Review · Google
Google Pixel 8 Review (2026): 2023 Best Small Phone, Still Worth It
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2023 Smartphone Awards. Now widely available at $400–$500 used or refurbished. The cheapest way into Google's full computational photography pipeline with 4+ years of updates remaining.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- MKBHD's 2023 Best Small Phone winner
- Now $400–$500 used or refurbished
- Full Pixel computational photography
- Four+ years of Pixel updates remaining
Cons
- Tensor G3 thermals can throttle
- Battery merely average
- 60Hz display refresh in low-power mode is jarring
- Camera trails Pixel 9 Pro on telephoto
Why it won Best Small Phone
MKBHD's 2023 award praised the Pixel 8 for fitting Google's full computational photography pipeline into a 6.2-inch frame. Two years on, that combination still has no real competition under $500 — even the Pixel 8a (next year's runner-up Best Value) trails on chip and display quality.
Display & build
6.2-inch OLED at 120Hz, ~2,000 nits peak. Aluminum frame, IP68. Compact and one-hand-friendly — actually the right size.
Performance
Tensor G3 + 8GB RAM. For typical use it's smooth; sustained workloads (gaming, 4K video) reveal thermal limits. Fine for everyday.
Camera
Dual camera: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide. No telephoto. Computational pipeline is excellent — Magic Editor, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser all work.
Battery & software
4,575 mAh battery, 27W wired. Real-world: 5–6 hours of screen-on time. Seven years of OS updates from launch (so through 2030).
Verdict · 5.0 / 5
Buy the Pixel 8 used at $400–$500 if you want a small phone with Google's photography pipeline and don't need the latest. MKBHD's 2023 Best Small Phone winner is still genuinely competitive — particularly for non-photographer everyday use.
🛒 Buy the Google Pixel 8 on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pixel 8 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — at $400–$500 used it's an excellent compact phone with Google's computational photography. Won MKBHD's 2023 Best Small Phone with 4+ years of updates remaining.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a — which to buy?
Pixel 8 has slightly better display and faster Tensor G3. Pixel 8a (2024 Best Value runner-up) is in a slightly newer chassis. Both are good — Pixel 8 if you can find it cheaper used.
How long will the Pixel 8 be supported?
Through 2030 — Google's 7-year update commitment from October 2023 launch.
How we rate
Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.