Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Worth It in 2025

Choosing a flagship phone in 2025 means weighing not just specs but how well last year’s model holds up — the Google Pixel 8 Pro, released in October 2023, is still very much on the radar. With a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display and Google’s own Tensor G3 chip, it launched at $999 and promised seven years of updates, so here’s what you need to know before swiping your card.

Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED ·
Processor: Google Tensor G3 ·
RAM: 12 GB ·
Battery: 5050 mAh ·
Main Camera: 50 MP triple ·
Release Date: October 2023

Eight key specs define the Pixel 8 Pro’s hardware, one pattern: Google prioritised practical upgrades over raw numbers.

Is the Pixel 8 Pro still worth buying?

Current market position

• Still one of the best camera phones in 2025, according to Thurrott (tech publication)
• Competing with newer flagships like the Samsung S24 and iPhone 15 Pro
• Priced lower than launch, often around $749 (Tom’s Guide (tech outlet))

The Pixel 8 Pro launched at $999 and quickly saw discounts. By mid-2024, Tom’s Guide (tech outlet) reported the price at $749 at Amazon, a 25% drop. That makes it a far better value than at launch, especially against new phones starting at $1,000 or more.

Long-term software support

Google Thurrott (tech publication) confirmed the Pixel 8 Pro gets seven years of OS upgrades and security patches, extending into 2030. LoudnWireless (tech blog) echoed that commitment. That’s two more years than Samsung’s four-year promise for its Galaxy S23 series. The trade-off: you’re tied to stock Android without Samsung’s DeX or custom features.

Price to performance ratio

Launch price: $999 · Current price: ~$749 · Savings: 25%

With a Thurrott (tech publication) verified 12 GB RAM and 5050 mAh battery, the hardware remains competitive. The Tensor G3 chip, while not the fastest in raw benchmarks, delivers smooth day-to-day performance and excellent machine learning features. If you don’t need the absolute fastest gaming chip, the Pixel 8 Pro at $749 is a strong contender.

The implication: for buyers who value software longevity over the latest chip, the Pixel 8 Pro at its current price is a compelling deal.

Which is better, Samsung S23 or Pixel 8?

Camera quality comparison

• Pixel 8 Pro: 50 MP main with wider f/2.8 aperture gathers 56% more light (YouTube review (tech reviewer))
• Samsung S23: 50 MP main with f/1.8 aperture, larger pixel size
• Pixel 8 Pro: 48 MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (Thurrott (tech publication))
• Samsung S23: 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom

The Pixel 8 Pro’s computational photography remains best-in-class, according to Tom’s Guide (tech outlet). The ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 8 Pro can focus as close as 2 cm for macro shots (YouTube review (tech reviewer)), something the S23 lacks.

Performance benchmarks

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 outperforms Tensor G3 in GPU-intensive tasks
• Tensor G3 excels in AI and machine learning tasks like real-time translation
• Both phones deliver smooth 120Hz experiences

The S23 offers better battery optimization, as noted by The Disconnekt (tech review), but the Pixel’s 5050 mAh cell is larger. In real-world use, the Pixel 8 Pro typically needs nightly charging (The Disconnekt (tech review)), while the S23 may stretch further with lighter use.

Display and design

• Pixel 8 Pro: 6.7-inch flat display, 1344 x 2992 resolution (Thurrott (tech publication))
• Samsung S23: 6.1-inch curved display, 1080 x 2340 resolution
• Pixel density: 489 PPI (Pixel 8 Pro) vs 425 PPI (S23)

The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is slightly less sharp than the Pixel 7 Pro’s 512 PPI (Thurrott (tech publication)), but still crisp. The S23 is smaller and lighter, which may appeal to one-handed users.

The pattern: Samsung wins on raw speed and battery efficiency; Google wins on camera versatility and long-term software support.

Is Google Pixel 9 better than 8 Pro?

