Google surprises: The Pixel is finally officially coming to Switzerland
4.10.2023
Translation: machine translated
Display, camera sensors, software, processor: Google has improved almost everything on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro - and made the devices slightly more expensive. But: The Pixel is officially coming to Switzerland for the first time.
There can be no talk of hardware fatigue at software specialist Google. In addition to features with artificial intelligence, the latest generation of Pixel smartphones is also receiving a technical upgrade in almost all areas. And the US manufacturer is expanding its sales activities into several new countries.
Finally officially available in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the countries benefiting from this. The Pixel is officially available for the first time in the country with the largest Google location outside the USA. The Pixel was already available in our shop, but only as an import at slightly higher prices in some cases. Now you can buy from us at the regular prices and processing warranty claims and repairs is much easier.
Google is trying to sweeten the slightly higher prices with these goodies. The Pixel 8 costs 719 francs with 128 GB of storage and 779 francs with 256 GB of storage. The Pixel 8 Pro starts at 999 francs with 128 GB of storage. With 256 GB of storage, the price is 1049 francs, and with 512 GB, the price is 1199 francs. Despite the price increase, the Pixel 8 is still cheaper than the Samsung S23 or the iPhone 15, for example.
Source: Google
Design and display: flatter and brighter
At first glance, the new models look very similar to the old ones. At second glance, however, there are differences. For example, the Pixel 8 has more rounded corners and therefore looks less angular. On the Pro, the two camera cut-outs have merged into one. The back is now matt and no longer glossy.
Google has opted for an unfortunately somewhat conventional selection of colours. The greenish shades from last year have disappeared. The Pixel 8 is available in grey, black and rosé. The Pro in black, light blue and a light beige.
You will notice the change on the front more in everyday life. The display is now flat and no longer curved over the edges. The corners are lower and the frame around the display is thinner.
The Pixel 8 has a slightly smaller screen than its predecessor - 6.2 inches instead of 6.3 inches. The Pixel Pro still has a 6.7-inch screen. It is pleasing that the non-Pro now also offers a refresh rate of 120 hertz - however, the smartphone can only adjust this down to 60 hertz. The Pro automatically varies between 1 and 120 hertz.
Perhaps even more important in everyday use is the fact that Google has significantly increased the brightness of both models. The Pixel 8 has 1400 to 2000 nits instead of 1000 to 1400 nits. The Pro even has 1600 to 2400 nits instead of the previous 1000 to 1500 nits.
By the way: You can find all the technical details and the comparison between the Pro and non-Pro in a table summarised here.
Cameras: more light sensitivity and lots of software tricks
Here too, first impressions are deceptive: Like the Pixel 7, the two new models do have a main camera with 50 megapixels. However, instead of an f/1.9 aperture, a lens with f/1.68 is now used. Google claims 21 per cent more light sensitivity. The test will have to show how much difference this makes, especially in difficult lighting conditions.
While the main camera is the same on both models, there are differences in the ultra-wide angle. The Pixel 8's 12-megapixel sensor is unchanged, but now has autofocus. The Pixel 8 Pro uses a 48-megapixel sensor that can capture 105 per cent more light than its predecessor.
This should help with night shots - and in macro mode. You can now get up to two centimetres closer to an object and the autofocus will still focus. The five-fold optical zoom is only available in the Pro model, and the light sensitivity has also been increased here, by 56 per cent according to Google.
The selfie camera is unfortunately still not in Google's focus. Once again, there is a new sensor: after a 10.8 megapixel in the 7 models and a 13 megapixel in the 7a, a 10.5 megapixel is now used. The aperture remains the same, but the Pro model now has autofocus.
Source: Google
Almost traditionally, the Google Pixel is given tricks for the photo app. This year, for example, the "Magic Editor", which can combine several images in a series. In group photos, someone always has their eyes closed or is not looking at the camera. The software now uses artificial intelligence to put together a shot in which everyone is smiling their best. In the examples shown by Google, it looks almost frighteningly good. Whether it also looks natural remains to be tested.
The manufacturer has also invested a lot in the video area: you can edit the audio track and filter out background noise using the "magic audio eraser". And you can do this as much as you like using the sliders. The Pro model also offers special night videos and subsequent video optimisation.
In Photo Pro mode, you can set the exposure, ISO value or shutter speed manually. Just like the iPhone Pro models, for example. In the Pixel, you now have the same options for the first time.
Software: exemplary seven years of updates
What many users around the world have appreciated about the devices for years and has also enticed many Swiss people to buy them even without official support is the operating system. A pure version of Android is also used on the Pixel 8. Android 14 is already pre-installed and with a Pixel you always receive all software updates with new functions immediately. With other Android manufacturers, you still have to wait much longer in some cases.
Google goes one better with the two new products. The manufacturer guarantees not only security updates, but also new Android versions for a whole seven years. The Pixel 8 comes with Android 14 and should then be updated to Android 21. This is the first time Google has overtaken Apple: iPhones usually receive new iOS versions for six years.
As a special extra, the Pixel 8 Pro has a built-in temperature sensor. For the time being, you can scan objects to see how hot a pan is or how warm the milk is for the baby poo. Google is also working on an application to measure body temperature. However, a mobile clinical thermometer first needs approval, for example from the FDA in the USA.
Source: Google
Battery and features: No progress in battery life
Although the new Tensor G3 processor enables computing-intensive video and photo editing and the long update period, it is unlikely to be any more economical. According to Google, a battery of the same size as last year should give similarly long runtimes. Unfortunately, these have only been so-so so far. You shouldn't have high expectations when it comes to the topic of charging either: 27 watts for the Pixel 8 and 30 watts for the 8 Pro are just as mediocre as last year.
That's a bit of a shame, because otherwise the Pixel is excellent down to the last detail. For example, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on the cheaper model and Victus 2 on the Pro. This robust glass is also used on the back. Google has also already integrated the WiFi 7 standard, which won't really take off until 2024.
The detailed test will show how convincing the new features are in everyday use and whether the many small improvements make a big difference compared to the previous models.
By the way, Google has also unveiled the second generation of the Pixel Watch. You can find all the information in the overview by my colleague Kim.
Cover photo: Google
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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