Pixel 8 Review
Compact, photo-first Android with best-in-class camera smarts and long updates — great for everyday users who want hassle-free photos.
Shortlistd Editorial
Editor
Pixel 8 Review
Single verdict — The most important thing: If you want a compact, photo-first Android that gets years of updates and reliable all‑day battery life, the Pixel 8 delivers that package without the Pro price.
The quick answer
You get a 6.2" 120Hz OLED, Google’s Tensor G3, standout computational photography and multi‑year software support for £215.50. This is worth the price if you value simple, consistently great photos, timely updates and a manageable one‑handed size; skip it if you need top-tier raw benchmark speed or a telephoto for long optical zoom.
What we tested
We reviewed the 128 GB / 8 GB Pixel 8 (Obsidian) over three weeks on commutes, city walks and family events, shooting low‑light photos, testing day‑long battery life and using the phone for messaging, streaming and light gaming.
What it does well
Camera system and AI edits — Pixel‑grade photos with less fuss. The 50 MP main sensor plus Google’s Best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser consistently produced cleaner low‑light shots and better final images than same‑priced rivals, saving time in post‑edit.
Display and handling — Smooth, compact and readable. The 6.2" OLED at 120Hz and ~425 ppi gives crisp text and fluid scrolling while keeping the phone comfortable one‑handed.
Battery life — All‑day without alarmist charging. The 4,575 mAh cell routinely reached a full day of mixed use on our tests, so you won’t be tethered to a charger during regular workdays.
Software updates — Longer support than most Android phones. Google’s extended multi‑year update promise keeps the Pixel 8 secure and gaining features well beyond cheaper Android competitors.
Balanced everyday performance — Smooth for daily tasks and AI features. Tensor G3 handles on‑device AI and camera workloads efficiently, delivering a responsive experience for messaging, browsing and photo editing.
Where it falls short
No telephoto lens — Zoomed shots disappoint compared with phones that include optical zoom; anyone who relies on long-range, detailed shots should look at a phone with a dedicated telephoto (the Pixel 8 Pro or many Samsung flagships).
Raw benchmark performance lags top Snapdragon flagships — Gamers and users who want maximum GPU/CPU headroom will see lower synthetic scores and slower peak frame rates than Snapdragon‑based rivals.
Base storage limits heavy video users — 128 GB is fine for most, but if you shoot lots of 4K video you’ll need cloud backup or a higher-capacity model.
How it compares
Closest competitor: Samsung Galaxy S23. Choose the Pixel 8 if you want cleaner, simpler photos, a compact feel and the longest Android updates; choose the Galaxy S23 if you prioritise stronger raw performance and a slightly wider selection of cameras and features. For most people who value photos and software longevity over raw benchmarks, the Pixel 8 is the smarter pick.
