As we head into the exciting smartphone launch phase of 2023, all eyes are on Google’s much-anticipated Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. While the Silicon Valley giant has been tight-lipped about these devices, the rumor mill is abuzz with leaks and speculations.
An accidental slip by Google has added fuel to the fire. An image of what appears to be the Pixel 8 Pro was accidentally showcased on Google’s promotional page for their Subscriptions & Services. Though the image was quickly pulled down, eagle-eyed users like @android_setting and Mishaal Rahman didn’t miss the chance to spread the word.
Here’s a look at the Google Pixel 8 Pro in Porcelain.
This image is from the Google Store website, which inadvertently published this image early in the promo page for “Google Subscriptions & Services”.
Thanks to @android_setting for the tip! pic.twitter.com/nARd4Hz8hk
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 30, 2023
From the leaked image, it seems that Google is sticking to the design language that we saw in last year’s Pixel 7 Pro. The device appears to flaunt a Porcelain White color with a triple rear camera setup housed in a single pill-shaped island. Compared to last year’s model, where the cameras were housed differently, the Pixel 8 Pro seems to be going for a more unified look. This reflects the increasing importance Google places on photography, an area where the Pixel series has always shined.
9to5Google reports that the Pixel 8 series could receive up to 5 years of OS updates. This surpasses other smartphone giants like Samsung, Oppo, and OnePlus, which offer up to four OS updates. If this comes true, it could be a massive selling point in India, where users often hold onto their smartphones for a longer period.
Interestingly, Google might be planning to make the Pixel 8 series eSIM-only devices in certain regions. With Apple already having introduced eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S., could this be a new trend? For Indian users, the shift to eSIM could mean a more streamlined experience but could also bring up compatibility issues with some carriers.
The Pixel 7 Pro was introduced at Rs 84,999 last year. Given the likely enhancements and the current inflation rate, we can expect the Pixel 8 Pro to cost more. However, Google will have to tread carefully with its pricing strategy, especially in India, where brands like OnePlus and Samsung offer competitive products at various price points.
Google has confirmed a Made by Google event scheduled for October 4, where we are likely to hear more about the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This could be a turning point, especially since Apple is also expected to launch its iPhone 15 series on September 12.
While the Pixel 7 series set a high standard, there’s always room for innovation. As we approach the official launch date, the Pixel 8 series continues to intrigue tech aficionados and average consumers alike, especially in India, a rapidly growing tech market. With powerful hardware and the promise of long-term software support, Google’s upcoming flagships could be game-changers in the smartphone arena.
