Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: 6 Months Later, Is It Still Worth $999?

The Google Pixel 8 Pro debuted at $999, and now Amazon sells this flagship for just $749. This significant price drop makes our Google Pixel 8 Pro review more relevant than ever.

This phone delivers exceptional performance with its remarkable features. The stunning 6.7-inch OLED display reaches 2400 nits of peak brightness, which ranks among the brightest screens available on smartphones today.

The device stands out with Google's bold seven-year update promise that surpasses Apple's support timeline. The new Tensor G3 processor powers the phone alongside a versatile triple-camera setup. The camera system boasts a 50MP main lens, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto sensors that work together seamlessly.

Six months of hands-on experience with this device leads us to explore an important question: Should you buy the Pixel 8 Pro in 2024? Let's examine how this flagship has evolved since its release.

Google Pixel 8 Pro: First Impressions vs. Reality Check

first experience with the Google Pixel 8 Pro came six months ago. I opened the box and wondered if this device would last or just become another forgotten phone as new competitors came out. Now, after using it daily, I can compare reality with original thoughts.

Original Hype vs. Everyday Experience

The Pixel 8 Pro created excitement at launch, especially about its AI features and camera system. Notwithstanding that, this device proved itself worthy as a long-term companion. One user called it the "longest stretch I've had with a Google phone since the Nexus 6P almost a decade ago".

The phone might not match the Galaxy S24 Ultra's flashy specs or the OnePlus 12's battery life. Yet it delivers a balanced experience that works well in daily use. This blend of premium features and practical utility earned its spot in our best phones guide.

Call Screen became the most useful feature after months of use. The Google Assistant sounds real and "listens to the conversation to provide contextual responses". This feature saves time by filtering unwanted calls—its value grows each day.

The Pixel's camera remains its best feature, though some AI features lost their appeal in daily use. Night Sight still impresses by capturing "crisp looking night skies filled with bright stars" and even the "faint burst of gasses coming from the Great Orion Nebula".

Design's Evolution Over Time

The Pixel 8 Pro's unique design proved more durable and practical than expected. The camera bar across the body, once debated, now serves as a signature feature that prevents wobbling—a common issue with other phones' offset camera arrays.

Google's material choices impressed over time. The matte back glass "repels smudges much better than the polished or clear glass finishes used in many other phones". This benefit shows clearly after months of use. On top of that, the Bay color option breaks away from the "muted black and white hues other phones stick with".

Durability tests boosted confidence in the Pixel 8 Pro's longevity. The phone's frame stays strong despite some creaking, unlike its predecessor that cracked along antenna lines. This shows that "Google has made some improvements to the handset's structure". This strength matters given Google's seven-year update promise.

Some parts haven't aged perfectly. Users report loose USB-C ports, and plastic power and volume buttons that detach easily. These weak spots matter if you plan to keep the phone long-term.

Display Brightness and Performance Through Time

The Pixel 8 Pro's "Super Actua" display remains a standout feature after six months. Users love the flat screen that eliminates the "error- and glare-inducing curved sides that undermined previous models".

The screen shines bright at "2100 nits under sunlight when displaying a typical photo", sometimes reaching 2400 nits. Manual brightness mode hits 954 nits—"100 more than what the Pro iPhones or the Galaxy S23 Ultra would give you". This makes outdoor use much better.

The adaptive brightness works better than older Pixels. Users might need occasional adjustments, but the system runs "noticeably better than before". The Extra Dim feature earned praise by letting the display go "beyond its minimum brightness"—perfect for nighttime use.

Colors stay accurate and performance remains strong months later. The screen shows "faithful skin tones in lighting conditions ranging from low light to outdoors" and keeps "very good touch-to-response time" with its 120Hz refresh rate. The phone smartly adjusts refresh rates down to 1Hz when idle, saving power without sacrificing performance.

Tensor G3 Performance: 6 Months of Real-World Usage

six months with the Tensor G3 chip in  Pixel 8 Pro shows what Google really wants from its silicon. Google isn't trying to win any speed records. They're taking a different route that puts AI and steady performance ahead of raw power.

Daily Performance Stability

The Tensor G3 packs a nine-core CPU setup (one Cortex-X3, four Cortex-A715, and four Cortex-A510 cores) that's a big step up from older Tensor chips. The chip handles everyday tasks smoothly. You won't notice any stutters whether you're scrolling through social media or editing photos.

