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Mark your calendars for October 4, as Google is set to host an in-person extravaganza in the heart of New York City. The tech giant has tantalizingly teased the release of its latest gems: the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the much-anticipated Pixel Watch 2. Thanks to a flurry of leaks, some of which Google brought upon itself, we’ve got the inside scoop on what to expect from the company’s forthcoming gadgets. So, buckle up as we dive into what Google might have up its sleeve next week.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: A Sneak Peek
Just like last year, Google has decided to pull back the curtain on its latest phone offerings ahead of the official launch. On September 7, the company dropped a tantalizing 23-second teaser, showcasing the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from nearly every angle. Simultaneously, they went live with dedicated landing pages for these new devices on the Google Store. Google boldly claims that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are equipped with “the most advanced Pixel cameras yet and Google AI to help you do more, even faster.” The landing page also highlights the Magic Eraser and Live Translate capabilities, although these features are not entirely new, having graced Google’s older devices.
According to leaks that have surfaced, with credit to developer and Android Authority contributor Kamila Wojciechowska, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a flat 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 1,344 x 2,992 resolution. In comparison, the Pixel 7 Pro flaunts a curved 6.71-inch 1,440 x 3,120 display. The downsizing of the screen on the 8 Pro raises questions, but it might be related to the shift towards a flat display. Notably, the 8 Pro’s OLED panel is expected to reach dazzling heights of 1,600 nits when displaying HDR content, promising smoother transitions between different refresh rates.
Now, onto the Pixel 8. It’s rumored to feature a 6.17-inch 1,080 x 2,400 display with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. Additionally, the screen is said to support a 120Hz refresh rate, an upgrade from the 90Hz on the Pixel 7. If these speculations hold true, the Pixel 8 will be noticeably more compact compared to its predecessor. The teaser clip shared by Google earlier this month didn’t reveal the Pixel 8 Pro’s display but strongly suggested that the Pixel 8 is indeed going for a more compact design. As an interesting aside, there’s chatter that the Pixel 7a might be the final installment of Google’s “a-series” phones, possibly explaining the size reduction in the Pixel 8.
When it comes to the internal wizardry, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are said to house a fresh Tensor G3 processor. Most reports suggest that this latest in-house chip might not be a quantum leap beyond the Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 SoC. However, fans can expect a snappier processor, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and support for hardware-based ray tracing. In terms of memory and storage, the Pixel 8 is expected to come with 8GB of RAM and a base of 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to offer a whopping 12GB of RAM and a starting point of 128GB of storage. In the US, there might even be an option to configure the 8 Pro with a jaw-dropping 1TB of built-in storage.
But the real star of the show is the camera. Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to feature main cameras equipped with the new Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensors. This 50-megapixel GN2 sensor boasts the same specs as the one found in the Galaxy S22 and S23. It’s physically larger than the previous GN1 sensor used since the Pixel 6, capturing a whopping 35 percent more light than its predecessor. Plus, it packs modern features like 8K video recording at 30 fps and Staggered HDR photos. The latter could be Google’s secret sauce to speed up HDR image capture.
The upgrades don’t stop there for the Pixel 8 Pro. Google’s flagship is rumored to include a time-of-flight sensor, which should dramatically enhance autofocus performance. Even more exciting, the ultrawide camera on the Pixel 8 Pro may boast a shiny new 48-megapixel sensor, replacing the aging 12MP Sony IMX386 found on the Pixel 7 Pro. This larger sensor promises more detailed images. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8’s ultrawide camera might not get a new sensor, but it’s said to feature a lens with a wider field of view. Selfie enthusiasts, fear not; both phones are expected to sport a single 10.5MP front-facing camera.
Some early whispers hinted at an infrared temperature sensor for the Pixel 8 Pro, though it seems unlikely that Google will use it for photography purposes. Instead, it could serve to measure the temperature of inanimate objects, adding a unique touch to the device.
