The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have graced the market for a considerable period, which naturally beckons our attention towards the impending generation, the esteemed Pixel 8 series. The sense of anticipation swells as we find ourselves still a few months away from the highly awaited launch in October. However, the rumor mills have been in a state of perpetual motion, and it is no easy task to disregard the abundance of intricate details they have produced. As one who frequently retreats to the Pixel 7 from other Android devices, I am fervently eager to witness what Google has meticulously prepared for us with their forthcoming release. My enthusiasm finds resonance, for there is an air of exuberance surrounding the Pixel 8, and thus, I have taken it upon myself to compile all the available rumors, leaks, and information into a single comprehensive source.

Google Pixel 8 Series: Pricing and Availability

Google has not officially confirmed the arrival of the Pixel 8 series, so pricing and availability remain uncertain. Nevertheless, we can make educated guesses based on the history of Pixel phones and the leaked information. Considering the past trends, it’s reasonable to expect the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to come with price tags of $599 and $899, respectively. There might be a slight price increase due to inflation and external factors, but I wouldn’t anticipate a decrease. Reliable leaker Yogesh Brar suggests that the regular Pixel 8 could be $100 more expensive than the Pixel 7 at launch, which aligns with the recent leaks. This doesn’t come as a surprise since the Pixel 7a also arrived at a higher price than its predecessor.

Regarding the launch date, it’s likely that the Pixel 8 will follow the tradition and release in October, just like its predecessors, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. Although Google didn’t provide a Pixel 8 teaser during the Google I/O 2023 keynote this year, there are no rumors suggesting a change of plans. Thus, it’s safe to tentatively mark October for a potential Google hardware event.

While the exact availability date for the Pixel 8 series is unknown, sources claim that the Pixel 8 will be available in Haze, Jade, Licorice, and Peony colors, while the Pixel 8 Pro will come in Jade, Licorice, Porcelain, and Sky finishes later this year. If you’re curious about the colors, you can check out the leaked wallpapers for the upcoming Pixel phones.

Google Pixel 8 Series: Design and Specifications

Google seems to be sticking to a simple and iterative design update with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, much like what we saw with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Leaked renders have already surfaced, showcasing a familiar design for these upcoming phones.

The leaked renders display the Pixel 8 in white and the Pixel 8 Pro in black. Both models bear a striking resemblance to the current lineup of Pixel phones, featuring the distinctive camera bar on the back. However, there are some interesting changes this time around, especially for the Pixel 8 Pro. The rear camera module appears slightly different from that of the Pixel 7 Pro. Instead of the pill and circle design, all three cameras seem to be encased in one glass pill. Additionally, there is an additional sensor below the camera flash on the Pixel 8 Pro renders, which is said to be an IR thermometer. This feature appears to be exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro and might allow users to measure the temperature of objects.

Moving to the front, the Pixel 8 Pro seems to sport a flat panel, deviating from the curved one on the Pixel 7 Pro. It will be intriguing to see how this new design looks in reality. As per leaked dimensions, the Pixel 8 Pro will be slightly thinner than the current model, measuring 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.7mm. The Pixel 8 render, on the other hand, resembles the Pixel 7 but has smaller dimensions at 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm compared to the Pixel 7’s 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm. Notably, Ross Young, a reputable display analyst, leaked some information about the Pixel 8’s display size.

According to Young, the Pixel 8 will come with a 6.16-inch OLED panel, slightly smaller than the 6.32-inch panel on the Pixel 7. The Pixel 8 Pro is expected to retain the same display size, keeping its overall footprint similar to the current Pixel 7 Pro model. If this information proves accurate, we can look forward to a more compact Pixel flagship this year. Whilst not possessing the svelte form factor of the Galaxy S23, it shall nonetheless render a significant disparity, particularly when juxtaposed side-by-side with the Pixel 7.

As for the chipset, the Pixel 8 series is poised to showcase the forthcoming Tensor chip, aptly codenamed “Zuma.” As per Android Authority’s exclusive reportage, the novel Tensor G3 chip shall encompass a Cortex-X3, ticking at 3.05GHz, along with four Cortex-A715 cores, operating at 2.45GHz, and an additional four Cortex-A510 cores, running at 2.15GHz.XDA’s Adam Conway has expressed optimism that the Tensor G3 could be a substantial improvement over its predecessor. If you’re interested in more details, I recommend checking out his thoughts on the leaked Tensor G3 information.

Lastly, let’s talk about the cameras on the upcoming Pixel phones. Google appears to be aiming to differentiate the Pro model further in the camera department. Leaked camera details indicate that the Pixel 8 Pro will boast a new primary and ultrawide sensor. The shift from the Isocell GN1 primary camera to the newer Isocell GN2 is significant, but even more exciting is the switch from the dated 12MP Sony IMX386 ultrawide sensor to the 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor found on the Pixel 7a. Additionally, the Pro model is said to feature a new time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for improved autofocus, while the regular Pixel 8 is expected to receive an upgrade to the Isocell GN2 primary camera.

With these exciting details emerging, the anticipation for the Pixel 8 series is only growing stronger.