What's new in Google Pixel 8 Pro?

Last year, the Google Pixel 7 series made a big impression, winning both Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice awards from Android Authority. We can certainly understand why, as the phones offered reasonable performance, advanced software, and an excellent camera experience (as typical for a Google phone). We're interested to see how Google can improve on these phones with the Google Pixel 8 series. 

During the past several weeks, we have learned a lot of new information about the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Google Pixel 8 lineup this year will feature major changes in contrast to previous year's Pixel phones. 

Along with redesigning the phone's exterior, the Pixel 8 Pro's display is now flat, Google is also making significant improvements to the camera, to the new Tensor chipset, and more. 

Now, we have some solid information (from the developer via Android authority) on the new Pixel phones' display, it is clear that Google is finally addressing one of the biggest problems with the Pixel 7. 

Let's talk about the display sizes first. The Pixel 8 Pro has a display that is almost as big as the Pixel 7 Pro's, however the ordinary Pixel 8 will get smaller, going from 5.3" to 6.1". Additionally, the Pixel 8 will now have a 120Hz refresh rate, bringing it on par with the best Android phones.

But that's not all. The display specs for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will also see a significant improvement, specifically the brightness. Peak brightness on the Pixel 8 Pro display will increase dramatically from 1000 nits to 1600 nits on last year’s Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 8 brightness increase to 1400 nits from 1000 on its predecessor, both phones will have outstanding reading in all lighting conditions, even direct sunlight.

Not only that, but Google has also enhanced the variable refresh rates. The Pixel 8 Pro's display has better transitions between 60 and 120Hz and can reduce its refresh rate to as low as 5Hz. The standard Pixel 8 can also operate at 10Hz. 

However, the Pixel 8 Pro can only use a few preset rates with smoother changes between 60 and 120Hz, in contrast to the S23 Ultra's display, which may offer smoother shifts between 1Hz and 120Hz. However, it's still much better than the Pixel phones from a year ago, and this will lessen screen tearing when playing games or viewing videos. 

The Pixel 8 Pro's resolution and pixel density have both decreased marginally, however the difference is so subtle that you won't see it in real life. 

Interestingly, Samsung supplies the display for the Pixel 8 Pro while BOE and Samsung are the providers for the panel in the Pixel 8. 

So these are some noticeable improvements over the last year Pixel phones.