By admin Old tools can still build new dreams, but newer tools make the journey a little easier.
When the Google Pixel 2 hit the market in 2017, it stood out as one of the top Android smartphones available. With its stylish design, impressive camera, and the assurance of an unadulterated Android experience, it was a favorite among users. Now, in 2023, Google has introduced the Pixel 8, boasting even more sophisticated features, a refined design, and enhanced performance. However, with all these exciting upgrades, is it really worth making the switch to the Pixel 8? Let’s take a closer look at both devices, examining their differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and more.
Design & Display: How Do They Compare?
When comparing the Pixel 2 and Pixel 8, the first thing that stands out is the design. The Pixel 2 has a compact 5-inch display with a noticeable bezel on the top and bottom. This design was pretty standard for smartphones back in 2017, but in 2023, it looks quite outdated compared to the Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 features a larger 6.2-inch display with minimal bezels, making it look much sleeker and modern.
Here are some design differences:
- Pixel 2: 5-inch OLED display, 16:9 aspect ratio, relatively thick bezels
- Pixel 8: 6.2-inch OLED display, 20:9 aspect ratio, minimal bezels, and an improved punch-hole camera at the front.
The Pixel 8 has a more immersive display with higher screen-to-body ratio and sharper colors. It also supports 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations much smoother compared to the Pixel 2.
Build Quality and Materials
Both phones are built to last, but there’s a difference in the materials used.
- Pixel 2: The back of the Pixel 2 is made of metal and glass, with a two-tone design, giving it a premium feel for its time.
- Pixel 8: The Pixel 8 uses a mix of glass and aluminum, but it feels more premium, especially with the frosted glass back and smooth matte finish. It’s also built to be more durable and scratch-resistant.
Both devices come with an IP68 rating, which means they are both dust and water-resistant. However, the Pixel 8 feels more robust and polished.
Camera Comparison: The Heart of Google Pixel Phones
The camera has always been a highlight of the Pixel series, and with every new iteration, Google adds improvements. The Pixel 2 was praised for its camera performance when it was released, especially its software-based enhancements.
- Pixel 2: 12.2 MP rear camera, with optical image stabilization (OIS), and a front 8 MP camera. The Pixel 2 still produces sharp, detailed photos, thanks to Google’s AI-enhanced photography.
- Pixel 8: 50 MP rear camera, with better sensors, OIS, and a more advanced image processing system. It has a wider field of view and improved low-light performance. The front camera is also much better at 10.5 MP.
The Pixel 8 comes with new AI-driven features like Night Sight for better low-light shots, Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects, and Real Tone for better color accuracy, especially for different skin tones. The improvements in camera software and hardware make the Pixel 8 a much stronger choice for photography compared to the Pixel 2.
Performance and Speed: What Has Changed Over Time?
Performance is one of the areas where you will see a huge leap between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 8. The Pixel 2 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, which was a powerful chip back in the day but is now outdated by modern standards.
- Pixel 2: Snapdragon 835, 4GB RAM, Adreno 540 GPU
- Pixel 8: Google Tensor G3, 8GB RAM, Mali-G710 GPU
The Pixel 8 is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, which is designed specifically for AI and machine learning tasks. This makes it much faster and more efficient than the Pixel 2, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using AI-based features like Google Assistant.
Additionally, the Pixel 8 offers 8GB of RAM, which is double the Pixel 2’s 4GB. This means better performance during multitasking, smoother animations, and an overall more responsive experience.
Battery Life: How Long Can They Last?
Battery life is another key difference. The Pixel 2 had a relatively small battery at 2,700mAh, which was sufficient back in 2017 but doesn’t hold up well today.
- Pixel 2: 2,700mAh battery, with fast charging but no wireless charging support.
- Pixel 8: 4,575mAh battery, offering all-day battery life, fast charging, and wireless charging support.
The Pixel 8 has a larger battery and, thanks to its more efficient chip and software optimizations, it lasts much longer than the Pixel 2. With wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, you can now charge other devices on your Pixel 8 too.
Software & Updates: The Long-Term Experience
One of the best things about owning a Pixel phone is that it gets regular software updates directly from Google. The Pixel 2 was initially launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received updates until 2020, but it no longer gets any more updates.
- Pixel 2: Launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, last updated to Android 11.
- Pixel 8: Launched with Android 14, and will receive updates for several more years.
The Pixel 8 runs the latest version of Android and will continue to get software updates and security patches for many years to come. This ensures that the Pixel 8 is more future-proof, offering new features and security improvements that the Pixel 2 can’t access anymore.
Additional Features: What Does the Pixel 8 Have That the Pixel 2 Doesn’t?
In addition to the improvements mentioned above, the Pixel 8 comes with a number of new features that weren’t available in the Pixel 2:
- In-display fingerprint scanner: The Pixel 8 has a more modern and secure way to unlock your phone, compared to the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 2.
- 5G Connectivity: The Pixel 8 supports 5G, allowing for faster internet speeds, while the Pixel 2 only supports 4G LTE.
- Face Unlock: In addition to the fingerprint scanner, the Pixel 8 features face unlock for added convenience.
Price: Is the Pixel 8 Worth the Upgrade?
When the Pixel 2 launched, it was priced at around $649 for the base model. The Pixel 8, however, comes with a higher price tag, typically starting at $699.
However, when considering the Pixel 8’s improved performance, camera, battery life, and overall features, the price difference is justified. If you’re using a Pixel 2 and thinking about upgrading, the Pixel 8 offers a much more powerful and feature-rich experience.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re still using the Pixel 2, it might be time for an upgrade. The Pixel 8 offers far better performance, camera improvements, and future-proof features like 5G connectivity, better battery life, and longer software support.
However, if you’re happy with your Pixel 2 and don’t mind using a phone that’s a bit older, it can still serve you well for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing.
FAQs
Is the Pixel 8 better than the Pixel 2?
Yes, the Pixel 8 offers better performance, a superior camera, longer battery life, and newer features compared to the Pixel 2.
How long will the Pixel 2 last?
The Pixel 2 is no longer supported with software updates, so it might not receive security patches, which could affect its longevity.
Does the Pixel 8 support 5G?
Yes, the Pixel 8 supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster internet speeds compared to the Pixel 2.
Is the camera on the Pixel 8 much better?
Yes, the Pixel 8 has a 50 MP rear camera with advanced AI enhancements, making it significantly better for photography compared to the Pixel 2’s 12.2 MP camera.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 8 represents a substantial upgrade from the Google Pixel 2, showcasing notable enhancements in design, performance, camera capabilities, battery longevity, and software functionalities. If you’re in search of quicker performance, improved photography, or a more contemporary user experience, the Pixel 8 has it all. That said, if you’re content with your Pixel 2, it remains capable of handling everyday tasks. Ultimately, your choice hinges on your personal preferences and how much you appreciate the latest technology.