Google Pixel 8, Worth to Buy?

Let's begin with battery life. Initially, we observed erratic performance, with significant variations depending on daily usage. However, after adopting a more typical usage pattern and moving away from stress testing, we've gained a better understanding of its day-to-day battery performance. Notably, screen-on time alone may not be the sole determinant of battery performance. The way one uses the phone, such as scrolling social media, internet browsing, or watching videos, significantly influences the battery life. For most users with mixed activities, including background tasks like listening to audio, navigation, etc., the Pixel 8 can generally last a full day. Our typical day, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., involves around 3-5 hours of audio listening and 3-4 hours of screen-on time, ending with 10-30% battery remaining.

Moving on to the camera, our initial impressions from the previous Pixel 8 video still stand. The video quality is suitable for most situations, but the photos straight out of the camera are excellent, boasting a good balance of contrast and colors. However, it's worth noting that Google reserved some manual settings controls for the Pixel 8 Pro, a decision we find unfortunate. An update on the camera app includes the resolution of the white screen issue, where the camera app would unexpectedly show a white screen, seemingly fixed in Google's November update. On a different note, we've encountered occasional instances where the phone seemingly restarted itself, possibly due to unknown issues or accidental button presses in the pocket.

In terms of general usage, we've found the speakers to be not particularly loud, posing a challenge in noisy environments when trying to listen to media via the phone's speakers. Nevertheless, the speaker on the top of the phone performs well during phone calls, providing good clarity. The AI features, while impressive, have not seen much use due to longer loading times requiring an internet connection. Features like "Now Playing," which identifies currently playing songs, and the "Read Loud" feature for web pages have proven useful in daily scenarios.

Durability-wise, the phone remains in good condition, thanks to careful handling and the protection of an official Pixel 8 case. However, it's essential to note that the screen seems susceptible to scratching, as evidenced by a small scratch acquired during filming. As a precaution, using a screen protector is recommended.

Despite minor issues, the Pixel 8 has been enjoyable to use, offering a clean and functional software experience. The performance is satisfactory for everyday tasks, and the smooth Android 14 experience contributes to an overall positive user experience. The price point, £700 in the UK or $700 in the US, is reasonable for the features offered, making it a recommendable choice for the majority of users.

However, there are specific scenarios where we wouldn't recommend the Pixel 8. If you require a powerhouse with a powerful CPU or GPU, this may not be the right choice, as the Tensor G3 isn't designed to compete with top-tier processors. Additionally, if you need a battery that lasts longer than a day, the Pixel 8 might not meet your expectations. Lastly, if you desire more manual control over camera settings and are open to a larger screen, the Pixel 8 Pro would be a better fit. In conclusion, for those whose needs align with its strengths, the Pixel 8 is a solid choice, and with software updates, it may even improve over time.