A Pixel 8 miracle story has showcased the impressive durability Google offers on its flagship smartphones. The old premium smartphone lived for days submerged in hot water, so here’s the entire survival story of this resilient Pixel 8.

Google Pixel 8 proves that it’s tough

The owner of the Google Pixel 8 in this story was a Polish user. In an unfortunate incident, this device fell into a tub of hot water in an Airbnb that he was staying at to celebrate the May Holiday. The intoxicated state had the Pixel 8 owner believe that he lost his phone right in the first day of the holiday. Despite looking for it all over, the Polish man didn’t find his Pixel 8.

But on the fifth day, the Pixel owner got a short video from the owner of the Airbnb where he was putting up during the holidays. The video had the hot tub cleaned up with a net, which had managed to capture the lost Pixel 8. This smartphone was discovered to have spent four days submerged in a hot tub at 45 degrees Celsius or 113 degrees Fahrenheit and still managed to survive.

After getting his phone back, the owner assumed that his Pixel 8 model was likely done for. But after plugging in the device and charging it for a while, the smartphone still managed to work without any issues. The Pixel 8 user was impressed by the durability of his device, saying that he will never buy any smartphone that is not a Google Pixel model.

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The post This Google Pixel 8 survived 4 days inside a tub of hot water appeared first on Gizmochina.

We offered a list of the best smartphones under $500 in the US for the month of October 2024. Now, here’s an updated list for the month of November 2024. It is hard to decide on which smartphone to buy since there are plenty of options. So hopefully this list of the top 5 phones could help make the choice easier for you.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

There are plenty of returning smartphones on the list since these devices are still a great deal. However, a budget Samsung flagship is finally under the $500 price tag during the Black Friday sale in the US. At the moment, the Galaxy S24 FE has a $649 starting price, but there is a $175 discount available to buyers during this sale. So you can get your hands on this phone for $474.99 US Dollars.

For this price, buyers get a tall Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for protection. This model has a premium aluminum frame and glass back. The rear also features a 50MP (Main) + 8MP (Telephoto) + 12MP (Ultrawide) camera, while the front houses a 10MP selfie shooter. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Exynos 2400e SoC, and the device is powered by a 4,700mAh battery pack that supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless fast charging.

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	Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G AI Smartphone (Blue, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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OnePlus 12R

The OnePlus 12R is easily one of the best budget flagship smartphones in the US market. Despite the capable hardware it offers, you can get your hands on this phone for just under $400 right now. To recall, it had a $499 launch price in the region. It features Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, 50MP triple cameras on the rear, and a massive 5,500mAh battery pack with 100W wired fast charging support. The smartphone has a premium glass back and aluminum frame as well.

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	OnePlus 12R (Cool Blue, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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Google Pixel 8

Last month, we listed the Google Pixel 8a as one of the best smartphones under the $500 price range. But now, the Unlocked Google Pixel 8 has gone on sale on Amazon for just $448. This easily makes it a top contender for those looking to buy a Pixel phone on a budget. It also has a 6.2-inch OLED display, making it a compact phone as well. On the back, you get a 50MP dual image sensor and you can expect it to have one of the best cameras on this list. A 4,575mAh battery powers this model with support for 27W wired fast charging and 18W wireless fast charging.

Motorola Edge+ 2023

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) is a returning model from last month. It is still a great deal, especially since it is selling for just $449 during the Black Friday sale on Amazon. Similar to the OnePlus 12R, it is a budget flagship phone with impressive specs for its price. Under the hood, this model also packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that brings top notch performance. Users get a curved OLED screen with a higher 165Hz refresh rate, 50MP (Main) + 12MP (Telephoto) + 50MP (Ultrawide) triple rear cameras. A large 5,100mAh cell powers this device with support for 68W wired and 15W wireless fast charging. So overall, this is a great package on a strict budget.

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	Motorola Edge 50 Fusion 5G (Forest Blue, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

The only Apple device on this list and also a returning name is the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), which was released back in 2022. It is a bit dated compared to the other phones on this list, but it’s a recommendation for customers looking for a cheap entry into the Apple ecosystem. It is also a great option for those that need a very small phone since it has a tiny 4.7-inch display. This model is on sale as well and can easily be purchased for under $300. It doesn’t have any of the latest features from the new iPhones, but it gets the job done.

The post Best Smartphones under $500 in the US (November 2024) appeared first on Gizmochina.

Vivo V40 was released this year as a premium mid-range smartphone boasting excellent cameras, a high-quality display, and a high-performance Snapdragon chip. It also has a massive 5,500mAh battery capacity with 80W fast charging support.

The Vivo smartphone is currently selling for Rs. 34,999 for the 8GB + 128GB base variant and goes all the way up to Rs. 41,999 for the 12GB + 512GB top-end model. While it’s an excellent smartphone at this price point, there are better phones in the market with more features and high performance.

Here, I’ll show you five top alternatives to the Vivo V40 you can consider.

Before that, let’s take a quick look at the Vivo V40 spec sheet:

1. Xiaomi 14 Civi

Xiaomi 14 Civi (review) a compact and lightweight flagship phone powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, which offers significantly better performance and efficiency than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 inside the Vivo V40.

Both smartphones have an AMOLED panel, but there are some differences. For instance, the Vivo V40 has a higher peak brightness, whereas the Xiaomi 14 Civi offers Dolby Vision support and a better resolution. Notably, the Xiaomi phone doesn’t have an IP rating but tougher Gorilla Glass protection.

The Xiaomi 14 Civi also has an excellent camera setup. On the rear side, you get a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. There’s no telephoto lens on the Vivo phone, which means better zoom shots on the other device.

On the front, the Vivo V40 has a single 50MP camera, whereas the Xiaomi 14 Civi has two 32MP sensors — one acts as a wide sensor and the other as an ultrawide sensor. Both smartphones can record up to 4K videos using their rear and selfie cameras.

Both smartphones have similar connectivity features, except the Xiaomi phone has Wi-Fi 6 support, which is lacking in the Vivo V40. However, the latter has a higher battery capacity and faster wired charging.

You can buy the Xiaomi 14 Civi over the Vivo V40 for better performance, a higher-resolution screen, and better zoom shots.

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	XIAOMI 14 CIVI (Shadow Black, 256 GB) (8 GB RAM)	Check Price on Amazon

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2. OnePlus 12R

It also has an AMOLED panel, like the Vivo V40, and comes with Dolby Vision and LTPO4 technology for a dynamic refresh rate, lacking in the Vivo phone. The Vivo phone has a better IP rating, though. Both have different display protection — Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the OnePlus phone and Schott Alpha on the Vivo V40.

The OnePlus 12R is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which has higher CPU and GPU performance than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 that drives the Vivo phone. Not only a better chipset, the OnePlus phone has faster RAM and storage, too.

Equipped with a triple camera setup, the OnePlus phone includes a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. On the Vivo phone, the ultrawide sensor offers a broader field of view, capturing more in each shot.

Both devices can record up to 4K videos using their rear cameras. However, the selfie video on the OnePlus 12R is limited to 1080p resolution. Notably, the OnePlus phone supports Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi-7, while the rest of the connectivity features are similar.

While both phones have the same battery capacity, the OnePlus 12R has a faster wired charging support.

You can buy the OnePlus 12R over Vivo V40 for a better display, a high-performance chipset, and faster charging support.

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	OnePlus 12R (Iron Gray, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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3. Realme GT 6

Realme GT 6 is another solid alternative to the Vivo V40. It has the same screen size as the other phone but features a significantly higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. The Realme phone has an LTPO panel to support dynamic refresh rate, lacking on the Vivo V40.

The Realme phone performs better than the Vivo V40, thanks to the flagship Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, which easily outperforms the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.

In addition to a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide shooter, the Realme GT 6 has a 50MP telephoto lens for better zoom shots. On the front, it houses a 32MP selfie snapper that can record 4K videos, like its rear cameras. The connectivity part goes in favor of the Realme phone because of Wi-Fi 6 support.

The Realme GT 6 has the same battery capacity as the Vivo V40 but supports significantly faster wired charging.

You can buy the Realme GT 6 over the Vivo V40 for a better display, flagship performance, better zoom shots, and faster charging.

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	realme GT 6 5G (8GB RAM, 256 Storage, Fluid Silver, New)	Check Price on Amazon

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4. Poco F6

If you do a lot of gaming, the Poco F6 (review) might be a solid buy over the Vivo V40, and it’s comparatively cheaper.

The Poco smartphone is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. It delivers superior performance than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip packed into the Vivo V40. Furthermore, the Poco phone has a good cooling system, faster RAM and storage, and is well-optimized for gaming.

Both devices have AMOLED screens with HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Poco phone has a lower peak brightness, but it brings support for Dolby Vision. Overall, both have excellent displays with minor differences.

The Poco F6 also features a dual camera setup, which includes a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. On the front, there’s a 20MP selfie snapper. Only the rear cameras of the Poco F6 can record 4K videos, while the selfie camera is limited to 1080p recordings.

The Poco phone has slightly less battery capacity but supports faster wired charging than the Vivo V40.

Poco F6 is a solid gaming phone under Rs. 30,000. This should be the only reason to pick it over Vivo V40.

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	POCO F6 5G Titanium 8GB RAM 256GB ROM	Check Price on Amazon

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5. Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel phones are more about software than hardware. You get to experience the purest version of Android.

The Pixel 8 has a better-quality display than the Vivo V40’s with Gorilla Glass Victus protection. One of the best things about this Pixel is that it will get seven Android upgrades, while the Vivo V40 only promises three. So, the Google Pixel will stay relevant for many more years to come.

The Pixel 8 also has dual rear cameras — a 50MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a greater field of view. Its 10.5MP selfie camera is housed inside the punch-hole cutout. Both rear and selfie cameras on the Pixel 8 can shoot up to 4K videos, just like the Vivo V40.

The smartphone is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, which has better CPU and GPU performance than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. It also has faster RAM and storage, which contributes to better performance.

The Pixel 8 edges out the Vivo V40 in terms of connectivity features. It supports Wi-Fi 6e and Wi-Fi 7, lacking on the Vivo phone. Further, the Pixel 8 supports faster USB data transfer. However, it has a slightly lesser battery capacity and slower fast charging.

The Google Pixel 8 is a better choice over the Vivo V40 for a great software experience, longer software support, and better connectivity.

So, these were some of the top alternatives to Vivo V40. Would you still go for Vivo V40 or pick any of these alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post 5 Phones You Can Buy Instead of Vivo V40 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google‘s Pixel 8 smartphone is set to make a splash during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale with a massive price drop. Originally launched at Rs 75,999, the device is now available for less than half its original price.

