Get ready for even more powerful imaging features with the upcoming release of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
According to a recent leak, these phones will feature a new high-resolution primary sensor and the Tensor G3 chip, which promises to take your photography skills to the next level.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro currently utilize the Tensor G2 SoC, which proved its worth by improving the camera hardware that debuted with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models. Thanks to the Tensor G2, new features like Long Exposure mode and a faster Night Sight mode became possible.
In other words, while the Pixel 6 series improved camera quality, it was the Tensor G2 that really made better use of the cameras when it debuted with the Pixel 7 series. With the Tensor G3 chip on the horizon, we can only imagine what the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will bring to the table.
Google’s upcoming Pixel 8 phones will have significant camera upgrades, according to inside sources cited by Android Authority. The Samsung GN1 primary cameras will be upgraded to the larger Samsung GN2 sensors, boasting 1.4μm pixels and better low light capabilities. With a 35% increase in light capture, the GN2 sensors will produce brighter and sharper images. They can even capture 8K video at 30fps, although this feature may not be available due to Google Camera and thermal limitations. The phones will also feature staggered HDR to reduce ghosting in video recordings.
Good news for fans of the Pixel 8 Pro is that not only is the primary camera getting an upgrade this year, but the ultra-wide-angle camera is as well. The new camera boasts a high-resolution 64-megapixel Sony IMX787 sensor, the same one used in this year’s Pixel 7a primary camera and featuring optical image stabilisation (OIS). Unfortunately, the macro mode may be missing as this camera does not have true hardware-level macro capability like the Pixel 7a. Overall, these upgrades should make for even better photos and a more enjoyable user experience.
Google’s upcoming Pixel 8 boasts an upgraded ultra-wide-angle camera utilizing a Sony IMX386 sensor from the Pixel 6 series with a different zoom ratio. The selfie cameras remain the same at 11 megapixels, and the Pixel 7 Pro’s 5x optical telephoto camera will also remain unchanged. However, the Pixel 8 Pro will feature an upgraded 8×8 ToF VL53L8 sensor. The software includes new features such as Adaptive Torch, Segmentation AWB, and video bokeh blur level selection in the view finder.
It is stepping up its game with the top-end Pixel 8 Pro model, outdoing the Pixel 8 in terms of hardware, primarily when it comes to camera capabilities. The price difference between the two may also be higher than in previous models. Furthermore, when compared to Google’s first-ever foldable device, the Pixel Fold, it appears that the Pixel 8 Pro will feature newer camera hardware and the new Tensor G3 SoC, making it the superior choice for imaging. The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, offers a 48-megapixel primary camera and two additional cameras for ultra-wide and telephoto shots. For selfies, there are an additional two cameras, an 8-megapixel, and a 9.5-megapixel, conveniently embedded into the foldable display.
Google Pixel 8 Key specifications:
| Display (Primary) | 7.60-inch |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 |
| Front Camera | 9.5-megapixel + 8-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 48-megapixel + 10.8-megapixel + 10.8-megapixel |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 4821mAh |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Resolution | 2208×1840 pixels |