Google Pixel 8 Review: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?

The Google Pixel 8 launched at $699 in October 2023 with a promise of seven years of software updates — longer than almost any Android competitor. Expert reviews have been surprisingly mixed, and some users report regrets. Here’s what the evidence actually shows.

Release Date: October 2023 · Display Size: 6.2 inches · Chipset: Google Tensor G3 · Battery: 4575 mAh · RAM/Storage: 8 GB / up to 256 GB

The table below summarizes the key specifications for the Google Pixel 8 based on verified sources.

Are Google Pixel 8 phones any good?

The answer depends heavily on what you value most. For performance and AI features, the Tensor G3 delivers respectable capability — but it trails flagship competitors from Samsung and Apple in raw processing power. Camera performance has earned consistent praise, with the 50MP main sensor producing detailed shots in good lighting.

Performance and features

The Tensor G3 chipset is Google’s third-generation custom silicon, designed to handle AI workloads rather than pure benchmark scores. In practice, apps open quickly, multitasking works smoothly, and AI features like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur are genuinely useful additions. The 6.2-inch OLED display with 1080×2400 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably better experience than Pixel 7 — some sources report 42% brightness improvement (Tech Buzz Ireland).

User feedback

Across review aggregation sites, user responses show a familiar pattern: those who prioritized camera quality and pure Android experience tend to be satisfied, while buyers expecting flagship-level performance or gaming capability often express disappointment.

Value for money

At $699 launch price, Pixel 8 undercut flagship competitors while offering a longer software support window. However, pricing varies significantly by market. European pricing for 128GB was reportedly €710.77 excluding VAT, which with 23% VAT suggests prices from Ireland, Poland, or Portugal markets. The US price held at $699 even after Pixel 9 launched, while UK pricing dropped to £599 following the newer model’s release.

Is Pixel 8 hit or flop?

This question doesn’t have a clean answer. Google doesn’t break out individual model sales figures, and the company never published specific Pixel 8 sell-through data. What we do know: Pixel 8 launched in 21 countries simultaneously on October 12, 2023, suggesting Google had reasonable confidence in supply and demand. The subsequent Pixel 8a release in May 2024 and continued marketing investment imply the line met some internal threshold.

Sales and reception

Without official sales data, reception provides the best proxy. Expert reviews landed in the “solid but not exceptional” range — respectable scores, but not the category-leading verdicts that suggest a breakout hit.

Expert opinions

Industry observers noted a gap between Google’s ambitious AI features and real-world utility. Some reviewers found features like Magic Editor gimmicky, while others appreciated the practical photo enhancement tools. The Tensor G3’s AI focus didn’t translate to benchmark dominance, leaving Android enthusiasts with options from Qualcomm-powered devices.

Market position

The $699 price point positions Pixel 8 against Samsung Galaxy S24 (launched at $799.99) and iPhone 15 (starting at $799). Pixel 8 was notably cheaper at launch, but the price advantage narrowed as competitors discounted older models.

What are the disadvantages of Google Pixel 8?

Every phone has trade-offs, and Pixel 8 is no exception. Some disadvantages are objective (specs, features), while others are subjective (whether those trade-offs matter to you).

Common complaints

User review aggregators surface recurring themes: heating during intensive tasks, shorter battery life than competitors, and the Tensor G3 chip running warmer than Qualcomm alternatives. Some users who posted online reviews described their purchase as a mistake — typically citing the heating issue or battery drain as primary grievances.

Battery and heating

The 4575 mAh battery sounds adequate on paper, but real-world tests show it falls short of competitors with similar capacity. The Tensor G3’s architecture contributes to higher power consumption during demanding tasks. Google includes 27W wired charging and 18W wireless charging, both competitive but not leading the market.

Software issues

Early adopters reported bugs in the months following launch — including connectivity issues, camera app crashes, and occasional UI lag. Google addressed these through updates, but the initial experience left some users frustrated.

The implication: buyers should weigh the long software support window against reports of initial software instability and thermal issues during heavy use.

How old is a Pixel 8 phone?

As of this article, Pixel 8 is approximately 18 months old — announced October 4, 2023 and released October 12, 2023. In smartphone terms, that’s middle-aged: not the latest model, but far from obsolete.

Release timeline

Google launched Pixel 8 at the annual Made by Google event, with the phone reaching stores on October 12, 2023. The Pixel 8a followed in May 2024, and Pixel 9 launched later that year, making Pixel 8 the “older” standard model in Google’s lineup.

Support duration

Here’s where Pixel 8 stands out: Google committed to seven years of OS upgrades and security updates, a policy unmatched by most Android manufacturers. This means Pixel 8 will receive updates through approximately 2030 — well beyond the typical 3-4 year support window.

Current relevance

For buyers considering Pixel 8 in 2024 and beyond, the extended support window makes an older model more attractive. The hardware remains capable for everyday tasks, and the seven-year commitment provides longevity rarely seen in the Android ecosystem.

What this means: buyers investing in Pixel 8 today can expect the device to remain secure and feature-current well into the next decade.

Is a Google Pixel 8 a good phone?

The honest answer: yes, for the right buyer. Pixel 8 excels in specific areas while lagging in others — as with any smartphone, fit depends entirely on priorities.

Compared to rivals

Against Samsung Galaxy S24, Pixel 8 offers a lower launch price ($699 vs $799.99) but trails in processing performance. Against iPhone 15, Pixel 8 undercuts by $100 but faces the perennial iOS-Android ecosystem choice. Camera quality is where Pixel 8 competes most directly — many reviewers rate it competitive with or superior to rivals in specific scenarios.

Daily use verdict

For messaging, social media, photography, and everyday apps, Pixel 8 performs admirably. The pure Android experience with no bloatware appeals to users frustrated by manufacturer overlays. AI features, while not transformative, add practical value for photo editing and voice assistance.

Long-term value

The seven-year update commitment transforms the value calculus. At current resale prices — €243 on Back Market Ireland as of April 2026, down from €299 in August 2025 — Pixel 8 offers affordable entry to the Google ecosystem with extended support. Buyers who prioritize longevity over cutting-edge specs will find Pixel 8 compelling.

Pixel 8 occupies an unusual position in the 2024 smartphone market: old enough that prices have dropped significantly, but still supported with years of updates remaining. The question isn’t whether Pixel 8 is a good phone in absolute terms — it is — but whether it’s the right phone for your specific needs and budget. Buyers who prioritize camera quality, clean Android, and long-term software support will find Pixel 8 delivers genuine value. Those who need maximum performance or gaming capability should look elsewhere. For Irish buyers specifically, the seven-year update window means even a pre-owned Pixel 8 purchased today could remain secure and current well into the next decade.