We’re nonetheless a good approach off seeing the subsequent technology of Pixel telephones, as Google has solely lately pulled again the covers of the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. However, rumours are already starting to seem about what we’d see when the collection 8 fashions arrive.
Right here’s what we all know to this point, in addition to a wish-list for what we’d like within the Google Pixel 8 and eight Professional.
When will the Google Pixel 8 be launched?
There’s no affirmation of the official launch date for the Pixel 8 fashions for the time being, however each single Pixel flagship to this point has been launched in October, like clockwork, so it feels fairly protected to say we anticipate the Pixel 8 collection to make its debut in October 2023.
How a lot will the Google Pixel 8 value?
Once more, there’s no phrase but from Google concerning the potential worth tags that can accompany the series-8 gadgets. After all, we will use the previous few fashions as a information to how a lot you’ll want to avoid wasting up. Right here’s how they lined up:
This reveals that Google has been fairly set in its methods in terms of pricing. If that continues in 2023, and we predict there’s a very good likelihood it is going to, then the Pixel 8 needs to be $599/£599 and the Pixel 8 Professional $899/£849.
What concerning the Pixel 8’s specs and options?
Clearly, with the Pixel 8 launch date to this point within the distance, there’s not a lot to go on with reference to new elements, designs or options. There are some rumours although, with the principle one focussed on the chipsets that shall be used within the upcoming fashions.
Dutch web site GalaxyClub has reported that work on the third technology of Google’s Tensor chipset is already effectively into growth, which means it ought to accompany the Pixel 8 launch. In line with the location, Samsung would be the producer once more, with a chip bearing the code S5P9865 already showing on check boards. This follows the naming sequence used with the earlier Tensor 1 and a couple of processors, which have been respectively numbered S5P9845 and S5P9855. With the Tensor 2 that options within the Pixel 7 and seven Professional already proving extra power environment friendly and highly effective than the earlier technology, there’s hopes that the third iteration will push issues even additional when it arrives.
WinFuture has discovered extra concrete information concerning the two telephones after a dive into what it calls “publicly out there code sources.” The positioning discovered code names for 2 telephones: ‘Shiba’ and ‘Husky’. Google has used animal names earlier than for Pixel flagships – Cheetah and Panther for the Pixel 7 collection – so it appears probably this refers back to the Pixel 8 handsets.
In line with the code each telephones will run a chipset named ‘Zuma’ which makes use of the identical modem because the Tensor 2 – one other clue that we’re wanting on the subsequent Pixels. Each telephones additionally run on Android 14, which isn’t any shock.
Surprisingly each handsets function 12GB of RAM, and show decision can also be excessive: 2268×1080 for Shiba and 2822×1344 for Husky, suggesting this latter telephone is the Professional mannequin.
We’re so distant from launch that these specs are unlikely to be finalised, and it’s equally doable that these two gadgets are designed for inner testing and don’t mirror ultimate Pixel 8 specs in any respect – however no less than they provide us a touch of what to anticipate.
Given the Pixel’s cameras have all the time been so good, there’s a juicy hearsay concerning the Pixel 8’s cameras unearthed by developer Kuba Wojciechowski. They posted supply code from the Pixel digicam app that prompt the subsequent telephone would possibly use one thing referred to as staggered HDR:
At present, Pixel telephones don’t use staggered HDR, which is a function that may seize totally different exposures on the similar time however use the identical pixels.
“This enables attaining the identical impact as common HDR however with out the elevated seize time or likelihood on the images being blurry due to misalignment of frames brought on by motion,” Wojciechowski mentioned of their Twitter thread.
Something that can enhance the already glorious Pixel digicam is nice in our ebook.
Apple’s new iPhone 14 vary of gadgets now helps satellite tv for pc communications for calls if you’re in locations that 5G fears to tread. In line with a tweet by Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer, we may even see the identical function arrive with the Pixel 8 and eight Professional.
As Google likes to utilize the most recent Android options in its telephones, to not point out being the primary to obtain the updates, it appears probably that the Pixel 8 gadgets will have the ability to go toe-to-toe with Apple when Android 14 rolls out.
Wishlist of what we’d prefer to see within the Google Pixel 8
The category of 2022 has impressed, however right here’s what we’d like Google to refine in its subsequent iterations.
120Hz refresh fee on all fashions
It is a fairly easy one today. With so many mid-range Android telephones boasting 120Hz refresh charges to make scrolling smoother, it is smart for each the Professional and normal Pixel 8 to have this functionality. It’s already current within the Pixel Professional 7 and Pixel Professional 6, however we’d prefer to see the 90Hz fee on the Pixel 7 make the step up when its alternative arrives.
Sooner charging speeds
In each our Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional critiques, the principle gripe was sluggish recharge occasions. In an age the place telephones can go from 0% to 100% in round half an hour, the Pixels appear doddery compared. So, we predict it’s vital that Google addresses this within the Pixel 8 gadgets.
Improved facial recognition
Whereas the Pixel 7 Professional impressed us with its new facial recognition unlock function, the Pixel 7 nonetheless wants extra time within the oven. Hopefully, the yr between releases will imply the Pixel 8 has a greater displaying.
Lose the load!
Okay. We’re not fats shaming the Pixel 7 Professional, however at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm and 212g it might be described as big-boned. We don’t know, perhaps it’s a thyroid situation, however for the Pixel 8 Professional we’d like to see a extra slimline chassis. It’s true that almost all powerhouse telephones are fairly chunky today, however for the sake of our wrists we will solely pray for lighter and tighter designs in 2023.
To see what telephones the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional should see off, take a look at our greatest smartphone and finest smartphones coming in 2023 roundups.