Google Pixel 8: Latest News and Rumors

The Google Pixel smartphone series has earned a reputation for offering some of the best cameras in mobile photography. With each new Pixel release, Google raises the bar for smartphone camera quality. The upcoming Google Pixel 8 promises to continue this trend with expected improvements to the camera system over Pixel 7.

In this article, we’ll cover all the latest news and rumors surrounding the Google Pixel 8’s release date, specs, price, design changes and new features.

Google Pixel 8 Release Date

Google traditionally launches its Pixel telephones in October, so we count on the Pixel 8 to comply with suit with an October 2023 release.

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been announced on October 19, 2021 and launched on October 28, 2021. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were introduced on October 6, 2022 and released on October 13, 2022.

Based on these past launch timelines, our excellent prediction is that Google will announce the Pixel 8 collection in early October 2023 and launch it some weeks later in past due October 2023.

Google Pixel 8 Price

The current Pixel 7 starts at $599, while the Pixel 7 Pro starts at $899. Google kept pricing mostly consistent from the Pixel 6 series.

We expect Google to maintain similar price points for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 could start around $599, while the Pixel 8 Pro may start around $899.

Of course, increased costs on components and inflation could alter pricing. But Google seems committed to offering flagships at prices undercutting rivals like Samsung and Apple.

Design Changes

The Pixel 6 represented the most radical redesign in Pixel history, with a prominent horizontal camera bar stretching across the back. The Pixel 7 refined this look, while keeping the same display size options and overall form.

Leaked renders suggest the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will retain the camera bar but with some design tweaks.

The rear camera bar may get slimmed down. The metal frame also looks rounded on the 8 versus the flat sides on the 7. This gives the Pixel 8 a sleeker and curvier appearance.

The front could see reduced bezels around the display. The selfie camera may be moved to a pill-shaped cutout versus the single hole-punch found on the Pixel 7 models.

As for colors, Google tends to introduce fresh color options with each Pixel generation. Some leaked options for the 8 series include:

• Lemongrass
• Hazel
• Quartz
• Obsidian

The Pro model may also come in a new Beige/Hazel color.

Google Pixel 8 Display

The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, while the 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate support.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will likely stick with similar display sizes. A key upgrade might be raising the standard Pixel 8’s refresh rate to 120Hz to match the smooth scrolling of the Pro.

There is a chance the Pixel 8 Pro’s display could get bumped up slightly larger – maybe to around 6.8 or 6.9-inches. But any size increase would likely be minor.

As the “Pro” model, it’s expected to retain the 120Hz refresh rate advantage. Other enhancements rumored for the displays include boosted peak brightness levels for better visibility in sunlight.

Camera Upgrades

One of the biggest upgrades slated for the Pixel 8 series is improvements to the camera system. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro already feature excellent cameras that top the charts in mobile photography. But Google still seems poised to push the camera tech even further.

Rear cameras

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are rumored to include a new ultra-wide camera on the rear with autofocus. This would elevate it over the fixed focus ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 7 models.

The upgraded ultra-wide lens could enable macro photography capabilities. This would let users take extremely close up photos for cool artistic shots.

The main wide camera may be upgraded as well. While details are still unknown, expect improvements to the image sensor and lens for sharper, cleaner photos. Night photography and zoom quality will likely see a boost too.

The telephoto lens on the Pixel 8 Pro will also probably see changes to support increased optical zoom magnification. Up to 10x optical zoom has been rumored.

Front camera

One of the biggest complaints about the Pixel 7’s front-facing camera is its poor performance in low light. To rectify this, Google is tipped to rework the front camera on both Pixel 8 models with a brighter lens and improved sensor.

This should enable better quality selfies in nighttime and indoor conditions. The front camera may also gain autofocus, allowing sharper photos of groups and landscapes.

Camera features

New computational photography features are also likely. Rumors point to possible upgrades including:

• Enhanced Natural Faces – Better processing for smoother skin tones without losing facial detail
• Motion Deblur – Sharper photos and videos of moving subjects
• Enhanced Real Tone – More accurate color reproduction across different skin tones

Google is also tipped to introduce a new “Master Camera” control to simplify switching between different lenses and camera modes.

Advanced video capture powers are also planned. One rumor indicates the Pixel 8 may support video recording at up to 8K 30fps.