Upgrades in the Pixel 9 series

• Pixel 9 introduces the new Tensor G4 chip (Thurrott (tech publication))
• Camera hardware largely unchanged from Pixel 8 Pro (Tom’s Guide (tech outlet))
• Design refinements: flatter frame, updated colors

The Tensor G4 offers modest CPU and GPU gains, but the biggest difference is the new AI features. For everyday use, the Pixel 8 Pro feels nearly identical.

Should you upgrade from Pixel 8 Pro?

• Not unless you need the absolute latest Tensor chip for gaming or AI features
• Camera quality is nearly identical
• Pixel 8 Pro still receives seven years of updates, so no pressure to upgrade

LoudnWireless (tech blog) argues the Pixel 8 Pro offers better value for the price.

Price difference

• Pixel 9 Pro launched at $1,099
• Pixel 8 Pro now sells for around $749
• Savings of $350 for a slightly older but still very capable phone

The trade-off: upgrading from an 8 Pro to a 9 Pro is hard to justify unless you want the latest chip or specific AI features like the new on-device assistant.

Does the Pixel 8 Pro have any problems?

Common hardware issues

• Overheating reported in some cases, especially during extended use (Thurrott (tech publication))
• Screen flickering issues acknowledged by some users (Tom’s Guide (tech outlet))
• Build quality generally good: IP68 rated

Overheating is not universal but appears under heavy loads. Google has addressed some thermal management via updates.

Software bugs and stability

• Early reports of Bluetooth connectivity issues, largely fixed by updates
• Android 14 launch had minor glitches, now stable
• 7-year update promise means continued fixes

Software stability has improved since launch, but no phone is bug-free. The Pixel’s advantage is fast security patches.

Battery and charging complaints

• Average battery life compared to competitors (The Disconnekt (tech review))
• 30W wired charging is slower than some rivals (45W+)
• Wireless charging at up to 27W with compatible charger (The Disconnekt (tech review))

The 5050 mAh battery provides a full day, but heavy users may need a midday top-up. Compared to the Samsung S23’s optimization, the Pixel is less efficient.

What’s confirmed vs unclear

• Confirmed: Release date October 2023, 7-year updates, 12 GB RAM, 5050 mAh battery (Thurrott (tech publication))
• Unclear: Long-term reliability after 2+ years; actual battery life varies by usage (The Disconnekt (tech review))

The catch: most issues are sporadic, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s value proposition depends on Google’s continued software support.

How old is the Google 8 Pro?

Release date and timeline

• Announced and released in October 2023 (The Disconnekt (tech review))
• Still actively supported with security updates as of 2025
• Expected to receive Android 15 in late 2025

The Pixel 8 Pro is about 1.5 years old as of April 2025. That’s middle-aged for a flagship, but the 7-year update promise keeps it relevant.

Key specifications overview

These specs show Google’s focus on camera and display over raw speed.

Price and storage variants

• Launch price: $999
• Current price: ~$749 (Tom’s Guide (tech outlet))
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (Thurrott (tech publication))

The 128GB model is sufficient for most users, but the 256GB at $849 during sales offers better value for heavy camera users. Given its age and ongoing support, the Pixel 8 Pro remains a relevant choice.

For buyers in 2025, the Pixel 8 Pro remains a strong choice if camera quality and software longevity are priorities. Its $250 discount from launch makes it a better value than the Pixel 9 Pro at full price. However, the slower charging and average battery life mean it’s not for heavy users who need all-day endurance without a midday charge. For Australian shoppers comparing with the Samsung S25 Ultra, the Pixel 8 Pro is a cheaper alternative that still delivers flagship photography. The choice is clear: if you can accept 30W charging and a slightly older chip, the Pixel 8 Pro is a smart buy. If you need peak performance and the fastest charging, look at the competition.

If you are considering the Pixel 8 Pro in 2025, it is useful to read a detailed Google Pixel 8 Pro review that breaks down its performance and camera capabilities.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re also considering the standard Pixel 8, check out our Google Pixel 8 Review in 2026. For pricing on the latest Samsung flagship, see our Samsung S25 Ultra Price in Australia guide.