Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro hands-on review

Early verdict

We are still in the process of testing the Pixel 8 phones and there will be more to come later. For now, we have mixed feelings about these devices.

Among the things we liked are the new designs, which may look a bit generic now but are far more comfortable to hold, especially the smaller Pixel 8, which is absolutely delightful. The new displays are also terrific and possibly the best hardware upgrade this generation. The software is clean as usual, there are a lot of AI things to play around with, and the seven-year update promise is commendable.

The cameras this year feel more like a sidegrade after initial testing so it's unsurprising that Google is relying heavily on AI and cloud-based processing to improve things further. They are still great cameras but nothing that will give Pixel 7 or even Pixel 6 owners severe FOMO.

What's clearly unimpressive, however, is the new Tensor G3 chip. While we weren't shocked to see it get smacked around in benchmarks by two or even three-generation-old Qualcomm and Apple chips, it was surprising just how anemic it feels even in actual everyday use. You simply do not get that smooth and fast flagship experience you expect after paying this much money, and it's disappointing that Google thinks this is a fine compromise to make in order to do some AI trickery locally that it seemingly couldn't with off-the-shelf Snapdragon chips.

But that's all we have to say for now. Check back again later for the full review of these devices.