Google Pixel 8's Color Spectrum: What's Your Favorite?

If you want to buy a new smartphone from Google, you'll face the question: which Google Pixel 8 colors to choose? The company has introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with updated designs, powerful processors, improved cameras, and new color options.

Color Options

The color of a smartphone plays a significant role, transforming it from a regular device into an everyday accessory with individual style. The choice of color reflects the user's preferences and emphasizes their uniqueness. The aesthetics of the smartphone become a part of the everyday look, complementing style and creating harmony with personal taste in every moment of device usage.

So, what colors and shades has Google prepared for us this year?

Let's start our review with the base model of the device. Like last year, it comes in three colors with whimsical official names. Reading some of them, it may not be immediately clear which exact color is being referred to. But that's marketing for you, there's nothing to be done about it.

Google Pixel 8 colors:

• Hazel. This is a subdued shade of gray with a greenish tint. It doesn't grab attention, yet looks more stylish than basic smartphones in typical dark or beige tones.
• Obsidian. Without classic options, of course, it wouldn't be complete, so the company introduced a smartphone in black. Unlike the top competitors, it stands out with depth and richness. And if compared to midnight black, Obsidian can be called truly black.
• Rose. This gadget comes in a very delicate shade of pink that truly resembles peony rose petals. The color is very fresh and refined. And it's not as deep as the familiar rose gold.

Google Pixel 8 Pro colors:

The premium model of the gadget also comes in three body colors. There are no revolutionary changes in this section; all the colors are very conservative but at the same time noble and elegant.

• Obsidian. The black color has been retained for the flagship model as well. Despite all the love for unexpected solutions, such smartphones are the most popular among users.
• Bay Blue. This is a simultaneously light yet vibrant blue that adds freshness to the device. The shade is reminiscent of a bright blue sky on a clear day. It looks very appealing and will definitely make you stand out from the multitude of similar gadgets.
• Porcelain. The last color option is porcelain. Gradually, companies are moving away from pure white; for instance, white was removed from the new Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup, replaced with cream. The porcelain shade of the Pixel 8 Pro looks like a very delicate beige. It is simultaneously light but looks more interesting than plain white.

Each of the models has a camera module with a glossy finish in a distinctive shade. In black and blue, it is lighter, while in lighter shades of the body, it is more intense. This serves as a unique accent, giving the device a distinctive appearance.

Comparison with Previous Models

The Google Pixel 8 colors feature differences from the hues of the previous 7th series. However, there are also some similar shades.

For example, the seventh Pixel was also presented in black, and this shade had the same name as it does now. The device was also released in a color called Snow. It's white but with cool undertones of gray and blue. A versatile color that fits well into everyday life. The last color option was Lemongrass — not yellow, not green, not lime, but something in between these three colors. A very gentle shade for delicate and romantic individuals.

The Pixel 7 Pro was also released in three body color options. They traditionally kept the classic black with the signature name, as well as the cool white-and-blue Snow. The premium gadget differed from the base model only in one color, the name of which was passed on to the next generation — it's Hazel. But while the name remained the same, the shade changed. In the previous release, Hazel had a gray-blue tint, not a gray-green one.

Feature Highlights

Before choosing Pixel 8 colors, it's worth deciding on the smartphone model. Let's consider the key characteristics.

The new Google devices combine high-quality screens, powerful cameras, and advanced software with unique features and an unprecedented level of support. The only component that prevents calling the smartphones perfect is the Tensor 3 chip. For most users, this processor will pose no issues. However, it may not be suitable for hardcore gamers.

Dimensions

As usual, the main difference between the base and Pro versions lies in size. However, now it is more significant. While the Pixel 8 Pro is almost identical in size to its predecessor, the base model is five millimeters shorter and ten grams lighter than last year's Pixel 7. Therefore, the Pixel 8 is one of the most compact flagships on the market.

Display

Google Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch diagonal screen, which is 0.1 inches smaller than its predecessor. At the same time, the manufacturer increased the maximum refresh rate of the display from 90 to 120 Hz and enhanced brightness. Therefore, the images on the new device's screen appear smoother and more discernible even in sunlight. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, the pixel density is 428 ppi. The clarity and detail are worthy of a flagship device, and the OLED matrix displays excellent colors, especially in HDR mode when watching videos.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a larger display than the base model, measuring 6.7 inches in diagonal length. In terms of image quality, it is on par with the Pixel 8 screen and even slightly surpasses it in maximum brightness, similar to the display of its predecessor. Additionally, thanks to the LTPO OLED technology, the Pixel 8 Pro's screen can more efficiently adjust the smoothness of animations, resulting in more energy-efficient operation.

Processor and software

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new Pixels once again turned out to be the hardware. Instead of the Google Tensor 2 chip used in last year's models, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro received the latest Tensor 3 processor from the company.

Although the new chip is more powerful than its predecessor, it noticeably lags behind competitors in almost all tests, including MediaTek Dimensity 9300, Apple A17 Pro, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. On the other hand, it's hard to find fault with the speed of the interface and applications. Everything operates very quickly and smoothly. Moreover, similar to the previous chip, the new one is designed specifically for the efficient operation of machine learning algorithms.

Both smartphones support the Always-On Display mode. While active, it displays the clock, some widgets, and various status data even after the screen is locked.

In accordance with the longstanding tradition, Google flagship phones are the first to receive the new version of Android. The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are no exception: the devices were released with the Android 14 system pre-installed, including all its new features. There are no customizations typical of Android smartphones from other brands on the Pixels. Therefore, the user interface is not cluttered with programs and functions duplicating standard Google services.

The manufacturer promises seven years of software support for the owners of the new devices. For comparison, the Pixel 7 will receive updates for five years, which is the same duration Samsung claims for its flagship phones. As a result, the new Pixels have become the only Android smartphones that match the iPhone in terms of the duration of software support.

Camera

The Pixel 8 features two rear cameras. The main camera takes better photos than the previous year's model, which is noticeable both in sunny weather and in low light conditions. The wide-angle rear module now has autofocus and the ability to work in macro mode. The front camera has also slightly improved in quality.

The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with three rear modules. The main camera here also surpasses the previous year's model. This module is the same as the one in the base Pixel 8, but with more modern focusing technology. The resolution of the ultrawide camera in the Pro version has been increased from 12 MP to 48 MP, which is also beneficial. The third rear module in the new device is a telephoto lens with a fivefold optical zoom. It absorbs 56% more light than the Pixel 7 Pro's telephoto lens. Unlike the front cameras of the previous year's models and the base Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro's selfie camera supports autofocus.

Battery life

The new models have slightly larger batteries than their predecessors. The Pixel 8 has a battery capacity of 4575 mAh, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a capacity of 5050 mAh. Therefore, both devices can comfortably last about one and a half days without recharging under average usage. Pixel 7 series smartphones typically struggle to achieve this, often requiring a recharge by the evening.

Furthermore, Google has increased the charging power, from 20W to 27W for the base model and from 23W to 30W for the Pro version. However, considering the difference in capacities, the new devices charge at the same rate as last year's models. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro batteries can restore 50% of their capacity in 30 minutes, and a full charge takes just over an hour. This is a competitive result, although it may fall slightly behind most flagship devices from Chinese manufacturers.

Here is a brief comparison of the main features:

Conclusions

Google has released high-performance flagships this year that are available for purchase. The Google Pixel 8 colors are diverse and interesting, providing users with a variety of options to choose from.