I got caught in the hype - Google Pixel 8 Pro

Linus has been using Samsung phones for quite a while now, but after reading constant leaks, he found himself falling for the Pixel hype cycle. With lofty camera claims, a new focus on AI, and a built-in thermometer(?), will Linus be impressed, or has Google promised more than they can deliver?

Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group.

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CHAPTERS
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0:00 The hype is real
0:20 Camera bump impressions
1:33 Tensor G3 and specs
2:18 What's in the box
3:05 Display specs and LABS results
4:06 LABS battery testing results
5:07 LABS gaming performance and thermal results
6:05 Design impressions and pricing
7:13 Misc. specs and trying out face/finger unlock
8:49 Buttons/ports
9:12 Sponsor - dbrand
10:39 Trying out the main cameras
13:57 Selfie camera impressions
14:45 Thermometer test
16:05 Speaker impressions
16:51 Where's the Pro mini?
17:16 Outro

[harrydang]

8:08 - If you go to the "Face Unlock" settings, there's a "Skip lock screen" setting. When turned on, you don't have to interact with the device to unlock it
8:15 - if you go to the "Lock screen" settings, there's a "Always show time and info" setting (aka always on display). When turned on, you don't have to wake the device to use the fingerprint reader
8:22 - On the "Lock screen" settings, there's a "Lift to check phone" setting that needs to be turned on which may not be on by default

[claymcgranahan]

Tip: if the always on display is on it will always be ready for a fingerprint

[ArnauDisrepair]

The good thing about the 7 years of updates is that in the future, you can buy a used one for cheap and still get a lot of support

[Immudzen]

Pixels have a GREAT feature for charging at night. If you use your phone for an alarm clock and you plug it in to charge at night it charges VERY slowly such that it hits full charge just a little bit before the alarm goes off. It is supposed to be much better for battery life.

[GTRxMan]

The camera bump is a non-issue, and for me on my Pixel 7, it's actually a positive. It's a grip point when removing the phone from a pocket and it's a stable base when the phone is on a flat surface, allowing for use without the phone wobbling.

[steve_main]

To change the cameras you need to just half turn your hand quickly twice. it will flip between front and back camera

[KiyPhi]

You can disable the need to swipe when using face unlock. Makes the experience fast enough that it is often unlocked and open as I lift it to my face if I'm holding it. Can use fingerprint if I don't plan on lifting it. To use fingerprint unlock, if you do a quick tap on the sensor area then press your finger, it unlocks if you have AOD off. If you have the AOD on, you can just press the sensor icon and it reads right away.

[nikc]

You can set the phone to auto unlock when you have face recognition turned on. It's honestly as quick as iPhone. It seems to work just as fast in relatively low light as well. You eventually learn when it'll be too dark for it and just switch to using your fingerprint. It's a pretty great implementation.

[liarus]

Just design wise, i think matte colors and finishes always look better and more premium than glossy finishes

[jaybee]

my biggest problem with the new pixels is the fingerprint sensor in the screen and the size. Loved the fingerprint sensor on the back and loved the smaller size of the older pixels.

[unlikenoah]

8:25 This only works if the Always On Display is activated, it then displays the fingerprint icon and you can just unlock it without pressing the power button.

[UltravioletNomad]

I really like the camera bar, it kinda works like a popsocket resting against my index finger (and there's no way Id ever accidentally put my finger over the lens)

[KeepUpTheFPS]

Im still using my pixel 6 and honestly its the first phone that i have that i dont feel like changing after a year or 2. i haven't had any anoying bug in like a year, its been rock solid. if they indeed give 8 year support i might switch to a used 8 in a year

[affinityroadster]

As an iPhone user, let’s not knock the camera bar the pixel has. The alternative with iPhone is a wobbly experience on a table.

Camera bumps ruin the experience on a table and it’s a far worse problem than sharpness with symmetry.

[TheStoneyYoshi]

Sheesh. The amount of gripes about some of the features you tested out making the phone look like a clunkier experience than it actually is could have been avoided entirely if you all learned about all of the settings options for the features you guys tested out.

[surfarden]

Don't understand the hate on the camera bar, While it was a little rough in the pixel 6, the design in the 7 and the 8 looks awesome. I love the fact that the phone lays flat on tables unlike the current galaxy and iphones.

[DeviusGiant]

Face unlock is super handy when you live in winter climates. Half the year in Calgary Alberta I have no desire to remove my gloves to unlock my phone.

[ivailogeimara]

If you enable "Lift to check phone" the display will turn on when you pickup the phone so the fingerprint sensor will be ready. There is also "Tap to check phone". These settings are on Pixel 7 Pro but I'd imagine they are available on Pixel 8 too.

[tomas_m]

Important note for charging testing: Please pay attention to and publish the exact USB-PD spec, Pixels can take advantage of USB-PD 3.0 PPS

[Angelcee]

Watching on my Pixel 8 Pro. One thing that blew me away immediately was the speakers on this phone. Better than my S22 Ultra