Google Pixel 8 Pro

While some users might prefer the smaller dimensions and lower weight of the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro offers better telephoto zoom performance, making it the ideal option for those users who want the best possible quality when zooming in, and we think this is worth the Pro model's higher price.

Unfortunately, these Pixels don't offer the same value as before, due to the price hike. That said, Pixel phones go on sale several times throughout a year, so I strongly suggest you wait for the price to drop before buying one. It also helps that Google is promising an unheard-of seven years of software updates (including security and Android version updates), plus repair support for parts, as well.

On the surface, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a very minor upgrade, and there's not much that sets it apart from the pack. But its new Tensor G3 chip is the first silicon to support Google's on-device machine learning algorithms, and it can do some truly jaw-dropping things.

As for the $999 Pixel 8 Pro, it ultimately stands out from the competition with the most forgiving camera system on the market -- if you don't like a photo you captured, fix it in post. The Pixel 8 Pro also supports all the AI features mentioned above, which, for many, should offer some useful assistance to everyday tasks.

The Pixel 8 Pro is a stellar smartphone: it's the Pixel 7 Pro on steroids. As iterative as the design and software might be, Google didn't try to reinvent its flagship smartphone in 2023. Instead it went and reinvented smartphone imaging.

Google delivers again with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, but this is definitely a case of diminishing returns compared to last year.

At the end of the day, the Pixel 8 Pro is about gradual improvements to a device that has been one of the top three phones out there. It's an easy recommendation. However, there is still no one big new feature to really stand out and Google might need something big to convince Galaxy users and iPhone users to switch.

It continues Google’s run of phenomenal phone photography and is more AI-assisted than ever, but the 8 Pro isn’t a value champ like previous Pixels.