The G3's steady performance really stands out. Other chips might slow down fast under heavy loads, but the G3 keeps its cool. Tests show the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 loses half its speed after nine minutes. The G3 slows down more gracefully, and the initial 200% performance gap shrinks to just 27%.

The benchmarks back up daily experience - the G3 still can't match its high-end rivals. Tests against the iPhone 15 Pro and OnePlus 11 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) show the Pixel 8 Pro keeps up in single-core tasks but falls behind when all cores are working. Heavy tasks make this gap more obvious.

Gaming Experience on the Pixel 8 Pro in 2024

Gaming is where the G3 struggles most. Even with 12GB of RAM and smooth Android 14 performance, games don't run as well as on other flagship phones. Honkai Star Rail starts dropping frames after just 10-15 minutes.

Wild Rift players are posting about problems on Reddit and support forums. One player said Riot Games blamed "Google's latest updates" for the issues, not their game.

The GPU specs tell the story. The G3 uses a Mali-G715 "Immortalis" GPU with seven cores, though this architecture can support up to sixteen. Google likely chose fewer cores to keep heat under control, which becomes clear during long gaming sessions.

The Pixel 8 Pro doesn't support ray tracing like other flagship phones. Casual games run fine, but serious mobile gamers should look elsewhere.

Heat Management: Has It Improved?

Heat control is better than previous Tensor chips. The G3 doesn't suffer from the same battery and heat issues that made earlier versions struggle. The phone still gets warm under load, though.

Some users say their phone stays around 35°C even for light tasks like browsing Twitter in a 25°C room. More demanding tasks can quickly push temperatures to 40°C, making the phone noticeably warm.

Lab tests starting at 26°C (79°F) showed temperatures hitting 40°C (104°F) after 20 minutes of stress testing. Performance dropped about 15% during this time. This slowdown is planned - Google trades peak speed for better heat control.

The phone protects itself from overheating in predictable ways. It slows down the CPU, charges more slowly, turns off the camera flash, and might even disable the camera or limit mobile data in extreme cases. These safety features prevent damage but can interrupt your work.

Some users have noticed their year-old Pixel 7 Pro runs cooler at around 32°C and has fewer stutters than the newer 8 Pro. This might mean the G3 still needs more optimization, even after six months of updates.

The G3 works well enough for everyday tasks and shines at AI features - its real purpose. If you care more about productivity and taking photos than gaming, you'll likely be happy with your Pixel 8 Pro.

Camera System Evolution: Software Updates and Improvements

Google's regular software updates have refined the Pixel 8 Pro's camera system since its launch. experience of shooting thousands of photos over six months shows how these small improvements have made an already great camera even better.

How Photo Quality Has Changed Since Launch

Google fixed several early camera problems through targeted updates. The April update fixed an automatic exposure adjustment bug that users couldn't access after tapping to focus. The update also removed those annoying black halo artifacts that showed up when switching between photo and video at 1x zoom.

The biggest change came with manual lens selection for ultrawide, wide, and telephoto cameras in 'Pro Controls' mode. This feature gives photographers complete control over their shots. They can adjust:

• Shutter speed to create motion effects
• ISO sensitivity to manage noise
• White balance to get colors right
• Focus distance to isolate subjects

Users can now output full 50MP resolution images instead of the default 12.5MP processed shots. These high-resolution photos keep more detail, especially in good light. You'll need to wait a bit longer though - the camera shows a "hold still" message for about a second while capturing these detailed shots.

Low-Light Photography: Then and Now

Night Sight remains the star feature of the Pixel 8 Pro's camera. Google keeps tweaking its computational photography to stay ahead in low-light shots. The current version stands out because it keeps the full 48MP resolution in dark conditions, unlike other phones that drop to lower resolutions.

The main camera lets in 21% more light with its F1.68 aperture compared to the F1.85 in older models. The telephoto lens gathers 56% more light with its F2.8 aperture versus the previous F3.5. The ultrawide lens brings the biggest improvement by capturing 105% more light than before.

Software updates make these hardware improvements work even better. The camera picks the best shots from a series to catch people with open eyes and real smiles. Better HDR+ processing handles high-contrast scenes well, but some users notice odd blotchy noise in dark areas of high-contrast photos.

