Anticipating the Arrival of the Google Pixel 8 in October 2023

Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by SPN Editor

I’m eagerly anticipating the Google Pixel 8 release date, which is expected in October 2023.

While it’s still a bit early to say definitively, I’m keeping a close eye out for changes to the SoC (System on Chip) and other components.

The Google Pixel 8 price is rumored to be around $699, with the Pixel 8 Pro price estimated at $999.

Will There Be a Google Pixel 8?

Google’s Pixel series has been a consistent presence in the smartphone world. As we’re already hearing early rumors about the Google Pixel 9, it’s clear that Google is committed to this lineup.

I came across an exclusive report by Android Authority, which hinted at a leaked roadmap suggesting the release of three models in 2024.

Alongside the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, the roadmap also mentioned the existence of a slimmer Pro model, catering to those who prefer a smaller display but still desire those coveted Pro-level specifications.

What Is the Google Pixel 8 Release Date?

Historically, the Google Pixel line has always launched in October, typically in the middle of the month or slightly later. The Pixel 8 release date is expected to follow this pattern, with a launch event on October 4 and a likely release date a week or two later.

What Specs and Features Does the Google Pixel 8 Have?

While the Pixel 8 is still a few months away, I’m already learning some intriguing details. According to my sources, the Tensor G3 will continue Google’s tradition of using Samsung Exynos chips as the foundation for its design.

However, there were rumors suggesting that Google would eventually develop its own Tensor SoC from scratch, codenamed Redondo, based on a TSMC processor node.

According to reports from The Information, Google initially planned to launch this custom chip in time for the Pixel 8 specs, but it missed its internal deadlines. Consequently, it’s now too late to include it in the Pixel 8.

However, Google will continue to develop the custom chip for testing purposes, and we might see it in action with the Pixel 10 series in 2025. As for the Pixel 8, the Tensor G3 will be based on a chip codenamed Zuma.

The new chip is expected to offer a modest upgrade compared to what was initially planned. While the Tensor G3 is likely to introduce some useful enhancements and features, it’s a bit unfortunate that Google couldn’t deliver its fully customized chip as originally intended.

What About the Google Pixel 8 Screen Size?

Aside from the SoC, there’s also information about the screen sizes Google has in mind. The Pixel 8 screen size is expected to feature a 6.17-inch display, while the Pixel 8 Pro screen size will come in at around 6.7 inches. While there isn’t much more available about the Pixel 8 specifications, I can certainly make some educated guesses.

Based on previous releases, the base Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 will probably share the same camera configurations. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 had identical camera hardware, with the only real difference being software improvements.

The same trend continued with the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, both featuring a similar camera setup but with some enhancements for the Pixel 7 Pro, such as a 126-degree ultrawide camera with macro focus, 5x optical zoom, and 30x Super Res Zoom. Given this pattern, it’s highly likely that the base Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 will also share the same camera configurations.

The Pixel 8 series is expected to switch to the Samsung Isocell GN2, a 50MP shooter with several improvements, including 35% more light processing, the potential for 8K/30fps video capture, and staggered HDR. It’s very likely that the Pixel 8 series will retain this main camera.

• Also Read: Unveiling the Future: Review of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

However, it’s less clear if the aging ultrawide lens will also see an upgrade on the base Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 Pro series is even harder to predict, as Google often makes at least a few changes to its Pro lineup every year.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google decided to upgrade the selfie camera hardware in the Pixel 8 series. This is because the Pixel 8 family is expected to keep the same Samsung 3J1 (11 MP) sensor as the Pixel 7 family, suggesting that it’s time for an upgrade in 2023.

It’s a bit too early to speculate on battery, storage sizes, or other details, but I’ll keep an eye out for further leaks and rumors.

What Will the Google Pixel 8 Price Be?

While Google has positioned itself as the more affordable alternative to pricier flagship smartphones, recent rumors suggest that the Google Pixel 8 price may increase, possibly reaching $699, with the Pixel 8 Pro price hitting $999. If pricing does indeed rise with the Pixel 8 release, it’s likely that the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro prices will also increase.

It’s hard to imagine Google pushing prices even higher a year later, so $699 and $999 are quite probable. As for the rumored smaller Pixel 9 Pro, for now, we can only speculate, but it might fit somewhere between these two models.

Should You Wait for the Google Pixel 8?

With the Pixel 8 still on the horizon, the decision to wait for it depends on your current smartphone and your preferences. If you already have a relatively new phone, especially one from the last two years, it might be wise to hold off until 2023. This is particularly true if you’re interested in the possibility of a smaller Pixel Pro variant.

However, if you’re currently using an older device that’s due for an upgrade, there’s really no need to wait. The transition from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9 is expected to be relatively minor based on current information.

In that case, it would be a good idea to consider the Pixel 8 series when it becomes available in October. If the Pixel 8 doesn’t quite meet your needs, you can explore alternatives like the Galaxy S23 or the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

What I’d Like to See in the Google Pixel 8?

While I’m sure the Pixel 8 will bring improvements, there are always a few areas that could use some extra attention from Google. For years, one of these areas has been battery life. Although there have been improvements since the Pixel 5, there’s still room to grow. So, what do I hope to see with the Pixel 8?

Here are three things on my wishlist:

Faster Charging Options: Google has lagged behind in wired charging speeds, with the Pixel 7 offering only 20W speeds and the Pixel 7 Pro providing 27W charging speeds. To put this in perspective, even Samsung, often criticized for its charging speeds, delivered 25W to the Galaxy S23 and 45W to the S23 Ultra.

The good news is that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro appear set to address this issue with 24W and 27W charging, respectively. However, it would be fantastic if Google could push it further. Offering 45W charging for the Pixel 9 Pro series would be a welcome change, and even making 45W the base speed for the Pixel 9 would be great.

While there aren’t any rumors suggesting Google will make such a move, there’s always hope. Now that rumors suggest the Galaxy S24 will greatly improve its charging speeds, it’s possible that Google could follow suit.

Better Thermals and Heat Dissipation: Google’s Tensor SoC shows a lot of promise, packing plenty of machine learning intelligence. However, it’s also known for heating issues, sometimes to the extent of making the phone uncomfortable to hold, particularly during extended gaming sessions.

There have even been instances where the phone alerts me that it needs to cool down. The good news is that there’s already a rumor that the Pixel 8 will improve its chipset’s packaging, potentially reducing heat emissions. If this is true, it bodes well for the Pixel 9’s future.

Higher Storage Capacities: While it might seem like a minor point, the Pixel series could benefit from more storage options. The Pixel 8 is expected to offer only 128GB and 256GB storage options, while the Pro variant will include a 512GB variant. Even Apple offers hardware with 1TB of storage, and there are rumors that Samsung might eventually offer a 2TB model.

Personally, I think 2TB might be overkill, but for avid mobile gamers and those with a multitude of apps, 512GB can fill up quickly. So, my hope is that the Pixel 9 will offer at least a 512GB model, with the Pro variant moving forward to at least 1TB.