Google Pixel 8 - A Long Term User Review

Summary

The video script reviews Google's Pixel 8, highlighting its compact size and AI capabilities. It notes hardware improvements like a smaller, brighter display and enhanced battery life but criticizes performance issues with the Tensor G3 chip. The camera system receives praise for quality, especially in low light, and new software features are discussed, such as repair mode and Magic Compose. Despite the high price, the Pixel 8 offers a good camera and battery life, making it a compelling option at a reduced cost.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Google Pixel 8 is praised for its small form factor, making it convenient to carry and use.
• 🔍 The device has a smaller 6.2-inch display with rounded corners, enhancing ergonomics and comfort.
• 🎨 The design maintains a glass sandwich style with a camera bump that tends to accumulate dirt.
• 🔒 The optical fingerprint sensor is still used but can be blinding at night and less accurate than ultrasonic readers.
• 📲 The display has been improved to be brighter with a 42% increase in peak brightness compared to the Pixel 7.
• 🔄 The 120 Hz refresh rate is not set by default and can be inconsistent with third-party apps.
• 📈 The Tensor G3 chip's performance lags behind competitors, impacting the camera app and other intensive tasks.
• 🔋 Battery life has improved with a larger battery size and the Tensor G3 chip contributes positively to power efficiency.
• 📸 The camera system delivers high-quality photos with good low-light performance and a wide field of view.
• 🤳 The selfie camera has a wider field of view and captures accurate skin tones.
• 📱 The Pixel 8 comes with several software features like Magic Eraser, Magic Compose, and improved lock screen customization.

Q & A

What is the main appeal of small form factor phones for the speaker?

The speaker is attracted to small form factor phones because they are convenient to carry, easy for one-handed use, and have a discreet profile in their pocket.

What is the speaker's history with Google phones?

The speaker's first Android smartphone was the Google Play edition HTC1, chosen for its top-notch hardware and pure form of Android without any skins.

How does the speaker describe the design of the Pixel 8?

The speaker describes the Pixel 8 as having a smaller 6.2-inch display with rounded corners, a familiar glass sandwich design, and a camera bump at the back that tends to accumulate dirt.

What is the speaker's opinion on the Pixel 8's fingerprint sensor?

The speaker finds the optical fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 8 to be only about 90% effective and prefers an ultrasonic reader for superior accuracy and responsiveness.

What improvements does the Pixel 8 have over the Pixel 7 in terms of display?

The Pixel 8 has a display upgrade from 90Hz to 120Hz OLED and is significantly brighter, with a peak of 2000 nits compared to 1400 nits on the Pixel 7.

Why does the speaker feel that the Pixel 8's performance is inconsistent?

The speaker believes the inconsistency in performance is due to compatibility issues with third-party apps on the open-source Android platform.

What is the speaker's view on the Tensor G3 chip's performance?

The speaker feels that the performance of the Tensor G3 chip lags behind competitors like Samsung and OnePlus, resulting in a sluggish camera app and other performance issues.

How does the speaker rate the Pixel 8's battery life and charging capabilities?

The speaker praises the Pixel 8 for its improved battery life, achieving close to 6 hours of screen-on time, and for having faster charging speeds.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the Pixel 8's camera capabilities?

The speaker is impressed with the Pixel 8's camera capabilities, particularly the rear-facing cameras' quality and the front-facing camera's stabilization and speech enhancement features.

What new software features does the Pixel 8 introduce?

The Pixel 8 introduces features like repair mode, Circle to search, document cleaning using AI, the ability to use the camera as a webcam, and Magic Compose for generating responses in the messenger app.

What is the speaker's final verdict on whether Google has succeeded or fallen short with the Pixel 8?

The speaker believes that Google has fallen short in terms of performance and pricing, but if the Pixel 8 can be purchased at a lower price, it offers a good value with its camera and battery life.