Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Redefining Premium Smartphones in India
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: A Grand Entry into the Indian Market
India's smartphone landscape has always been a battleground for flagship devices. The recent launch of Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro has added a new dimension to this competitive arena. Let's delve into the intricate details of these devices and their grand entry into the Indian market.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: A Glimpse into the Future
Google's Pixel series has consistently set benchmarks in technology, camera prowess, and the quintessential Android experience. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are no different, promising an unparalleled user experience.
Google Pixel 8:
- Display: The Pixel 8 flaunts a compact 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED display with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Camera: The rear camera setup features a 50-megapixel Octa-PD main camera with 8x Super-Res digital zoom and a 12-megapixel sensor with autofocus and Macro capabilities. For selfie enthusiasts, there's a 10.5-megapixel front camera.
- Performance: Powered by Google's next-gen flagship Tensor G3 chipset, the Pixel 8 is paired with the latest UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring swift file access.
- Battery: A 4,575mAh battery fuels the Pixel 8, supporting 27W fast wired charging. Additionally, there's 18W wireless charging support, although the charger isn't included in the retail package.
- Price: The Pixel 8 is priced at Rs 75,999 in India.
Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Display: The Pro variant boasts a 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED display, achieving 2,400 nits of peak brightness, safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Camera: The rear camera setup is a photographer's delight, featuring a 50-megapixel phase-detect autofocus wide camera with OIS, a 48-megapixel Quad-PD ultrawide sensor, and a 48-megapixel quad-PD 5x zoom camera with up to 30X Super-Res digital zoom.
- Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is driven by the same Google Tensor G3 SoC, ensuring seamless performance.
- Battery: A robust 5,050mAh battery powers the Pixel 8 Pro, offering 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging. However, the charger is excluded from the retail package.
- Unique Feature: A standout feature of the Pixel 8 Pro is its dedicated skin temperature sensor, positioned alongside the device's cameras. This sensor, identified as the Melexis MLX90632 unit, is solely focused on accurately reading temperature data.
- Price: The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a price tag of Rs 1,06,999.
Pixel 8 Series: Exclusive Features
Google has introduced several Pixel-exclusive features:
- Best Take: Google has introduced a feature called "Best Take" that uses on-device algorithms to create a blended image from a series of photos, ensuring everyone looks their best.
- Magic Editor: The "Magic Editor" in Google Photos is another innovative feature that uses generative AI to help users align their photos with the essence of the captured moment.
- Audio Magic Eraser: The "Audio Magic Eraser" is a groundbreaking computational audio capability that uses advanced machine learning models to segregate sounds into distinct layers, allowing users to control their levels.
- Photo Unblur & Macro Focus: Enhancements for clearer photos.
- Pro Controls: Exclusive to the Pro model, offering advanced camera settings.
Design & Display
Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have been meticulously crafted, reflecting elegance and sophistication. The Pixel 8, with its contoured edges, feels incredibly comfortable in hand. It boasts a 6.2-inch Actua display that offers real-world clarity and is 42% brighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 7. The device is available in three captivating shades: Rose, Hazel, and Obsidian.
The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, showcases a 6.7-inch Super Actua display, which is Google's brightest display to date. This ensures that even in direct sunlight, Ultra HDR images appear true-to-life. The Pro variant is available in three colors: Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian.
Innovative Features
A unique addition to the Pixel 8 Pro is its temperature sensor located at the back. This sensor allows users to swiftly scan objects to determine their temperature. Whether you're checking if your cooking pan is hot enough or ensuring your baby's milk is at the right temperature, this feature promises convenience. Google has also submitted an application to the FDA to enable the Pixel's Thermometer App to measure and save body temperature to Fitbit.
Camera Capabilities
Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro come equipped with enhanced camera systems that promise breathtaking photo and video quality, complemented by revolutionary editing tools. Every camera on the Pixel 8 Pro has seen upgrades. The main camera excels in low-light photography, the ultrawide lens offers superior Macro Focus, the telephoto lens captures 56% more light, and the front-facing camera now supports autofocus, ensuring the best selfies on a Pixel phone. The Pixel 8 also boasts the same updated main camera and introduces a new ultrawide lens that supports Macro Focus.
The camera app has been revamped with an intuitive interface, allowing users to swiftly navigate and capture content in their preferred photo and video modes. Pixel 8 Pro users will also have access to Pro Controls, offering advanced camera settings like shutter speed, ISO, and more.
Software, Security & Device Longevity
Google's commitment to user security and device longevity is evident with the Pixel 8 series. The devices are powered by the Google Tensor G3, which works in tandem with the Titan M2 security chip to safeguard personal information and fortify the Pixel against sophisticated cyberattacks. Face Unlock on Pixel 8 has been enhanced to meet the highest Android biometric class, facilitating access to compatible banking and payment apps like Google Wallet. Additionally, for the first time, Google promises seven years of software support for the Pixel 8 series, including OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops. The devices also come with a free VPN by Google One and are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
The launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in India signifies Google's commitment to delivering top-tier devices in one of the world's largest smartphone markets. With their state-of-the-art features and competitive pricing, the Pixel 8 series is poised to redefine the premium smartphone segment in India.
