I just upgraded to the Google Pixel 9. While I like the latest bells and whistles, I don’t think they are significant enough to skip all the great options and land directly on the Pixel 9.
Now, you might be wondering what other alternatives you should pursue instead. There are tons of them, but the most optimal of all is the Google Pixel 8. It has a powerful chipset (according to modern standards), a fantastic camera system, and above all, a very good software experience with tons of AI-powered features. I just love that phone.
If your current mobile phone has become a pain in the eyes (yeah, I can’t write that here), you will likely not go wrong with the Pixel 8. With that said, let me walk you through the reasons in detail that will persuade you to switch to the Pixel 8. So, let us hop into it.
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Great Great Value for Money
Let me be real: The Pixel 9 is great and all, but it also comes with a comparatively heavy price tag (around 600 bucks). On the other hand, the Pixel 8 is in that sweet-spot pricing range (around 400 bucks) where “I want a premium phone, but I also like having some money left in my account” is possible.
Google has already slashed the price of the Pixel 8. With the Pixel 9 out, you can find even better deals. Refurbished? Maybe. Brand new? Probably. Either way, you’re getting a phone that still feels like flagship quality, just without the flagship price.
Unless you’re someone who has to flex the latest model in every mirror selfie, the Pixel 8 gives you most of what the 9 does at a significantly lower price.
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Still, Satisfactory Performance
Performance-wise, I don’t think that the Pixel 8 is some dusty relic. It’s powered by Google’s second to latest Tensor G3 chip, and trust me, it still handles day-to-day tasks, multitasking, and gaming sessions with ease. I tested it thoroughly before writing this.
To avoid any bias, I gave the Pixel 8 and 9 the same high-speed WiFi connection from Xfinity, which you can get by dialing the Xfinity phone number. Then I put them both to the heavy gaming test. I played COD: Mobile at the highest setting, and though the Pixel 8 got heated up quicker than the Pixel 9, it still managed to provide a smooth gaming experience.
The bottom line is that you’re not going to notice major slowdowns that you likely will experience with Android in the same price range.
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Great Cameras
Yes, the Pixel camera system is their unique selling proposition. The Pixel 8 still has that signature magic: crispy shots, great dynamic range, and the kind of computational photography that turns every average shot great. Speaking of specs, it has a 50MP wide-angle lens and 12MP ultrawide. There isn’t any telephoto lens.
When compared to the Pixel 9 camera, Google didn’t leave the Pixel 8 behind in this department. It has almost a similar camera system as that of the Pixel 9 with one major difference, which is a higher megapixel count in the ultrawide department.
Also, I get that the Pixel 9 has some tweaks and refinements, but if you’re just looking to capture memories, post them on socials, or make your dog look like a professional model, the Pixel 8 won’t disappoint.
As for the night photography, it is still excellent. Portrait mode? Chef’s kiss. And if you find yourself on the wrong side of photography, AI-powered Magic Editor is still there to help you clean up your photo disasters like they never happened.
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7 Years of Software Updates
Here’s how Google actually makes the Pixel 8 kind of future-proof: Google committed to 7 years of software support. If Google delivers it, that’s wild. That’s iPhone-level wild. That means if you grab a Pixel 8 now, you’re still good until 2030.
And unless you’re someone who compulsively upgrades every year (no judgment, I’ve been there), this is the kind of long-term value that makes the Pixel 8 hard to beat. You get security, new features, and whatever AI tricks Google comes up with in the next few years, all on a phone that you got at a discounted price.
It’s a win-win, minus the fear of missing out.
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Tons of AI Features
This is where Google really flexes as a software giant. The Pixel 8 is loaded with AI features, most of which are shared with the Pixel 9. Things like Magic Eraser, AI call screening, live translations, smart reply, photo unblur, and a bunch of Assistant features that honestly are helpful.
Unless there’s a specific new Pixel 9-exclusive AI feature that’s going to radically change your life (and there isn’t, really), the Pixel 8 already gives you access to most of Google’s best AI.
It’s smart enough and integrated into the phone in a way that actually feels helpful and not gimmicky. The AI works quietly in the background to make things smoother, faster, and just a little cooler.
All in all, the Pixel 8 offers a lot more than the Pixel 9 at an affordable price. If you are familiar with the Android experience, Pixel 8 is going to be the best experience for you.