Buyers can take advantage of a variety of offers to further reduce the price. These include exchange bonuses of up to Rs 36,750, a Rs 1500 discount on HDFC Bank Credit Cards, an additional exchange value of up to Rs 2500, and a super coin discount of up to Rs 2,000 for 10 super coins. With these offers, users can bring the effective price down to as low as Rs 29,999 ($359).

Google Pixel 8 specs:

The Google Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch OLED display, offering Full HD+ resolution and a peak brightness of 2000 nits. It runs on the Google Tensor G3 processor with the Titan M2 security chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

Its camera setup includes a 50MP main rear camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.5MP dual-pixel front-facing camera for selfies. The 4575mAh battery supports 27W fast charging, 15W wireless charging via Qi, and Battery Share.

Other features include stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Pixel 8 comes in three colors: Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose.

In other news, Google’s Pixel 9 series exclusive camera features may soon be available on older Pixel models, including the Pixel 6, 7, and 8. Features like “Reimagine,” which allows AI-driven photo editing, and “Auto Frame,” which suggests better photo composition, were found in the Google Photos app by Assemble Debug. While these updates are expected for older Pixel devices, it’s unclear if A-series Pixels or non-Pixel Android devices will receive them.

The post Google Pixel 8 to Be Sold for Just Rs 29,999 ($359) During Big Billion Days Sale appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi 14 was released in India in March this year. It is one of the best compact flagship phones available on the market. The smartphone boasts a solid set of specifications. However, it lags behind its competitors in some key areas.

If you plan to upgrade to the Xiaomi 14 (full review), don’t forget to check out its best alternatives, which will help you make a better decision. Before we move on to the alternatives, let’s quickly recall the device via the spec sheet below.

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	Xiaomi 14 (White, 12GB RAM, 512GB Storage) | 50MP Leica Professional Optics | 120 Hz 1.5K LTPO…	Check Price on Amazon

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1. Vivo X100

Unlike Xiaomi 14, the Vivo X100 has a curved display that’s around 6.6% bigger in size. The Xiaomi 14 uses an OLED panel, while the rest of the display specifications are almost similar.

Both smartphones are IP68 certified for dust & water resistance. However, the Vivo X100 lacks protection, whereas the Xiaomi 14 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

The Vivo X100 rocks a big circular camera module that’s easily distinguishable from the crowd, whereas the Xiaomi 14 features a rectangular camera module.

Both smartphones have a 50MP primary camera with OIS and a 50MP ultrawide camera (the Vivo X100 has a larger field of view). The periscope telephoto lens on the Vivo phone supports 3x optical zoom, while it is 3.2x on the Xiaomi 14).

Both smartphones take stunning photos and videos using the main camera in varying lighting conditions with fine details, sharpness, and colour accuracy. However, the dynamic range could have been better on the Vivo X100.

The Vivo phone takes good shots with its ultrawide cameras in various lighting conditions. It also takes good macro shots. However, the selfies and videos using the front camera are pretty decent, with some sort of skin smoothing.

Notably, the Vivo X100 supports up to 4K video recording using the rear camera, but only 1080p with its selfie camera. In contrast, the Xiaomi 14 can record up to 8K videos using its rear camera and 4K with its selfie camera.

Both smartphones take excellent photos and videos. However, in most cases, the Xiaomi 14 produces better shots, particularly with its rear camera setup. The Vivo X100 might have an edge when it comes to portrait selfies.

The Vivo X100 is powered by a Dimensity 9300 chip, whereas the Xiaomi 14 uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both are the fastest mobile CPUs from their respective manufacturers and have similar benchmark results. They deliver excellent performance, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has slightly better gaming stability. Check out the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. Dimensity 9300 for more details.

The Xiaomi 14 and Vivo X100 have similar connectivity features, except the former has a faster USB data transfer rate.

The Vivo X100 has a larger battery capacity and supports much faster wired charging compared to Xiaomi 14. This means you’ll benefit from more screen time and quicker battery filling on the Vivo phone. However, the Vivo phone lacks wireless and reverse wireless charging.  

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	Vivo X100 5G (Asteroid Black, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage) MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Processor | AMOLED…	Check Price on Amazon

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2. Samsung Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon)

The Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon version) is another good alternative to the Xiaomi 14. It’s more compact and lightweight than the Xiaomi 14 and features a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen — the brightness peaks at 2600nits (slightly lower than Xiaomi 14).

The Galaxy S24 uses the second-generation Gorilla Glass Victus, while the Xiaomi 14 has the first-generation Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Both devices are powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. There’s also an Exynos version, but it’s difficult to recommend because of Exynos problems.

While the Xiaomi 14 features a rectangular camera module, the Galaxy S24 has a vertical camera arrangement that looks a lot cleaner. The two phones have similar performance in daylight, but Xiaomi 14 shots are usually more detailed and sharper. However, the opposite is true for the ultrawide camera, where the Galaxy S24 edges out the Xiaomi 14 in daylight shots.

The Xiaomi 14 takes better photos with its telephoto camera, and the low-light images are also better. The Galaxy S24 wins at selfies, while the Xiaomi 14 only manages to produce less contrasty selfies with pale colours.

It isn’t easy to pick one for video recording, as both do an excellent job. For regular videos using the primary camera, the Xiaomi 14 often performs better. However, it’s a different story when using a telephoto or ultrawide camera. In some aspects, the Xiaomi 14 videos look better, while in others, the Galaxy S24 videos look impressive.

The Galaxy S24 packs a lesser battery capacity than the Xiaomi 14, and as you may already know, Samsung is not a fan of superfast charging. Hence, you only get 25W charging support, while the Xiaomi 14 supports 90W fast charging. Both devices support wireless and reverse wireless charging, although they are faster on the Xiaomi phone.

Samsung phones are better known for software updates. The Galaxy S24 is promised seven years of Android and security updates, while the Xiaomi 14 will only get 4 Android updates and five years of security patches.

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	Samsung Galaxy S24 5G AI Smartphone (Amber Yellow, 8GB, 128GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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3. OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 (full review) is another solid alternative to the Xiaomi 14. It’s slightly bigger and bulkier and has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. Both smartphones have the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which delivers superior performance.

The OnePlus 12 has a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and 4500nits of peak brightness. Compared to Xiaomi 14, it has a bigger display with more pixels and higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. Also, it is protected by a Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the Xiaomi 14 uses first-gen protection.

Both smartphones come with Android 14 out of the box and have been promised four years of Android updates from their respective brands.

The OnePlus 12 boasts a circular camera module featuring a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with OIS, 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens with 114-degree field of view (FOV). The camera setup is made in collaboration with Hasselblad to achieve better colour accuracy. There’s a 32MP camera for selfies.

Both smartphones capture stunning shots with their primary cameras. However, the Xiaomi 14 produces more natural shots, whereas the OnePlus 12 tends to be slightly more saturated. The Xiaomi 14 also does well with its ultrawide camera.

The OnePlus 12 offers up to 120x zoom, while the Xiaomi 14 only goes up to 60x. Due to high resolution, the OnePlus phone produces sharper images. However, as the zoom level increases, both phones output comparable shots with little to no difference.

When it comes to selfie images, the OnePlus 12 produces more natural shots, whereas Xiaomi 14 appears to enhance the exposure. The Xiaomi phone has skin smoothening turned on by default, which can be disabled for a more natural appearance.

The OnePlus 12 generally produces better videos, while Xiaomi 14 tends to display more contrast, making some videos look underexposed. However, in low-light conditions, Xiaomi does well. Overall, the OnePlus 12 produces better videos than the Xiaomi 14.

The OnePlus 12 has a larger battery capacity of 5,400mAh (vs. 4,610mAh on the Xiaomi 14) and supports faster charging over a USB cable. However, both support the same wireless and reverse wireless charging.

Preview	Product
	OnePlus 12 (Glacial White, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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4. iQOO 12

iQOO 12 was released last year with a strong spec sheet. It boasts a slightly larger LTPO AMOLED screen than the Xiaomi 14 with a higher refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3000nits.

The iQOO device is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the same chip inside the Xiaomi 14. It’s the most powerful chip for Android phones, ensuring superior performance and efficiency.

Let’s get to the cameras. The iQOO 12’s main camera takes detailed, sharp daylight images with excellent dynamic range. The overall image processing is sound, but sometimes, you may observe various imperfections due to weak processing.

The telephoto cameras are excellent, offering great details, colours, right sharpness, and less noise. The dynamic range and overall contrast are also impressive. The 64MP high-res zoomed images are okay(ish) with a good amount of details, accurate colours and good dynamic range, but they are pretty noisy.

With iQOO 12, you can get as close as 5cm from a subject for macro shots, and the output is good. The macro shots from the telephoto camera at 3x zoom are also great. They have natural bokeh, better colour reproduction, and sharpness with a good amount of detail. The smartphone also takes excellent portrait and low-light photos.

All three rear cameras on the iQOO 12 can shoot up to 4K videos, while the main camera also supports 8K recording at 30fps. The 4K video recording using the main camera is average, as the picture looks washed out. Otherwise, it has good colours, contrast, and a wide dynamic range.

The low-light 4K footage is also mediocre. But the 4K 30fps Night Mode video is impressive – it’s bright and detailed with punchy colours and a wide dynamic range. Footage coming from the telephoto camera at 3x zoom is impressive – they have great details, sharpness, accurate colours, high contrast, and wide dynamic range. The device also takes good ultrawide videos in daylight.

The selfie camera isn’t impressive, though. It doesn’t support electronic stabilisation, although the colours are accurate, and the dynamic range is good. However, the end result is average. 

The iQOO 12 packs a larger battery, and its charging speed is also better than that of the Xiaomi 14.  

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	iQOO 12 5G (Legend, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage) | India’s 1st Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform |…	Check Price on Amazon

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5. Google Pixel 8

The Pixel 8 has similar pricing to the Xiaomi 14 and offers good value for money. Hence, it is an alternative to the Xiaomi 14 worth exploring.

The Pixel 8 is a compact flagship phone featuring a 6.2-inch OLED screen, although it’s not an LTPO panel and has a lower peak brightness than the Xiaomi 14.

The smartphone is powered by an in-house Tensor G3 chip, which isn’t as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the benchmarks. That doesn’t make it a bad choice for high-end phones. The chip can still deliver great performance.

The Pixel 8 has only two camera sensors on the back — a 50MP primary camera with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide camera with a 126-degree FOV. It is also equipped with a 10.5MP camera for selfies.

The smartphone takes good daylight shots with nicer details, consistent white balance, and good saturation. The ultrawide camera also shoots great images. It also has an autofocus that enables both general close-up shots and macro shots. 