Of course, new hardware is just one part of the story for any Pixel release. Google is likely to sprinkle its magic with a bunch of software enhancements, including a redesigned camera app with new features. Most exciting of all, if you’re a sustainability enthusiast like me, is the possibility that Google might provide up to seven years of software updates for the Pixel 8 series. Whether this includes seven major Android platform updates remains uncertain, but seven years of monthly security patches would be groundbreaking for an Android device. It could even put pressure on other big players like Samsung, OnePlus, and Apple to extend their software support. This could be a game-changer for consumers.
Now, what about the price? According to leaked documents, the Pixel 8 is expected to start at $699, a $100 bump from the Pixel 7’s initial price of $599. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro is set to kick off at $899, matching the starting price of the Pixel 7 Pro. Excitingly, another leak hints at a sweet deal for early birds – those who pre-order the Pixel 8 Pro might score a free Pixel Watch 2 from Google.
Pixel Watch 2: A Promising Sequel
Speaking of the Pixel Watch 2, it appears that Google is determined to address some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. Most of the pre-release intel on Google’s upcoming wearable comes from the ever-reliable Kamila Wojciechowska, who cites an inside source within the company.
The original Pixel Watch took heat for its underwhelming battery life. Google seems to have tackled this issue on two fronts. Firstly, the Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor. This would be a massive leap from the aging Exynos 9100 SoC in the current Pixel Watch, promising not only significantly faster performance but also much-improved power efficiency, thanks to the 4nm fabrication process. Additionally, the W5 supports low-power states, further boosting the Pixel Watch 2’s battery life.
Simultaneously, Google has apparently beefed up the battery capacity of the new smartwatch, making it about four percent larger than its predecessor. While this might seem modest, every bit counts when it comes to smartwatch battery life.
Another exciting addition might be a dedicated ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, a feature missing in the first-generation Pixel Watch. Details about the software features it will support are scant, but when combined with reports of Google’s lost item tracker, codenamed Grogu (yes, the same Grogu from “The Mandalorian”), it’s not hard to imagine how this could enhance precision object tracking. Additionally, a UWB chip could enable seamless media transfers between the Pixel Watch 2 and other Google devices like the Pixel Tablet and future Nest smart speakers, potentially opening up exciting possibilities.
What Else to Expect
After a packed I/O event earlier this year, where Google introduced the Pixel Fold, it’s unlikely the company has any secret hardware up its sleeve for the October 4 event. However, Google is known for surprises. If Microsoft’s recent Surface keynote is any indication, expect Google to showcase its latest AI advancements. Whatever Google has planned, mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates. Following the event, you can expect hands-on coverage and a live blog on BuyTechBlog, hosted by Deputy Editor Cherlynn Low and Senior Editor Sam Rutherford. It’s going to be a tech extravaganza!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Google Pixel Event 2023
Q: When and where is Google’s 2023 Pixel event taking place?
A: Google’s 2023 Pixel event is scheduled for October 4 and will be hosted in-person in New York City.
Q: What products are expected to be unveiled at the event?
A: Google is expected to introduce the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Pixel Watch 2 at the event.
Q: What are some key features of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro?
A: Both phones are anticipated to feature advanced Pixel cameras, Google AI integration, and impressive OLED displays with high brightness levels. The Pixel 8 Pro, in particular, is expected to offer a flat 6.7-inch OLED screen and improvements in camera technology.
Q: What can we expect from the Pixel Watch 2?
A: The Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to address the battery life issue of its predecessor with a new processor and a slightly larger battery. It might also include a UWB chip for added functionality.
Q: Are there any surprises expected at the event?
A: While it’s unlikely that Google has secret hardware to reveal, the event may showcase Google’s latest AI advancements and software enhancements.
Q: Will there be coverage of the event on BuyTechBlog?
A: Yes, BuyTechBlog will provide comprehensive coverage of the event, including hands-on reviews and a live blog hosted by their Deputy Editor and Senior Editor.
More about Google Pixel Event 2023
- Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Teaser (Official teaser video from Google)
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Leaks (Android Authority’s coverage of leaks)
- Pixel Watch 2 Details (Source for information on the Pixel Watch 2)
- BuyTechBlog (For live coverage and hands-on reviews)
