Google is gearing up to launch its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, along with the Pixel Watch 2 smartwatch, on October 4. However, ahead of the official unveiling, the UK pricing for these devices has been leaked by a reliable source. According to Roland Quandt on X (formerly Twitter), the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will see a significant price hike compared to the previous generation, while the Pixel Watch 2 will have a slight increase.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will start at £699 and £999 respectively
Quandt claims that the base model of the Pixel 8, which will have 128GB of storage, will cost £699 in the UK. This is £100 more than the Pixel 7, which launched at £599 last year. The 256GB variant of the Pixel 8 will be priced at £949, according to Quandt.
The Pixel 8 Pro, which is expected to have a larger and better display, a more powerful processor, and an extra camera lens, will also see a £100 increase from its predecessor. The Pixel 8 Pro with 128GB of storage will cost £999, while the 256GB model will cost £1,099. Quandt also mentions that there will be a 512GB option for the Pixel 8 Pro, which will be priced at £1,249.
These prices are in line with the US pricing that was reported earlier by Android Police. The US prices for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are said to be $799 and $1,099 respectively. This means that Google is charging a premium for its new phones in the UK, as the conversion rate would suggest lower prices.
Pixel Watch 2 will cost £349 for the base model
Quandt also reveals the UK pricing for the Pixel Watch 2, which will be Google’s second attempt at making its own smartwatch. The Pixel Watch 2 will start at £349 for the base model, which is only £10 more than the original Pixel Watch that launched at £339 last year. Quandt does not mention any other variants or options for the Pixel Watch 2.
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to have a similar design to the first generation, but with some improvements in features and performance. Google has already teased the device in a video, showing a round display, a digital crown, and a porcelain band. The watch is also said to have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and a Fitbit-inspired interface.
Google will unveil the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 on October 4
Google has confirmed that it will hold a launch event on October 4 in New York City, where it will officially announce the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2, along with other products such as the updated Pixel Buds Pro. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube at 11 AM ET / 4 PM BST.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 are expected to be available for pre-order on the same day as the launch event, and will ship later in October. However, Google has not revealed any details about the availability or pricing of these devices in other markets.