The Pixel 8 does an impressive job in low-light conditions, all thanks to good image processing. However, the portrait shots are just acceptable. The device takes nice selfies with good details. The video quality of the Pixel 8’s main camera is impressive. The ultrawide camera outputs an average video quality at night but does a fantastic job in daylight.

The Pixel 8 has a slightly lesser battery capacity than the Xiaomi 14, but the difference in changing speeds is big — 27W on the Pixel 8 and 90W on the Xiaomi 14.

The impressive software update policy is one aspect where the Pixel 8 leaves the Xiaomi 14 in the dust. The Pixel 8 will get seven years of Android updates, while the Xiaomi 14 will only get four.

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	Pixel 8 (Obsidian, 128 GB) (8 GB RAM	Check Price on Amazon

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The Xiaomi 14 is a solid flagship phone. However, these five phones are better than that in one or more key areas. Would you pick Xiaomi 14 or any of these alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

The post 5 Best Xiaomi 14 Alternatives: More Value, Similar Pricing appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has announced price cuts for its Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 7a models in India. This is the first official price cut for these phones since their launch, which comes just in time for the launch of the Pixel 9 series in India.

Google Pixel 8 series & Pixel 7a new prices:

The Pixel 8 Pro has received a Rs. 7,000 price cut, the Pixel 8 gets up to Rs. 5,000 off, and the Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a have received Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 price cuts, respectively. Here are the details of the price cuts for the Pixel phones.

Pixel 8 Pro:

• 128GB: Old MRP: ₹1,06,999, New MRP: ₹99,999, Price cut: ₹7000
• 256GB: Old MRP: ₹1,13,999, New MRP: ₹1,06,999, Price cut: ₹7000

Pixel 8:

• 128GB: Old MRP: ₹75,999, New MRP: ₹71,999, Price cut: ₹4000
• 256GB: Old MRP: ₹82,999, New MRP: ₹77,999, Price cut: ₹5000

Pixel 8a:

• 128GB: Old MRP: ₹52,999, New MRP: ₹49,999, Price cut: ₹3000
• 256GB: Old MRP: ₹59,999, New MRP: ₹56,999, Price cut: ₹3000

Pixel 7a:

• 128GB: Old MRP: ₹43,999, New MRP: ₹41,999, Price cut: ₹2000

Wait for the BBD sale

While Google sets a standard MRP, the phones are available from Flipkart at cheaper rates. Prices are expected to drop further during the upcoming Big Billion Days sale in early October. If you’re considering buying an older Pixel phone, it might be worth waiting for the sale.

The post Price cut: Google Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a & 7a become cheaper in India as Pixel 9 series debuts appeared first on Gizmochina.

There have been massive discounts this summer season on most of the Pixel devices. After bringing over a 20% discount on the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 2 Watch LTE a few weeks ago, there’s up to a $300 discount on the Pixel 8 series duo across North America and some other regions.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Deals

Interested folks can head over to the Amazon and Google Stores to get the most from the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro deals. Precisely, the Pixel 8 is retailing for $699 in Canada, and $543 in the US. The discounted price of $699 is applicable to both the Google Store and Amazon.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro is up for sale for $1049, which is down from $1349. The price of the Pixel 8 Pro is the same across the Google Store and the Amazon Store.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Specifications

While featuring the same design aesthetics, the smartphone features improved hardware and new software features, thanks to Android 14. Pixel 8 features a 6.17-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2000 nits peak brightness.

Furthermore, the Pixel 8 features a 50MP primary Samsung ISOCEll GN2 primary sensor and a 12MP IMX386 ultra-wide angle unit. It bundles the new Tensor G3 chipset, the Titan M2 security chip, and 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It bundles a 4485 mAh battery with 24W wired and 18W wireless charging.

Google Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 3120 x 1440 pixels of resolution, a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and up to 2400 nits of maximum brightness with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. It comes with the same Tensor G3 SoC, 12GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a 5050 mAh battery. Interestingly, there’s another 512GB variant too, which is available at a few places. It features support for 30W wired and 23W wireless charging.

Related:

• Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: Should You Go For The Latest Mid-Ranger Or The Older Flagship?
• Top 5 Google Pixel 8a alternatives: Know why the Pixel 8a still holds an edge
• After renders, Pixel 8a leaks in promo materials with seven years of update
• Samsung launches “Big TV Days” offers with exciting deals for T20 cricket World Cup

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Last week, Google quietly announced the Pixel 8a. The phone arrives with significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, i.e. the Pixel 7a.

The search giant’s mid-range Pixel-A series offerings are slightly toned-down versions of the flagship non-Pro number series devices. The latest Pixel 8a borrows the same design language, processor, and notably the longer software support policy from the more premium Pixel 8. 

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: which one makes sense?

There are only slight differences between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8. However, the main differentiating factor between the two phones is in terms of pricing.

Additionally, the Pixel 8 is also nearly six months old now (as of writing this article). It is often found at discounted prices during sales. This begs the question of whether it makes sense to purchase the latest mid-ranger Pixel or the premium offering. 

In this article, we have compared everything between the Pixel 8a and Pixel from specifications to pricing that should help you make the correct buying decision. 

Design and display

The Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 have identical designs with rounded corners and a horizontal bridge housing two cameras inside a pill-shaped cutout. The former is IP67 certified whereas the latter has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel 8’s front and back panels are shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus which is stronger than the Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the Pixel 8a’s front fascia. 

The display specs are similar on both the Pixel 8a and 8. Although the screen size on the two phones is 6.1 and 6.2 inches, both have an OLED panel with FHD+ resolution, 2,000 nits peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR10. 

Camera

The camera is where the Pixel 8a is different compared to the Pixel 8. The latest mid-range has a 64MP 1/1.73″ main sensor with f/1.9 aperture, dual-pixel PDAF and OIS support. There is a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens. It is capable of recording up to 4K videos at 60fps. Up front also, the device features a 13MP selfie snapper. 

On the contrary, the Pixel 8’s dual camera setup comprises a 50MP 1/1.31 main with f/1.7 and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. There is a 10.5MP front-facing snapper. This camera hardware is comparatively better than the one on the Pixel 8a.

Anyways, both phones come with features like Best Take, Auto HDR, Ultra HDR, Audio Erase, and more. 

Hardware

The Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 are powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G3 processor. Both pack 8GB RAM and are offered in 128GB and 256GB storage options. The Pixel 8a is backed by a 4,492mAh battery with support for 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 runs on a larger 4,575mAh cell with support for faster 27W wired and 18W wireless charging. 

Software-wise, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a are eligible for seven years of OS updates and security patches. 

Pricing and availability 

The Pixel 8a carries a price tag of $499 / EUR 549 / Rs 52,999 and $559 / EUR 609 / Rs 59,999 for the 128GB and 256GB variants respectively. Meanwhile, the same configurations of the Pixel 8 retail at $438 / EUR 599 / Rs 75,999 and $694 / EUR 749 / Rs 82,999 respectively. That makes the device a lot cheaper than the latest mid-range offering. 

Verdict

In our opinion, it doesn’t make any sense to go for the latest Pixel 8a over the six-month-old Pixel 8. This is mainly due to the difference in prices of both devices. The mid-range A-series model has a slightly toned-down camera sensor even though the megapixel count is higher. The Pixel 8 has a larger battery along with fast charging support. Barring this, everything is the same across the board. 

We would also recommend waiting for the Pixel 9 series which is due to arrive this fall with an entirely new design language.

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The post Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: Should You Go For The Latest Mid-Ranger Or The Older Flagship? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Pixel 8a is finally out with some good specifications after a month of leaks and rumors. A week prior, Google IO, the company introduced the smaller version of the Pixel 8, i.e., Pixel 8a. The smartphone brings some upgrades over the Pixel 7a.

Pixel 8a Pre-Order Details

BestBuy

Pixel 8a is now availabel on Best Buy, and you willget a $100 gift card on the purchase. Moreover, there’s a month of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

• Get it from BestBuy

Amazon

Simlarly, Amazon is also offers $100 gift card on thepurchase on Pixel 8a.

• Get it from Amazon

Flipkart

The smartpholen is retaiing for Rs 52,999 in India via Flipkart. There are some discounts, and the buyers can get discount of upto Rs 2000.

• Get it from Flipkart

Pixel 8a Specifications

The Pixel 8a is launched with a 6.1-inch OLED having a Full HD+ resolution. The smartphone display features a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits of peak brightness and offers Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered with Tensor G3, 8GB RAM, and 128 / 256GB storage options.

Pixel 8a houses a dual rear camera module, consisting of a 64MP primary camera with OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens. With support for 4K recording from both cameras, the smartphone also offers camera-based software features like Magic Editor, and Ultra HDr, etc.

A few minutes after the launch, the smartphone is already available for Pre-Orders in North America, India, and some other countries. It is available in Bay, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Aloe color options. The base 128GB variant is available for Rs $499 (52,999) and the 256Gb variant retails for $559 (Rs 59,999).

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The post Pre-orders for Pixel 8a Goes Live: Deals Detailed appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Pixel 8 owners have something to rejoice. The search giant’s LLM AI model is confirmed to be available on the device. Initially, the company had revealed that the mobile-friendly and smallest version of Gemini Nano would be limited to the Pixel 8 Pro. Google’s vague response to the lack of support for AI model also enraged Pixel 8 owners. 

Google Pixel 8 will get Gemini Nano 

Hardware limitations were cited to be the main reason for the lack of support for Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8. This was perplexing as the only difference between the standard and pro variant of the device is in the RAM capacity. Both phones are powered by the Tensor G3 chipset but the Pixel 8 has 8GB RAM whereas the pro model maxes out at 12GB. Notably, the AI model also runs on the base Samsung Galaxy S24 variant. 

In a statement to Android Authority, Google confirmed that Gemini Nano will make its way to all Pixel 8 units. The search giant stated that large language models on phones with different memory can deliver different user experiences. They seem to have found a method to LLM on the Pixel 8 by testing intensely. 

Gemini Nano will be available as a Developer Preview with the next Pixel Feature Drop update that is expected in June. The developer options can be accessed through Settings > About Phone and taping on the build number seven times. The LLM model will enable two features on the Pixel 8 – summarize recordings by generating bullet points and Gboard Smart Reply promising faster and conversational-awareness responses. 

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro will get extended features and benefits of the Gemini Nano.

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Google’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro pack nearly the same hardware except the RAM capacity. Now, the search giant has revealed some unfortunate news for the Pixel 8. The standard variant won’t be getting Gemini Nano, the smallest version of the company’s AI model that was announced last December. This is a bummer for owners of the Pixel 8 who were hoping to get the mobile-friendly LLM on their device. 

