Google Pixel 8

The less expensive new Pixel comes with an upgraded main camera, better battery life and a more refined design, not to mention Magic Editor, Best Take and a bunch of other AI tools. But despite the price hike, the Pixel 8 feels like a great deal and I consider its slightly smaller screen an upgrade in general wieldability. It’s a nearly ideal small Android phone.

The Google Pixel 8 is a $700 phone with a screen that’s worthy of the flagship class, a highly capable camera, and a likable form that’s unusually comfortable for a big phone. It misses out on some nice features on the Pixel 8 Pro, but it’s well suited for the mainstream.

The Pixel 8 isn't Google's most affordable device, but it's a phone most people should consider. Its AI features, reasonable price and seven years of software support help it stand out among its Pixel siblings.

The Google Pixel 8 is Google's best phone yet, and it's the most distinct regular model when compared to the Pro version. It comes with a wonderful form factor that fits well in the hands and has the usual software prowess that you expect from a Pixel.

The Google Pixel 8 wows with its AI-powered camera features, including Best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. You also get a brighter display in a more compact and comfortable design. The seven years of updates makes this flagship nearly future-proof. The Pixel 8’s performance still trails the competition and the battery life — while improved — is not best in class. But overall this is a good value.

Despite my grumbling, I'm still immensely happy with these cameras. The photos they produce are by and large some of my favorite from a smartphone, and Google's smart editing tools make for a powerful combo. I also can't get enough of the redesigned camera app and the new Pro controls for the Pixel 8 Pro. They're super easy to use, whether you're a shutterbug or not.

The Google Pixel 8 boasts of the company's new Tensor G3 processor and features a refined glass and aluminum design. It doesn't have camera hardware that's as good as the Pixel 8 Pro, but it still can make sure of Google's new on-device generative AI.

The Pixel 8 offers similar performance and functionality as the larger Pixel 8 Pro, but costs $300 less, making it the midrange Android phone to beat.