Google is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones in October of this year. Tech enthusiasts and smartphone aficionados are buzzing with excitement as these new iterations promise significant camera upgrades over their predecessors, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Alongside hardware enhancements, Google is set to introduce a redesigned camera user interface (UI) for the upcoming Pixel models, and recent leaks offer a tantalizing sneak peek into these changes.
| Feature | Pixel 8 | Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Expected in October | Expected in October |
| Camera Upgrades | Yes | Yes |
| Redesigned Camera UI | Yes | Yes |
| Separation of Photo and Video | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Switch Button Position | Reversed from previous placement | Reversed from previous placement |
| Gallery Button Position | Reversed from previous placement | Reversed from previous placement |
| Settings Access | Swipe up from the bottom of the screen | Swipe up from the bottom of the screen |
| Motion Tab Changes | Split into “Long Exposure” and “Action Pan” | Split into “Long Exposure” and “Action Pan” |
| Cinematic Pan | Changed to a dedicated “Pan” option | Changed to a dedicated “Pan” option |
| Stabilization Modes | Simplified, available in a pop-up menu | Simplified, available in a pop-up menu |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Tensor G3 (upgrade from Tensor G2) | Tensor G3 (upgrade from Tensor G2) |
| Pixel 8 Rear Camera | Dual setup: 50MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide | Triple setup: 50MP primary, 64MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto |
| Pixel 8 Pro Rear Camera | Triple setup: 50MP primary, 64MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto | Triple setup: 50MP primary, 64MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto |
| Storage Options | 128GB and 256GB | 128GB and 256GB |
| Pixel 8 Battery | 4,485mAh with 24W wired charging and 12W wireless charging | 4,950mAh with 27W wired fast charging |
| Pixel 8 Pro Battery | N/A | N/A |
Redesigned Camera UI:
Android Authority recently shared screenshots that purportedly showcase the revamped Google Camera UI for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The redesign introduces a fresh look with a clear distinction between Photo and Video modes. Notably, a dedicated toggle now resides under the mode selection bar, simplifying the process of switching between photo and video modes.
Google has also repositioned the camera switch button and gallery preview button, relocating them to opposite sides from their previous placements. According to the leaked screenshots, swiping up from the bottom of the screen will summon the settings pop-up, providing a more intuitive user experience compared to the current Google Camera build, where users need to swipe down the viewfinder to access settings.
Mode Improvements:
The Pixel 8 series Google Camera app brings structural changes to shooting modes. Specifically, the “Motion” tab has been split into “Long Exposure” and “Action Pan,” each having its dedicated tab to enhance visibility. This adjustment ensures users can easily access and utilize these modes. Furthermore, the once-separate “Cinematic Pan” has evolved into a standalone “Pan” option for streamlined shooting.
Stabilization Modes:
Google has simplified the stabilization modes, doing away with the old menu. Instead, users can now access these modes – Standard, Locked, and Active – through a new pop-up menu, enhancing convenience and ease of use.
Key Specifications:
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to make their official debut in October, running on Android 14 and boasting a remarkable 120Hz refresh rate display. These devices are expected to feature the Tensor G3 chip, a significant upgrade from the Tensor G2 SoC used in the Pixel 7 series and Pixel Fold.
The Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to sport a triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera. Meanwhile, the standard Pixel 8 may come equipped with a dual rear camera system, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensor with OIS and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.
Both Pixel models are expected to offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB. The Pixel 8 Pro is anticipated to house a robust 4,950mAh battery with support for 27W wired fast charging, while the Pixel 8 is likely to feature a 4,485mAh battery with 24W wired charging and 12W wireless charging support.
In conclusion, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro promise an exciting array of enhancements, not only in terms of camera capabilities but also in user interface design and overall performance. As the release date draws near, anticipation is building for Google’s latest smartphone offerings. Stay tuned for their official unveiling in October.