Google confirms no Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8

Google made a confirmation about the lack of Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8 in a recent episode of The Android Show on the Android Developers channel. Terence Zhang, a developer relations engineer at Google reveals that this is because of the hardware limitations of the smartphone. He does not detail in to what those limitations are but the only difference between the standard and pro variants of the Pixel 8 is that the former packs 8GB RAM whereas the latter has 12GB. 

Gemini Nano runs on the Pixel 8 Pro and the Galaxy S24 series. The AI model offers features like Summarize in the Recorder app, Smart Reply in Gboard, WhatsApp, and photography enhancements without network connection. The lack of the AI model on the standard variant has made the gap between the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro greater. If you’re considering buying Pixel 8 device, you might want to keep this thing in mind.

Google also confirmed that it is working on extending the Gemini Nano’s compatibility to more high-end devices. Recently chipmaker MediaTek also announced its partnership with Google to optimize Gemini Nano for the Dimensiy 9300 and 8300 chips. Additionally, the search giant also outlined its plans to integrate Gemini into Android smartphones starting in 2025. 

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The Google Pixel 8 series has been crowned the “Best Smartphone” at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024. This prestigious award recognizes the phone’s innovative features and impressive overall performance. But what exactly makes the Pixel 8 stand out? Let’s take a closer look at its key specifications.

It will be interesting to see what Google does for the upcoming Pixel 9 series

The Pixel 8 retains the familiar design language of previous Pixel phones, but with slightly rounded corners and a smaller footprint. It features a 6.17-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nits peak brightness, and HDR support. The phone packs a 50MP main camera paired with a 12MP ultrawide sensor, both capable of capturing stunning photos and videos. The Pixel 8 is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. It boasts a 4,485mAh battery with support for fast charging and runs Android 14 out of the box.

The Pixel 8 Pro sports a more modern design with a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display offering a higher resolution and brighter peak brightness compared to the Pixel 8. It also boasts a triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the same Tensor G3 chip but comes with 12GB of RAM and offers up to 1TB of storage (in the US). It packs a larger 5,050mAh battery but settles for slightly slower wired and wireless charging speeds compared to its smaller sibling.

Both phones share some key features, including the latest Tensor G3 chip, a promise of 7 years of software updates and security patches, and a Titan M2 security chip. It’s clear why Google’s latest flagships have been praised so much. The step up from the previous iterations is noticeable, and more so, huge. Now, all that remains is to see if Google can replicate, or even exceed its success with the Pixel 9 lineup this year.

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Google has launched a new Mint color variant for its Pixel 8 series smartphones. This addition follows the original launch of the Pixel 8 in Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose, and the Pixel 8 Pro in Obsidian, Bay, and Porcelain. The introduction of the Mint color was unveiled as part of the ‘Fresh year, fresh drop’ campaign.

In comparison, the Mint shade is slightly deeper than the Lemongrass color of the Pixel 7. In terms of design, it maintains the same glass body and glossy finish that characterize the series, along with the existing specifications.

Presently, the Mint variant of the Pixel 8 is available in India through Flipkart, ahead of its global release. There is no confirmation yet on whether the Mint color will be extended to the Pixel 8 Pro in India.

Speaking of specifications, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, powered by a Google Tensor G3 chip, 12GB RAM, and 128GB of storage. Its camera system includes a 50MP primary rear camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The device is fueled by a 5050mAh battery, supports 30W fast charging, and features security measures such as an in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock.

The standard Pixel 8 model comes with a 6.2-inch OLED display, 8GB RAM, and options for 128GB or 256GB storage. Its camera setup includes a 50MP primary rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This model is equipped with a 4575mAh battery and shares the security features of the Pro model. Both variants are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and are available in various color options, including the new Mint.

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The post Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro launch in Mint Color option appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google debuted the Pixel 8 series back in October 2023, with the vanilla model getting Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose color options, while the Pro model launched in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay colors. Now, Google has announced that the series will be getting a new color option soon.

The announcement was made through the company’s official Twitter account, featuring a binary sequence teasing the arrival of a “Fresh year, fresh drop.” The accompanying link directs users to the Google Store and a teaser video showcasing the phrase “itsaliving” in Mint Green, offering a glimpse of the upcoming color option.

01000110 01110010 01100101 01110011 01101000 00100000 01111001 01100101 01100001 01110010 00101100 00100000 01100110 01110010 01100101 01110011 01101000 00100000 01100100 01110010 01101111 01110000 00101110 00100000 https://t.co/1nhhiCtNCe pic.twitter.com/CyOeJ9Czvd

— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) January 19, 2024

On January 25, 2024, the same day as the color reveal, Google is hosting a mural painting event in downtown NYC with the artist @itsaliving.

The Pixel 8 series, introduced in October 2023, currently consists of two smartphones, with a third model (Pixel 8a) anticipated later in 2024. The specific model getting the Minty Fresh color is still a secret until next week.

For those unfamiliar with the Pixel 8 series, the Pro variant boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, Google Tensor G3 chip, 12GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary rear camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The device features a 5050mAh battery with 30W fast charging and various security features, including an in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock.

Meanwhile, the standard Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED display, 8GB RAM, and a choice of 128GB or 256GB storage. Its camera setup includes a 50MP primary rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The device is equipped with a 4575mAh battery and shares similar security features with its Pro counterpart. Both models are IP68 dust and water-resistant and are available in various color options.

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Unlike last month, the January 2024 update, comprising the latest security patch and other fixes, is finally available for compatible Pixel Phones on time. The update is primarily aimed at fixing the bugs popping up following last month’s December feature Drop. The same update is also out for the Google Pixel Watch.

The January 2024 Pixel update is rolling out to the following devices: Pixel 5a, Pixel 6/6Pro/6a, Pixel 7/& Pro/7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and Pixel 8/8 Pro. The updates are out for both unlocked and Verizon-locked smartphones across the globe and in the US, respectively.

Below is the official changelog:

What’s included
The January 2024 update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel users – see below for details.
 
Camera
Fix for users facing Camera crashes in certain conditions 
 
User Interface
Fix for users facing flashing black screen when playing video in certain conditions 
Fix for users unable to exit Setup Wizard in certain conditions 
Fix for Wallpaper on home screen showing black in certain conditions 

These features and changes are respective of the Pixel Phones and Tablets. We also hope the Pixel 6 Pro’s overheating issue during a phone call is fixed with this update.

The January 2024 Pixel update brings camera improvements and fixes some major issues with the user interface. It also packs fixes for 10 vulnerabilities with a high severity rating for the system. Then, there are chipset-based fixes for the security issues at Qualcomm, MediaTek, and others.

January 2024 Pixel Update Firmware Details

Global

• Pixel 5a (5G):    UQ1A.240105.002
• Pixel 6:                UQ1A.240105.002
• Pixel 6 Pro:        UQ1A.240105.002
• Pixel 6a: UQ1A.240105.002
• Pixel 7:                UQ1A.240105.004
• Pixel 7 Pro:        UQ1A.240105.004
• Pixel 7a:              UQ1A.240105.004
• Pixel Tablet:       UQ1A.240105.002
• Pixel Fold:           UQ1A.240105.004
• Pixel 8:                UQ1A.240105.004
• Pixel 8 Pro:        UQ1A.240105.004

Verizon

• Pixel 7:                UQ1A.240105.004.A1
• Pixel 7 Pro:         UQ1A.240105.004.A1
• Pixel 7a:              UQ1A.240105.004.A1
• Pixel Fold:           UQ1A.240105.004.A1
• Pixel 8:                UQ1A.240105.004.A1
• Pixel 8 Pro:        UQ1A.240105.004.A1

The OTA update is already out and may reach each smartphone within a couple of hours to a few days. Users can always check manually for the update by heading to Settings > System > System update. There’s also an option to flash the OTA update manually by downloading the respective .zip file from here.

After the December Big Update, the next QPR is due in March 2024.

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The post Pixel Phones and a Pixel Tablet Receiving January 2024 Update appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google recently launched a new repair mode for Pixel phones that lets you tinker with your phone while protecting your privacy. Now, iFixit has also spilled the beans on the official repair part costs for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, giving us a clearer picture of what it’ll cost to fix your broken phone.

• Screens: The Pixel 8’s “Actua” screen, with its 120Hz refresh rate and boosted brightness, comes in at $159.99, a $20 bump over the Pixel 7’s screen. The Pixel 8 Pro’s screen sees a smaller price increase, going from $212.99 to $229.99.
• Rear cases: You can now get replacement rear cases for the Pixel 8 in all three colors: Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose. The price is $142.99, which is slightly higher than the Pixel 7’s case.
• Batteries: Both Pixel 8 and 8 Pro batteries remain the same price as their predecessors at $42.99.
• Cameras: This is where things get interesting. The Pixel 8’s wide rear camera sees a significant price jump from $89.99 to $142.99, while the ultra-wide camera is $20 more expensive at $62.99. The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is also pricier, coming in at $199.99 compared to the Pixel 7 Pro’s $152.99. Both Pixel 8 and 8 Pro front cameras price are $42.99.

Here’s the breakdown of Pixel 8 and 8 Pro repair parts:

Overall, the availability of genuine repair parts is a positive step for Pixel owners. However, the price increases for some components, particularly the cameras, are something to be aware of.

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(Via)

The post Pixel 8 and 8 Pro camera repair parts show significant price increase appeared first on Gizmochina.

We’ve rounded up the best smartphone deals under $1000 for the upcoming Black Friday 2023 sale. Get your hands on the latest technology and features at unbeatable prices. Here are some of the most popular deals.

The iPhone 15 is currently on sale, offering a whopping $310 discount, bringing its price down to just $789. This is a significant markdown on one of the latest models from Apple. But wait, there’s more! The iPhone 14 Pro is also available at a huge discount of $381, now priced at only $718. With these substantial savings, you can get your hands on the latest iPhone without breaking the bank.

If you’re more of an Android enthusiast, we have got you covered too. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is currently on sale, with a $200 discount, making it available for just $799. This high-end Android device is a great alternative for those who prefer the Android operating system. Additionally, the Google Pixel 8 offers a $150 discount, bringing its price down to only $549. With its powerful camera capabilities and sleek design, this phone is definitely worth considering.

Last but not least, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available at a massive discount of $300, now priced at only $899. This flagship device from Samsung offers top-of-the-line features and is perfect for those who want the best of the best. With these incredible discounts, now is the perfect time to upgrade your smartphone and take advantage of these amazing deals.

Here’s a complete list of deals:

• iPhone 15: Save $310, now only $789.
• iPhone 14 Pro: Huge $381 discount, now only $718.
• Google Pixel 8 Pro: $200 off, now only $799.
• Google Pixel 8: Save $150, now only $549.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Massive $300 discount, now only $899.

