Review · Google
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review (2026): 2023 Best Camera Runner-Up, Now a Bargain
Runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2023 Smartphone Awards. Now $500–$700 — one of the best phone bargains in 2026. Tensor G3, Magic Editor, Best Take, and 5+ years of remaining Pixel updates.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- Runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2023 awards
- Now $500–$700 — exceptional value
- Magic Editor and Best Take included
- Five+ years of Pixel updates remaining
Cons
- Tensor G3 thermals throttle on long workloads
- Battery merely average
- Tensor G3 trails Tensor G4 on AI feature responsiveness
- Build quality slightly behind Pixel 9 Pro
Why it placed at MKBHD's 2023 awards
Runner-up to the iPhone 15 Pro for Best Camera in 2023. MKBHD called out the Pixel 8 Pro's computational photography, particularly its low-light handling and Magic Editor capabilities. Both still hold up against newer phones at higher prices.
Display & build
6.7-inch LTPO OLED at 120Hz, ~2,400 nits peak. Dimmer than the Pixel 9 Pro and current flagships but still excellent. Aluminum frame and Google's signature camera bar.
Performance
Tensor G3 + 12GB RAM. Performance is fine for typical use; sustained loads (gaming, 4K video) reveal thermal limits. Roughly 30% slower than Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro.
Camera
Triple camera: 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP 5x telephoto. Hardware is excellent and computational pipeline produces consistent stills. Magic Editor, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser all work — the same headline AI features Google ships on the Pixel 9 Pro.
Battery & software
5,050 mAh battery, 30W wired, 23W wireless. Real-world: 5–6 hours of screen-on time. Pixel UI is clean; Gemini Nano works but trails newer Pixels on responsiveness.
Verdict · 4.0 / 5
Buy the Pixel 8 Pro at $500–$700 — one of the strongest phone bargains in 2026. Runner-up at MKBHD's 2023 Best Camera, with most of the AI features that make newer Pixels appealing. If you want the latest Pixel and budget allows, the 9 Pro adds refinement and faster Tensor G4.
🛒 Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pixel 8 Pro still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — at $500–$700 it's one of the strongest phone bargains in 2026. Runner-up at MKBHD's 2023 Best Camera, with 5+ years of Pixel updates remaining.
Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro?
Pixel 9 Pro (2024 Most Improved) is the more refined product but the 8 Pro is now $300+ cheaper with most of the same AI features.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro get Magic Editor?
Yes — Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser all work on the Pixel 8 Pro. Same headline AI features as the Pixel 9 Pro.
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.