During Wednesday’s event in New York, Google officially unveiled its latest smartphones, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, alongside the new Pixel Watch 2 and the upgraded Pixel Buds Pro. While these announcements weren’t entirely surprising, as Google had shared information and a teaser video of the new Pixels ahead of the event, we now have confirmed details about the devices.
The new phones will feature Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip, and Google has committed to providing seven years of security and OS updates for these devices. The Pixel Watch 2 boasts a longer-lasting battery, addressing a key issue from the first-generation smartwatch. While the Pixel Buds Pro themselves are not entirely new, software enhancements and two new color options aim to improve the overall experience. Here’s how to pre-order the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and the updated Pixel Buds Pro.
Google Pixel 8
The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED Actua display, a new display type for the Pixel series that offers increased brightness and clarity. Despite being slightly smaller than the Pixel 7’s screen, it now supports a 120Hz refresh rate and achieves higher peak brightness, up to 2,000 nits. The battery, on the other hand, is larger this time, with a typical capacity of 4,485 mAh. It can be charged from zero to 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes using Google’s 30W USB-C 3.0 charger, although the charger is not included with the phone.
Under the hood, the Pixel 8 is equipped with Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip, promising improved photo processing and better spam call filtering. It offers up to 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The device features a metal frame and polished back glass, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the display. It’s also IP68-rated, making it dust-tight and capable of surviving submersion in up to one meter of water.
The camera setup is similar to last year’s model, with a 10.5MP front camera and 50MP and 12MP rear cameras. However, Google has improved the rear cameras through software enhancements, introducing features like Macro focus for close-up shots and Best Take, which combines multiple group photos to create one with everyone’s eyes open.
In a move toward sustainability, Google commits to providing OS upgrades, security updates, and new feature drops for seven years from the phone’s launch. The Pixel 8 starts at $699 and is available in Hazel, Rose, and Obsidian colors. Pre-orders are open, and the phones will begin shipping next week. For those who pre-order from Google, the company offers a free pair of Pixel Buds Pro or a $200 discount on the Pixel Watch 2.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google claims that the Pixel 8 Pro houses its most advanced Pixel camera to date, a common assertion for flagship devices. The camera setup comprises a trio of lenses: a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens equipped with a 5x optical zoom. The 10.5MP selfie camera is similar to that found on the Pixel 8 but boasts an autofocus feature.
The device features a 6.7-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display that intelligently adjusts its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, offering a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits and supporting ultra HDR images. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and is encased in a polished aluminum frame with a matte glass back.
Under the hood, it houses the same Tensor G3 chip as the Pixel 8, enabling various AI enhancements, including an improved Google Assistant that can provide screen-contextual responses and comprehend pauses in your commands. The Pro model offers 12GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.
Adding to its versatility, the Pixel 8 Pro includes an infrared sensor capable of measuring the temperature of objects like a cup of coffee or a frying pan. Google has even applied to the FDA to allow it to function as a thermometer for human body temperature in the future.
Like the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro guarantees seven years of OS and security updates and continued support for new features. The Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999 and will begin shipping next week. As a pre-order incentive, Google offers either the new Pixel Watch 2 or the updated Pixel Buds Pro when you purchase the Pixel 8 Pro from its official store.
Pixel Watch 2
The initial Pixel Watch left us somewhat unsatisfied due to its battery life and the excessive focus on Fitbit branding, which diverted from the core Google experience. The Pixel Watch 2, however, appears to address these concerns by improving battery life, claiming up to 24 hours even with the always-on display active. Nevertheless, it seems Google is further integrating with Fitbit.
The Pixel Watch 2 introduces a multi-path heart rate sensor that combines photodiodes and LEDs to provide more accurate pulse readings. Fitbit stress management features employ various sensors to detect moments of stress in your daily life, offering suggestions like mood tracking, guided breathing exercises, and walking sessions. The watch also includes safety features like Safety Check, which can alert friends, family, or emergency services when necessary, and Emergency Sharing, which allows your chosen contacts to track your real-time location. Fall detection and Emergency SOS, previously released for the Pixel Watch, now come standard on the Pixel Watch 2.
The watch’s housing is crafted from 100 percent recycled aluminum, and its AMOLED screen is protected by 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Many fitness features, such as workouts and Daily Readiness Score, are accessible through Fitbit’s subscription service, which includes a complimentary six-month subscription with the watch purchase. The Fitbit app will also incorporate more AI features when it receives an update later this year.
The Pixel Watch 2 is available in two versions: a Wi-Fi model priced at $349 and a cellular-enabled model at $399. It comes in Black Aluminum, Polished Silver, or Champagne Gold cases, each with a selection of different colored bands. The watch is set to ship next week.
Simultaneously, Google announced the new Fitbit Charge 6, which is available for pre-order now and retails for $160.
Pixel Buds Pro
While not an entirely new product, Google has introduced significant updates to the Pixel Buds Pro, warranting attention during the event. The Pixel Buds Pro were previously hailed as Google’s top earbuds, and these enhancements aim to elevate their performance. Among the notable features is Conversation Detection, which can identify when you’re engaged in a conversation and pause your music accordingly. Additionally, when paired with a Pixel phone, the Clear Calling feature minimizes background noise during calls, ensuring clearer communication. Furthermore, two fresh color options, Porcelain and Bay, have been introduced, coinciding with the new Pixel 8 Pro phones.