The post Best Smartphone deals under $1000 on Black Friday 2023 Sale appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has officially announced its Black Friday deals, set to go live this Thursday on its online store in the US. Here’s a breakdown of the enticing discounts on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, along with other Google devices:

1. Pixel 8 Pro:
   • Original Price: $999
   • Black Friday Deal: Save $200
   • Deal Price: $799
2. Pixel 8:
   • Original Price: $699
   • Black Friday Deal: Save $150
   • Deal Price: $549
3. Pixel Fold:
   • Original Price: $1,799
   • Black Friday Deal: Save $400
   • Deal Price: $1,399
4. Pixel 7a:
   • Original Price: $499
   • Black Friday Deal: Save $125
   • Deal Price: $374
5. Additional Google Device Deals:
   • Pixel Watch (Original):
     • Original Price: $279.99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $80.00
     • Deal Price: $199.99
   • Pixel Tablet:
     • Original Price: $499
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $100
     • Deal Price: $399
   • Pixel Buds Pro:
     • Original Price: $199.99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $80
     • Deal Price: $119.99
   • Chromecast with Google TV:
     • Original Price: $49.99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $12.00
     • Deal Price: $37.99
   • Nest Cam (Battery):
     • Original Price: $179.99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $60
     • Deal Price: $119.99
   • Pixel Buds A-Series:
     • Original Price: $99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $40
     • Deal Price: $59
   • 3-Pack Nest Wifi Pro:
     • Original Price: $399.99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $120
     • Deal Price: $279.99
   • Nest Hub:
     • Original Price: $99.99
     • Black Friday Deal: Save $50
     • Deal Price: $49.99

Deal Period: Google hasn’t said exactly when these Black Friday deals will end, but they’re starting on Thursday and will be around on Friday because, well, it’s Black Friday!

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The post Google Pixel 8 series Black Friday deals revealed along with other devices appeared first on Gizmochina.

As demoed at the recent Pixel 8 launch event, the Call Screen feature on Pixel is receiving support for Contextual Replies. Alongside answering the calls on Users’ behalf, it allows the users to cleverly determine which calls are worth picking and which ones to skip. As the name suggests, it helps to filter the important calls and answer the unimportant ones automatically by engaging in more natural conversation.

Must See: Google Pixel’s Revamped Call Screening Feature is Simpler & Faster

What is Pixel’s Call Screen Feature with Contextual Reply?

The Call Screen feature determines the urgency while conversing with the caller. While saving time, it even helps to reduce spam callers which are more likely to hang automatically. The feature can be enabled for the contact list members too, if required. Google Assistant will greet the family member or friend with a greeting before asking for “Ask if urgent”.

The transcription of all the calls is made available to the user so that he/she can determine whether to pick or not. It is a step ahead of the Call Screen feature that lets the users respond with a tap without picking up the call. The feature is spotted by @Mishaal Rehman on the Pixel smartphones including old Pixels such as the Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 6 Series. We are unable to verify whether the feature is available on the Pixel Watch yet or not.

At the Pixel 8 Launch event, Google presented a couple of examples to filter important calls. For example, an airline representative followed up with a user about ticketing options, and an AI bot said, “Okay, let me try to get the person you’re trying to reach on the line.”

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The post Google’s Call Screen Feature on Pixel Gets Contextual Reply Support appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Internet Giant is set to make its manufacturing debut in India starting with Pixel smartphones. Following, “encouraging responses” from the audience in the country, Google has finally made up its mind to debut production in India. The company intends to enhance its presence in India’s smartphone market.

Must see: Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro on sale in India, here’s everything you need to

Under the “Make in India” initiative, Google will start producing the Pixel 8 series in the country from 2024 onwards. They will mend a partnership with international contract manufacturers for smartphone production.

Speaking at a Google for India event, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices and services, said, “India is a priority market for Pixel smartphones, and we’re committed to bringing the best of our hardware and underlying built-in software capabilities to people across the country,” and further added, “We are partnering with international and domestic partners to produce Pixel smartphones locally. It’s an early step towards expanding our production here to meet the local demands for Pixel devices and even more importantly it’s a huge step forward in Google’s commitment to India.”

India is a major market for Google Services and is investing over $10 billion in the country in the next few years. It is a major boost for the country’s digital economy. Like Apple, we hope Google will ramp up its production capacity in India over time.

Other Announcements at the 9th Google for India Event

Following the new production spheres in India, the company is also bringing pre-approved credit lines from banks. It will enable Google Pay users to access “formal credit” easily while ensuring privacy safeguards.

In partnership with Axis My India media company, Google introduced a new app called “a.” to enlighten people about various social welfare programs, employment opportunities, and health benefits.

Google also introduced an initiative called DigiKavach in collaboration with industry partners to secure users from online fraud.

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The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were introduced recently. However, they haven’t been spared from the now seemingly traditional issues associated with Google’s new smartphones. For instance, we previously mentioned the problem with the Face Unlock feature in the Pixel 8 series and the issue of Android Auto not working. Even though many of these issues can be fixed with updates, the damage has already been done. It seems users may have already lost faith in these phones, as the Pixel 8 trade-in values have dropped dramatically after launch.

Pixel 8 trade-in values plummet after launch

The smartphone market is truly in its golden age. Almost every day, another major brand introduces a new model for users to enjoy. Especially the flagship models, which are high-end devices, attract a lot of attention from tech enthusiasts like us. However, this trend brings about another issue. Instead of using the same phone for a long time, users prefer to switch devices roughly once a year. But in an environment where a top-tier device costs over $1000, doing this can be quite challenging.

So, what’s the solution? Naturally, it’s to sell your current device in the second-hand market at a reasonable price or, if the company where you want to buy your new device offers a trade-in campaign, to trade it in, thus reducing the cost of the new device. Unfortunately, if you’re using a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, these options might not be suitable for you.

The trade-in values for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have dropped dramatically since their launch in October 2023. For example, the trade-in value for a 128 GB Pixel 8 is now just $274 at the Google Store and Best Buy, down from $420 at launch. Unfortunately, this is quite a low price. Of course, you could try to sell your phone second-hand rather than trading it in.

However, many of us don’t have the energy or time to deal with that. Therefore, those who are going to purchase such devices should be prepared to use them for a long time or should not expect to get much value from them when buying their next phone. Of course, for a trade-in, the condition of the product needs to be good. Those curious can find the trade-in values based on the device’s condition in the table below.

RELATED:

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• Original Pixel Watch receives Wear OS 4 Update with Improved Features
• Here’s the Magisk Module to enable DisplayPort on the Pixel 8 Series
• Google Pixel 8 Face Unlock Vulnerability Discovered, Allowing Others to Unlock Devices
• Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro not able to launch Android Auto, users report

(via)

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Android beats every other smartphone OS when it comes to customization. Despite denying claims about the DisplayPort feature on Pixel 8, the developers made it work with a few tweaks. The feature is present in the Pixel 8, but Google has disbanded it via the stable firmware prop. Here is a Magisk module that a tester created and made it initially functional to allay the concerns.

Must See: iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison

What is DisplayPort on Pixel 8?

It is a feature that mirrors the Pixel 8 display to a compatible monitor using a USB Type-C cable. It is quite like the Samsung”s DeX but without much refinement.

The feature could become handy for users who work on the go.

Steps to Install DisplayPort Magisk Module

1. Download and Install Magisk Manager on your Pixel 8
2. Then Download the DisplayPort Magisk Module and Flash it via Magisk Manager.
3. Reboot the Phone
4. That’s it!

Unless Google makes the feature available officially via OTA, the users can enjoy it by following the process above.

There could be multiple reasons behind Google’s disabling the DisplayPort feature. The company could be working on a refined version to compete against Samsung’s DeX, or they want to polish the build before unveiling it officially.

Well, there are no worries, as already a working method is available to activate the DisplayPort on Pixel 8. If you have any queries, then make sure to comment in the respective XDA thread.

Related:

• Google Pixel 8 Face Unlock Vulnerability Discovered, Allowing Others to Unlock Devices
• Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro not able to launch Android Auto, users report
• Google Pixel 8 Series bundles support for display output via USB Type-C, despite Google’s Denial
• Google Pixel 8 Pro Aces JerryRigEverything’s Durability Test

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The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were recently introduced, and like every Pixel model, they had a rough start filled with issues. These strange errors and problems in Google’s new phones have now become a part of the tech world. For instance, we recently mentioned that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were unable to launch Android Auto. Now, there are reports that the Face Unlock on the Google Pixel 8 has already been deceived. Here are the details…

Sibling Able to Unlock Google Pixel 8 with Face Unlock, Despite Looking “Very Different”

Biometric protection has been an essential part of our lives for a while now. It began notably with fingerprint scanners, and today, we see facial recognition technology. The shift to facial recognition is primarily due to its enhanced security. As an iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I can say that this technology is highly functional. Consequently, the latest Pixel 8 and 8 Pro also feature it. However, according to a Reddit user, the Face Unlock on the Google Pixel 8 was allegedly fooled by a sibling.

The Reddit user claims that their brother was able to unlock their Pixel 8 Pro with Face Unlock, despite the two siblings looking “very different”. The full post is as follows:

“I watched dave2ds video yesterday where one of his main talking points was about how the pixel 8 pro had a much better face unlock that actually has the capability to get into more secure apps. After I set up my 8 pro today and got home my brother (who I bought the pixel 7 pro for last year) picked up my phone to look at it and he can unlock it every time with his face (my face works perfectly fine as well) i think we have some of the same facial features but we both look very different. Just to make sure I wasn’t going insane I set up my face on his p7p and it would not let him unlock it until he retrained it to his face. I just find it funny that they say now the more secure unlock feature will let him into my bank account no problems but his p7p wouldn’t even let him get past the lock screen”

Google says that Face Unlock on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is very secure. It meets the highest Android biometric class standard, which is Class 3. This means that it is very unlikely for someone else to be able to unlock your phone with Face Unlock.

Although the user claims otherwise, it is possible that the Pixel 8’s Face Unlock system was fooled by the sibling’s resemblance to the user. It is also possible that there is a bug in the system that could be exploited by someone who looks similar to the user. Google has not yet commented on the report. It is unclear whether the company is aware of the issue or whether it is working on a fix.

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• Google reportedly blocked users from installing benchmark apps on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

(via)

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The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro debuted earlier this month. And while we were just starting to make peace with their underwhelming GPU performance and heating issues, a new problem has begun to emerge. Users of the new Pixel phones are reporting that they are unable to launch the Android Auto app. Google has also stepped in to help by urging affected users to send a diagnosis report.

