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The Google Pixel 8 launched last month, and it’s one of two new flagship smartphones from Google. Many of you are probably still using the Pixel 6, and are trying to decide whether to upgrade or not. Well, we’ll try to help out. In this article, we’re comparing the Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6. These two phones are somewhat similar, but they’re also different, even when it comes to the overall feel in the hand. We’ll get to that soon.
Before we get down to it, do note that we’ll first list the specs of both smartphones. Following that, we’ll compare the devices across a number of different categories. We’ll compare their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance. Having said that, let’s get started, shall we?
Specs
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6, respectively
– Screen size:
6.2-inch Actua AMOLED display (120Hz LTPS, HDR10+, 2,000 nits max)
6.4-inch AMOLED display (90Hz, HDR10+)
– Display resolution:
2400 x 1080
2400 x 1080
– SoC:
Google Tensor G3
Google Tensor
– RAM:
8GB (LPDDR5X)
8GB (LPDDR5)
– Storage:
128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1)
128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1)
– Rear cameras:
50MP (f/1.68 aperture, 82-degree FoV, 1.2um pixel size), 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 1.25um pixel size, 125.8-degree FoV)
50MP (f/1.9 aperture, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS), 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 114-degree FoV)
– Front cameras:
10.5MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size)
8MP (f/2.0 aperture, 1.12um pixel size)
– Battery:
4,575mAh
4,614mAh
– Charging:
27W wired, 18W wireless, 5W reverse wireless (charger not included)
21W wired, 21W wireless, reverse wireless (charger not included)
– Dimensions:
150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm
158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm
– Weight:
187 grams
207 grams
– Connectivity:
5G, LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.3/5.2
– Security:
In-display fingerprint scanner (optical) & facial scanning
In-display fingerprint scanner
– OS:
Android 14
Android 12 (upgradable to Android 14)
– Price:
$699+
$359.99
– Buy:
Best Buy
Amazon
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6: Design
Now, the moment you take a look at these two phones, you’ll notice they’re a part of the same family. Google ushered in a new design language with the Pixel 6 two years ago, but things changed since then. The only reason you’ll notice these two are related is because of that camera visor on the back. The one on the Pixel 8 is covered by aluminum, while the Pixel 6 comes with a glass-covered one. The Pixel 6 has that two-tone finish (not counting the different color strip above the camera visor), while the Pixel 8 does not.
Having said that, the Pixel 8 is a considerably smaller device, and its corners are also considerably more rounded. On top of that, the Pixel 8 does have thinner bezels than the Pixel 6, and the difference is quite noticeable. Both smartphones do have flat displays, and a centered display camera hole. Their buttons are pretty much in the same spot on the right side, and both devices do include an in-display fingerprint scanner.
The Pixel 8 is considerably shorter and narrower than the Pixel 6. The two phones have the same thickness, while the Pixel 8 is also lighter by about 20 grams. Yes, you will notice the difference, very much so. The Pixel 8 is so much easier to use with one hand. Both phones are also quite slippery, so take note of that, as using a case may be a good idea. You’re getting an IP68 certification on both phones here. Both of them feel sturdy in the hand, they’re well-built.
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6: Display
The Pixel 8 includes a 6.2-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) Actua display. That is an OLED panel, that is flat, and it offers a 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10+ content, and goes up to 2,000 nits of brightness at its peak. This display has a 20:9 aspect ratio, and it’s protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus from Corning.
The Google Pixel 6, on the flip side, features a 6.4-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) AMOLED display. This panel is also flat, and it supports a 90Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10+ content, and has a 20:9 aspect ratio. The Pixel 6’s panel is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus, so it has the same protection as the Pixel 8, pretty much. This display doesn’t get anywhere near the Pixel 8’s in terms of brightness.
Google’s new smartphone has a much better display in comparison. It’s more color-accurate and it can also get much brighter, not to mention that it pops noticeably more. Google made quite a major step in the right direction with this panel. If you’re using your phone outdoors often, the Pixel 8’s display is definitely the way to go. The same goes if you like to use your phone with one hand, and so on. On top of that, it’s also smoother thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6: Performance
Google’s Tensor G3 SoC fuels the Pixel 8. That is the company’s latest and greatest mobile chip, a 4nm processor. The phone is also equipped with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 3.1 flash storage. The Google Tensor fuels the Pixel 6, while the phone includes 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 flash storage. The Pixel 8 has inferior components in comparison, but that is to be expected considering a two-year difference.
What’s the performance like? Well, both devices do perform really well. That goes for regular, everyday tasks. The Pixel 8 does feel a bit smoother in direct comparison, and its 120Hz display could have something to do with that too. The Tensor G3 is a notable improvement over the original Tensor as well. You’ll notice a difference when gaming, that’s for sure. Neither of these two phones is made for gaming, but the Pixel 8 definitely handles demanding games better. It also doesn’t get as hot as the Pixel 6 during gaming sessions. It’s not that the Pixel 6 cannot handle demanding games, but it’s just not great at doing so.
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6: Battery
There is a 4,575mAh battery included in the Google Pixel 8, while the Pixel 6 has a 4,614mAh battery. Are they any good battery life-wise? Well, the Pixel 8 definitely did better for us, but neither phone will break any records in that regard. The Pixel 8 provided us with 6.5-7 hours of screen-on-time most days, but you can push that past the 7-hour mark if you’re really careful with your usage.
The Pixel 6, on the other hand, well… it’s not a great story. The phone was okay at first, but getting over 5 hours of screen-on-time on the device was a chore after a while (which is odd for a Pixel), at least if you use it on mobile data. You can get noticeably more on WiFi, but mobile data simply kills the battery life on the device, especially if you’re driving around. We even had days when the battery didn’t last 5 hours of screen-on-time. Things were considerably different over weekends, so… yeah, it’s not the best.
As far as charging is concerned, the Pixel 8 supports 27W wired, 18W wireless, and also reverse wireless charging. The Pixel 6, on the flip side, supports 21W wired and 21W wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging. The difference in charging speed won’t exactly be noticeable. The Pixel 8 will charge a little bit faster, but neither phone offers truly fast charging, and both of them will slow down charging considerably past the 50% mark. Also, a charger is not included with either smartphone.
Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 6: Cameras
The Google Pixel 8 features a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (126-degree FoV). The Pixel 6, on the flip side, has a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (114-degree FoV). So each of the two phones has two cameras on the back, unlike their siblings, which feature three.
That being said, the Pixel 8 does come with a newer, and better main camera. That does reflect in the end results, as the images do end up looking more detailed, and sharper overall. The Pixel 6 is still an outstanding camera smartphone, but it cannot compare to the Pixel 8. Google upped its game, and even though the differences may not be obvious to some, the Pixel 8 does provide better images. That is especially apparent in low light. The Pixel 8 lets in more light, which in combination with Google’s software has a better handle on noise, and allows the phone to pull more details from the shadows.
The differences in the ultrawide camera performance are less obvious, but they’re still there. Also, Google managed to keep a good balance between main and ultrawide cameras on both smartphones. The colors are quite close, there’s no major difference in that regard. The Pixel 8 also delivers more stable video recording. It’s essentially better across the board as far as camera performance is concerned.
Audio
What about the audio? Well, both devices feature stereo speakers, and both have good sound output. There are no major differences between them, even though the Pixel 8 did seem to deliver richer sound. There’s also a difference in loudness between the two, but it’s not a major difference.
Neither phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack. So, you can either utilize their Type-C ports to connect your headphones, or you can opt to go for wireless audio via Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth 5.2 on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 6, respectively.