Google Pixel 8 & 8 Professional designs leak with smaller screens

We’re nonetheless a good approach off seeing the subsequent era of Pixel telephones, as Google has solely lately launched the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. However, rumours are already starting to look about what we would see when the sequence 8 fashions arrive.

Right here’s what we all know thus far, in addition to a wish-list for what we’d like within the Google Pixel 8 and eight Professional. 

When will the Google Pixel 8 be launched?

There’s no affirmation of the official launch date for the Pixel 8 fashions in the meanwhile, however each single Pixel flagship thus far has been launched in October, like clockwork, so it feels fairly secure to say we count on the Pixel 8 sequence to make its debut in October 2023. 

That’s additionally roughly what’s advised by a Pixel product roadmap obtained by Android Authority, which claims that the Pixel 8 and eight Professional will launch “later in 2023.”

Earlier than then, it’s anticipated that the Pixel 7a will arrive – probably in Might at Google I/O – alongside the a lot anticipated Pixel Fold. Google may additionally give us a sneak peak of the Pixel 8 telephones on the developer convention.

How a lot will the Google Pixel 8 price?

Once more, there’s no phrase but from Google concerning the potential worth tags that can accompany the series-8 units. In fact, we will use the previous couple of fashions as a information to how a lot you’ll want to save lots of up. Right here’s how they lined up:

This exhibits that Google has been fairly set in its methods relating to pricing. If that continues in 2023, and we expect there’s probability it’s going to, then the Pixel 8 must be $599/£599 and the Pixel 8 Professional $899/£849.

What concerning the Pixel 8’s specs and options? 

Clearly, with the Pixel 8 launch date thus far within the distance, there’s not a lot to go on with regard to new elements or options. There are some rumours although, with the principle one focussed on the chipsets that will likely be used within the upcoming fashions. 

The newest and detailed leak thus far comes from OnLeaks (through Smartprix) which has an unique have a look at the Pixel 8 Professional design from all angles exhibiting off an identical however tweaked design in comparison with its predecessor. The headline change is the transfer from a curved to a flat disIt’s aplay which can supposedly be 6.52in – smaller than the 7 Professional’s 6.7in show.

The positioning additionally studies that the telephone will measure an identical 162.6×76.5×8.7mm (12mm with the digicam bar) and it’s noticeable that the digicam module now has a single oval for all of the cameras, whereas the 7 Professional has a separate part for the telephoto lens.

The brand new addition beneath the flash is at present unknown and could possibly be a fourth digicam similar to a macro lens or might equally simply be the place the auto focus and different minor sensors will reside.

It’s an identical story with the common Pixel 8 with OnLeaks teaming up with MySmartPrice this time. The telephone has fewer modifications than the Professional mannequin, with an nearly similar wanting design to the Pixel 7.

The handset will likely be smaller at 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm however the greater information – or ought to we are saying smaller – is that the show will drop from 6.3- to five.8in.

OnLeaks / MySmartPrice

Dutch web site GalaxyClub has reported that work on the third era of Google’s Tensor chipset is already effectively into improvement, which means it ought to accompany the Pixel 8 launch. In accordance with the location, Samsung would be the producer once more, with a chip bearing the code S5P9865 already showing on take a look at boards. This follows the naming sequence used with the earlier Tensor 1 and a pair of processors, which have been respectively numbered S5P9845 and S5P9855.

With the Tensor 2 that options within the Pixel 7 and seven Professional already proving extra power environment friendly and highly effective than the earlier era, there’s hopes that the third iteration will push issues even additional when it arrives.

WinFuture has discovered extra concrete data concerning the two telephones after a dive into what it calls “publicly obtainable code sources.” The positioning discovered code names for 2 telephones: ‘Shiba’ and ‘Husky’. Google has used animal names earlier than for Pixel flagships – Cheetah and Panther for the Pixel 7 sequence – so it appears possible this refers back to the Pixel 8 handsets.

In accordance with the code each telephones will run a chipset named ‘Zuma’ which makes use of the identical modem because the Tensor 2 – one other clue that we’re wanting on the subsequent Pixels. Each telephones additionally run on Android 14, which isn’t any shock.