Older Pixel phones don’t have this issue

Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro users on Google’s forums are reporting that Android Auto isn’t working for them (Via autoevolution). Even though their phones connect to the head unit and start charging, the Android Auto app never launches. These users also say that they never had this problem with their older Pixel phones, including the Pixel 7 and even the Pixel 3.

Google has not yet rolled out a fix, but an official from the Android Auto team has stepped in to offer help, or we could say, is asking users to help Google. “It would be great if you could send us a bug report from your phone to diagnose the root cause of the issue. We’ll send an email with instructions on how to capture a bug report,” wrote an Android Auto team community specialist in response to a user’s complaint.

As Bogdan Popa writes for autoevolution, it’s perplexing for users when “a Google phone running Google software on a Google operating system” is affected by bugs. Currently, there’s no news as to when Google could fix the issue. We hope to learn more in the coming days.

RELATED:

• Google reportedly blocked users from installing benchmark apps on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
• Google renames “Camera App” to “Pixel Camera” on Play Store
• Google Nerfs Tensor G3’s Peak Frequencies, Prioritizing Battery Life Over Performance
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Xiaomi 13T Pro: Specs Comparison
• iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Redmi Note 13 vs Redmi Note 13 Pro: Specs Comparison

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Following Google’s denial regarding the support for DisplayPort Connection on the new Pixel 8 Series, Mishaal Rahman established that the feature works on the device. In a study with another tester, Mishaal confirmed that the DP Alt Mode on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is running, but the company has disabled it with a firmware update.

Must See: Google reportedly blocked users from installing benchmark apps on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

He managed to successfully connect and mirror the smartphone’s display using USB Type-C. To enable the display output over USB-C, the user needs to root the Pixel 8 smartphone and need to do some configuration changes. However, the process requires the right USB Type-C cable which is capable of carrying Video output to other displays.

Following the process, another user reciprocated the procedure and managed to successfully establish the mirror using DisplayPort capability.

Now, it is difficult to understand why Google has disabled a feature that might be useful for some Pixel 8 users. We believe the feature could be in the early stages of development, and the c company would want to establish more use cases to make the feature more fruitful and productive.

Google could launch the DisplayPort compatibility via QPR1 or QPR2 update early next year. Interested user who would want to get access to the feature can root their devices to get early access.

Other Features Removed from Pixel 8

Apart from the DisplayPort feature on Pixel 8, Google pulled the plug on several useful features that were part of the device till the last minute. The company removed the 8K video recording capability, and also the ability to record 720p@480fps slo-mo videos at the eleventh hour.

Well, we hope these features might be reserved for the upcoming Quarterly Platform Release (QPR).

Related:

• From Physical to Digital: Pixel 8 Leads with eSIM Transfer and Conversion
• Google Pixel 8a Surfaces In Leaked Renders With Rounded Corners, UWB Antenna
• Google Pixel 8 Pro Aces JerryRigEverything’s Durability Test
• iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison

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Google has reportedly blocked users from installing benchmark apps on their Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones. This was uncovered by Sanjiv of Notebookcheck, who found that Google has prevented users from installing Geekbench and 3D Mark benchmarking apps on their devices.

Benchmark apps are used to assess the CPU and GPU performance of smartphones. They are a valuable tool for reviewers and consumers alike, as they allow them to compare the performance of different devices.

According to the author, Google’s block on benchmark apps has prevented some reviewers from running tests, but others have been able to bypass this limitation by sideloading the apps. As a result, benchmark results for the Tensor G3 have surfaced regardless.

In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the Tensor G3 scored lower than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in both single-core and multi-core tests. The Tensor G3 also performed worse than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in 3D Mark Wild Life Stress benchmarks. This is despite the fact that the Tensor G3 has a newer and more advanced architecture than some of its rivals.

The performance disparity is likely due to the fact that the Tensor G3 is manufactured using Samsung’s 4 nm node technology, which is not as efficient as TSMC’s N4P node technology, which is used to manufacture the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

In any case, users must be aware that Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are not performance-centric devices. So, if performance is important to you, you may want to consider a different device.

Related:

• Google renames “Camera App” to “Pixel Camera” on Play Store
• Google Nerfs Tensor G3’s Peak Frequencies, Prioritizing Battery Life Over Performance
• Google Pixel 8 Pro Aces JerryRigEverything’s Durability Test
• From Physical to Digital: Pixel 8 Leads with eSIM Transfer and Conversion
• Adobe Lightroom for Android now supports HDR images!

(Via)

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Google recently unveiled its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models at an event. These flagship devices stand out with their features, but the spotlight for tech enthusiasts was on the Tensor G3 processor that powers the Pixel series. For those who might not know, the Tensor G3 is Google’s third-generation custom-designed mobile processor.

This processor is built on a 4nm manufacturing process, making it more efficient and powerful than its predecessors. However, recent information suggests that the G3 was originally intended to be even more powerful than it currently is. Here are the details…

Tensor G3: Not the Fastest Chip, But Still Very Powerful

Tensor G3 was supposed to be more powerful than what it currently is. Early leaks suggested that it would have higher peak frequencies for the CPU cores. However, Google made a surprising change before release and lowered the frequencies.

The reason for this change is unclear. Some speculate that Google was concerned about battery life, while others believe that there may have been a hardware bug that prevented the higher frequencies from being used reliably.

Despite the lower frequencies, the Tensor G3 is still a very powerful chip. It offers significant performance improvements over the Tensor G2, especially in terms of AI processing. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t deliver the same level of raw performance as some of the other flagship chips on the market, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

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• Google Pixel 8 Pro Aces JerryRigEverything’s Durability Test
• Google Pixel 8 Pro launched with Tensor G3 chip, upgraded cameras, thermometer
• Google Pixel 8 Pro Absolutely Smashes the DxOMark Display Tests
• From Physical to Digital: Pixel 8 Leads with eSIM Transfer and Conversion

(via)

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In a recent surprise event, Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro alongside Android 14. The phone, boasting numerous new features, has managed to grab the attention of users. Undoubtedly, one of the most notable features is the simple yet functional eSIM transfer capability. Here are the details…

Pixel 8 Introduces Seamless eSIM Features with Android 14

If you’re not very familiar with this technology, eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded directly into a device. It functions the same way as a traditional SIM card. eSIMs are gaining traction in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They are also found in wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers, as well as IoT devices such as cars and smart home systems. However, the novelty of this technology has brought some issues.

For instance, in my country, even though there is no cost to the operators, they still charge an unnecessary fee for every eSIM transaction. Considering that setting up a digital SIM simply requires scanning a QR code, this can be quite frustrating. However, Google addresses these opportunistic issues with two “outstanding” features in the Pixel series. The first of these is the eSIM transfer feature.

This feature lets you shift your eSIM profile from your previous phone directly to your new Pixel 8 without needing to get in touch with your service provider. It’s a significant convenience, eliminating unnecessary time and effort. Also, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro introduced the feature of converting a physical SIM to an eSIM. This feature allows you to transform your physical SIM card into an eSIM profile.

It can be handy when traveling to a country that doesn’t support your carrier’s physical SIM or if you just want to minimize the number of cards you carry. However, it is important to note that not all carriers support eSIM transfer or physical SIM to eSIM conversion. You should check with your carrier to see if they support these features before you try to use them.

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(via)

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The Google Pixel 8 series recently broke cover worldwide. As usual, the brand has launched two devices in the lineup called the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. A third device called the Pixel 8a will arrive in the coming months. That being said, Google has made the Pixel 8 series available for purchase in India.

Pixel 8 series pricing & specs

In India, the Google Pixel 8 series starts at Rs 75,999. The basic Pixel 8 comes in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB versions, priced at Rs 75,999 and Rs 82,999, respectively. The Pixel 8 Pro is offered in a 12GB + 128GB variant for Rs 1,06,999. These devices are exclusively available on Flipkart.

Buyers can get a discount of Rs 8,000 when using ICICI, Axis Bank, or Kotak Bank Cards to purchase the Pixel 8. For the Pixel 8 Pro, the discount is Rs 9,000 with card transactions. Additionally, Pixel 8 series buyers can buy a Google Pixel Watch 2 for Rs 19,990 or a Google Pixel Buds Pro for Rs 8,990.

Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a high Quad HD+ resolution, offering 2400 nits of peak brightness. It’s powered by the Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 chip and comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The phone’s cameras include a 50MP primary rear camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. There’s also a 10.5MP dual PD selfie camera. The device has a 5050mAh battery with 30W fast charging, 23W Qi wireless charging, and Battery Share support. It features stereo speakers, spatial audio, and security options like an in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock. The phone is IP68 dust and water-resistant and comes in Obsidian and Bay color options.

On the other hand, the Google Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, offering 2000 nits of peak brightness. It’s also powered by the Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 chip but comes with 8GB of RAM and a choice of 128GB or 256GB of storage. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The front camera is a 10.5MP dual PD selfie camera. The device is equipped with a 4575mAh battery with 27W fast charging, 15W Qi wireless charging, and Battery Share. It features stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and face unlock for security. The phone is also IP68 dust and water-resistant and is available in Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose color options.

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Google announced its Pixel 8 series smartphones with a number of new camera features. Notably, some of these features are reserved exclusively for the Pro model, including manual focus, shutter speed adjustments, and ISO controls – or so Google claims.

Interestingly, Kamila Wojciechowska, a well-known tipster shared that she was able to run the Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive camera features on a Pixel 7 Pro by modding the Pixel 8’s Google Camera APK.

In fact, she made a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing those camera features on her 7 Pro. She also mentioned that these features “fully work on any Tensor Pixel, from the 6 to the 7 Pro.” That means, even if you own a Pixel that’s a couple of years old, you can use these features effortlessly with a modded Google Camera Apk.

Some of the camera features that Wojciechowska was able to enable on the Pixel 7 Pro include manual focus with focus peaking, switching between lenses, and changing shutter speed and ISO. 

Focus peaking is Google’s new feature that uses highlighted lines to indicate what’s in focus before you take a photo. But according to Wojciechowska, unlike the Pixel 8 Pro, which lets you set the shutter speed as high as 16 seconds without Night Sight, her Pixel 7 Pro was only able to support shutter speeds of up to 8 seconds—although the camera UI shows 16 seconds. 

Likewise, you can also control both the shutter speed and ISO manually or choose to tweak one of them while the other option remains automatic.

Modding Google Camera is not a new trend in the Android community, as people often prefer Google’s camera app due to its software features and post-processing algorithm. So, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive camera features even on Samsung or Xiaomi phones in the future.

Anyway, Google is also adding some new camera features to both the Pixel 8 (Amazon)  and Pixel 8 Pro (Amazon), such as Zoom Enhance, improved Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take. These features will be available on October 12.

