Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8: Which one to get?

The Google Pixel 9 is the latest Pixel but the Pixel 8 is still a relevant device and going for it might save you some cash - though not without some compromises. Check out this HEAD-TO-HEAD for the COMPLETE BREAKDOWN of how these two phones compare in terms of screen quality, battery life and charging speed, chipset performance, and camera image quality, all based on our extensive reviews.

▶ Read our detailed text comparison:

▶ Check the phone's prices
Note: Commissions may be earned from the links above

▶ Check out the full phone's specs:

▶ Check out how the phones sound:

********************
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Design and build
01:14 - Screen specs and features
01:49 - Stereo speakers
02:00 - Android 14
02:26 - Chipset
03:07 - Battery endurance and charging test
03:35 - Cameras
04:03 - Daylight photo quality
04:26 - Low-light photo quality
04:40 - Selfies
04:57 - Video quality
05:09 - Conclusion

[GFourGadget]

The Pixel 9 has much better hardware but is also pricier, while the Pixel 8 is 90% the same phone but lower pricing. Just get the Pixel 8!

[LukasPrikner]

There is one important point when it comes to reparibility. Pixel 8 has its USB-C connector soldered directly to the motherboard, while Pixel 9 has a designated daughter board for it, which makes the repair much easier. This could be something you might want to consider when thinking about using the 7 years of updates.

[jgn]

Much prefer the camera modules on the 8 to the later 9 version. It blends into the sides better. For me. Anyway.

[randomNOMEN]

this short and dense format is very good. not that i'm saying all videos should be short, but i would like to see more dense ones.

[nSpiraliArchitectb]

Pixel 10 will be the worthy update for those who can afford to wait.

[andyH_England]

A new Pixel 8 Pro is around half the price of the retail Pixel 9Pro XL, so I would not recommend paying that much more. Source from a third party as the Pixel 9 Pro XL is already 25% off new on eBay as the equilibrium demand price balances out. That will continue to fall as the hype relents.

The Pixel 8 Pro is 90%+ of the new one and will be getting the AI features, so you are paying a lot more. Testing Android 15 resulted in a similar battery life to the Pixel 9 Pro XL and also better thermals than on Android 14. The Tensor chips are nominally different, and my FP scanner works great now on the 8Pro. I do not take selfies and live in the UK, so higher brightness is moot. 

You can save some money by buying the Pixel 8 Pro on eBay or a similar reseller and keeping the £600 change.

[xkavas]

I really like the visor look of the pixels. I hope they bring it back in the pixel 10.

[unpluggedfreedom]

I upgraded my Pixel 5 to The Pixel 8. 😍

[BeyondtheHive]

1:53 Claim the pixel 8 has superior quality sound but at 5:17 you claim the superior sound goes to the pixel 9 so kinda confusing, which one is it ?

[michaelball]

Prefer the 8 design personally. The boxy 9 design looks too generic aside from the camera unit.

[hamzakhan-vqxt]

Buy none, just use whatever you're using right now.

[didarulhoque]

we need this type of comparison video regularly from u, tnx GSMArena

[animefan]

Samsung s24 for me as it is cheaper than pixel 8 currently

[marksouthwell]

I'm from the UK. At two of our popular electonics retailers you can purchase a brand new pixel 8pro cheaper than the standard pixel 9

[Sal]

pixel 9 looks sexy af. I went from a pixel 7 pro to an iphone 15 pro max and the iphone sucks balls. Going back to pixel soon.

[jgn]

I Still prefer the camera module shape of the 8 against the 9. It's more Integrated into the sides

[jgn]

I much prefer the 8s. Camera module. Blending in much better to the side

[adrianssolutionsgwm]

hiya gsm... Please could you mention if fones have missed call alert, ie when you return to fone there is a flashing light if skype or call has been missed. thx.

[JoyRons]

I had the 5 and recently got the 8. Definitely wish I would have kept the 5. The 8 has issues with picking up service and dropping calls. I can sit next to my husband who has a Samsung Galaxy and he is getting 5G and Pixel 8 gets nothing.😢. We have tried everything. Note: if you buy a new phone from Google and have to turn on on warranty, they send you a refurbished phone, not a new one

[fahimahmmedbd]

Add pixel 7 too. I think that's would be prime choice according to pricing. 7 is about 400$, 8 about 600$ and, 9 over 1000$