I’ve tried dozens of cell phones this year, but I always end up coming back to the same one.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro continues to be my favorite smartphone since its launch last October.

Having just crossed the equator of 2024, some of best smartphones on the market released in the last few months. Among them are models that are clearly benchmarks in their segments, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, as well as devices that offer impeccable value for money, such as the Realme GT 6. Even models that cost more than 2,000 euros, like the recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6.

And despite everything, none of them managed to persuade me enough to decide to remove the main SIM card from the smartphone that I have been using constantly since its launch. The model, which, despite being presented about a year agoremains to this day my favorite smartphoneand to which I always return, despite the fact that I was lucky enough to choose from among many others, more modern and, on paper, better.

Why I Can’t Stop Using My Google Pixel 8 Pro

If you haven’t guessed what model I’m talking about yet, yes, it’s the Google Pixel 8 Pro. The current one. flagship Until Google announces its new Pixels on August 13, this is the smartphone I’ve used the longest this year.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

There are several reasons (I’ll go through them one by one below), all of which make me want to keep coming back. However, I recognize that this is not a perfect device, and I’ll comment on some of those at the end. weak points of this smartphone, and how Google might fix them with the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro, which launches in a few days.

The Pixel Experience Remains Unrivaled on Android

The decision to abandon the Nexus series and focus on Pixel may have been one of the best decisions in the company’s history. Although we didn’t get to see it at the time.

Thanks to Nexus, Google has taught us to Pure software, with virtually no add-ons. relative to AOSP (the so-called “clean” Android or stock). During the time when customization layers from manufacturers such as Samsung, LG or Xiaomi were a real burden, full of bloatware (some of which haven’t improved much over time), what Google came up with was a breath of fresh air.

With the advent of Pixel Google has in some ways started creating my own customization layer on top of Android stockadding its own features and borrowing others from competitors’ customization layers. The goal was to offer additional value by leveraging all of the years of experience building Android and collaborating with partners.

So he ended up creating one of user interfaces the most attractive thing that exists in the Android world. With a wide range of functions, a large number of customization and configuration options, without unnecessary additions or bloatware.

Also, although this is a completely subjective aspect, I think that Google’s user interface aesthetics are the most attractive, consistent, and coherent. which is available on Android right now, as well as the one offered by the Nothing with Nothing OS. The arrival of Material marked the visual language of the “before” and “after” of Pixel devices, and each new version of Android introduces improvements aimed at further refining that experience.

To this must be added the arrival Gemini Nano is integrated into the deviceas well as other AI-powered features such as Circle to searchwidget This is a ringing soundthe Recorder app with AI-powered automatic transcription, or voice input on Gboard. It’s these little details that make me feel like I’m using a Pixel. Houses.

And yes, it is true that Tensor G3 processor that the Pixel 8 Pro’s hardware isn’t comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 that powers some of the best phones released this year. But the truth is that Google has managed to improve the device’s software so much that doesn’t need much raw energy neither offer an outstanding experience nor achieve system flexibility and stability that surpasses even much more expensive mobile phones.

Updates that actually add value

This is one of the most underrated aspects of Pixel devices, but in my opinion, one of the most important.

In addition to being one of the broadest supported phones (7 years of Android and security updates), the Pixel 8 Pro also gets Pixel Feature Drop Updates every three months.

These updates, released along with the security patch corresponding to the current month, introduce new useful features without having to wait for the big annual Android updates. While other brands are limited to releasing security patches every month or two (hopefully)Google ensures that its Pixels will receive new features frequently.

In my opinion, this is a key advantage, because in just one year the impression of the device could change completely (and almost always for the better) in relation to the day of the presentation. Some examples of features that came to the Pixel 8 Pro thanks to these types of updates: conversation summaries e recorder without the need for an internet connection, Video Optimizer, automatic device unlocking when wearing Pixel Watch, or the ability to mirror your screen to a monitor or TV via the device’s USB-C port.

Reliable camera system

I know Pixel’s superiority in photography compared to devices from other manufacturers, it dissipates over the years. Today it is very likely that Google Pixel 8 Pro Doesn’t Have the Best Camera System on the Market. But yes, one of the best and, above all, one of more reliable.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes better portraits. And the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has better zoom. There’s no doubt about it. But overall, Google has created a camera system. extremely flexible and reliablecapable of taking very good quality pictures in any situation.

Furthermore, I sincerely believe that The Pixel 8 Pro has a better implementation of Pro mode. which you have seen so far on your Android smartphone. It is easy to use, but has enough options to adjust any parameter before taking a photo.

Sample photos taken with Pixel 8 Pro.

Likewise, Video recording The level has improved significantly from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 8 Pro, and Google’s devices are some of the best at playing with third-party apps like Instagram or Adobe Lightroom.

It’s Not a Perfect Phone: 4 Things I’d Like to Fix About the Pixel 9 Pro

But of course, the Pixel 8 Pro isn’t a perfect phone; and that’s what makes me so excited for the new Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, which, unless anything changes, will be announced on August 13 next year.

In particular, there are several aspects that I think Google needs to improve:

• More efficient processor. The Tensor G3 offers the power needed to run the Pixel 8 Pro well. However, it is clearly a less efficient chip than its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 competitor, and this is noticeable when evaluating the battery life of this device and other models with the same battery capacity. To offer an even better experience, the Tensor G4 should focus on improving this aspect.
• Fast chargingI don’t need the 120W charging power on the Pixel 9 Pro, but 30W has long been insufficient. Doubling that power to the 67W offered by many competitors would certainly improve this aspect significantly in the next generation.
• More advanced biometric systemWhile it is undoubtedly faster than the Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro’s fingerprint scanner is still not up to par with its competitors. Fortunately, it looks like this aspect will be improved in the next Pixel 9 Pro, as Google will include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for the first time.
• Enter the missing functions. Google, where is Zoom Enhance? The feature announced at the Pixel 8 Pro event that promised to dramatically improve the device’s zoom capabilities has yet to arrive. If Google wants consumers to take it seriously, it needs to start delivering on its promises and delivering the features it advertises.

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