Video Recording Capabilities in 2024

Video recording shows the biggest leap forward. Video Boost with Night Sight changes the game for low-light recording. This feature processes videos in the cloud to boost color, detail, and visibility in dark scenes - just like Night Sight did for photos years ago.

Video Boost creates two files: a quick "preview" file and a better "boosted" file that comes later. Google's product manager Isaac Reynolds explains that Video Boost uses a different process that keeps more image data - like the difference between RAW and JPEG files.

The Pixel 8 Pro now uses true HDR workflow (like Apple) with its HDR-capable display. Recording at two different sensitivities at once gives videos better dynamic range. Tests prove that HDR mode creates better quality videos than standard SDR recording.

Video autofocus works better now. It reacts faster, moves smoothly between focus points, and tracks subjects better, even in tough lighting. The only real issue left is noise in HDR video, which you'll notice more indoors and in low light.

AI Features: Revolutionary or Forgotten Gimmicks?

 months with the Google Pixel 8 Pro have revealed the truth about its AI features. Some have become essential tools while others sit unused. Google's AI-powered tools range in usefulness rather than being the revolutionary features advertised at launch.

Magic Editor: Still Magical?

Magic Editor stands as Google's boldest AI editing tool that uses generative AI to revolutionize photos beyond basic touch-ups. This cloud-based feature surpasses Magic Eraser by allowing you to resize subjects, reposition elements, or completely alter lighting conditions.

Magic Editor produces impressive results with the right application. The tool works "way better than Magic Eraser" at removing unwanted elements. It shines when making subtle improvements like brightening skies or adding golden hour effects to regular scenes.

You'll notice its limits quickly. The tool processes everything in the cloud and needs images uploaded to Google Photos first. This creates delays compared to features that work on your device. It also doesn't deal very well with complex edits—moving objects to photo centers often looks artificial.

The tool seems to have built-in limits. The algorithm sometimes refuses to modify certain branded content, possibly because of "copyright safeguards". These restrictions make the editing experience unpredictable.

Call Screening and Audio Magic Eraser: Daily Utility

Call Screen has proven its worth after six months, unlike some flashier features. The feature works like "having an actual assistant who picks up phone calls for you and relays the message". Google Assistant sounds natural and listens with context to provide relevant response options.

This feature makes the Pixel worth it for people who get frequent spam calls. It "saves me a ton of time and frustration from dealing with unwanted solicitors" and maintains natural conversation flow through on-device AI processing.

Audio Magic Eraser has changed video capture approach. The tool uses "advanced machine learning models to identify sounds" and sorts them into distinct layers (speech, crowd, nature, noise, wind, and music). You can adjust each layer independently to remove distractions while keeping important audio.

Ground applications are impressive—you can remove sirens from street performances, wind noise from outdoor recordings, or background chatter during interviews. The feature works well even with older videos in Google Photos, giving new life to previously compromised recordings.

Best Take and Other Photo AI: Usage Frequency

Best Take shows the gap between impressive technology and practical use. The feature creates "a blended image with everyone's best expression" from similar group photos taken within 10 seconds. The technology picks optimal facial expressions from multiple shots effectively.

Most people use it only occasionally rather than regularly. One reviewer was honest: "having taken zero group photos in over a year I haven't even tested the function in the real world". Your photography habits determine its value—parents of active children find it essential while others rarely need it.

Other AI features show similar patterns. The Summarize feature in the Recorder app gives quick overviews of recorded conversations but appeals mainly to frequent note-takers. Smart Reply suggestions on Gboard save time, yet users participate minimally, especially when "conversing in hinglish" or other mixed languages.

Google's AI implementation feels "sensible and measured" rather than revolutionary. The most useful features solve real problems like unwanted calls and background noise. The least used ones need specific situations or extra steps to access.

Battery Life and Charging: The 6-Month Degradation Test

Battery performance is still one of the most talked-about features of any flagship device. The Pixel 8 Pro's battery story has played out differently over the past six months. Users report varied experiences based on their usage patterns and specific devices.

All-Day Battery: Promise vs. Reality

The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a large 5050 mAh battery that lasts all day. battery usually sits at 60% by day's end with home use, dropping to 30-40% during outdoor activities. User experiences tell different stories. Some people breeze through their day with 1-2 hours of screen time. Others struggle as their battery drops to 15% by 5 PM.

