There’s actually a lot to get excited about with the Google Pixel 8

Smartphones have, over the previous a number of years, gotten greater than a little boring. While the Google Pixel 6 collection was a large deal, its sequel wasn’t actually something particular. Soon, although, the Pixel 8 collection will make its debut, and actually, there’s fairly a bit to get excited about.

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Tensor would possibly be a lot higher this yr

By far, the weakest hyperlink of each Pixel since the Pixel 6 has been Tensor. While Google’s personalized chip just isn’t dangerous, it’s nonetheless lagging far behind the competitors. The unique Tensor chip was filled with connectivity and warmth points, and whereas Tensor G2 made nice strides, it nonetheless was plagued with warmth issues and extra. And all in a world the place Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips simply preserve getting higher and higher.

With the upcoming Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8, there’s cause to be a little excited.

Google Tensor G3 is anticipated to be a fairly vital shift from Tensor and Tensor G2. A leak earlier this yr talked about a revamped 1+4+4 core structure and the use of a lot newer elements, most notably together with Cortex-A715 and Cortex-A510 cores to again up the new Cortex-X3 that gives the bulk of efficiency. Those upgrades alone are price getting excited about, however for me, there’s one other facet.

Tensor chips largely depend on Samsung to come to life, and that additionally means they’re made on Samsung’s processing node, which, sadly, is notoriously not so good as TSMC’s. However, in current months, that’s apparently been altering. At this level, Samsung’s 4nm course of that Tensor G3 could be primarily based on is seemingly on par with TSMC’s. That doesn’t essentially imply Google is magically going to match Snapdragon beat for beat, however it is perhaps a big step in the proper course.

The curved display evil has been vanquished

Another cause I’m personally very excited about the Pixel 8 collection, and particularly the Pixel 8 Pro, is that Google has achieved away with the curved sides to the show, as an alternative choosing a flat glass panel on each the normal and Pro fashions.

Finally.

Matte end?

It additionally looks as if Google is choosing a matte end on the foremost physique of the Pixel 8 Pro this yr, at the very least in the “Porcelain” shade that was proven off this week. The normal Pixel 8 is certainly shiny, however that is some progress, at the very least.

Google is giving Pixel 8 a longer lifespan

Google has been eclipsed by different Android manufacturers when it comes to the total lifespan of Pixel telephones, however the firm is perhaps taking again the crown this yr. As we not too long ago reported, the Pixel 8 collection will function a longer software program replace lifespan in contrast to Samsung Galaxy units, which at present get 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches.

That might be a large deal, and even when Google simply matches Samsung’s assist, it nonetheless means you’re getting higher bang in your buck.

The digicam is getting new {hardware}

Something else that’s been a little beneath the radar is that Google is bringing a new digicam sensor to the Pixel 8 collection, probably the Samsung GN2. That most likely gained’t carry any groundbreaking updates, however it brings the probability for Google to additional cement its standing as one in all the greatest digicam telephones on the market.

The competitors is getting pricier

Google’s Pixel telephones have, since the Pixel 6 collection, largely been a good bit cheaper than the competitors. The Pixel 6 Pro, as an example, began at $899 whereas stacking up in opposition to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which demanded $1,199, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which ran $1,099 for its base mannequin.

Going into 2024, it appears the competitors goes to see even increased costs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – which Samsung is all however sure to use in the Galaxy S24 Ultra – is claimed to be significantly costlier. And, with the iPhone 15 collection, Apple is anticipated to improve costs throughout the board thanks to its new chip and the titanium building.

Of course, we’ve additionally heard this week that the Pixel 8 collection might be costlier. Leaks from Europe counsel a rise of round 20%. It stays to be seen if that may come to move, however the excellent news is that even when Google inflates pricing by $150-$200, it’d nonetheless be undercutting the competitors barely.

When does Pixel 8 come out?

Google has confirmed an October 4 launch occasion the place the Pixel 8 collection is anticipated to go official. Stay tuned, after all, for our full protection.

This Week’s Top Stories

Google Keep formatting is rolling out

Recently, Google introduced that Google Keep, a beloved notetaking app, would lastly get assist for primary textual content formatting. Now, the performance is lastly rolling out. See beneath for our protection, together with a dive into how to get the most out of the function.

• Google Keep textual content formatting extensively rolling out on Android
• Google Keep has formatting – how to use it to create higher notes

Android 14 is late

This week was predicted to see the formal launch of Android 14, however that merely didn’t occur. As we broke down in our Tuesday publication, Google was late to its typical schedule, and it looks as if the replace might be pushed again into October. However, a new Android 14 beta was launched, model 5.3.

More Top Stories

• Redesigned Assistant At a Glance widget rolling out to all Android telephones
• Leaked Google Pixel 8 collection pricing from Europe suggests hike of €150 or extra
• Google reveals off Pixel 8 design in full in contrast to 8 Pro [Gallery]
• Here’s the Pixel 8 Pro in ‘Sky’
• Google teases Pixel 8 Pro with gen AI, identical-looking Pixel Watch 2
• Pixel Watch 1.4 replace brings Google Account linking, UI tweaks
• Galaxy Watch 6’s new band mechanism is randomly falling off for some customers
• Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic at the moment are getting Wear OS 4
• Gboard begins rolling out ‘Proofread’ generative AI function in beta [Gallery]
• Google Play Movies app on Android TV going away in October
• Google rolling out August 2023 replace for Nest Wifi
• Xiaomi is the newest Android model to beat Google Pixel’s replace timeline
• YouTube begins public testing of ‘Playables’ gaming effort
• How to get Google Messages and iMessage in the identical app with Beeper

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