What you should know
– Lucky individuals receiving Pixel 8 handsets before the official release date
– Mixed reviews on the front-facing camera quality compared to previous Pixel models and other phones
– Possibility of Google releasing an update to fix camera issues
– Pixel 8 has a higher refresh rate compared to previous Pixel models, but it needs to be enabled manually
– Positive feedback on viewing angles and speaker quality on the Pixel 8
– No reports of early arrivals for the Pixel 8 Pro.
Full Story
The highly anticipated Pixel 8 hasn’t even been officially released yet, but some lucky individuals are already receiving their pre-ordered handsets. These early recipients are taking to Reddit to share their experiences with the device. One user mentioned that overall, they were impressed with the phone, but they weren’t too thrilled with the quality of pictures taken with the front-facing camera when compared to shots captured on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
It’s important to note that while both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro feature 10.5MP selfie cameras, only the Pixel 8 Pro’s front-facing camera has auto-focus. Interestingly, several Reddit users stated that they preferred the selfies taken with the front-facing camera on the Pixel 3 XL, missing the quality they were accustomed to.
Concerning the lack of sharpness in pictures taken with the Pixel 8’s front camera, there’s a possibility that Google might release an update to address this issue. It’s common for manufacturers to fine-tune a phone’s camera through post-release updates.
One person who received their Pixel 8 early shared that they had placed their pre-order on the day of the device’s announcement, October 4th. Pre-orders opened on the same day, and the phone was shipped to India.
Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel 8 has an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, thanks to Google’s addition of a 90Hz refresh rate on the previous Pixel 7a model. However, out of the box, the Smooth Display feature, which refers to the refresh rate, is disabled on the Pixel 8. Users can easily enable it by going to Settings, selecting Display, and toggling on Smooth Display.
According to an owner of the Pixel 8 in India, the viewing angles on the device are satisfactory, although they did notice a minimal tint or color shift when inspecting the screen closely. In terms of sound quality, the speakers on the Pixel 8 offer crisp and comparable audio to that of an iPhone, despite having slightly less bass.
At the moment, we’ve only come across reports of early arrivals for the Pixel 8, and we haven’t encountered anyone who received the Pixel 8 Pro ahead of its official release.
As we eagerly await the official launch of the Pixel 8, these early insights from lucky individuals who have gotten their hands on the device provide a glimpse into its performance and notable features.