The mobile network seems to be the biggest drain on battery life. Battery stats show the mobile network eats up 40-50% of power, while the CPU uses another 30-40%. The battery lasts much longer on Wi-Fi compared to mobile data.

Charging Speeds Compared to Newer Phones

The phone's charging capabilities beat previous Pixel models. The Pixel 8 Pro supports 30W wired charging and hits 50% in about 25-30 minutes. A complete charge takes around 80 minutes. This is a big deal as it means that it's faster than the Pixel 7 Pro's two-hour charging time.

Recent tests with Google's 65W charger show the phone reaches 50% in 28 minutes and 80% in 46 minutes. Wireless charging works at 23W (up from 15W), but it's slower. You'll need 2 hours and 44 minutes for a full charge on a high-power wireless stand.

Battery Health Indicators After 180 Days

Google says Pixel 8 Pro batteries should keep 80% capacity for about 800 charge cycles. Most users haven't hit this mark after six months, though some mention random "bad battery days" with unexplained drops.

The built-in diagnostics make it easy to check your battery health. You can track performance and check if you need a replacement in Settings > Battery > Battery Diagnostics. Watch out for quick drain, overheating, and sudden shutdowns as warning signs.

Software Experience: Updates, Bugs, and Fixes

Software updates are the foundations of the Pixel experience. six months with the Pixel 8 Pro showed me how Google's update philosophy shapes daily usage. The promised seven-year support cycle stands as the life-blood of the device's long-term value.

Major Updates Since Launch

Google delivers several important updates through its Pixel Drop program. Regular updates bring security patches and new features. Rather than sticking to a monthly schedule, Google deploys updates "as soon as they've completed the necessary tests". This approach ensures better quality but sacrifices predictable timing.

Pixel Drops add meaningful improvements without new hardware requirements. Recent updates improved Call Screen functionality that made it more conversational and aware of context. These features reach "multiple times a year—to all supported Pixel devices", which keeps the phone feeling fresh.

Bug Fixes That Made a Difference

six-month journey with the device revealed bugs that later updates fixed. Early Pixel 8 Pro units faced "display related vertical line and flickering issues". Google acknowledged this by offering an "Extended Repair Program" that covers eligible devices for 3 years after purchase.

Some software issues still persist. Users report interface bugs that don't deal very well with "the recent apps selector". Problems include "navigation bar moving to the side" and "app preview not loading". The touchscreen sometimes freezes and "for several seconds, the phone continues to function but the touchscreen doesn't respond".

Screen brightness during video playback has an annoying bug. The screen tends to "dip or flicker at random". Google's engineering team found this happens "when watching videos with 120Hz" refresh rate.

The Reality of Google's 7-Year Update Promise

Google's announcement of "seven years of software support for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro" created buzz in the tech community. This steadfast dedication covers "Android OS upgrades, security updates and regular Feature Drops" through 2030.

This promise comes with some fine print. The standard Pixel 8 doesn't get Gemini Nano (while the Pro does), which raises questions about future feature equality. Google also pulled the Android 14 battery stats feature from the entire Pixel 8 series after its launch.

Google's seven-year commitment emphasizes security and core functionality rather than guaranteeing all new features for older devices. One analysis suggests this could mean "zero OS upgrades and no major new features if Google decides it's not profitable to backport them".

Conclusion

The Pixel 8 Pro has proven its worth over the past six months, even with a few drawbacks. Google's recent price cut to $749 makes this phone substantially more attractive. You get a complete feature package and Google's steadfast dedication to seven years of updates.

Recent software updates have made the camera system shine even brighter. The phone now handles low-light shots and video better than before. While some AI features seem like party tricks, practical tools make a real difference. Call Screen and Audio Magic Eraser help make daily phone use much smoother.

The battery holds up well enough through the day without being amazing. Google's Tensor G3 chip works reliably but won't win any speed records. Power users might notice some software glitches and heat issues. These problems rarely show up during normal use though.

Photography fans and clean software enthusiasts will love this phone the most. The Pixel 8 Pro excels at computational photography and smart AI features. It keeps running smoothly for everyday tasks too. Gaming phones might be faster and other devices might last longer, but this phone balances breakthroughs with reliability well. The current price makes it an even better deal.