Surprisingly each handsets characteristic 12GB of RAM, and show decision can also be excessive: 2268×1080 for Shiba and 2822×1344 for Husky, suggesting this latter telephone is the Professional mannequin.

These two codenames additionally seem within the Pixel product roadmap talked about above, however apparently with the additional word that whereas the Professional (Husky) will keep about the identical measurement, apparently the common 8 (Shiba) can have a “smaller show and total smaller kind issue” – possible a welcome change for a lot of who’ve missed the extra compact Pixel telephones of outdated.

We’re so far-off from launch that these specs are unlikely to be finalised, and it’s equally attainable that these two units are designed for inner testing and don’t mirror remaining Pixel 8 specs in any respect – however no less than they provide us a touch of what to anticipate.

Given the Pixel’s cameras have at all times been so good, there’s a juicy hearsay concerning the Pixel 8’s cameras unearthed by developer Kuba Wojciechowski. They posted supply code from the Pixel digicam app that means the subsequent telephone may use one thing referred to as staggered HDR:

Presently, Pixel telephones don’t use staggered HDR, which is a characteristic that may seize totally different exposures on the similar time however use the identical pixels.

“This enables reaching the identical impact as common HDR however with out the elevated seize time or probability on the photographs being blurry due to misalignment of frames attributable to motion,” Wojciechowski stated of their Twitter thread.

Something that can enhance the already glorious Pixel digicam is nice in our guide.

There’s additionally an opportunity that Google will comply with Samsung and a few Chinese language rivals and incorporate an under-display digicam. Way back to 2021 LetsGoDigital noticed a Google patent for a novel resolution to the tech, which makes use of a transferring mirror underneath the show, able to pointing both at a digicam lens or at a second show. So whenever you want the digicam, gentle is mirrored into the lens, and whenever you don’t want the digicam gentle is mirrored from the auxiliary show to fill the hole.

Extra lately, Google has filed a second patent (additionally noticed by LetsGoDigital) for under-display cameras utilizing totally different (and sure extra cost-efficient) tech to attain the identical outcome. This model depends on a multi-layered clear show, which is extra much like implementations we’ve seen elsewhere.

Curiously, the patent mentions by identify one Sangmoo Choi – a former Samsung show engineer who’s now been at Google for over three years, however presumably had expertise with Samsung’s early efforts at under-display digicam tech.

There’s no concrete cause to imagine that both patent is for the Pixel 8 sequence, however there’s no less than hope that it’s being readied for a flagship quickly.

Wishlist of what we’d prefer to see within the Google Pixel 8

The category of 2022 has impressed, however right here’s what we’d like Google to refine in its subsequent iterations. 

120Hz refresh charge on all fashions

This can be a fairly simple one nowadays. With so many mid-range Android telephones boasting 120Hz refresh charges to make scrolling smoother, it is smart for each the Professional and commonplace Pixel 8 to have this functionality. It’s already current within the Pixel Professional 7 and Pixel Professional 6, however we’d prefer to see the 90Hz charge on the Pixel 7 make the step up when its alternative arrives. 

Sooner charging speeds

In each our Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional evaluations, the principle gripe was gradual recharge instances. In an age the place telephones can go from 0% to 100% in round half an hour, the Pixels appear doddery as compared. So, we expect it’s necessary that Google addresses this within the Pixel 8 units.

Improved facial recognition

Whereas the Pixel 7 Professional impressed us with its new facial recognition unlock characteristic, the Pixel 7 nonetheless wants extra time within the oven. Hopefully, the 12 months between releases will imply the Pixel 8 has a greater exhibiting. 

Lose the burden!

Okay. We’re not fats shaming the Pixel 7 Professional, however at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm and 212g it could possibly be described as big-boned. We don’t know, possibly it’s a thyroid challenge, however for the Pixel 8 Professional we’d like to see a extra slimline chassis. It’s true that almost all powerhouse telephones are fairly chunky nowadays, however for the sake of our wrists we will solely pray for lighter and tighter designs in 2023. 

To see what telephones the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional should see off, take a look at our greatest smartphone and greatest smartphones coming in 2023 roundups.