/960 fps
Front: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30 fps |
| Water and dust resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v5.3 | v5.3 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OS | Android 14
“Seven years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates” |
iOS 17 | Android 13, One UI 5.1
Four generations of OS updates, five years of security updates |
| Finishes | Obsidian, Hazel, Rose
Matte aluminum frame |
Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink
Aluminum frame |
Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Cream, Lime
Armor aluminum frame (advertised) |