Related:

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• Full Google Pixel Watch 2 product page leaks ahead of its October 4 launch
• Fitbit Charge 6 Renders Depict a Budget-Friendly Challenger to Pixel Watch 2
• Google to ship Pixel 8 Pro pre-orders with a free Pixel Watch 2
• Google Will Offer 7 Years Of Spare Parts For The Pixel 8 Series To Align With The Software Policy Commitment
• Google Pixel 8 series benchmark results show disappointing performance

*Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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After debuting on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the new Google Magnifier app is not available for old Pixels too. It is a utility app that magnifies the object or text from a distance. It can be quite handy while looking at airport signs, or peeking into a restaurant menu. The app is compatible with Pixel 5 and newer phones and tablets.

Must See: Android 14 Announced: New Features for Customization, Control, Accessibility, and the First Phones to Get the Update

Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with all-new hardware and some great software features that harness the AI capability to offer an overall immersive experience. Among several new features, the magnifier app also uses AI to capture detailed zoom photos and offers to copy the text or listen to it. The users can zoom in on the desired text, photo, or sign using the shutter key. It even allows one to control the flashlight intensity if you’re looking for something in a low-light environment.

There are different zoom levels for comfortable reading, and the app doesn’t populate the storage by saving images. But, there’s an option to store it or share it. To ease the operation, the app features a “Reset Zoom” button at the bottom and even offers color filters for live previewing the image. Furthermore, the users can access more settings by hitting the settings toggle on the bottom left side icon. The settings overlay offers the ability to Invert, Grayscale, Yellow on black, Blue on yellow, White on blue, and Red on black.

There’s also an option to adjust the Contrast and Brightness of the image. Google Magnifier app does have Google Lens support that lets to analyze the image, copy text from it, or convert text-to-speech.

Use Google Magnifier with Google Pixel’s Quick Tap Gesture

For user convenience, Google suggests assigning a gesture to the Google Magnifier App. It can be done by following the steps below.

1. Head over to the phone’s Settings app.
2. Now go to System > Gestures > Quick Tap.
3. Enable Quick Tap gesture and then Choose Open App > Tap Settings > Select Magnifier App.
4. Now, Double tapping the phone back will open the Magnifier app.

It is available via the Google Play store.

Related:

• Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Has Worse Battery Life than the Pixel 6, per Google
• Google Pixel 8 receives decent repairability scores in teardown video
• Grab Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Wallpapers here
• Google Pixel 9 Lineup will Have Bigger Displays than its Predecessors, Reliable Leak States

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After the Pixel 8 series launch at the unexpected event, here are the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro stock wallpapers that you download and enjoy on your respective phones. There are distinct wallpapers present on both smartphones matching their respective color tones. Pixel 8 features Penny Rose, Grey, and Obsidian Black background collections, and the Pixel 8 pro buckles Bay, Porcelain, and Obsidian color collections.

Must See: Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Has Worse Battery Life than the Pixel 6, per Google

Pixel 8 Generative AI Wallpaper Feature

Interestingly, Google added a new Generative AI Wallpaper tool that automatically generates new wallpapers on the basis of the description provided or topics you’ve selected. It is a great tool to populate the home screen with something that’s going on in your mind. There are tons of choices that can create a fresh wallpaper every time.

The stock wallpapers on the Pixel 8 are available in the 2957 x 3291 pixels resolution. The users can preview these wallpapers below, before heading to the download section.

Note: The wallpapers below are just for representational purposes. The actual quality wallpapers can be downloaded via the respective links below.

Preview Pixel 8 Pro Wallpapers

Preview Pixel 8 Wallpapers

Download Pixel 8 Series Wallpapers

Here’s a link to download the elegant yet amazing Pixel 8 wallpaper.

• Google Drive link to Download Pixel 8 Wallpapers

In case the link is not working, then do let us know via the comments below.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Specifications

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro comes with the Tensor G3 SoC which is based on 3nm architecture and couples Titan M2 Security chip. Further, Pixel 8 houses a 6.17-inch OLED sporting a 60-120Hz refresh rate and supports up to 2000 nits brightness. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro ships with a 6.17-inch LTPO OLED display with 3120 x 1440 pixels resolution and a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Both smartphones are protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and bundle IP68 waterproof rating.

Pixel 8 Pro houses a 5050 mAh battery with 30W fast charging and Pixel 8 houses a 4485 mAh battery with 24W wired fast charging support. Pixel 8 is available in Hazel, Rose, and Obsidian colors and the Pro variant is available in Sky Blue, Porcelain, and Obsidian Black.

Related:

• Google Pixel 8 receives decent repairability scores in teardown video
• Google Pixel 8 Pro launched with Tensor G3 chip, upgraded cameras, thermometer
• Google Pixel 8 Launched With 120Hz Display, 7 Years Of OS Updates
• Android 14 Announced: New Features for Customization, Control, Accessibility, and the First Phones to Get the Update

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The highly anticipated Google Pixel 8 series was finally announced after months of leaks and rumors. Now, a new teardown video for the Pixel 8 model has surfaced mere hours after its launch. The video offers us a close look at the new flagship device’s internal, so let’s have a look.

Google Pixel 8 Teardown

The teardown for the Search Engine giant’s Pixel 8 was shared by PBKreviews on YouTube. In the video, the smartphone is disassembled in front of the camera. This also offers a tutorial on how to open up the device. We can see the rear camera sensors once the rear panel is removed, along with the graphite film that helps in dissipating heat. Right underneath this layer is the battery pack, which was a bit tricky to remove due to the adhesives.

Although, the Pixel 8’s camera models were relatively easier to remove. PBKreviews even managed to take out the motherboard of the new smartphone. The YouTuber noted that removing the back panel without damaging the device is difficult. He gave the Pixel 8 a repairability score of 7 out of 10. This score isn’t bad since it means that self repairs are possible, however, it isn’t recommended for inexperienced beginners.

Talking about the device itself, the Pixel 8 is equipped with Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, which is paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. It sports a 6.2-inch OLED display that has a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The rear features a 50-megapixel dual camera setup, while the front houses a 10.5-megapixel selfie shooter. The Pixel is powered by a 4,575mAh battery pack.

RELATED:

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Unlike the last few months, the smartphone launches in October are expected to be minimal. Only a trio of brands have officially scheduled events.

At the same time, only a handful of companies are rumored to debut new phones. These products range from budget to premium, such as foldables.

The most anticipated launch will be by Google. The search giant will be unveiling its next-gen flagship Pixel handsets.

Further, OnePlus is anticipated to take wraps off its first-ever foldable. Also, Huawei is expected to continue its smartphone launch spree.

With that out of the way, let’s have a look at all the phones that are either scheduled or rumored to be released in the forthcoming days.

Upcoming Smartphones in October 2023

Vivo V29 Series

The Vivo V29 series is set to launch in India on October 4. There will be two devices, namely Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro.

The duo will be equipped with an autofocus-enabled 50MP selfie camera. They will also arrive with an Aura Light (ring LED flash) for the rear cameras.

The Pro variant will feature a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor with OIS and a 12MP Sony IMX663 sensor paired with a 2x telephoto lens. It will draw energy from a 4,600mAh battery and carry support for 80W fast charging.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will be also unveiled on October 4. The successor of Galaxy S21 FE will be announced for multiple markets.

It will come with either  Exynos 2200 SoC or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip depending on the region. However, the rest of the specs will be the same across both variants.

The device will arrive with a 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 50MP (wide) + 12MP (3x telephoto) + 8MP (ultrawide) triple camera system, a 10MP selfie camera, IP68 rating, a 4,500mAh battery, and support for 25W wired as well as 15W wireless charging.

Google Pixel 8 Series

The Google Pixel 8 series is yet another smartphone lineup that is scheduled to launch on October 4. The series will consist of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Both the handsets will be powered by Tensor G3 chipset. They will be the first Android phones to be released with a promise of 7 years of software updates.

The Pro model will be the first Pixel to sport a 1-120Hz LTPO OLED display. It will be fitted with a 48MP 5x periscope camera and a 48MP ultrawide unit.

The Pixel 8 family is tipped to be $100 costlier than its predecessor. The vanilla and pro versions are said to retail at $699 and $999, respectively.

Huawei Nova 11 SE

The Huawei Nova 11 SE is expected to go official in the next few days. Though the company hasn’t hinted at anything officially, the product is listed on TENAA with entire specs and images.

The 4G-ony phone will be built around a 6.67-inch FHD+ 10-bit OLED display. An unnamed chip paired with 8GB RAM will be running it.

The device will arrive with a 108MP rear camera, a 16MP front-facing camera, and 66W charging support. It will boot HarmonyOS 4.0 and will be backed by a 4,400mAh (rated) battery.

OnePlus Open and Oppo Find N3

OnePlus has started teasing the launch of its first-ever foldable — OnePlus Open. This handset is expected to be sold as Oppo Find N3 in China.

As per leaks, the device will feature a boxy design. It will sport a 7.8-inch 120Hz 2K internal display and a 6.3-inch 120Hz cover screen. It will be equipped with a Hasselblad-tuned triple camera system featuring wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses.

The phone will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. It will be backed by a 4,800mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging.

Oppo Find N3 Flip

The Oppo Find N3 Flip made its debut in China at the end of August as the brand’s second clamshell foldable smartphone. It is now being teased to launch in global markets.

The product could be released outside mainland China as early as this month. The device’s main highlight is its Hasselblad-tuned triple camera setup on the rear.

The Find N3 Flip is the only clamshell foldable to have a proper three-lens camera system featuring wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Also, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chip.

Vivo Y200

The Vivo Y200 could launch in the next few days. All the key features of this handset have leaked recently.

The phone will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 SoC paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. It will flaunt a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

The product will come with an OIS-assisted 64MP rear camera, a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,800mAh battery, and 44W charging support.

Tecno Spark 20 and Spark 20C

The Tecno Spark 20 series is rumored to go official either this month or next. Two devices are expected as of now.

The Spark 20 will be a higher variant equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. It is tipped to come with a 6.78-inch HD+ display, a 50MP rear camera, a 5,000mAh battery, and 18W charging support.

On the other hand, the Spark 20C with a cheaper version powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 SoC.

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The Google Pixel 8 series launch is just around the corner. But just prior to the highly anticipated announcement, the company’s base Pixel 8 model’s Hazel color option was spotted in a leaked image of the retail packaging box.

Google Pixel 8 Hazel Retail Box

The retail box of the upcoming Google Pixel 8 was spotted on a YouTube Shorts video (Via TechOutlook). Looking at the leaked image, the retail box confirms the Hazel color option. The packaging also offers us a look at the device from the front, back, and side. The long visor-like rear camera module with the dual camera setup is in clear view, while the front houses a center-aligned punch hole cutout for the selfie camera.

