Google has recently launched its latest flagship phone, the Pixel 8 Pro, which boasts a new design, a new chipset, and a new camera system. The phone also features a temperature sensor, a curved display, and a generative AI model that can run on the device. But is it worth the hefty price tag of Rs 1,06,999? Here are some reasons to buy and some reasons to skip the Pixel 8 Pro.
Reason to buy: Google Tensor G3 chipset
The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chipset, which is the first custom-made processor by Google for its Pixel phones. The Tensor G3 is designed to optimize the performance of Google’s AI and machine learning features, such as Live Translate, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur. The chipset also promises faster and smoother multitasking, gaming, and video streaming.
Reason to skip: Battery life
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,000 mAh battery, which sounds impressive on paper. However, according to some reviews, the battery life is not very impressive in real-world usage. The phone’s bright and high-resolution display, along with the power-hungry Tensor G3 chipset, may drain the battery faster than expected. Some reviewers have reported that the phone can barely last a full day on a single charge.
Reason to buy: Upgraded camera system
The Pixel 8 Pro has a new camera system that includes a 50 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultrawide camera, a 48 MP telephoto camera, and a 12 MP selfie camera. The main camera has a larger sensor that can capture more light and detail in low-light settings. The ultrawide camera has a macro mode that can focus on objects as close as 4 cm. The telephoto camera has a 4x optical zoom and a 10x hybrid zoom. The selfie camera has autofocus and can record 4K videos.
Reason to skip: Design and weight
The Pixel 8 Pro has a new design that features a visor-like camera module on the back and a curved aluminum frame on the sides. The phone also has a matte glass back that comes in three colors: Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian. However, some users may not like the design of the phone, as it looks bulky and outdated compared to other flagship phones. The phone also weighs 226 grams, which makes it one of the heaviest phones in the market.
Reason to buy: Temperature sensor
The Pixel 8 Pro has a unique feature that no other phone has: a temperature sensor. The sensor is located on the back of the phone and can measure the temperature of any object by scanning it with the Thermometer app. The sensor can be useful for checking the temperature of food, drinks, or even your own body. Google has also submitted an application to the FDA to enable the Thermometer app to save your temperature data to Fitbit.
Reason to skip: Availability and price
The Pixel 8 Pro is not widely available in India, as it is sold only through Flipkart and Reliance Digital stores. The phone is also very expensive, costing Rs 1,06,999 for the base model with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. This makes it more expensive than other flagship phones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. The phone also does not come with any accessories like earphones or chargers in the box.