Google Pixel 8

Thanks to a post on Android Authority, we learn more about the cameras on both the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Both phones are expected in the fall, at the same time as the official launch of Android 14.

Samsung ISOCELL GN2

Pixel phones derive their excellent camera qualities mainly from Computational Photography. That's a fancy way of applying brute processing power. But a suitable camera sensor can also go a long way. And so, it is good to learn that Google is swapping the Samsung ISOCELL GN1 for the ISOCELL GN2. This sensor is larger and captures 35% more light, even in poorly lit scenarios.

Difference between Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro gets a 64MP Sony IMX787 ultra-wide-angle and a 48MP Samsung GM5 telephoto for 5x zoom in addition to the 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 primary camera. You will also find a ToF sensor and an FIR thermometer on the Pixel 8 Pro.

On the back of the Pixel 8, we find the same 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN2 primary camera, but here the ultra-wide-angle camera is using the 12MP Sony IMX386. Still, no telephoto camera with optical zoom is present, and the thermometer is missing.

Google Tensor 3

Google uses the same selfie camera from last year. The Samsung ISOCELL 3J1 has a somewhat unusual resolution of 10.87MP. The observant reader will have further noticed that the telephoto camera sensor has remained the same. So don't expect a more extensive zoom range than the current 5x of the Pixel 7 Pro.

As mentioned, a camera sensor only tells one part of the story; the software does the rest. And that will be handled by Google Tensor 3. What that chip is capable of will be seen when Google officially unveils both phones. That will be sometime in the fall.

Google has been making custom chipsets for some time now. The first Google Tensor was announced in 2021 and debuted with the Pixel 6. We are currently awaiting the third generation of Tensor that should arrive with the announcement of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google is switching to ARMv9 cores with a 4+4+1 layout with the Tensor 3 "Zuma". Four energy-efficient Cortex-A510 little cores, four Cortex-A715 mid cores, and one Cortex-X3 big core. The Tensor 2 and Tensor 1 used a 4+2+2 layout with mostly the same chips, except for different mid cores. The Tensor 3 uses newer designs in all areas.

Immortalis-G715

The Tensor G3 swaps out the Mali-G710 for the Mali-G715 "Immortalis" for graphics. That one has a slightly higher clock speed but, more importantly, has three more cores. This results in 15% better graphics performance for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

In practice, the Pixel 8 series supports games with Ray Tracing, for example, in War Thunder Edge. Theoretically, the Pixel 8 Series could also handle 8K video. Yet, it is not inconceivable that Google will turn off this feature due to heating issues.

TPU Rio

How much users will notice the more powerful Tensor 3 codenamed "Zuma" remains to be seen. However, it is not inconceivable that Google will use that extra processing power for itself. As is well known, Google has started making chipsets to develop Pixel-specific features. Features like Photo Unblur and Real Tone use the built-in TPU; Tensor Processing Unit. New features may be devised for these.

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Pixel phones have always been very rectangular, starting with the Pixel 6. That will change with the upcoming Pixel 8. At least according to published renders that you'll find below. The angular design will be traded in for rounded corners. Just like with Apple and Samsung.

According to the source, the screen size goes down slightly to 6.2 inches, but fortunately, so do the screen bezels. Google is still applying pretty hefty screen bezels, especially compared to its competitors. But this design evens that out somewhat. The source goes on to mention dimensions, telling us that the device will be 5 millimeters shorter and 2.4 millimeters less wide. The thickness increases slightly, but that may also have to do with how this is measured. One method calculates the casing, while others include the thickness of the camera housing.

Familiar camera module

The renders further tell us that the design is mainly similar to the Pixel 7. So on the back, we still find a bar with all the camera sensors. The renders usually don't tell us what materials and finishes will be used, but as we see it now, the Pixel 8 will again get a glossy aluminum bar. On the Pixel 7, that bar scratched very quickly.

In the camera bar, we see two cameras. The same is true of its predecessor. For more cameras, you will presumably have to go with the Pixel 8 Pro. That extra camera will likely be a periscope lens with a more comprehensive zoom range. We have to be patient with the final specifications. They are still missing.

(via)