The Pixel 8 retail box is for the Hazel color option, which features 128GB of storage. The official parameters also reveal that the upcoming smartphone will sport a 6.2-inch display (120Hz OLED panel), support 5G sub-6 connectivity, and carry the G9BQD model number. The retail box will come with a charging cable and a Quick Switch adapter as well. Notably, this leak also arrived after we reported on the Pixel 8 Pro unboxing images being leaked.

Based on what we know so far, the Pixel 8 will be equipped with the Tenso G3 SoC under the hood. The rear packs a 50-megapixel dual camera setup, while the front may house a 10.5-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include fingerprint and face scanning, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Android 14 OS out of the box. Google will unveil the Pixel 8 lineup later this week, so stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event.

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Google is set to launch its flagship Pixel 8 series of smartphones next week. Now, here’s a complete roundup of everything you need to know about the base Pixel 8 model. So let’s have a look at the specs, pricing, design, and more.

Google Pixel 8: Design & Display

The Search Engine giant isn’t bringing any radical changes to the 2023 Pixel lineup. So the Pixel 8 retains a recognizable form factor and a visor-like camera module. However, there are some updates to the existing formula. The device would likely keep to its matte aluminium and glossy glass finish. The Pixel 8 will reportedly feature more rounded corners and an overall smaller footprint. It is believed to measure 150.5mm x 70.8mm x 8.9mm in dimensions, compared to the Pixel 7’s 155.6mm x 73.2mm x 8.7mm.

The smaller size also means that the display on the next-gen Pixel phone is slightly smaller than its predecessor. The Google Pixel is expected to sport a 6.17-inch OLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and up to 1,400 nits of peak brightness. The front also houses a center aligned punch hole cutout for the selfie camera.

Specifications

Under the hood, the Pixel 8 lineup will be equipped with the new Tensor G3 SoC. The chipset is rumored to be a processor built on the unannounced Samsung Exynos 2300. The upcoming Tensor G3 is based on Samsung’s advanced 3nm process node, which should offer improved power efficiency and performance. The processor will reportedly be paired with the same storage configuration options as last year.

Meaning, we can expect to find a 128GB or 256GB storage option. Apart from this, the device will likely introduce an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and Android 14 OS out of the box. A 4,485mAh battery pack may power the Pixel 8, which supports 24W fast charging.

Camera

The Google Pixel series is known for its outstanding cameras. So many have high expectations for the image sensors on the new Pixel 8. Based on recent reports, the base model will feature a 50-megapixel ISOCELL GN2 primary camera from Samsung. This will be complimented with a 12-megapixel INX386 ultra wide angle lens. It is expected to feature an upgraded ToF (Time of Flight) sensor as well.

On the other hand, the front is rumored to house an 11-megapixel camera for selfies and video games. The camera would offer a series of useful features from the Camera app. This includes Staggered HDR, Face Unblur, Photo Unblur, up to 8K resolution recording, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, Video Unblur, Audio Magic Eraser, and much more.

Launch Date, Colors, and Pricing

The company will host the Made by Google launch event on 4th October 2023. The Pixel 8 model is expected to launch in multiple color variants, including Hazel, Rose, and Obsidian. Unlike the Pro versions, the base Pixel phones were popular for their $600 price tag. But it seems like the brand won’t be maintaining this pricing this year. The vanilla model is expected to see a 100 US Dollar price hike over last year’s Pixel 7, so it might cost around 700 US Dollars.

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September has almost come to an end with a plethora of smartphone launches. However, new phone releases will continue to happen next month as well.

Three brands are expected to debut new handsets as early as the first week of October. Two of them have officially scheduled events, while one of them is rumored.

The companies that have planned events are Vivo and Google. The former will unveil upper mid-range smartphones and the latter will take wraps off its next-gen flagships. On the other hand, the rumored brand is Samsung, which will announce a flagship killer.

Let’s have a look at these devices one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Vivo V29 Series

The Vivo V29 series is set to go official on October 4 in India. It will be announced in a live stream scheduled for 12 PM IST.

The brand will unveil two devices, namely Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro. Both phones will be equipped with a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and a ring LED flash (Aura Light) on the rear.

The Pro model will come with an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor and a 12MP Sony IMX663 with a 2x telephoto lens for portraits. It will be backed by a 4,600mAh battery with support for 80W wired charging.

Google Pixel 8 Series

The Google Pixel 8 series will be officially presented on October 4. It will be made official at an event in New York, which will start at 10 AM ET and will be live-streamed on YouTube.

The lineup will include two models, such as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The duo will be powered by Tensor G3 chip and will receive software updates for 7 years.

The Pro variant will offer better cameras like a 48MP ultrawide unit and a 48MP 5x periscope zoom unit. It will also sport an LTPO OLED display (1-120HZ refresh rate).

The Pixel 8 is tipped to cost $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro will retail at $999. These prices make them $100 costlier than their predecessors.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung is tipped to unveil the Galaxy S23 FE on October 4. This handset will act as the successor of Galaxy S21 FE and the third Galaxy S FE model to date.

The device will be powered by Exynos 2200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets depending on the markets it will be sold in. Its front will be fitted with a 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with noticeable bezels all around.

The phone will arrive with a 50MP (wide) + 12MP (3x telephoto) + 8MP (ultrawide) triple camera setup and a 10MP selfie camera. It will draw energy from a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging,

Finally, the product is expected to start from $599 in the US.

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Only a few days are left for the official launch of the Pixel 8 Series on October 4. Along with the Pixel 8 launch, we expect a new Pixel Watch 2, New Nest Devices, Android 14 stable build, and a few other announcements. A few days before the official launch, a massive leak detailing all the specifications surfaced via 91mobiles. It also revealed Google’s plan to offer up to 7 Years of OS upgrades and Security Patches starting with the Pixel 8 series.

Must See: Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 leak confirms UK pricing

Quashing the previous leaks about the updated policy, the users would expect the Pixel 8 series to get updates up to Android 21. It looks exciting as a few years ago, the Android update cycle for a device was limited to a maximum of 2-3 years. The latest chipset advancements and Android’s OS-level improvements have enabled manufacturers to offer up to 7 years of updates.

Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Specs as per leak

As per the new leak, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will come with Google Tensor G3 coupled with Titan M2 security chip. The Pixel 8 will feature a 6.2-inch Full HD+ OLED, offering 60-120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits of maximum brightness. It will be protected with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The smartphone will further support 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage support. It will bundle a 4,575 mAh battery with support for up to 27W fast charging and Qi-certified wireless charging up to 18W. As revealed earlier and confirmed once again, the Pixel 8 will come with a dual-rear camera sensor consisting of a 50MP octa PD wide lens coupled with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS), and a 12MP ultrawide sensor.

Meanwhile, the Pro model will ship with a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display offering a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and up to 2000 nits maximum brightness. It is protected with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In camera, the smartphone houses a 50MP Octa PD wide camera, a 48MP primary lens with 5x Optical Zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide unit . Both the wide and ultrawide sensors support OIS and EIS. The smartphone appears to launch with up to 8GB LPDDR5X RAM up to 1TB UFS 3.1 storage for the US, and up to 512GB UFS 3.1 storage for the Rest of the World.

Both smartphones will bundle the same 10.5MP selfie camera. In connectivity, there will be WiFi 7, Bluetooth v5.3, and NFC support for both smartphones.

The specifications fall in line with the previous leaks and promotional material, but still, we suggest taking it with a grain of salt in the ocean.

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As the launch of new Pixel devices is nearing, the frequency of leaks has increased too. Following the US pricing leak a few hours ago, the UK pricing is here for the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2. Famous tipster Roland Quandt posted the pricing details on X.com (formerly Twitter.com).

Must See: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro price leaks via Official Promo Material

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will retail for £699 and £999, respectively. The pricing is slightly on the higher side if we compare it with the Pixel 7 which debuted for £599 and Pixel 7 Pro which arrived with £849 price tag. Further, there’s a $100 price difference between the US and the UK retailing rates of the new Pixel 8 Series.

Pixel Watch 2 is said to retail for £349 in the UK, and it is £10 more than the maiden Pixel Watch price. Along with a similar price, the new Pixel Watch 2 will likely come in the same three case colors as the Pixel Watch which are Black, Silver, and Gold.

However, the pricing has not yet been officially confirmed by Google. So, take these as a salt of grain in the ocean.

Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch features (Expected)

Following some previous leaks, a recent promotional video has made almost every feature and specification of the new Pixel 8 Series public. The Pixel 8 will feature a dual-rear camera featuring a 50MP primary wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro will pack an additional 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. Both smartphones will house the same 10.5MP selfie camera.

The Tensor G3 will surely enhance the performance and efficiency of both smartphones. Apart from the new hardware features, the Search giant is adding plenty of new software-based features to the new Pixel 8 series.

The smartphone is slated for launch at an event on October 4.

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Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launch is around the corner, and, massive leaks have started unfolding. Following the trend from the past few years, this time too Google remained unsuccessful in keeping the secrets of the new Pixel 8 series. Apart from the leaks from external sources and materials, there are an increasing number of leaks being sourced from internal sources. In such a leak, we have got to know the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro prices along with some specifications and features information.

Must See: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to get price increase in the US

A user on X.com (formerly Twitter) – @Za_Raczke posted official promo material for the upcoming Pixel 8 series where it compares with the previous generation smartphone lineup. As per the promotional poster, the Pixel 8 with 8GB RAM is priced at $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro coupling 12GB RAM is set at $899.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Specifications and Features (Expected)

The document further confirms the Presence of Google Tensor G3, and the presence of improved security features like VPN by Google One, FaceUnlock, and Fingerprint Unlock support. There will be several other software-based features that will enhance the photography experience like Magic Eraser, Photo Unlur, Face Unblur, Night Light, Real Tone, and much more.

Further, the poster unveils a dual-rear camera module for Pixel 8 which comprises a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 8 Pro sits with a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultrawide camera with Macro Focus, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Both smartphones house the same 10.8MP front camera.

The Pixel 8 will support a 60-120Hz refresh rate, meanwhile, the Pro edition will come with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Surprisingly, the pricing for the new Pixel 8 lineup is quite similar to the Pixel 7 series. However, the pricing above is only for the base storage variants, the Pixel 8 Pro will have a more expensive price tag for its other large storage models.

The new Tensor G3 chip is set to unleash new potential with its new cores and a new GPU. Meanwhile, the bigger batteries equipped with fast charging will surely come in handy in real life.

All the rumors and the leaks will fade away with the official launch which is scheduled for October 4. The phones will start retailing on October 12.

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The post Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro price leaks via Official Promo Material appeared first on Gizmochina.