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When I started working as a part-time news writer at Android Police in 2019 while still in school, I never would have imagined that I would become the publication’s Google editor. Yet here we are. I’m Android Police on the front lines of all things Google, Pixel phones, Android releases, and Chrome versions. I also had the opportunity to see the phone industry from different angles and was able to test some unique phones from brands like Fairphone, Honor, Xiaomi, and Unihertz.
Five years later, it was time for me to start a new adventure. But in the end, he has one piece of real advice that he would like to share with you. With all the experience I’ve gathered over the years, the phone I’d buy right now is the Google Pixel 8.
Google Pixel 8 review: Pixel for the masses
The Pixel 8 doesn’t need all the features the 8 Pro has to offer, but it’s packed with more than enough features.
This may not come as a surprise to someone with the title “Google Editor,” but hear me out. At this point, we think the Pixel 8 offers the best balance of comfortable size, price, flagship hardware, and features. I already called this product a “Pixel for the masses” in a review last year, and I stand by that term.
It’s true that like any Pixel, the Pixel 8 has its fair share of issues. Battery life isn’t great compared to its size, it tends to run hotter than many competitors, while the phone’s reception suffers in many situations. The software may occasionally have bugs that may make it difficult to use. I am keenly aware of these issues.It’s my job to report it (well, it’s was my job).
Pixel has its issues, but no other phone can match this experience
At the same time, I haven’t tested a single Android smartphone that offers as consistent an experience as the Pixel. Google’s devices are virtually the only devices that run Android without any additional layers in the middle, both by design and software. This means that throughout the system and apps, there are no conflicts in UX and UI, and everything feels like it’s made from one piece. Google’s meticulous attention to detail only enhances that experience.
Apps also generally work more predictably on Pixel phones. Many Android manufacturers add significant battery optimizations to their software, so unless you delve into settings and find a switch to exclude important apps, you may find that your notifications are too slow or don’t arrive at all. You must to do something before you go on. Notifications can still be delayed on Pixel phones compared to iPhones, but this is a fundamental issue for Android as a whole.
The Google Pixel 8 also offers the perfect mix of extra features that competing phones don’t have. Thanks to the little touches like Now Playing, Emoji Wallpaper, At a Glance, and Universal Search. Camera features such as face blur and astrophotography are not used very often, but they are very useful when you need or want them. While not entirely Pixel-specific, Circle to Search is another feature that has quickly become essential to me (although I mostly cross out individual words or phrases that I want to copy or search for).
You can also rest assured that Pixel 8 will receive full software updates for seven years after launch. It may not have all the bells and whistles, like future Pixels will have the latest software, but it will continue to run secure software for a long time, and that’s the most important thing.
No matter how good the battery life, camera, or hardware of other phones is, there are countless of these little touches that I miss so much. The Pixel is far from perfect, but it’s just right for me.
Pixel 8 isn’t perfect, but it’s in the right place
What I wish the Pixel 8 had was a telephoto zoom camera like the Pixel 8 Pro. Even with Google’s computational wizardry, the Pixel 8 hits its physical limits when you zoom in too far. The Pixel 8 Pro also comes with improved night vision video and, initially, Gemini Nano. The question is whether these things are worth the extra $300, not to mention the 8 Pro’s significantly larger form factor. For me, the answer is no.
Please note that we are only talking about the actual products that can be purchased here. If you had it your way, you’d want to get a Frankenstein phone built with the best of the Android maker. Give me a sub-$1,000 smartphone the same size as the Pixel 8, with a Snapdragon chip, Pixel software, an Honor Silicon Carbon battery, iPhone-level standby battery life, and a Vivo camera, and I’ll be happy. I will do that. I recommend that instead. However, as things stand now, we’ll have to make do with the Pixel 8.
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