Medtech

Every new device Google announced today, from the colorful Pixel 8 Pro to the souped-up Pixel Watch 2

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the latest Pixel devices.

Published

7 months ago

October 4, 2023

This article was originally published by TheStreet

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Google wrapped its Made by Google 2023 special event this AM, and the Android maker announced two new smartphones—the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro— the Pixel Watch 2, and a few updates and new colors of the Pixel Buds Pro.

All four devices are available for preorder and will begin shipping next week, on Oct. 12.

Below, we’ll walk you through each new device, who it’s for, and how to preorder it.

Google Pixel 8

Google’s Pixel 8 is the smaller sibling of the 8 Pro. In addition to being smaller, it’s also less expensive at $799 but comes with almost all of the same features.

It has a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 60–120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits to make it easier to see in direct sunlight. This will undoubtedly be great for everyday tasks, video calls, streaming content, and even playing games. It boasts a 4,575mAh battery for all-day battery life, according to Google. It supports 30W fast charging, which will net you about 50% of charge in 30 minutes.

There are two different models, based on storage of either 128GB or 256GB, both of which come with 8GB of memory and are powered by Google’s new Tensor G3 processor. That should be more than enough power and memory for multitasking and gaming sessions. It’ll run Android 14 out of the box, and they’re promising seven years of software updates. So the Pixel 8 will get updates through 2030—pretty much an unheard-of guarantee.

Arguably, the most exciting part of the Pixel 8 lineup is the camera upgrades this year. Specific to the Pixel 8 is a dual-camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel main camera that supports up to 8x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The front-facing camera is 10.5-megapixels. You also get access to exclusive editing modes like photo unblur, face swap, and even magic eraser.

You can preorder the Pixel 8 from Amazon or BestBuy, starting at $699 for the 128GB model in obsidian, hazel, and rose color options. When you preorder a Pixel 8 at BestBuy, you’ll get a free pair of Pixel Buds Pro and can save up to $800 with a trade-in.

Who it’s for: The Pixel 8 is for the person who likes Google’s hardware and software experience but doesn’t necessarily want the biggest phone or need a top-of-the-line camera.

Google Pixel 8 in Obsidian, Hazel, or Rose with 128GB of storage, $699 at Amazon or BestBuy
Google Pixel 8 in Obsidian, Hazel, or Rose with 256GB of storage, $759 at Amazon or BestBuy

Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro is clearly the company’s flagship phone as the most capable and most expensive in Google’s Pixel lineup. It starts with a 6.8-inch OLED display featuring a refresh rate between 1–120Hz and a ridiculous 2,400 nits of peak brightness that should make it easy to see in direct sunlight.

The biggest change Google made to the display of the 8 Pro, however, is ditching the curved edges we’ve seen on the Pro series, replacing it with an entirely flat display. The change should lead to more usable screen space and fewer accidental touches on the edge of the screen.

Internally, there’s a 5,050mAh battery, Google’s Tensor G3 processor, and 12GB of memory. Again, Google promises 24-hour battery life. It’ll come with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. Like the Pixel 8, the 8 Pro runs Android 14 out of the box and gets seven years of software updates.

The Pixel 8 Pro’s rear main camera bar has three lenses in it, but there’s also a new temperature sensor built into it that you can use to measure your temp or the temp of other nearby items. Eventually, the Fitbit app will integrate with the new sensor to help track your body’s temperature.

As for the camera array, well, it sure looks like we’re in for a treat. The rear-facing cameras include a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The front-facing camera is 10.5-megapixels and gains autofocus for better selfies. All of the classic AI-infused editing features like photo unblur, and magic eraser are here as well.

You can preorder the Pixel 8 Pro from Amazon and BestBuy, with prices starting at $999 for the 128GB model. During the pre-order period, you’ll get a free Pixel Watch 2 when you order an 8 Pro and can save up to $800 off the cost with a device trade-in. There’s a new Bay color that’s a really nice-looking blue, joining Obsidian and Porcelain to round out the color options.

Who it’s for: The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s best smartphone, and it’s for someone who wants the biggest screen, bigger battery, and the best camera setup the Pixel has had.

Google Pixel 8 Pro in Bay, Obsidian, or Porcelain with 128GB of storage, $999 at Amazon or BestBuy
Google Pixel 8 Pro in Bay, Obsidian, or Porcelain with 256GB of storage, $1,059 at Amazon or BestBuy
Google Pixel 8 Pro in Bay, Obsidian, or Porcelain with 512GB of storage, $1,179 at Amazon or BestBuy

Google Pixel Watch 2

Google’s Pixel Watch 2 is the company’s second-generation smartwatch that improves upon the first Pixel Watch, specifically its heart rate tracking and health features.

The Pixel Watch 2 has stress monitoring and management tools that can automatically detect when your body’s showing signs of stress and chart it throughout the day. The Watch 2 also has a more advanced heart rate sensor for even more precise readings.

For those who want a device that can auto-detect when you start or stop a workout, you’ll be glad to know the Pixel Watch 2 can now detect 7 different workouts, including running and outdoor cycling. Google’s Pixel Watch is now in more in line with competing trackers from FitBit and even the Galaxy Watch.

Fitness and health features aside, the Pixel Watch 2 runs Google’s Wear OS so you can access your favorite apps—including Google’s own, like Gmail, Maps, and Assistant— directly on your wrist.

Google promises all-day battery life, even with the always-on display enabled, and you can get a full charge in just 75-minutes. There are three cases to pick from: matte black, polished silver, or champagne gold. All of which are made from aluminum and paired with a basic band.

You can preorder the Pixel Watch 2 now for $349 for the Wi-Fi-only model and $399 for the Wi-Fi and LTE model. It’ll begin shipping and fully launch on Oct. 12.

Who it’s for: The Pixel Watch 2 is for any Android phone owner, not just Pixel, who wants a smartwatch with plenty of health features, tight integration with Fitbit, and the latest features.

Google Pixel Watch 2 Wi-Fi in Black, Hazel, or Silver, $349 at Amazon or BestBuy
Google Pixel Watch 2 with Wi-Fi + LTE in Black, Hazel, or Silver, $399 at Amazon or BestBuy

Pixel Buds Pro

The Pixel Buds Pro didn’t receive any sort of hardware upgrade, but they do come in two new colors to match the 8 Pro’s Bay and Porcelain colors. In addition to the new color, all Pixel Buds Pro are gaining new software features such as conversation awareness, improved call sound quality, and conversation detection so you can start talking without taking the buds out, and they’ll automatically pause your music and turn on transparency mode.

You can see our original review of the Pixel Buds Pro here, and we’ll update it once we’ve gone hands-on with the new features. Pixel Buds Pro cost $199.99 and can be ordered at Amazon or BestBuy.

Who it’s for: The Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds are ideal for Android users who want an AirPod-like experience without using an iPhone.