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Google’s Pixel 8 is now unlocked and available at nearly 30% off on Amazon $499
Important points of ZDNET
- Pixel 8 delivers a flagship-level experience with Google’s latest AI and machine learning capabilities. It’s currently marked down to $499 on Amazon.
- With fast performance, a great camera, and Google’s Actua display, it’s one of the best deals on a smartphone.
- Compared to similarly priced smartphones like the Nothing Phone 2, the Pixel 8 is a much better value.
While the Google Pixel 9 may be getting all the attention right now (especially with access to Google’s new Gemini AI model), the standard Pixel 8 remains an impressive addition to Google’s lineup this year.
Also: The best Google Pixel smartphones you can buy: Tested by experts
That’s because the Pixel 8 offers one of the best combinations of specs, features, and premium design at a significantly lower price than its competitors. moreover, The sale price of Pixel 8 is hovering around $500. For the past few months.
At that price, the Pixel 8 is not only hard to ignore, it’s probably the only smartphone you should consider if you’re shopping on a budget. You won’t find another phone like it for under $500, and it’s only when you sift through the $800 to $1,000 options that you find worthy competitors.
A big reason why this is such an attractive option is Google’s latest in-house processor, the Tensor G3 chip, which powers all of the Pixel 8’s AI and machine learning capabilities. Not only is it a solid replacement for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it’s also a big reason why the Pixel 8 is such a great smartphone.
review: Google Pixel 8 Pro: This smartphone introduced me to an AI-powered future
This chip gives Pixel 8 everything Google Pixel-like, from transcribing audio with the Recorder app to editing photos to your heart’s content with the AI-powered Magic Editor. Google Assistant can also use G3 to process your voice faster and summarize web pages for faster access to information. In addition to powering Google’s photo HDR pipeline and ensuring Android 14 smoothness and smoothness, the G3 is one of the most capable smartphone chips on the market. Paired with 8 GB of RAM, you’ll never have a slow day.
The display is also a big reason to buy this phone. The Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch Actua display is a little smaller than the Pixel 7’s screen, but that makes it easier to hold with one hand. It looks great too. With Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits peak brightness, this display is one of the brightest and sharpest on the market. Plus, since it’s OLED, the colors are vibrant and come in plenty of deep blacks.
Look beyond the display and you’ll find a great-looking phone made of aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. Featuring Google’s signature rear camera bar and thin bezels around the display, the Pixel 8 stands out among other sub-$700 phones. It’s also IP68 certified for dust and water resistance, and comes in three finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazel (greenish), and Rose (more of a golden peach in my opinion).
When it comes to Pixel smartphones, we have to talk about two areas: camera and software.
On the camera front, Google has knocked it out of the park. The 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultrawide on the back both provide excellent performance in daylight and night. This camera easily matches or exceeds what you get on the iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of sharpness, detail, and sharpness. Colors are often much more accurate than on previous Pixel phones.
Also, one of the most innovative Android smartphones I tested wasn’t made by Samsung or Google.
You’ll also get all the camera features that make up the Pixel name, including astrophotography, Super ResZoom, dual exposure control, and Ultra HDR. This, along with other features like Best Take and Magic Editor, makes these cameras the smartest. Additionally, video quality is significantly improved compared to previous Pixels and is exactly on par with the iPhone.
On the software side, Google’s Pixel experience on Android 14 continues to be my favorite way to interact with Android. It’s clean and minimalistic, giving it a warm and inviting feel that no other Android skin can match. It has all the features of Android 14, including a customizable lock screen, improved security, larger fonts, and improved notifications, as well as all Pixel features like Call Screen, Now Playing, Direct My Calls, and AI. Generated wallpapers, and – of course – Pixel Launcher.
But most importantly for the software sector is Google’s extended support. The company guarantees a full seven years of software support. This means that if you buy this phone, you will receive updates until 2030. This is unheard of on an Android smartphone and compares favorably with devices like the iPhone.
Also: Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which model should you buy?
Thanks to the built-in 4,575mAh cell, Pixel 8 can also last all day on a single charge. For me, with moderate to heavy use, I usually end the day with 30-40 percent remaining in the tank. This means that even if you use your phone a little less, it could last you a day and a half. Additionally, you get 30W fast charging backup and Qi wireless charging.
So what are the drawbacks? Honestly, not too much. The Pixel 8 still gets pretty hot after using it for a while, which is common with Google’s Tensor processors. I also wish it had a proper telephoto camera on the back. Super Resolution Zoom is useful for upscaling digitally zoomed photos, but there are limits to what it can do. Oh, I still don’t trust facial recognition locks. Google now lets you make payments using Google Pay, but it still relies on a flat image of your face for authentication.
ZDNET purchase advice
You won’t find a much better value than the Pixel 8, especially if: such a huge discount. From gorgeous displays and designs to speedy performance and amazing cameras, Google’s standard flagship phones offer the perfect balance of high-end features at a lower price point than other flagship models. It is a unique entity.
Also: Google Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL, Pro Fold: specs, features, and everything else we know so far
With a retail price of $499, its closest competitor happens to be Galaxy A35 5G and blank phone (2)two devices that are good enough to have in your pocket, but not as good a value as the Pixel 8. Google’s phones are bona fide flagships, with seven years of software support, the latest AI features, and the company’s latest camera tricks. .
Anyone shopping for an Android smartphone under $500 should consider the Pixel 8. The value is simply incredible, and it’s still a formidable device in 2024.
Editor’s note: The Amazon Prime Day sale has officially ended, so we’ve updated this page to reflect the new prices. Pixel 8 maintains its reduced price even after the sale event. However, smartphones may be even cheaper on Black Friday, so stay tuned for future updates.
