Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale, starting on September 27, is possibly the best time of the year to grab a Pixel smartphone. This year, Google has rolled out some incredible deals, particularly on the Pixel series, and one offer that stands out is the Pixel 8 (review). At a discounted price of Rs 31,999, the Pixel 8 is now available for less than half of its original price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a compact Android smartphone.
However, with the Pixel 8 now over a year old, should you spend over Rs 30,000 on it, or would a recently launched mid-range device be a better investment? Let’s dive into what makes—or breaks—the Pixel 8 as the ideal smartphone, especially at this price point.
Despite being more than a year old, the Pixel 8 remains a strong contender for fans of compact phones and users who prioritise the latest Android and AI features. Running on Android 14, the Pixel 8 will be one of the first phones to receive the Android 15 update next month. Additionally, it boasts a unique advantage with its promise of eight years of major software updates, making it one of the most affordable long-term Android options available during this sale.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 8 holds up well against newer models like the Pixel 9. While its Tensor G3 chip is slightly behind the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9 (review), the difference isn’t drastic. That said, it does fall short when compared to newer chips like the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which power similarly priced Android phones and offer superior raw performance.
With its 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED display, the Pixel 8 is also one of the more compact phones in its category, offering a size comparable to the iPhone 16. While many users now prefer larger displays, the Pixel 8 caters to those who need a light, portable smartphone that’s easy to handle and carry around.
Whether it’s Gemini or other generative AI features built into Android, the Pixel 8 serves as a great platform to explore these advancements. Given that the Pixel 9 is priced at more than double that of the Pixel 8, the latter becomes an excellent option for anyone looking to experience the best of Google’s AI and Android capabilities without breaking the bank.
However, the Pixel 8 does have a few shortcomings. Some users have reported sub-par battery life and occasional connectivity issues. If you can overlook these drawbacks, the Pixel 8 remains a solid choice. Alternatively, if you’re searching for an even more affordable deal, the nearly two-year-old Pixel 7a is available for as low as Rs 25,999, offering a similar design and experience to the Pixel 8.