The Google Pixel 8, released in fall 2023, is still one of the most exciting smartphones on the market. With its compact design, innovative AI features and a camera that is impressive, it is still a real recommendation for many users in 2025. But who is the Pixel 8 really worth it for, and who should look for alternatives? In this article, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the device, explain who will be happy with it, and show you what other options there are if the Pixel 8 doesn't quite meet your needs.
Technical Highlights
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design and display: The Pixel 8's 6.2-inch OLED display offers a Full HD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of 60 to 120 Hz. It ensures smooth animations, brilliant colors and a clear display, even in changing lighting conditions. The compact size makes the device handy and suitable for everyday use.
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Camera: With a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, the Pixel 8 delivers impressive photos and videos. AI features such as Magic Editor, Photo Unblur and Ultra HDR improve image quality and enable easy editing directly on the device.
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Processor and performance: The Google Tensor G3 chip combined with 8 GB RAM ensures fast and smooth performance. Whether multitasking, gaming or AI-supported applications - the Pixel 8 masters every task effortlessly.
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Battery life: The 4,575 mAh battery provides enough power for a whole day. With the quick charge function (50% in 30 minutes) and wireless charging, you remain flexible and always ready for action.
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Software: Thanks to seven years of guaranteed updates, you get regular security and feature updates. Exclusive features like Call Screen and Live Translate make the Pixel 8 a pioneer in software support.
The strengths and weaknesses at a glance
Advantages
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Excellent camera: The 50MP main camera with AI-powered tools like Magic Editor and Ultra HDR delivers stunning photos that are easy to edit.
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Long-term update: 7 years of guaranteed software and security updates – unique in the Android sector.
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AI integration: Functions such as Live Translate and Call Screen offer smart support in everyday life.
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Adaptive refresh rate: The OLED display offers a smooth 120 Hz and automatically adjusts to save energy.
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Fast charging: With the quick charge function, 50% is possible in just 30 minutes.
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Robust housing: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures durability and protects against scratches and falls.
Disadvantages
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Limited camera functions: No telephoto lens for optical zoom - for demanding photographers this could be a disadvantage. If this is important to you, you can consider the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
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Mediocre battery capacity: The 4th575mAh battery is solid, but may be tight for power users or heavy use.
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Not for hardcore gaming: The Tensor G3 chip is powerful, but not designed to deliver peak performance for graphics-intensive games.
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Small memory without expansion: No SD card slot and a maximum storage capacity of 256 GB could be limiting for some users.
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Missing premium features: ICompared to the Pixel 8 Pro, some high-end features such as a larger sensor or specific pro tools are missing.
Who is the Google Pixel 8 worth it for
For everyone who loves smart technology
The Google Pixel 8 is ideal for technology enthusiasts who want to benefit from the latest innovations. The Tensor G3 chip offers cutting-edge AI features that go far beyond the standard. Tools like the Magic Editor allow you to professionally edit photos with just a few clicks, while Live Translate overcomes language barriers in real time. Anyone who loves technological gadgets and wants a smartphone that really works smarter in everyday life will be happy with the Pixel 8.
For all those who like to take photos
If you take pictures a lot, you'll love the Pixel 8's camera. The 50MP main camera ensures crisp photos, and the ultra-wide-angle camera gives you more options for creative shots. Plus, Google's AI makes post-processing incredibly easy - whether you want to remove a distracting object or intensify colors. For amateur photographers and social media lovers who want to create high-quality images without much effort, the Pixel 8 is a great companion.
For those who want to invest long-term
The Pixel 8 is made for people who want to use their smartphone for a long time. With seven years of guaranteed software and security updates, Google is setting a new standard in the Android sector. While other devices stop receiving updates after a few years, the Pixel 8 remains up to date. This means that you can rely on a smartphone that will still be secure and powerful in five or six years.
The Google Pixel 8 in comparison
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro
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Display: The Pixel 8 comes with a compact 6.2-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with adaptive refresh rate (1-120 Hz) and higher brightness. The Pro model is ideal for larger and more vivid displays.
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Camera: The Pixel 8 has a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers an additional 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom – perfect for photography enthusiasts.
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performance and storage: Both models use the Tensor G3 chip, but the Pro model has 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB and offers more storage options.
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Conclusion: The Pixel 8 is ideal for users who want a handy, powerful smartphone without having to dig too deep into their pockets. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, is suitable for those who want maximum features, a larger display and advanced camera functions.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 9
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Display: The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch display with an adaptive refresh rate (60-120 Hz), while the Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch display with higher peak brightness (up to 2,700 nits). This makes the Pixel 9 better in direct sunlight.
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Camera: Both devices have a 50MP main camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera, but the Pixel 9 offers an improved 10.5MP front camera for better selfies.
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Perfomance: The Pixel 8 has the Tensor G3 chip, while the Pixel 9 has the more powerful Tensor G4 with more efficient performance.
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Conclusion: The Pixel 8 is a good choice for users who are looking for a compact smartphone with solid performance. The Pixel 9 is aimed at those who value the latest technology and frequently use the front camera, for example for video calls or selfies.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 7
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Display: The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 8 offers a smoother display with a more compact 6.2-inch display and adaptive 120 Hz.
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Camera: Both models offer a 50 MP main camera, but the Pixel 8 comes with AI features like Magic Editor and Ultra HDR, which make post-processing easier and improve photo quality.
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Perfomance: The Pixel 8 is equipped with the Tensor G3 chip, which offers significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency over the Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7.
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Conclusion: The Pixel 7 is suitable for budget-conscious buyers looking for solid performance and camera quality. The Pixel 8 is the better choice for users who want a more modern device with smoother operation and advanced AI features.
Conclusion – Is the Google Pixel 8 worth it?
The Google Pixel 8 is an impressive mix of modern technology, high-quality workmanship and long-term software support. With its compact 6.2-inch display, powerful Tensor G3 chip and outstanding camera, it is particularly suitable for users who are looking for a handy, versatile and future-proof smartphone.
The AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Ultra HDR make it ideal for photography fans, while the guaranteed seven years of updates will appeal to long-term users. If you're looking for a device that combines smart technology, durability and an excellent user experience, the Pixel 8 is the right choice.
Of course, the Pixel 8 doesn't have the perfect solution for everyone: power users who need more RAM or a telephoto camera might be better off with the Pixel 8 Pro. Nevertheless, the Pixel 8 remains a strong all-rounder that impresses in its price range.
