Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro launched: Top 5 features of Google Pixel series

Around three weeks after Apple Inc came up with the latest offerings in the iPhone series and Apple Watch, its rival Google Inc also launched Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, with AI at the centre. Powered by Google Tensor G3, the Pixel 8 is priced at an MRP of 75,999, and the Pixel 8 Pro is priced at an MRP of 106,999 in India. Both will be available for purchase starting 12th October on Flipkart in India. One can also pre-order the new Pixel phones on Google Fi Wireless. 

Here are top 5 things to consider before buying the new Pixel 8 series.

Hardware

Like their predecessors, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro also come in softer silhouettes, metal finishes, and recycled materials. Pixel 8 has contoured edges and is smaller in size than Pixel 7, which helps in better grip. It has a 6.2-inch Actua display and is 42% brighter than Pixel 7’s display. Pixel 8 features satin metal finishes, and a polished glass back and comes in Rose, Hazel, and Obsidian.

Google says Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7-inch Super Actua display is its "brightest display yet". It also has a matte glass back with a polished aluminum frame and comes in three colors: porcelain, bay, and obsidian. The Pixel 8 Pro also comes with a new temperature sensor to scan an object to get its temperature. "Use it to check if your pan is hot enough to start cooking or if the milk in your baby’s bottle is at the right temperature." 

Camera Upgrades 

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro feature upgraded camera systems for better photo and video quality, plus editing tools. The bigger ultrawide lens delivers macro focus, the telephoto lens captures 56% more light, says Google, adding that it takes "10x photos at optical quality", and the front-facing camera now has autofocus for better selfies.

Pixel 8 has the same updated main camera, plus a new ultrawide lens for macro focus. For Pixel 8 Pro, Pro Controls will give one creative control of the Pixel Camera like shutter speed, ISO, 50 MP photos throughout the zoom range.

Additionally, Magic Editor in Google Photos uses generative AI to bring photos in line with the essence. To reduce distracting sounds, Audio Magic Eraser will help cut howling winds or noisy crowds. 

Time-optimisation 

In the Pixel series, Google has come up with features to add more context and dive deeper into a webpage quickly. With 'Summarize', Pixel can generate a summary of a webpage to quickly convey the key points. Pixel will also read aloud and translate webpages. "Pixel is even better at understanding the nuances of human speech," says Google.

50% less spam calls

And with improved AI, Call Screen will help receive 50% fewer spam calls on average, claims Google. "It will silently answer calls from unknown numbers with a more natural-sounding voice to engage the caller. It’s also smart enough to separate the calls you want from the calls you don’t.” The company claims soon its ‘Call Screen’ will suggest “contextual replies” to quickly respond to simple calls, without having to answer the phone.

Tensor G3 chip

Google says its latest Tensor G3 chip works with the Titan M2 security chip to "protect personal information and make Pixel more resilient to sophisticated attacks". The features like 'Face Unlock' on Pixel 8 will allow you to safely access compatible banking and payment apps like Google Wallet. For the first time, Google says it'll provide seven years of software support for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — including OS upgrades, security updates, and regular feature drops.