Highlights
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Pixel 8 Pro reintroduces ultra-wide astrophotography with its 48MP camera.
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Enhanced low-light photography through 4:1 pixel binning in the Pro model.
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Exclusive astrophotography feature in Pixel 8 Pro, absent in standard Pixel 8.
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Astrophotography in Pixel 8 Pro available in multiple zoom settings, including ultra-wide.
Astrophotography, a feature that allows users to capture stunning images of the night sky, has made a remarkable comeback in Google’s Pixel 8 Pro.
This mode, initially available in earlier Pixel models, was notably absent in some versions due to concerns over image quality.
The Pixel 8 Pro’s ultra-wide camera, boasting a 48MP sensor with 4:1 pixel binning technology, sets the stage for its astrophotography capabilities.
This technology merges information from four adjacent pixels into one, enhancing low-light photography while reducing noise.
This advancement is a step up from the 12MP ultra-wide sensor in the Pixel 8, possibly explaining why astrophotography is exclusive to the Pro model.
Interestingly, the return of this feature might not just be about technological improvements.
It could also be a strategic move by Google to differentiate the Pixel 8 Pro from its less expensive counterpart, potentially swaying buyers towards the higher-end model.
When it comes to the specifics of using this feature on the Pixel 8 Pro, users have a variety of shooting options.
They can choose from standard 1x zoom, 2x, or the ultra-wide 0.5x setting.
However, Google’s updated camera support page clarifies that astrophotography is functional only at zoom settings of 1x or greater.
This implies that the ultra-wide astrophotography option is a unique attribute of the Pixel 8 Pro.
The Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro, both equipped with 12MP ultra-wide cameras, don’t support this feature, suggesting that ultra-wide astrophotography might be reserved for future Pro models.
This move by Google marks an interesting evolution in smartphone photography, especially for enthusiasts keen on capturing the celestial wonders.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Key Specs
GENERAL
| Sim Type | Dual Sim, GSM+GSM |
| Dual Sim | Yes |
| Sim Size | Nano+eSim |
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Release Date | October 05, 2023 (Expected) |
DESIGN
| Dimensions | 76.5 x 162.6 x 8.7 mm |
DISPLAY
| Type | Color OLED Screen (16M Colors) |
| Touch | Yes |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 120 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 20.5:9 |
| PPI | ~ 490 PPI |
| Screen to Body Ratio | ~ 88.8% |
| Glass Type | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Features | 1600nits, HDR10+, Always-on Display |
| Notch | Yes, Punch Hole |
MEMORY
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Storage Type | UFS 3.2 |
| Card Slot | No |
CONNECTIVITY
| GPRS | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes |
| 3G | Yes |
| 4G | Yes |
| 5G | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes, Dual Stand-By |
| Wifi | Yes, with wifi-hotspot |
| Wifi Version | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| USB | Yes, USB-C v3.1 |
| USB Features | USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging |
EXTRA
| GPS | Yes, with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, In Display |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, Barometer, Magnetometer, Ambient light sensor |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | No |
| Extra | NFC |
| Water Resistance | Yes, 1.5 m upto 30 min |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Dust Resistant | Yes |
| Extra Features | Dual Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones, Noise Suppression, Reply to Notifications through Google Assistant |
CAMERA
| Rear Camera | 50 MP (Wide Angle) 48 MP (Telephoto) 48 MP (Ultra Wide) with autofocus |
| Features | Magic Eraser19, Motion Mode, Real Tone, Face Unblur, Panorama, Manual white balancing, Locked Folder, Night Sight, Top Shot, Portrait Mode, Portrait Light, Super Res Zoom, Motion autofocus, Frequent Faces, Dual exposure controls, Live HDR+ |
| Video Recording | 4K, 1080p |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED |
| Front Camera | Punch Hole 10.5 MP f/2.2 |
| Front Video Recording | 4K, 1080p |
TECHNICAL
| OS | Android v14 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 |
| CPU | 3 GHz, Nine Cores Processor |
| Core Details | 1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4×2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×2.15 GHz Cortex-A510 |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Java | No |
| Browser | Yes |
MULTIMEDIA
| Yes | |
| Music | Yes |
| Video | Yes |
| FM Radio | No |
| Document Reader | Yes |
BATTERY
| Type | Non-Removable Battery |
| Size | 4950 mAh, Li-Po Battery |
| Fast Charging | Yes, 27W Fast Charging |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 12W |
| Reverse Charging | Yes |
FAQs
What is the key improvement in the Pixel 8 Pro’s astrophotography feature?
The Pixel 8 Pro features a 48MP ultra-wide camera with 4:1 pixel binning technology, significantly enhancing astrophotography by improving low-light image quality and reducing noise, a notable upgrade from the standard Pixel 8’s 12MP sensor.
How does the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera differ from earlier Pixel models regarding astrophotography?
Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro, which have a 12MP ultra-wide camera, the Pixel 8 Pro’s 48MP sensor with advanced pixel binning technology offers superior astrophotography capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions.
Can I use astrophotography mode in different zoom settings on the Pixel 8 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro allows users to capture astrophotography shots in various zoom settings, including the standard 1x, 2x, and the unique 0.5x ultra-wide option, offering versatility in night sky photography.
Is the ultra-wide astrophotography feature exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro?
Currently, ultra-wide astrophotography is a distinctive feature of the Pixel 8 Pro, owing to its advanced camera technology.
This feature is not available in the standard Pixel 8 or previous Pixel Pro models.
How Does the Summarise Feature in Pixel 8 Pro’s Recorder App Work?
Utilizing the Gemini Nano AI model, the Summarise feature in the Recorder App of Pixel 8 Pro automatically generates concise summaries of recorded content like interviews, enhancing productivity and information management.
What Improvements Does the Video Boost Feature Bring to Pixel 8 Pro?
The Video Boost feature in Pixel 8 Pro, powered by Google’s Tensor G3 processor, improves video quality post-recording by optimizing color, lighting, and stability, offering an enhanced visual experience.
What is the Pixel 8 Pro Video Boost feature?
The Pixel 8 Pro Video Boost is a new feature designed to improve video quality through advanced post-processing on Google’s servers.
It’s integrated into the Google Photos app and is specifically tailored for Pixel 8 Pro users, aiming to significantly enhance their video content.
How do users access the Video Boost feature for their Pixel 8 Pro?
To use the Video Boost feature on the Pixel 8 Pro, users need to back up their videos to Google Photos.
This process requires signing in with a Google Account. Once the video is backed up, it will undergo the boosting process on Google’s servers.
Will using Video Boost affect the performance of the Pixel 8 Pro?
Using the Video Boost feature on the Pixel 8 Pro will not impact the phone’s battery life or performance.
The video enhancement process occurs on Google’s servers, ensuring that the device’s resources are not strained.
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