Google Pixel 8 smartphone review: Compact and with 7 years of updates

The cameras are traditionally a strength of Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 8 continues this tradition and delivers impressive results. Some of the images are heavily processed by Google’s software, giving them a high dynamic range and strong contrast. 

Google equips the Pixel 8 with a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The setup corresponds to that of its predecessor, the Pixel 7. Only the Pixel 8 Pro gets the new 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. Nevertheless, the shots from the ultra-wide-angle camera are also pleasing; the sharpness decreases slightly towards the peripheral areas.

Unlike the Pixel 8 Pro, the normal Pixel 8 does not have a zoom lens; the zoom is only implemented digitally. This works well at 2x magnification, but at 5x magnification the images are heavily overdone and image noise is visible. More than 8x zoom is not possible.

The smartphone has a macro mode, which is activated by default. If the software detects a close object in front of the camera, it automatically kicks in. This enables clear shots from short distances. The smartphone uses the ultra wide-angle camera for this, with a slightly different color balance to the main camera. There are also special modes for long exposure, for photos of moving objects and night shots. The Pixel 8 does not offer a pro or manual mode, although it is possible to set the white balance manually.

Photos taken by the selfie camera are pleasing and the portrait mode also works very reliably. However, the resolution is quite low at 10.5 MP. Long exposure and action photos are also possible with the front camera.

Video recordings are possible with all cameras at a maximum of 4K and 60 FPS. The Pixel 8 also supports 10-bit HDR recording. The video quality of the 4K recordings is pleasing. Video stabilization and autofocus work reliably, and audio recording is also good. In HDR videos, the image is slightly distorted when panning.

Google provides additional video options such as a panning mode with better stabilization, videos with a blurred background (24 FPS), slow motion and time lapse. The smartphone gets noticeably warm on the back when filming.

One new feature is Google’s “Magic Editor”, which allows images to be edited afterwards with the help of AI. The range of functions extends from removing an object, adjusting the color of the sky, to stylizing or abstracting an image. Not all functions are possible in all images; in some cases the software has to suggest the function itself. However, the images have to be saved in the cloud for editing and the program also takes its time here. Post-editing results can differ greatly: sometimes the software produces impressive results, other times the images are unusable.