The Pixel 8 was not unveiled at Google’s I/O conference. However, the company did introduce the Pixel 7A as a cost-effective alternative to the Pixel 7. This is good news for Pixel enthusiasts as the 7A presents similar advantages to the Pixel 7, like an exceptional camera and the new Tensor G2 processor, at a $100 lower price point.
However, it leads me to question if Google’s A-series smartphones are starting to overshadow its flagship Pixels.
With the Pixel 7 and 7A gap narrowing, it would be wise for Google to consider the target audience for the upcoming Pixel 8. If the Pixel 7A is meant for users who desire a real Pixel experience while maintaining high performance and camera quality, and the Pixel 7 Pro caters to photography enthusiasts, then who is the Pixel 7 intended for? This is the question that I hope Google clarifies with the Pixel 8, in addition to routine enhancements to battery life and software support.
Google usually unveils their new Pixel phones during autumn, so that we can anticipate more information about the Pixel 8 in the coming months.
Google must do more to differentiate the Pixel 8 from Google’s next A-series phone. The Pixel 7A, which costs $499, already possesses numerous features that individuals seek in a new phone, such as an excellent camera, efficient performance, user-friendly software, and good battery life.
The main discrepancies between Pixel 7 and 7A are related to the former’s marginally sturdier build, more prominent display, and battery-sharing capability. This latter attribute enables users to charge compatible accessories by placing them on the back of the phone, effectively transforming it into a wireless charger. Additionally, Google claims the Pixel 7’s camera sensor is more light-sensitive, but I did not observe a significant enhancement when comparing pictures captured from both devices.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A cater to the same audience: Android enthusiasts who desire an all-around smartphone with a superb camera and a reasonably-sized display. However, the Pixel 7 Pro offers distinctive features such as a more prominent display, an additional telephoto camera, and macro photography. Additionally, it provides a 512GB storage option that is not available in the Pixel 7, and its display boasts a higher 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in a smoother browsing experience. At the same time, numerous features distinguish the Pixel 7 Pro from the Pixel 7, but not as many factors differentiate the Pixel 7 from the 7A.
In the future, Google could implement some changes to address this issue. One potential solution is to slightly enhance the Pixel 8’s screen size to 6.4 inches from 6.3 inches, which would create more separation between the display of the Pixel 8 and a potential 6.1-inch screen on a future Pixel 8A in the A-series.
To enhance the appeal of the Pixel 8, Google could consider accelerating the charging speed beyond the similar rates of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A (which both support up to 18W and 21W, respectively). This could widen the gap between the Pixel 8 and a potential Pixel 8A and, thus, strengthen the case for opting for the Pixel 8. Additionally, increasing the base storage of the Pixel 8 to 256GB, akin to what Samsung did with their Galaxy S23 Plus, and offering an optional 512GB storage choice could further differentiate the Pixel 8 from a prospective Pixel 8A.
Assuming that Google sticks to its current pattern of launching new flagship and Pro phones in the autumn and a more affordable A-series phone in the spring or summer, the Pixel 8 could become a desirable option compared to upcoming budget Pixel devices thanks to the modifications above in addition to the pre-existing discrepancies between the Pixel 7 and 7A.
Enhanced Android version compatibility
The software plays a crucial role in the allure of Pixel phones, boasting advanced features like call assistance in the phone application and Google’s sleek version of Android. Nonetheless, the issue is that Google typically provides Android version upgrades for only three years following the launch of a Pixel phone.
While Google offers security and other updates beyond that period, it falls behind Samsung and Apple in supporting operating system versions. Samsung usually provides up to four generations of Android platform updates on new devices, while Apple’s latest software works with iPhones as old as the 2017 iPhone X and iPhone 8 generation.
If Google can match or even exceed Samsung’s four or five-year warranty, it would increase the competitiveness of the Pixel line.
Improved battery life is also highly coveted. While the Pixel 7’s battery life was sufficient to last an entire workday, I would like to see enhancements in the Pixel 8. Carrying a charger may still be necessary for longer days.
The Pixel 7A outperformed the Pixel 7 in CNET’s three-hour battery endurance test, where I streamed a YouTube video at maximum brightness and monitored the battery level hourly. It would be desirable if Google could make some enhancements in this aspect for the Pixel 8.