Performance & Battery Life

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro feature Google’s first in-house Tensor G2 processor. Early indications point to the Pixel 8 series stepping up to a Tensor G3 chip.

Built on a 4nm process, the new chip should enable speed and efficiency gains. Leaks point to the Pixel 8 posting Geekbench scores over 1,150 for single-core performance and 3,500 for multi-core. That would amount to over a 20% general processing boost over the Pixel 7.

Battery life is always a concern on Pixel devices. But Google seems focused on improving battery efficiency with the Tensor G3 to maximize usage times. Faster charging could also be in store, with support for 30W or greater wired charging rumored. Wireless charging speed may double to 23W.

In terms of storage options, Google will likely stick with configs of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB on the Pixel 8 Pro. Unfortunately, the rumors suggest the standard Pixel 8 may still top out at just 128GB again.

Software & AI Features

The Pixel 8 series will launch with the latest Android 14 software out of the box. This will enable new features like better privacy controls, notification improvements and UI enhancements.

Google is also cooking up new AI-powered experiences exclusive to Pixel, similar to the Magic Eraser tool for removing unwanted objects in photos.

One rumored new Pixel 8 software feature is a “Nighttime” mode. When enabled, this would automatically enable Do Not Disturb, dark theme and blue light filtering in the evenings. Users could set scheduling based on local sunset times.

Another tipped feature is a “Fitness Coach” that offers personalized goals and daily health recommendations. Integration with Fitbit and Pixel Watch data could provide activity suggestions tailored to your needs.

More seamless handoffs between devices could also be in store. The Pixel 8 may have tighter integration with tablets, Chromebooks and more to simplify transitioning tasks between screens.

Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 7: How Much of an Upgrade?

Based on the rumors, the Pixel 8 shapes up to be an iterative but still meaningful upgrade over the 7 series:

• Refreshed design with slimmer camera bar and rounded frame
• Brighter, smoother displays with boosted refresh rates
• Much improved selfie camera, especially in low light
• Potentially huge camera upgrades like periscope zoom and macro photography
• Faster performance via new Tensor G3 processor
• Battery life enhancements and faster charging
• Exclusive new AI features like Nighttime mode and Fitness Coach

The Pixel 8 likely won’t revolutionize Google’s smartphone formula. But numerous targeted advancements could make it a tempting upgrade for Pixel fans or users with older devices.

The Pixel 8 Pro in particular could become the best Android camera phone yet if rumored zoom powers and computational photography gains materialize.

But anyone who recently bought a Pixel 7 may not find the improvements compelling enough to warrant upgrading after just one year. For these users, it may be smarter to wait at least another product cycle.

Wrap Up

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro promise to continue Google’s track record of outstanding smartphone cameras. Expected upgrades like an improved ultra-wide lens, periscope zoom, better low light photos and advanced AI-enhanced processing could solidify the Pixel’s reputation as the preeminent camera phone.

Of course, details remain limited pending an official announcement. But the current rumors paint the picture of an enticing if incremental upgrade emphasizing Google’s strengths in photography and AI software.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the anticipated October 2023 launch. The Pixel 8 series looks ready to go toe-to-toe with Apple and Samsung’s best.

 FAQ’s Google Pixel 8

When will the Google Pixel 8 be released?

Google typically releases new Pixel phones in October. Based on past launch timelines, we expect an announcement in early October 2023 followed by an official release later in the month.

How much will the Pixel 8 cost?

Specific pricing is unconfirmed, but the Pixel 8 will likely start around $599. The higher-end Pixel 8 Pro may start around $899.

What new camera upgrades will the Pixel 8 have?

Rumored camera improvements include a better ultra-wide lens, increased optical zoom up to 10x on the Pro, macro photography capabilities, and major front-facing camera upgrades for better low light and autofocus.

Will the Pixel 8 have a faster display?

The Pixel 8 Pro is expected to retain its high 120Hz refresh rate display. The standard Pixel 8 may now match this with an upgrade to a 120Hz panel, versus 90Hz on the Pixel 7.

What changes will the design see?

The Pixel 8 series should retain the horizontal camera bar but with a slimmer profile. The frame is rumored to be more rounded versus the flat sides on the Pixel 7. New color options are also likely.

How will performance improve?

The Pixel 8 is tipped to use Google’s next-gen Tensor G3 processor. This new chip should enable noticeable speed and efficiency gains over the Pixel 7.