1 yr. ago • 96%

The Google Pixel 8 is official with 7 years of updates

arstechnica.com The Google Pixel 8 is official with 7 years of updates

The Google Tensor SoC finally results in longer support times.

48 comments

Place your bets! What will be the Pixel 8's glaring release flaw?

60
- I still don't like the ridiculously big quick toggle icons and the fact that wifi is hidden behind a second layer of quick toggles.
  
  Also I'm not sure about the warranty process, that's always been their weak spot
  
  13
  
  That's all OS. So it'll be there even on older Pixels.
  
  7
- I feel like it’s going to be the 7 year commitment. I don’t think they’ll keep it. They’ll find a way to rephrase and reframe and abandon the 7 year updates like they do so many of their announced plans.
  
  5
  
  Only security updates after 4 years. I'm betting. We won't see Android 20 on this.
  
  3
- Too expensive, won't sell
  
  The 8 has too few features compared to the pro. Might as well get a 7pro on discount
  
  Overheating
  
  Won't get 7 years of updates
  
  3
- Battery heating or quick drain issue
  
  3
- Still unable to call 911
  
  1
- Their tizen chips aren't good if you want to game. That'll be about it compared to other high end phones. No SD slot, jack, or swappable battery.
  
  1
  
  ~~Tizen~~ Tensor
  
  For those who don't know: tizen is Samsung's operating system which they used on phones and watches previously and still use on TVs.
  
  5
  
  Yeah that was the main reason why I didn't get a Pixel when I was going to change my old phone. I don't game so often but when I do I want to not be slowed down....
  
  2
Pixel 3 owner here. I'm done with google after this phone dies.

37
- Pixel 7 owner here. I'm very happy with my phone and will gladly get a new pixel when this one dies.
  
  42
  
  Likewise. The 7 has been the best phone I've ever owned.
  
  15
  
  I'm not happy at all with it, and I miss my P2XL and P4XL everyday because the face unlock and fingerprint sensor on my Pixel 7 is truly dogshit. It pisses me off multiple times a day
  
  5
  
  Same. Left Oneplus after the 8T (before Oneplus 1, 3 and 6) for a pixel 7. No regret whatsoever.
  
  2
  
  when this one dies.
  
  Which is a problem for the phone manufacturers.. because everyone's saying that now. Phones all do what we need them to do already, there are no new killer features.
  
  1
- Pixel 6 owner here, I'm probably sticking with pixels forever and will flash them with real Linux when that's more developed, probably like 10 years away
  
  16
  
  I just got a 3a XL explicitly for flashing Mobian on it... It's extremely rough still, but hey, at least it seems to be relatively stable now.
  
  Hopefully the work Purism puts into Phosh and the GNOME ecosystem pays off.
  
  2
- I got burned on a pixel device and I’ll never go back. In my case the phone was fine but Google botched an update and it took a year to really sort out. I stopped using the phone after two months of near unusable phone functions like answering a call. Much later I tried it again and it worked fine.
  
  So they might do updates for a while but are they shit updates?
  
  8
- Why?
  
  5
  
  Because the phone is a giant spyware device and Google isn't trustworthy.
  
  -3
- I've had a 2XL and a 4a. Both have been great. I'm debating whether to hold out for an 8 or save a few bucks like I did with the 4a and get a used 7 or something.
  
  1
The upgrades look pretty good for anyone on a 5 or older. Software features were tempting but my 6 Pro gets one more Android update next year so I can probably build off for another couple of years unless my battery craps out sooner.

Hope 7 years of updates becomes the industry standard.

22
- The Pixel 5 was perfect imo. Small size and reasonable battery.
  
  I recently replaced the battery and also flashed LineageOS. Just like new 😁
  
  8
  
  I replaced the battery on my 5 and it was just like new.. still is.. except it no longer gets security updates, which sucks otherwise it's be my daily driver today.
  
  1
- Yep.
  
  I put my 6pro In the comparison and it's the same or slightly better in a couple of cases.
  
  Will hold off for the 9
  
  1
That's a really great start with the updates IMO, second only to Fairphone.

I'm personally a little bit skeptical, seeing how Google has a habit of inviting the grim reaper to dine with its products... but hopefully they follow through allowing Pixel owners to enjoy 7 years of OS and security upgrades 👌

18
- They've been good on update promises, even going beyond a couple times
  
  3
Last year the pixel 7 was $640 unlocked. My pixel 6 trade-in was $490. $100 difference to trade in, of course I did.

This year Pixel 8 is $699. And they are offering $340 for my pixel 7. . 😑

14
- I think that deal was part of a black Friday promotional so it may still happen.
  
  5
  
  If that's the case. I'll wait. I already have the Pixel 6 A-pods that work just fine. Don't need the pre-order pixel pods.
  
  Edit: I looked at my orders. It was a October 9. Right after it came out. So not black Friday.
  
  1
- Same here.
  
  Hoping they'll offer a better discount + trade in deal later on, maybe Black Friday? Otherwise I may end up skipping the Pixel 8.
  
  2
  
  Ya my 7 works just fine. Doesn't seem like a massive upgrade. It would of been nice if they offered at least $490 for the 7 at the very least. Mine is in mint condition, been in a case. No cracks or scratches.
  
  2
OK, I like the comment here wondering about the thermometer's range: "things with an interesting temperature are generally uncomfortable to hold your hand next to. I'm sure there will be at least one support call because someone tries to measure fire from 1 inch away."

9
What's happening with hardware replacements? I'd be shocked if batteries lasted seven years.

I saw something about partnering with iFixit. Is there gonna be a program where we can get a certified battery installed in four years time?

8
- Google has been partnered with iFixit for many years now, they offer genuine screens, batteries, and cameras for replacement. There's no official install service but having parts available through a retail outlet means you can go to anyone you want and they will be able to get a genuine part.
  
  3
  
  That's good to know. Thanks!
  
  1
What if the Pixel 9 comes out next year and has 8 years of updates? Should I switch to that?

5
How good will this phone be?

0

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