Google Pixel 8
Weight: 187g
Dimensions: 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm
Screen size: 6.2-inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
Chipset: Google Tensor G3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Battery: 4,575mAh
Rear camera: 50MP+12MP
Front camera: 10.5MP
The Google Pixel 8 has most of the core features of the Pixel 8 Pro, including AI tricks, a 50MP main camera, a Tensor G3 chipset, and a 120Hz screen. But it lacks a telephoto camera, and its screen and battery also aren't quite a match for Google's top phone.
For
- New Tensor chip
- Refreshed design
- AI camera tricks
Against
- Design changes are minor
- Minimal camera upgrades
- No temperature sensor
Google Pixel 7
Weight: 197g
Dimensions: 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm
Screen size: 6.3-inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
Chipset: Google Tensor G2
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Battery: 4,355mAh
Rear camera: 50MP+12MP
Front camera: 10.8MP
Much of what the Pixel 8 offers, with a slightly less-refined design, a larger display and lower starting price. It still packs plenty of Google's AI smarts across assistive features and its cameras, but software support won't last as long as with the 8.
For
- Unique colors & design
- Tensor G2 w/ AI focus
- Creative camera features
Against
- 90Hz display feels dated
- Lacks telephoto camera
- Middling fast charging
The Google Pixel 8 is one of our favourite compact flagship phones of 2023, offering a capable all-round package for a reasonable price. But how does it compare to its immediate predecessor, the Pixel 7?
With Google continuing to sell the Pixel 7 as new, and with excellent deals to be had for the older device, it’s a potential thorn in the side for its pricier successor.
That’s why we thought we’d take a closer look at how the Pixel 8 differs and indeed improves upon the Pixel 7. Is it the usual incremental year-on-year improvement, or has Google made a breakthrough with its 2023 flagship?
In a practical sense, even if the Pixel 8 is the better phone of the two, is the Pixel 7 a better buy? Let’s indulge this high-class family feud.
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 7: specs comparison
Here’s an overview of how the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 7 match up, spec for spec. There are some interesting points of difference to be gleaned, as well as some telling similarities.
| Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm |
| Weight: | 187g | 197g |
| Display: | 6.2-inch 20:9 adaptive 60Hz to 120Hz 'Actua' OLED | 6.3-inch 20:9 adaptive 90Hz AMOLED |
| Resolution: | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Chipset: | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM: | 8GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB (LPDDR5) |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear cameras: | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Front camera: | 10.5MP | 10.8MP |
| Battery: | 4,575mAh | 4,355mAh |
| Charging: | 27W wired, 18W wireless (2nd-gen Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (Qi) | 20W wired, 20W wireless (2nd-gen Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (Qi) |
| Colors: | Obsidian, Hazel, Rose | Obsidian, Snow, Lemongrass |
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 7: price and availability
What with these two phones being part of the same lineage, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that there’s almost exactly a year in between them. The Pixel 7 hit the market on October 6, 2022, while the Pixel 8 arrived on October 4, 2023.
Pricing for the Pixel 8 starts at $699 / £699 / AU$1,199 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB variant costs $759 / £759 / AU$1,299.
That represents a significant price bump over the the Pixel 7, which starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999 for the 128GB model. The 256GB upgrade comes in at $699 / £699 / AU$1,129, which is the same price as the entry-level 128GB Pixel 8 model.
Google still technically sells the Pixel 7 at its launch price today, though you’ll be able to find it for significantly cheaper if you shop around.
