Google Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8 first look: Rounded corners to match rounded software

Google has wisely stuck to its distinctive design language for the second year in a row after the Pixel 6 series, giving these devices a brand identity that stands out with quirky colours and elongated camera bars – you can spot them from a mile away. Like, just look at these beauties.

The Pixel 8 Pro in Obsidian and Pixel 8 in Rose. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

That doesn’t mean Google has been lazy with its design choices, though. The search engine giant has made some subtle but significant tweaks that make these devices more comfortable to hold.

The Pixel 8 is actually a tad more compact than the Pixel 7, which was sized 6.3 inches. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

IP68 water resistance is standard on both models. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

Welcome to the world of curved corners: both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Google Pixel 8 have shed their boxy shapes and it makes a huge difference. The corners no longer feel sharp against your palms. Plus, as a cherry on top, they go better with Android 14’s roundy aesthetics. The Pixel 8 Pro also has a completely flat display, which is a major departure from the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro.

The camera app has been tweaked with a toggle for photo/video at the bottom for easy switching. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

On the inside, the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 are powered by the Tensor G3 chip, which brings impressive performance improvements in the GPU and neural processing department. All those fancy new AI features need some muscle to back them up, after all.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP 5x telephoto, and a 48MP ultrawide at the back. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

The Pixel 8 has a 50MP wide camera and a 12MP ultrawide at the back. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/The Indian Express)

Apart from that, the Pixel 8 Pro’s internals are largely similar to its predecessor with a few notable tweaks. It’s the Pixel 8 that has received a proper revision with a refresh rate boost to 120Hz from 90Hz and a weight reduction of exactly 10 grams.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for our full review.