We consider Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to be the top Android phones for most users, and currently, both models are available at the lowest prices we’ve observed. As part of an early Black Friday promotion, the 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro is now priced at $799 across various retailers, while the 6.2-inch Pixel 8 is on sale for $549. This marks a $200 reduction from the regular price of the Pixel 8 Pro and a $150 discount for the Pixel 8. These discounted rates are applicable to unlocked models with 128GB of storage. If you require more storage space, the 256GB Pixel 8 is offered at $609, providing an additional $150 off. Similarly, the 256GB and 512GB versions of the Pixel 8 Pro are both $200 off, priced at $859 and $979, respectively. These discounts are applicable to all color options for both devices.
In our review last month, we assigned scores of 90 and 93 to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, respectively. Both phones boast vibrant OLED displays with a seamless 120Hz refresh rate, commendable battery life, swift performance powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, a typically clean Android interface, and exceptional photo quality. The camera capabilities are notably enhanced by several AI editing tools: for instance, the “Audio Magic Eraser” effectively eliminates ambient noise from video clips, and “Best Take” intelligently compiles the optimal results from a series of group photos, ensuring that instances like someone blinking or sneezing in one shot are rectified in the final product. Setting aside philosophical concerns about the intrusiveness of AI, these features are proven to be effective.
One of the standout features is Google’s commitment to providing OS and security updates for a substantial seven years. While it’s highly likely that users will consider upgrading their phones before 2030, the extended support minimizes the pressure to upgrade in the foreseeable future.
If budget constraints aren’t a concern, the Pixel 8 Pro emerges as the superior option between the two models. It boasts a camera system with a sharper ultrawide lens and a dedicated 5x telephoto lens, offers more advanced controls in the camera app, features a slightly brighter and sharper display, and provides a slightly longer-lasting battery. The matte-glass back adds a touch of luxury to its feel, and the screen supports a broader variable refresh rate range (1-120Hz instead of 60-120Hz). Nevertheless, the standard Pixel 8 offers a comparable experience at a more affordable price, with the added advantage of a more manageable size for one-handed use. While both phones are priced $100 higher than their Pixel 7 counterparts, available deals help mitigate the impact.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly Android phone, the Pixel 7a is currently on sale for $374, representing a $125 discount and an all-time low. Although this 6.1-inch phone falls slightly below the Pixel 8 in various aspects, it remains our top recommendation for Android enthusiasts with a budget cap of $500 for a new handset. In additional Pixel promotions, the Pixel Buds Pro are now priced at $120, almost matching the lowest price we’ve seen for the “best for Android” pick in our wireless earbuds buying guide.
